"Class of 2019,

We made it. For 12 years we have been wandering the school halls with each other. At the time it crawled but standing here in front of you all, I can't help but think it went so fast. In a couple years we are going to be wishing we could go back, even for a day. We are going to want to relive these moments. Its now time to move onto bigger and better things. As we say our goodbyes, we can't ignore the fact the memories will forever be burned into our minds.

I'm honored to be up here today. On behalf of the class of 2019, I want to thank all the teachers, parents, guardians and all the other supporters. Your love and guidance meant more than you know.

'Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts' - Winston Churchill. This quote has given me the motivation to be standing here, in the flesh today. No matter what challenges I was put through, I thought about what could be. You can do anything you put your mind to. Anything is possible as long as you want it bad enough. You can't have a rainbow without a little rain.

Each and every one of my peers and teachers has helped me and given me a reason to strive to be the best person I can be. I want to thank each and everyone one of you.

Thank you"

Claps and screams are heard and my heart rate immediately slows as I step down.

The rest of the ceremony flies by in a blink of an eye.

"We did it" I run up to Mason, throwing my arms around his neck.

"We did. We did it. You were amazing" He whispers in my ear, spinning me.

Tears immediately spring to my eyes when I see my friends walking towards us.

I hug each of them before we embrace into a group hug.

I look out into the stands. Luke, Grace and Uncle Blake and Aunt Cara are smiling at me. I can't help the disappointment when I remember she couldn't be here. That even if they weren't in prison, they wouldn't be here.

"Hey" Ellie touches my arm, snapping me out of my trace.

"Hey, sorry" I shake my head, motioning for my family to come down.

"That was beautiful Leah" Tara sniffles, hugging me after hugging Mason and Ellie.

"Group hug" Jim smiles, pulling us all into a hug.

"I'm proud of you guys" He nods, a smile spreading on Masons face.

I turn around when I feel a hand on my back.

"You need to stop making me look so stupid" Grace smiles, tears threatening to spill.

"Shut up" I laugh, hugging her. "I'm so, so proud of you Leah" She whispers, tears falling freely from her eyes and onto my gown.

I hug Luke next, he pulls me close. "She would be so proud of you Leah. I'm so proud of you. That was amazing" He holds me arms length away, his eyes glossy.

"Thank you" I whisper, pulling him into another hug after doing our handshake.

"We're proud of you Leah. So, very proud. For a girl who has been through so much, you haven't let it get to you. Valedictorian? Absolutely insane. Congratulations. We love you. We love you so much" Aunt Cara says, pulling me into a hug with Uncle Blake.

"Congratulations Leah" He says.

"Come here" Aunt Cara motions for Luke and Grace to join.

I did it. Regardless of all the shįt I've been through, I pushed to the top and graduated.

"You will always be our little star" Aunt Cara smiles, tears streaming down her face.

"Thank you guys for coming" I smile.

"We wouldn't miss it" They all say.

Tara, Jim, Ellie and Mason walk over to us, greeting my family.

"We'll see you at the house, right?" Tara smiles sweetly.

"Yes, thank you so much for inviting us" My Aunt Cara smiles.

"Of course. Its our pleasure" Jim nods, wrapping an arm around his wife's waist.

Mason wraps his arms around my shoulders, swinging back and forth.

I check the bleachers one more time, hoping to see something I know I won't.

"Congrats baby" I turn around in his arms.

"Thank you" He smiles down at me, his arms wrapped around my waist loosely.

"I'm proud of you" I caress his face.

"I'm so proud of you Leah. You pushed through and came out so smart and as beautiful as ever" He places a light kiss on my forehead.

"Okay, lets go back to Masons" Aiden claps, laughing.

Today we are going to Masons house for a little and then i'm taking my family out to dinner. Tomorrow we are going to the beach with everyone.

"I can't wait to change" I laugh, walking with Mason to his car.

"I really like your hair but it looks even better in a messy bun" He smiles over at me.

"Shut up, I love my hair today" I hit his shoulder.

"Mom is probably going to want more photos when we get home" He laughs.

"I know, and I want some too" I laugh as I grab the hangers from the car.

"Here, give me your gown" I hold my hand out, placing mine on the hanger.

"Just throw it in there" He laughs.

"Mason, stop it" I scold, placing it on the hanger and sliding into his car.

"God I love you car" I admire it.

"I can tell. You compliment it more than you complement me" He fakes a frown.

"Aw baby, you know I love you more than anything" I pinch his cheeks.

"If you love me more than anything you'll place your cute little äss on my lap and kiss me" He smirks.

"I would but we need to get home" I laugh, leaning over the console and kissing him.

"Come on, I need more than that when you're looking like a model over there. It's not fair" He whines.

"Mason" I laugh, shaking my head.

"Please?" He gives me puppy dog eyes, reaching his arms out to me.

"Mas, we need to get home" I shake my head.

