SAGE

Sage Miller

Everything about Ransom Everglades is luxuries, from the parking lot to the sign at the gate.

I've only been here a couple of times before and I can tell you that they take luxury to a different level.

Last time I was here I came to watch Styles play and eliminate the team that eliminated us. It seems like a lifetime ago but it was just last November.

But I'm not here for that today. Today is a special day for me and Eve, not to mention Alora.

She never believed she could graduate, She didn't believe in herself. I understand her in a way. She spent the whole senior year spiralling and drinking.

But I've seen how hard she worked towards the end of the year. She made an effort towards her education.

Now I'm here to see both of the graduate. I'm proud of both of them. she's doing something I would never do.

She's fulfilling my dream.

I stood next to my house and looked around. Parents and their children buzzing with life and excitement.

I let myself slip into a lot of sadness knowing that dad would want to be here. He'd be so happy and proud of her little princess. Just as I am.

Even if I did want to graduate I would never have this. My parents would never take pictures with me and tell me their proud because I have none.

At least Has her mother, Wren. It would be sad if she didn't have her. That's my comfort. She has Wren.

I shook my head to get my mind out of that thought. Alora and Eve were behind me looking extremely excited.

"I'm so nervous right now." Eve said clutching my right arm.

I chuckled and side glanced at her.

"You'll be fine." I reassured her smiling. "You've practiced that speech too many times."

"Yeah. You'll be excellent like always." Alora said. I detected the sad tone in her voice but chose to let it go for now.

I didn't need anymore sadness for today.

"It's just that_" Eve started then looked down like she's was struggling on what to say. "Nothing."

She whispered softly and sad. I know what's her problem. No matter how hard she tried she's still hung up on his stupid ex. I just wish he doesn't show up tonight because God help me.

I've dealt with so many fucking meltdown courtesy of that asshole in the past month. Eve is doing much better now and him being here will set her back.

I pulled my sister in and hugged her. I placed a soft kiss on her temple.

"I love you sis and don't worry to much. You'll rock the stage, I heard your speech waaaaay to many times. It's awesome." I encouraged her. "Now get over to Wren she calling for you."

She turned around and looked at them. She then looked at me. I smiled warmly at her and gestured for her to go.

"I'll be back okay." I nodded and she walked away.

Today was one of the good days for her. She was bubbly and buzzing with excitement.

All this time Smurf was quiet. I looked at her and realised that she's miles away in thought.

"Earth to Smurf." I snapped my finger in her face and she jolted right back to reality.

"What? You were saying?" She asked confused. I gave her a look and shook my head.

"What's wrong Al?" I asked softly. She opened her mouth but I spoke before her. "And don't tell me nothing."

She opened her mouth then closed it again. She seemed to be at lost for words. She tried to hide her long and sad face but she failed.

"You know you can tell me anything. I'm always here for you." I urged her. I gave her little push.

"It's silly and petty." She tried to brush it off but I can see that whatever it was. It was eating her inside.

"It's not silly or petty." I brushed her cheek with the back of my hand.

"It's just that__" She started. "Look at her." I followed her line of sight and saw that her eyes were in my sister. I frowned confused.

I asked hesitantly. I'm not sure I wanted to hear her

along

She excelle in everything she does. She's

about. Eve looked so happy with them. Wren, Zac even Ben and Alex gushed

how much they adore Eve. but I

turned back

that got to do with you though?"

him and a

and making my heart break in the process.

I started but she cut

the first real friend I ever made by myself. I didn't have to follow Linkin to be friends with her. She's genuinely

that." I

with the friends. I've always been afraid to live his side because he's the one with friends until I met her. She was always my friend and then I met you. But that doesn't change what I am. I'll always be a failure. I'm not perfect like her and I

can be the way she is. I wanted to tell her that she is Eve's first real friend. I wanted to tell her Eve's story but it

next to me who

you. You don't need to be like Eve. You are not a failure." I explained but she frowned and

that because that's what I

maybe am not. I've known you long enough to give you a review of

with my eyes. Maybe she could see

think you're barely graduating because you are a failure. No. I think it's because you didn't try hard before the

eyes watered but she blinked the tears

Smurf. Strong willed and strong minded. Don't forget that." I lightly pushed her but

feel a lot better now." She

and see herself like I

She said as she waved a finger up and down at us. "So for my

off the

her graduate but the sitting through the

told Wren to save you a seat." She told me and pulled

and I sort of like her. After all how could I not because she's a replica of Eve. Her attitude and personality

saw Alex and Ben doing the same thing. I smiled to

listing this year's accomplishments, from football

up and went to the bathroom to stretch my legs. I've been sitting for thirty minutes straight. I could feel cramps coming

who made the hair at the back of my neck stand. Horrified I look closely but the

to show up. He promised he wouldn't. He said he'd

Fucking Styles.

shouldn't come. I remember specifically telling him not

big night. I don't want

it wasn't him. I told him, calming

kept on glancing on the direction I

you alright?" Wren

fine." I brushed her

far end

they are

wanna kick his sorry ass for showing up but my heart sank when I saw

be hard to have something you want so close

to let him be. If he's not causing trouble I'll leave him

wouldn't let me kick his ass. Not with

in time as they started

until it was Eve's turn. They called her on stage and

looking away. She then made eye

I believe in you.' I mouthed to her. She gave me a

smiled and she

Miller and apparently I'm your valedictorian." Everyone chuckled and so did

glance at Styles and saw him

It's been a dream of mine to stand here on this day. What I'm saying is, dream do come true. We're all here because our dream to graduate high school came true. Many things I could say today have already been said: drugs mess up your life, get a good career, do not have babies before

better every

experience. I'm not going to waste time and uncliche the cliche. No advice will be given in this speech. Alas, many people can give advice, people who are older, more educated, more experience than I. Maybe when I'm 60, hopefully famous. I'll be worthy of giving advice. This speech will be short.I could reminisce about the last four years. Instead I think it's more important we focus on where we will be in the next four years. Whether it's presenting

up and clapped.

catch a glimpse of Styles' reaction but

found the

That didn't give me the relief I thought it

use to. There was dull in his eyes. They were empty. But when he chucked, I saw a