I stood in front of my bedroom mirror and sighed. I was graduating from high school. Standing there in my cap and gown, I couldn't believe it. There were so many people counting on me. I heard footsteps and looked at the door. There, my grandma stood in the doorway, smiling.

"Grandma!" I exclaimed.

"I'm so proud of you Sophie. Me and your grandpa both," grandma said, hugging me.

"I can't believe you two flew in all the way from Talveila." I stated.

"We would have missed your graduation if we didn't sweetheart," grandma replied with a smile.

"Does mom know you're here?" I asked.

"Yes. I spoke with the others to tell them we were coming. But I chose to surprise you and Morgan," grandma stated. "Now come downstairs. Everybody is waiting for you."

"Who's everybody? Why are they waiting?" I asked.

"To eat your cake. Phil and Casey, Austin and Tyler, and James are all here," grandma responded, smiling.

I took off my cap and gown. My long blonde ringlet curls fell halfway down my back. I carefully laid the gown on the bed and turned around. Grandma and I walked down the stairs and into the kitchen.

Mom stood up and walked over to me.

"Dad thought Mom should have gone to your room alone, which is why I let her." Mom stated, hugging me.

"It's okay mom. I'm surprised they came all this way for my graduation," I said.

"You're their granddaughter, Soph." Mom stated before crying.

"Mom, what's wrong?" I asked her, pulling away a little to see the waterworks.

"You are graduating today. It's a big deal for the heart to take. You won't be my little girl anymore," she told me.

I sighed and gave my mother a look. "I will always be your little girl, mom. Don't cry..."

I held onto mom like she did me when I was younger. Then Casey walked over and hugged Mom. She, too, had tears in her eyes.

Austin walked into the kitchen.

"Is everybody ready for some cake?" he asked. Then he looked at Mom, grandma, aunt Casey and me. "What did I say to make everybody so upset?"

Grandma walked over to him. "You didn't do anything son, we are just having a hard time of letting go," grandma replied.

"Yeah, I know what you mean," Austin said sadly, then looked at me. "No matter how old you get, kid. You'll still be my little Sophie."

Hearing the crack in his voice made me walk over to him and wrapped my arms around him. It was quiet like this for several minutes.

At that moment, I wished my parents could be here for my graduation. To witness my growth and hard work as well.

"Alright with all this sentimental stuff. Let's eat this cake before the icing melts," James said, looking down at the cake while holding his plate.

Austin smiled.

"James, I think the first person who should get a piece of this cake is your cousin. It is her graduation cake," he stated.

They all looked at me. Austin sliced the cake and held up the piece to put on my plate.

"I'm not hungry Austin, give James my piece." I put the plate down on the counter and ran up the stairs.

Laying in bed, I wasn't sure if I wanted to get up; despite the fact that today was my high school graduation. When I heard footsteps in my room I rolled over where my back was facing the door.

There was a knock on the wall.

"Sophie?" Casey asked. "Can I come in?"

I grunted.

Aunt Casey walked in. "Sophie? Come on, sit up. Talk to me." She sat on the bed next to me and rubbed my shoulder. "What's wrong Soph? Mom and Dad are downstairs with Morgan; it's almost time to leave for the graduation."

I sat up and looked at my aunt.

"I don't want to graduate. I don't even want to get out of bed," I replied.

Casey looked at me.

"Has high school graduation gotten you this upset? Sophie, I can't believe that you out of all of us would be worried," she stated.

I wiped a tear off my cheek.

"It's not that. Mom and Dad won't be at my graduation." I replied.

"That's what you're worried about?" Casey questioned with all sincerity.

I nodded. "Mom told me that they were still with me, and they'd always be with me even for graduation, but it's not the same as if they were really here. I want to hug them and let them tell me they love me and they're proud of me," I started crying. "Does that make sense?"

Casey nodded.

"Of course it does Soph. I know it hurts and that even though it's been so long ago, sometimes-" Casey started to say.

"It still feels like yesterday." I interrupted and aunt Casey nodded again.

"It's hard, but that doesn't mean it won't get easier. I just never realized it was that hard on you."

"I've always tried to hide it. Austin always shed enough tears for the whole family." I said with a laugh.

Casey chuckled. "He has always been good at sharing his emotions and not being afraid to cry," she replied.

"Oh we know," I laughed. I wiped my eyes again.

"Are you ready to go?" Casey asked.

I nodded and stood up.

"Thanks Cas. I think you'd do a good job counseling people." I said, causing the woman to smile.

"Well thank you Soph," she replied. "Come on."

We walked down the stairs. There in the living room was Mom along with the rest of the family.

Grandpa looked at James.

"Four down, one more to go." He said.

Uncle Phil smiled, nodding. "Only a matter of time."

"Mom doesn't want me to grow up," James told them both.

"She doesn't want me to grow up either," grandpa said with a smile as everyone laughed, even I cracked a smile.

"Anyway," Mom shook her head, then walked over and hugged me. "Are you feeling better?"

I nodded, hugging back.