"I'll take you out tonight. I'll take you out to a secret spot" My curiosity picks up.

"I pinky promise I will" He holds out his pinky.

I sit up, adjusting my dress and he waists no time. His hands go straight to my armpits and he hauls me onto his lap. My legs are straddling his, my back against the steering wheel.

"Mas, there are people around" I blush, watching the cars file out of the parking lot.

"So?" He places his hand on the back of my neck, his other resting on my waist.

"Stop worrying about them Le" He moves my hands from his shoulders to on either side of his face.

"They wish they were us" He smirks, placing his lips on mine.

Mason immediately deepens the kiss.

I run my fingers through his hair, a groan leaving Masons mouth. My other hand trails down to rest on his chest.

I pull away, leaning my forehead against his.

"Never gets old" He breathes out, a smile on his face.

A light blush spreads across my face as I place my face in my hand.

"Come on, you gotta admit it" He teases me.

"Just drive home" I laugh, getting off his lap and into the passengers seat.

"Nice thong" He smirks, my eyes widening.

"Did you just-" I stutter out, shocked.

"See your panties? Yes, you flashed me" He laughs.

"First of all, ew. Second of all, oh my gosh. Can today get any more embarrassing?" I whine, letting my head fall back.

Mason snickers driving home.

"There you guys are, come on. I need more photos" Tara urges us to take more pictures.

We take a whole bunch more photos with everyone and then we go into the back yard and hang out.

Everyone leaves and I drive my aunt, uncle and cousins to the airport after dinner.

"I'll keep in touch, okay Le? I'm so so proud of you and you looked absolutely gorgeous. Congrats. I love you" Luke hugs me, pulling away to do our handshake.

"Okay Luke. Thank you. I love you too" I smile, turning to my aunt and uncle.

"Come visit us. Great job Leah. Proud of you" Uncle Blake hugs me.

"Yes, we're expecting a visit during the summer. Congratulations Le, you've come a long way. We love you" Aunt Cara hugs me.

"I definitely will. Thank you. Love you guys too" I smile.

"Bye Gracie" I smile.

"Bye Le, great job. That speech was amazing. I'm so unbelievably proud of you. I'll call you when we land. I love you" She squeezes me tightly.

"I love you too Gracie. Have the best trip guys" I pull them into a group hug and they pass through security.

I head back to the car and make my way back to Masons. The sun is down and its a little chilly outside. My short dress is not doing anything to keep me warm.

I slide into Masons car, he let me take it. Plugging my phone in I put my playlist on and pull out of the parking lot.

After an hour of driving, I pull up to the Whites house to see Mason waiting on the front steps.

When he sees the car he gets up and walks towards it, opening the drivers side door.

"I need to drive to the location" He laughs, shoving his hands in his pockets.

"Its actually happening?" I question, stepping out of the car.

"It is" He smiles, sliding into the seat as I open the other door.

"Interesting" I nod as he hands me a bag.

"Whats in here?" I ask, opening the bag.

"Some clothes incase you wanted to change. I threw one of my t-shirts and a pair of my boxers in there" He pulls out of the driveway.

"Thank you Mas. Thats so sweet" I kiss his cheek.

"So you can change there if you want or in the back. Either works for me" He smiles.

"Hm, whats thats supposed to mean? This outfit isnt cutting it?" I laugh.

"Don't get me wrong, you look stunning in that dress, really. But nothing is hotter than your girlfriend wearing your clothes" He glances over at me.

"Well, okay then" I nod, climbing into the back, behind Masons seat.

I struggle to unzip the zipper.

"Do you need help?" Mason says, seeing me moving around.

"Um, yeah. The zippers stuck" I laugh.

"Okay, give me one second, we're almost there" He mumbles, speeding up a little.

Soon Mason pulls over and we are met with the woods.

Mason steps out of the car and opens the back door.

"Here, I can help" He instructs me to get out.

I step out, placing my hands over my boobs incase he gets it.

Mason unzips it with ease, if I wasn't holding it up it would have fallen to the ground.

"Ooh, Leahs not wearing a bra, is she" Mason laughs, spinning me around.

"The real question is should I be concerned at how easily you unzipped that" I poke his chest, motioning for him to turn around.

He does as told and I quickly pull the boxers up, dropping the dress so that I can throw the t-shirt on.

"You can turn around now. And you didn't happen to bring a bra, right?" I look through the bag.

"No, I thought you had one on" He laughs.

"Okay, no worries. I have sticky boobs" I zip the bag back up and turn around.

"You have what?" He looks at me like I have four heads.

"Sticky boobs. They are like a strapless bra but two pieces. Its a piece of silicone with a sticky side. They're life savers" I laugh.

"Interesting" He nods, looking me up and down.

"Do a lil spin for me real quick" He mumbles, grabbing my hand and spinning me.

"You wear my shįt good baby" He pulls me into his chest.

