No matter how much time passed, you could see the cracks when something broke — whether it was an object or a memory.

All the memories I had of Valentine's Day used to make me feel like it was the most magical holiday, maybe even more than Christmas. Candy hearts, wintery kisses, and a love that surpassed infinity — everything appeared picture-perfect. 

If there was anything the last few months had taught me, it was that those picture-perfect memories weren't as perfect as they appeared to be. They had cracks, too. Behind the lens, there were blurred truths and alibis, and the holiday I considered a daydream had a darker side.

I didn't have the dark memories of love that Natasha had, but now I finally knew why she didn't like the holiday. Loving someone, to the point where you weren't seeing clearly, wasn't love. 

It was an addiction. 

Maybe Cari didn't realize what she had been doing was wrong. Maybe, even now, she felt like she was redeeming herself, seeking revenge for love. In the end, she had only led to ruination. 

It felt like Killer Cupid had taken a lot from me —

Someone who had been my best friend. A holiday I used to love. Maybe, at one point, a part of myself. But in the end, I was still standing.

After Cari's arrest, I burned the guide to murder notes with an old lighter, watching the flames lick away the edges of the past. When the last note burned to ashes, I felt the ghost of a smile come to my lips. I imagined Natasha was somewhere smiling, too.

I never went to Natasha's funeral because I thought I didn't belong there. It felt like the fragile pieces left of our bond were severed with the weight of our secrets, the ghost of our past. Her murderer was there, blending into the crowd, shedding tears, while I hadn't even been there.

There were so many glimpses of our old friendship that faded away — memories I had lost.

I didn't want to lose yet another memory.

I adjusted the graduation cap on my silky black hair, turning the gold tassel so it faced left. A camera flash went off as the photography club tried to capture pictures of the senior class.

A student showed me the photo on the screen, and I knew I had changed. I had the same olive brown skin, firewood eyes, and heart-shaped lips. But something within me had shifted — maybe it was because I wasn't just the quarterback's girlfriend or the dead girl's friend.

For the first time, I was here because of myself.

To say the last few weeks had been the calm after the storm would be a lie. Even if the hurricane of destruction was over, we were dealing with the ruins — picking up where we had left off and trying to create a new normal. Time didn't freeze, though, and graduation was here.

It was crazy to think about how our chaotic senior year was over. 

Years from now, I would think of the moments that led to here — the good and the bad. This time, it didn't hurt to look back.

Principal Moore stepped up to the podium, adjusting the microphone before he started the graduation ceremony. After introducing the other speakers and giving his introduction speech, he began handing out diplomas.

"Kai Adams."

Kai adjusted her ponytail before making her way up the steps. A newfound confidence was in her stride as she walked across the stage to shake Principal Moore's hand. In the beginning, I had never thought Kai and I could have anything in common. After everything that happened with Natasha, I realized we had more in common than I had thought.

"West Blakeyard."

West ran up on stage, flexing his muscles through the gown for the audience. I heard some cheers, probably from the football team, and couldn't help laughing as he accepted his diploma and strode off.

Justin was called, too. As he shook Principal Moore's hand, his eyes caught mine. He gave me a silent nod of acknowledgment, as if to say thank you.

I returned his nod with a small smile.

His dream of going to UF was coming true — thankfully, the false murder allegation hadn't ruined his chances. I didn't know if we would keep in touch after this, but I was happy we both could move on.

Cooper walked up soon after, almost tripping as he went, but steadying himself in time. He scurried off, hiding a sheepish smile.

When my name was called, I walked up the stairs to the stage and Principal Moore flashed me a smile.

"Congrats, Haven. I know you'll do big things in the future. Fairwood's going to miss you."

"Thank you," I said earnestly, trying not to get sentimental. I heard my name being yelled from the bleachers and smiled before I walked down the steps and joined the others in watching the rest of the ceremony.

Eventually, the rest of the names were called and I cheered as my friends' names were called. Taylor took her diploma proudly and turned around, making sure to smile extra big for the photographer. She would've stayed longer for more pictures, but Principal Moore cleared his throat, hinting it was her turn to get off stage.

I shook my head, trying not to smile.

"Griffin Keely."

I watched as he walked up, the lazy smile spreading across his face before shaking the principal's hand. I cheered super loudly, even though I doubted he could hear me from here.

Luce. Jeremy. Lila. One by one, the others had their turn, and then Principal Moore looked up, taking a moment to get everyone's attention until it was quiet.

"I would like to take a second to recognize another student that will always be special to the students, faculty, and those who knew her."

It felt like no one moved. I'm sure somewhere in the stands, someone was clearing their throat, or someone was crossing their feet, but at the moment, it felt completely quiet.

"A student whose legacy will live on, and we know will always be a part of the Fairview family. We would like to extend an award and diploma in honor of Natasha Ryan."

There was silence then, but it said everything that needed to be sad.

"Mrs. Ryan, can you accept this on her behalf?"

Natasha's mother stood up, dressed in a pristine black suit. The sadness I had grown accustomed to seeing in her eyes was gone — now, she wore nothing but pride. She accepted the award and diploma, shaking his hand and smiling.