"Yeah. My talk with aunt Casey really helped." I responded.

Mom looked at me and smiled. "She's always been good at that sort of thing."

I grabbed my jacket off the rail and followed the others outside. I took in a breath of fresh air and climbed in the passenger side of Mom's car, ready to graduate high school.

Finally home, I collapsed on my bed after the graduation ceremony. I couldn't believe it was over. I sighed a sigh of relief as I stood up again and started to take off my gown. Once off, I laid it on the bed, then stepped out of my graduation dress and put it on the hanger before switching into a pair of shorts and a long tee. After that I sat on the bed and just rested. We were going for a family dinner, but Mom had already told me that it wouldn't be until later so I could get some rest.

I walked over to my desk and picked up the white envelope that I had opened yesterday. It was from West Bridge University. That's where I had been dying to go to school, but Mom kept talking about wanting me to stay close to home. I hadn't had the heart to tell my mom that I was going to be all the way across the country.

My friends, Calley, Charlotte and Chelsea got accepted to the same school as I did, Bri will be attending a Fine Arts school that's close nearby so we'll still be able to hang out with each other. I was glad to know that both Alicia and Emma got accepted to the school here in town, so whenever I come home for the breaks and holidays we can get together.

As for the others - Brett and his troublemakers; only Jose, Veronica, and Reuben will be furthering their education; the others decided to go straight in the working field, though we all exchanged numbers, promising to keep in contact. Now Britney and Macy, on the other hand, both managed to get a scholarship to a beauty school where they'll be going for modeling. It seems we all have our own paths to follow, maybe one day we will cross them once more.

I sighed. I had to tell her sometime. I decided I might as well tell them all at once, so I picked up the letter and walked towards the stairs.

Downstairs, the entire family was crowded into the living room.

"I can't believe Sophie graduated high school already," grandma said with a sigh.

"Oh I can't either," Mom stated. "It feels like just yesterday she was starting school and now she's finished. I have been trying to talk to her about going to school close to home, but she won't talk to me about where she wants to go to college. Now that she's graduated, I'm hoping she'll take more of an interest in furthering her education."

"I'm sure she wants to continue her education," grandma said with a nod.

"Maybe we should leave that up to Sophie," grandpa stated.

"Where's Sophie?" Austin asked.

"I told her to take off her cap and gown and that she could stay up in her room for a little while and unwind. This is a lot for one day," Mom stated and Austin nodded.

"I remember when I graduated, it was crazy," Casey said.

"No, what was crazy was your wedding day," grandpa interjected and everybody laughed.

"Yeah, I guess that was pretty hectic," Casey smiled.

"It certainly was. It stormed that entire night and you weren't even sure you and Phil were going to get married," Mom said with a laugh.

"But I'm really glad we did." Casey stated as she looked up at uncle Phil. He leaned down and planted a kiss on her forehead.

"So am I," Phil replied.

"Everybody," I called, walking into the room, "I have an announcement to make."

Everyone paused so that they could hear me.

"What is it, hun?" Mom asked.

I sighed. "I know that I haven't talked much about where I want to go for college; and that's because I wasn't sure I was going to get accepted to where I wanted to go, but now that I have been accepted and I've graduated, I think it's time that I tell you."

I opened the envelope and held up the letter.

"Yesterday," I paused and smiled, "yesterday I got my acceptance letter for West Bridge University! I'm going to be starting in the fall!" I exclaimed.

I looked around the living room for reactions from my family. Directly across from me, Mom sat in the chair. On the couch on my left, Phil, James and Casey were seated. Then on the other couch, my grandparents were watching me and Austin pace behind the couch. It was quiet for several minutes. Mom's smile fell completely.

"That's pretty far-off," aunt Casey stated, breaking the silence.

I nodded. "Yeah, I know. I won't be on my own, I mean I'll have my friends there to keep me company. I really like the school and I'm excited to start my classes."

"It's a big opportunity," uncle Phil smiled, then wrapped his arm around Casey's shoulder. "Congratulations."

I smiled and looked around. "Well, they need me soon for some sort of orientation. The girls and I made plans to fly out tomorrow, so I need to go pack."

I turned around and walked up the front steps, leaving the room in a buzz and my mom stunned.

Feeling the tension, James stood up. "I'm going to go grab another slice of cake now."

"I'll go with you," said Phil, standing up.

They walked into the kitchen leaving me, Austin, Casey, and my parents in the living room.

"She's not going," Austin said firmly.

"That's Sophie's choice to make," Dad laughed.

"Morg, that's all the way across the country. You can't let her go that far. She could go to college right here in town."

"Do you want my opinion?" Casey asked. Four sets of eyes turned to her, but ignored her.

"She is not going," Austin said.

"Soph is my daughter, and I can talk to her about whether or not she's going to go," I stated.

"Soph is a smart kid," said Dad. "I'm sure she'll be fine." He then took to his feet, reaching a hand out to my mother. "Come on Amanda."

Before leaving, mom turned to me and took my hand in her own.

