Night Sky (27 page)

“I’m not sure,” I say.

“Why would you miss your own graduation?”
Sky asks, pulling away.

“Because I can’t walk with my class.”

An eyebrow raises and I see a corner of her
mouth pull up. The familiar teasing look is back in her eyes. I’m
thrilled this part of her was never an act.

“I broke Eric’s nose because he threatened
Sarah,” I explain.

“Which probably prompted the kiss,” she
whispers. “And explains the cast.”

I nod once, hoping Mom didn’t hear about the
kiss.

“You should go.” Sky nods.

She’s right. I should
go.
“Will you come, too?”

“If you want me there.”
Sky’s eyes turn down—
like there’s some
crazy reason I’d say no.

“Of course I want you there.” I touch the
side of her face with my fingertips. She’s as soft as I
remember.

Her face breaks into a smile. We’re
actually, really, going to be okay. And the lowest of the low that
I felt is worth it for this realization.

***

Sky, Mom, Dad, and I sit in the stands and
cheer for each of my friends as they walk across the stage. My
hand’s still in the cast, and there’s bruises on the edge of my
face, but Eric’s nose is swollen and bandaged. I can even see it
when he walks. I’m sure there are parties and whatever going on
tonight, but I still haven’t decided if I care.

“I think Sky and I are going to walk home,”
I say, when it’s all over.

“Are you sure?” Mom’s brow is wrinkled in
worry.

“Yeah.” I slide my hand into Sky’s. We still
have a lot to talk about.

“It’s good that we came,” Dad says, giving
me a half-punch on the shoulder.

“Okay,” Mom says. She gives me a quick kiss
on the head and Sky a tight hug before taking Dad’s hand and
walking out of the auditorium.

“Jameson!” Matt yells, waving his arms.
“Party’s at my place!”

I wave to show him I
heard. We may or may not join in.
Sky and
I hit the warm night air and begin the slow walk home. As long as
I’m with her, I don’t care where we end up.

“Oh, Jay?” Sky’s fingers slide through mine.
Her voice is relaxed, smooth.

“Yeah?”

“I got something in the mail while I was
gone.”

“What’s that?”

“My acceptance to USC.”

My heart leaps. “Are you kidding me?”

“You know, only if you want me there. I’m
perfectly happy seeing you on weekends or…”

“No, I want you there.” The smile that hits
my face is the first real smile I’ve had in a long, long time. I
pull her to a stop on the sidewalk. Everything else dissolves into
the background.

“Are you sure?” Her brows pull together.

“I’m sure.” My arms wrap around her, and I
pull her tightly against me, lifting her feet off the ground. When
I set her down, the relief on her face hits me. She must have been
so sure I’d say no.

“I love you, Sky.” And just like that her
lips are on mine. It feels like I’ll never get enough of her.

I know in this moment that
this is it. This is real. Sky and Jameson
do
go together, and
we’re awesome.