"Do I now?" I smile up at him, my chin on his chest.

"Mhm, you do" He nods, pushing a piece of hair behind my ear.

Leah looks beautiful right now. She's looked stunning all day but something about her in my oversized t-shirt makes me excited.

I remember that I need a new lock screen, right now is the perfect opportunity.

"What? Mason come back" Leah whines as I let go of her.

"Just don't move. Stay right there" I quickly snap a picture of her with a pouty face on.

The moonlight is hitting just the right spot to make her glow. Her hair is still curled just a little messy and loose, the way I like it. Her makeup is natural but apparent.

"Wow, you're so beautiful" I whisper under my breath.

"Let me see. Why'd you take a picture of me?" She whines, trying to look at the screen. I turn my back on her, quickly setting it as my lock screen.

A couple seconds later I feel a weight on my back and Leah grabs my phone, unlocking it to see the picture.

"Mason, get rid of it" She scolds.

"What? You look so beautiful" I gasp, clueless as to how she can be so blind.

"Mason, I look terrible. Look at my face. Everything about that picture is horrible.

"Babe, stop" I put her down, off my back, quickly turing to face her.

"You, you are perfect. This picture is adorable. The way you look in my t-shirt is breathtaking. The way your hair looks after a long day and how your makeup is slowly coming off. It all is perfect, its you" I hold her face in my hands.

"I don't know Mason, its a really bad photo" She shakes her head.

"I'm keeping it. It's not a bad photo at all. Now hush, lets go" I grab her hand kissing it.

"Are you going to kill me or something?" She laughs as we walk into the woods.

"Oh yeah, definitely" I smile down at her.

"Are you excited for the beach tomorrow?" She whispers.

"Yeah, it should be fun. Are you?" I ask, looking over at her.

"A little" She plays with her rings.

"Whats wrong? We don't have to go" I stop her from walking, getting worried.

"No, we can go. I want to. I just don't think I'm going to go in the water" She looks at her feet.

"Okay, do you, Um, do you know how to swim?" I ask her.

"Yeah, yeah. I can swim" She nods, looking up at me.

"Okay, well you don't have to do anything you aren't comfortable with or don't want to do, okay?" I say and she smiles at me.

"Lets continue to our destination, right? Its getting late" I take her hand again, leading her to the area.

The sound of rushing water welcomes my senses and I immediately feel even calmer.

"Mason, where are we going?" She tugs at my arm.

"You'll see" I smile at her, brushing her hair back from her face.

Soon we are met with the waterfall and all the lights i've put up. Ever since I found this place I have been coming back when I needed to clear my head or calm down.

"Woah" Leah breathes out, walking up to edge of the water.

"Its nice huh?" I laugh, standing next to her.

"It's beautiful. How did you find it?" She bends down, dipping her hand in the water.

"I just came upon it one day. I come here whenever I need to clear my head. The amount of times I came here when I started developing feelings for you is insane" I laugh, sitting on the grass, my back to a tree.

"And why is that?" She places her hands on her hips, standing over me.

"Well, because we were friends and I didn't know if you felt the same way so I was trying to figure out if I did actually have feelings for you or if I was just going to risk it for nothing" I pull on her arm to sit in between my legs.

"Oh yeah? Imagine how I felt then" She smiles, sitting in front of me, her legs on each side of me.

"Are you kidding Le? I made it pretty obvious I had feelings for you" I laugh. I did not do a good job at hiding it.

"I did the same too. But I was in denial because I never thought, you could have feelings for me" She plays with them hem of the shirt.

"Are you kidding? You have the personality of an angel and the looks of a goddess. Who wouldn't have feelings for you" I take her into my arms and place small kisses all over the place. She erupts into a fit of giggles making my heart swell a little.

"Babe" She smiles at me.

"Yeah?" I ask, staring into her blue eyes.

"You know I'm so in love with you, right?" She says.

"I do, and I'm so, very in love with you" I smile, kissing the top of her head.

I pull her so that her back is to my chest and she's sitting in between my legs, facing the waterfall.

Bringing the material of the shirt up a bit, I draw designs on her stomach, causing her to fidget to keep from laughing.

She gets her phone out and takes a picture of us, a goofy grin on her face.

"Does anyone else know about this place?" She looks at me.

"I don't think so. After all these years my lights have remained untouched. I think this is all to our selves" I smile, refraining from my inappropriate comment.

I continue drawing on her stomach, watching the waterfall.

The night goes on as so until we are so tired we can barely walk.

Hi angels, (one of) the moments you all have been waiting for! So long Patrick and Samantha ;). Don't fret, the book with continue as expected. I still have so many ideas for Mason and Leah's story. Thank you so so much for 70k reads and 2k votes and comments! Absolutely insane and I couldn't do it without you all! Thank you a million and don't forget to vote, comment and share!

18 votes and 85 comments

Word count: 3133

~Leah