"Sophie has to make the decision of where she wants to go. Nobody can make the decision for her; but I think you will be able to talk to her. She respects you as a parent and she'll listen to you."

I looked at her. "I hope so," I muttered. Then glanced at the staircase. "I think I'll go talk to her."

"Do you know what you're going to say?" Casey asked.

"I think so." I stood up and walked up the stairs to Sophie's bedroom. I knocked on the wall when I got to the doorway. Soph's back was turned to me as she packed the suitcase sitting on her bed.

"Sophie?" I stepped into the room. Sophie stopped to turn to me.

"Mom, before you say anything," she started to say and sat down on the bed, "I know you don't like the idea of me going to West Bridge; but it is one of the best schools in the country."

"It's so far away. You can go to any other school in the area. You will have the independence of being on your own, but you will still be close enough to home." Sophie looked at me as I spoke.

"I really want to go to WBU. It's a really great program, mom."

I sighed. "Soph, are you going because it's so far away?"

Sophie scoffed. "Of course not! I love being here with you and the others, including my friends from school. I'm going to miss all of you. This decision was hard to make, but I checked all the schools around and this one has the most to offer."

"Plus it's across the country." I stood up.

"I'll be with Calley, Chels, and Charlotte! I'll only be gone nine months of each year and I'll come home during breaks. You aren't losing me." Sophie touched my arm gently.

I looked down at her before taking her into my arms. "I know," I breathed. "But I would still prefer it if you would go to a school closer to home."

"Mom, I was accepted to WBU and that's where I want to go. I will be fine, promise." Sophie smiled, then turned away from me to resume packing.

I walked towards the door and turned my body when reaching the doorway.

"Come down for your graduation dinner?"

"I'm not hungry." Sophie said without turning around. She paused a second later, and this time turned to stare at me. "I'll be down later once I'm done packing."

I walked down the stairs and found Casey closing the door.

"They're gone."

"Who's gone?" I questioned and she sighed.

"Everyone. Mom and Dad chose to take a flight back to Talveila tonight. They've gone to their hotel and will call when they get back home."

I sighed. "This was supposed to be such a nice dinner for Soph."

"What did Sophie say?"

"She's leaving for West Bridge and packing a bag right now."

"And the day keeps getting better."

That night, I was lying in bed unable to sleep. Finally, when I turned onto my left side, I retrieved my phone for the nightstand and called my sister.

Casey spoke up. "I had a feeling that you'd be up."

"I can't believe she's going to go. I suggested other colleges, and told her she could be independent but she still wants to go over there."

"Did she say why? Or does she insist she wants to go to West Bridge University?"

I frowned. "She keeps saying that she wants to go because they have the best program for her major."

"Did you think that could be true?"

I sighed and pulled the blanket up closer to me.

"I don't know. It could be," I paused, "but if she goes to West Bridge I'm going to lose her."

"You're not going to lose her, but if you push your own ideas on her you just might. Morg, she has to make her own decisions. She is an adult and a high school graduate."

"I know," I said frustrated.

"Maybe she'll decide not to go if she thinks you support her."

"Would that work?"

"No, I don't think so. But she will think you respect her decision."

"I do want her to go to school, but I don't know why she wants to go so far away."

"Sis, I don't think you're looking at this the way you should. Instead of looking at your daughter who's all grown and ready to leave for the real world; you still see her as a little girl and you can't do that."

I sighed. "But she is my little girl."

"I know, but she's eighteen years old. She wasn't going to stay in Northvale forever."

The next morning, I was sitting at the kitchen table when Sophie came down the stairs with her suitcase.

"Oh hi," she said, "I didn't expect you to be up."

I gestured for Sophie to sit down. "I want to talk to you."

Sophie nodded with a confused glance and put her suitcase on the floor in front of her feet as she sat down.

"Mom, what's going on?" Sophie questioned.

I smiled. "After my phone call with your aunt, I think I have figured out the solution to our problem."

"You have?" Sophie asked.

"Since I have yet to see the school, I've decided for your orientation that I'll go with you. I'll see the school and make sure everything's okay."

"You want to go to my college orientation?" Sophie asked. "But don't you need a plane ticket?"

"I can take care of that when we get to the airport," I responded.

"You're letting me go?"

I nodded.

"I meant it. I'm not going just to get away from you. I love you." Sophie turned in her chair and hugged me.

"I love you more," I said before letting her go.

Sophie smiled, standing up. Then took her suitcase towards the door. She stopped and looked at me.

"Thanks, Mom."

As she walked out the door to put her suitcases in the vehicle, I sighed. Watching her leave, I pictured ten year old Sophie and retrospect all the past events that led to this very moment. She's really grown up.

I sighed and walked out the door. I saw Sophie sitting in the driver's seat of the car, but I still couldn't get the picture of that little girl out of my head. She was all grown up, but still so little at the same time. There was a world out there that she was about to experience, and I was happy for her.

"I always want the best for my child. She's got so many ideas and plans for her life. Sophie's not leaving us; she's just starting a new phase in her life."