I hate Nebraska.

I really, really do. I've hated it since I was old enough to know there were other states. I hate the name Nebraska. I hate its history. I hate its government. I hate the tornadoes. I hate the snow in the winter that buries you alive. I hate the ugly, gravel roads that lead to even uglier, boring buildings. I hate the overwhelming smell of cow shit that infests the state. I hate the lack of culture. I hate the hamburger pizzas and the rising obesity and heart disease rates. I hate the mosquitos and the potholes and I hate Pete Ricketts.

So, why do I live in Nebraska? You can thank my dad for that one. I've lived here my whole life thanks to him. His company moved him over to Omaha to be the head sales department leader in the midwest region of his company. What does his company do that's so important that he had to move to Nebraska? Oh, they sell vacuums.

Yes, vacuums.

Anyway, I'm over it. I'm done being mad at him for it. I've adjusted, it's not like I've lived anywhere else. And in two years, I'll hopefully never step foot in this god forsaken state ever again. Today marks the day I graduate from high school.

Unfortunately, my dad's vacuum company still doesn't pay him enough for him to send me to a four-year college right away. My mom? She's a philosophy professor at the local community college where I'm gonna end up next August. And you know in this country, teachers don't make jack shit (oh, I hate Betsy DeVos, too). So I'm stuck at community college for two years, then I can pick a college as far away from here as possible.

I know it seems like I'm a negative person, or a pessimist. But I'm not. I enjoy things too. Even though they made a poor decision in moving to Nebraska, I love my parents. My friends aren't bad either, I met them all through the government club I joined freshman year in high school.

There's Lucy. Her parents named her after The Beatles song, "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds." She coincidentally had a younger sister named Jude. Everyone thought they were being original when making the connection and they'd get her corny joke-gifts for Christmas. But she had a whole box in her room full of discarded fake diamonds she'd received. She had shoulder length blonde hair, and bright blue eyes. She was very pretty, and probably would've been extremely popular had she had less of an obsession with politics. I remember guys would try to hit on her during freshman year, but would get intimidated by her intensity when she'd ask them their political opinions.

Then there's Madison. She, like me, hates Nebraska and was originally from Portland, Oregon. She has dark brown hair, but she'll dye it a different color randomly. It's currently platinum with black roots. She always has on perfectly winged eyeliner and dresses in mostly black. She has a natural look of carelessness on her face at all times and isn't afraid to call people out on their shit.

Lastly, there's Alex. I have a suspicion that he joined the government club to get closer to Madison and Lucy. But he ended up getting friend-zoned by both of them immediately, and got stuck in the club. He's the most fun, his house was where we'd hang out. He'd occasionally throw parties, or "kickbacks." He bought us all fake ID's for Christmas this year and would always pre-game before any political rally we attended. He also happened to be on the basketball team. He played with Rowan Williams his sophomore year when he made varsity.

Rowan Williams. Well, we already went over him, didn't we? Last week he was visiting his mom from Creighton University and happened to save a little girl from getting hit by a car. So add 'local hero' to your information bank of Rowan. No, literally, the headline of the Omaha World-Herald read, "Local basketball star and hero steps up to civilian duty, saving young schoolgirl." I know, extra right?

My phone was buzzing. I snapped out of my daydream and sat up in my bed where I'd been laying in my cap and gown. Shit. Graduation was starting in 45 minutes. I answered the call, ready for Lucy's frantic yelling over the speaker.

"Where are you? We're about to do the rehearsal walk! People are being let in thirty minutes from now!" I hastily slipped into my dress shoes and dashed out to the car, holding my cap down so it wouldn't fly off in the stormy wind that the Nebraskan gods thought was appropriate for my graduation day.

"I'm literally around the corner, don't worry," I said, getting into my car. It was a 2004 Volkswagen Passat. My parents had bought it for me my sophomore year, but three weeks after they had, a tornado had thrown a large abandoned table into the hood, causing some damage to the engine. It'd been repaired, but it still made a lot of weird sounds and broke down more than usual.

"You liar I just heard the engine start— hurry!" Lucy hung up and I sighed before starting to speed to the high school gym. Ten minutes and a few blown stop signs later, I flew into the school lot. I got out and recognized the car parked next to mine- a black Mercedes-Benz, 2015. Rowan Williams's car.

What's he doing at this graduation?

Rowan had graduated three years ago. I remember because the rest of the high school went and he'd received the loudest cheer. I quickly shrugged it off, and sprinted to the back entrance of the gym. I burst through the back doors causing them to slam loudly against the gym wall, right as Alex was shaking the hand of Principal Davis and fake-grabbing his diploma. At least it's just the rehearsal. Alex snorted loudly and I quickly joined the group in the back.

"Actually Evan Palmer, you'll be in the P's, so go stand between Erik Packer and Ava Pencer." I awkwardly looked around. I knew Erik. Well I didn't know him, but I knew of him. He was friends with Rowan. That's why Rowan's here. I think they used to be neighbors. Then they played basketball together— he also knew Alex well. I spotted his awkward but friendly smile and went to stand next to him.