I hoped she always stayed smiling.

People started clapping, and I think it was louder than it was for anyone else.

As Principal Moore finished handing out the diplomas, he leaned back into the microphone.

"To our graduating class," Principal Moore said, "You made it. Be proud of who you have become, and the changes you will continue to make in the world. To the dreamers. The thinkers. The doers. The achievers. Your chapter at Fairview may have ended, but it's only the beginning of your story." He smiled, looking over us with pride.

As his final words rang out, I stood up with the rest of the class to throw our graduation caps in the air. For a split second, there was a sea of red hats and all you could hear were cheers of excitement as they rained back down. 

I looked at my seat, seeing the extra hat. 

The one I had brought for Natasha.

I threw it in the air, watching it soar with the others, and a smile came to my lips. 

Luce found me and threw her arms around me, jumping up and down. Taylor joined us shortly after, raising flowers in the air. A crowd of people ran over, and I recognized my family from the crowd.

"I can't believe you actually graduated," Dev said, tousling my hair.

My parents handed me flowers, and I hugged them.

My sister Tara leaned in, holding her phone out. "Smile!"

"Not after Dev messed up my hair," I said, pretending to be mad and then smiling just in time for the flash.

"Party at my place after! Time to get shit-faced!" Luce's voice floated in. She saw my mom turn to her and raise an eyebrow and flushed. "Non-alcoholic party, of course!"

"Luce, you know I'm not dumb right?" My mom said, but she was smiling. "As long as no one is driving and everyone stays safe, we're good."

"Love you," I said, reaching up to kiss her on the cheek.

"I'm so proud of you, Haven," she said, squeezing my hand.

I blinked, wishing I hadn't worn mascara, just in case I started crying. I caught Willow in the distance, looking at her phone. I didn't see anyone standing around her.

"I'll be back," I said. "I'll meet you guys." My mom nodded, and I walked over to Willow, reaching out to touch her arm.

"Hey."

Willow looked at me, slightly surprised. "Congrats," she said, her face relaxing into a smile. "I guess we really made it through all that BS, huh?"

"We did," I said, noting that was an understatement. "Thanks, again. For everything at prom. You kinda saved my life."

"Small price to pay for sleeping with your ex," she said. From the glimmer in her eyes, I could see she was joking. Gotta love Willow's sense of humor.

"Are you with anyone?" I asked. Her face visibly shifted before it returned to its' normal expression. "My parents had a business meeting so they couldn't make it. It's whatever, you know. It's just high school graduation."

That wasn't true. I could tell it was important to her and that she was disappointed, even though she would never admit it. I remembered her poor relationship with her parents, but I had never thought they would miss her graduation.

Before I could invite her to join the rest of us, I saw someone approaching us in a light yellow dress. She was taller and had curly hair, but she looked a lot like Willow otherwise.

"Hi! I'm Willow's sister, Tegan." She introduced herself before turning back to Willow. "Mom and Dad are obsessed with the concession stand nachos. So we might be stuck here for a while."

"They came to the ceremony?" Willow sounded shocked.

"Of course — they couldn't miss your grad! They were so proud of you, Tegan said, squeezing her arm. "Are you ready to go?"

"I'll meet you by the car," Willow said, still looking a little dazed.

Tegan nodded, giving me a small smile as if to say goodbye.

Willow turned back to me and said, "That's my perfect sister you've been hearing about." She pretended to be sarcastic, but I could tell how happy she was that her family had come — even more that they were proud of her.

"Hey so..." I said, dragging out the words. "I saw you're going to USC. You know, that's going to be pretty close to me. We're both going to be Cali girls."

Her eyes sparkled. "Don't think we're going to be roommates or anything, Haven," she said. "But if you ever want to get dinner, I'd consider it. Maybe."

"Sounds good," I laughed. "See you for dinner plans. Maybe."

Willow's lips twitched until she finally smiled and shook her head before leaving to join her family.

Before I went back to mine, there was one boy I wanted to see. I scanned the field, but before I could find him, a pair of arms had pulled me by my waist and spun me around.

"Griffin!" I squealed. "Put me down."

"Depends. Do I get a kiss if I do?" His arms were tight against my waist still.

"Yes," I said. As soon as he set me back down, I stepped away, placing a finger to his lips. "Nice try, Keely."

He shook his head at me. "I feel lied to, Grey. Although I might forgive you, because," he lowered his voice, "you look sexy in regalia."

I laughed. Only Griffin could get away with a comment like that, and still make it hot.

"If my mom sees you kissing me, she's going to ask a lot of questions. At least come over dinner first," I insisted. But I was teasing — looking at him and the way he was looking at me, I wanted nothing more but for him to kiss me.

"Well then," he said, stepping closer to me until his face was only inches away and using his finger to tilt my chin upwards. "Please stop me before I do something so fucking stupid."

I smiled, remembering that those were the same words that he had said to me two years ago. He had known then, before I had even known, but now there was no denying it.

For me, it was all about one boy.

Griffin.

Griffin Freakin' Keely.

And then in seconds, he was kissing me.