Rehearsal soon ended, and we all waited outside while all the friends and family members filtered into their seats. Lucy, Madison and Alex made their way to me while I was struggling to attach my tassel to its cap.

Madison grabbed it out of my hands and fixed it easily with her long black fingernails.

"I honestly don't know how you're graduating high school, Evan," she said, handing it back to me. I rolled my eyes.

"Shut up, I got straight A's—"

"—Actually I remember a B being thrown in there sophomore year..." Alex jumped in. I crossed my arms.

"—Gym class does not count and I would've gotten an A had my ankle not been sprained." It'd been sprained because Lucy had given me fifty dollars to try on her five inch heels that were far too small and walk in a straight line while we were drunk at Alex's house. As far as my parents and everyone else knew, it was because of a running injury. Ironically, the hospital bills cost much more than fifty dollars.

Lucy broke out laughing and Madison allowed herself a small, evil grin.

"I'm glad you think that was funny, it cost thousands."

Principal Davis called all of our attention and made the grade line up alphabetically again and we split up into our spots. The graduation song started playing inside and the vice principal opened the doors for us as we walked in pairs to the seats onstage. Erik was to my right. I tried my best to not fall, trip, or do anything stupid. I wasn't clumsy, but knowing me, now would be a pretty normal time for my body to betray me.

I sensed movement next to me and looked as Erik gave someone sitting in an aisle chair a fist bump. I looked up and saw that person to be Rowan Williams. His light auburn eyes met mine and I quickly looked away, focusing on my footing.

He looks good.

He was seated next to a bunch of older basketball players that'd graduated with him or after him. His dark hair was casually combed neatly, but not overdone. His black button up shirt looked smooth and ironed. There was still a hint of rigor that seemed to surround him. I felt his eyes on me as I walked up to the platform and took my seat. I avoided looking at him and instead tried not to laugh as Alex stumbled onto the stage.

Once we were all seated, principal Davis called Lucy up and she gave her valedictorian speech. Oh yeah, she was that kind of smart. She charmed the crowd and threw in a couple words that confused everybody like "serpentine" and "operability" but surprisingly steered clear of politics. I assumed she didn't want to upset the majority of the crowd with her liberal opinions.

She sat down and the names started being called. I spotted my parents in the crowd and they enthusiastically waved to me. My face reddened a bit but I gave them a smile back. My mom looked to be at her happiest, as if she was about to burst into tears. Oh god, she might. My dad had a proud look on his face as if I was about to be given a Nobel Prize.

After Alex and Madison had been called and received their diplomas, I came shortly after.

"Erik Packer." I took Eriks spot in the front of the line as he walked forward. I glanced at Rowan— he was standing up and clapping with his friends, cheering Erik on.

"Evan Palmer." I became deaf to whatever noise there was as I focused on walking to Principal Davis. I shook his hand, smiled at the photographer and grabbed my diploma. My hearing returned to me when I was out of the spotlight. I released a huge breath as I lined back into my row before we walked back to our seats in order.

Lucy went about ten minutes after me, then the rest went by quickly. As the final person went, we all lined up. We moved our tassels from right to left, Principal Davis said a few more words then we tossed our caps in the air.

I was done with high school.

Shortly after, there were pictures. And pictures, and pictures, and pictures. Me and Lucy. Me and Madison. Me and Alex. Me, Lucy, Madison and Alex. Me and my parents, my teachers, blah blah blah.

What felt like hours later, I was walking to my car rubbing a large lipstick kiss mark my mother had dramatically left off of my cheek— as if she wasn't going to see me in ten minutes at home.

I opened the door to the backseat, tossing roses and a gift that were given to me by my parents to the seat.

"Congrats."

My head snapped up, almost giving me whiplash. I'd thought I was alone. I looked at Rowan, he was leaning against his car, his arms crossed and his eyes were covered by some dark sunglasses. I felt heat rise slightly to my face.

"Oh, uh— thanks. You too." You're an idiot.

"Why me too?" More heat rushed up.

"Well cause... you know, your basketball game..." I threw out a shot in the dark hoping it'd slide by unnoticed. His eyebrow raised slightly above the rim of his sunglasses in amusement.

"The one we lost?"

Why couldn't you just say thank you like a normal person Evan?

"Um yeah I heard you did well though..." I trailed off and fiddled with my car keys and stared at my shoes hoping my life would end right then and there. He let out a small chuckle.

"Well, thank you Evan." He knows my name? I smiled at him before he turned around and unlocked his car. I did the same and slowly started getting into the driver's seat.

"Evan," I popped back out, looking back at Rowan. "You've got a nice smile. Looks like that tooth grew in just fine."

He got in his car and slowly backed out of his spot before driving away, leaving me an awestruck pink-faced mess.