CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR

Serena asked Carlisle, "Dr. Cullen, aren't you breaking protocol by doing this? Isn't this against the rules?"

Carlisle responded with a gentle smile, "Well, sometimes I can bend the rules a little."

As they headed toward the graduation ceremony, Serena fidgeted nervously in the driver's seat, still somewhat uneasy about trusting vampires.

Esme, sitting in the passenger seat, offered her a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, dear. Carlisle knows what he's doing," she said, trying to comfort her.

She then chuckled, "I was quite surprised when Carlisle called me urgently, asking me to bring clothes over. But I understand how significant today is for you. After all, graduation only happens once in a lifetime."

Serena smiled warmly at the married couple, expressing her gratitude, "Thank you so much, both of you."

Carlisle chimed in, "As soon as the graduation ceremony is over, please come right back to the hospital, alright?"

As they reached the treaty line, the car came to a halt, and Serena couldn't help but smile when she spotted Charlie and Sue's car. Carlisle explained, "We were going to call your father, but I figured you wanted to surprise them, so I reached out to Charlie since he was heading there anyway. Plus, it worked out well because they were already about to leave their house."

Serena's heart felt lighter at the mention of "their home," filled with a sense of relief. She knew that Charlie and Sue's living situation might have caused tongues to wag at the reservation, but it was really none of anyone else's business.

The news of their living arrangement had probably generated its fair share of speculation and gossip among those at the reservation, but Serena believed it was no one else's business. As long as Charlie and Sue were happy together, that was all that truly mattered to her.

Serena had realized that Harry would have wanted Sue to be happy and find love again, even in his absence.

Serena turned towards Carlisle and Esme, expressing her thanks with a warm embrace. "Thank you both so much," she repeated, sincerely grateful for their help. As she crossed the boundary line, using crutches to support herself, Sue quickly came over and assisted her in walking.

Sue chuckled, "I thought I was dreaming when Dr. Cullen called and said you had woken up!"

Serena smiled faintly, responding softly, "I couldn't miss the graduation."

Charlie looked at her and said, "It's good to see you, Serena." He then leaned in to give her a warm hug. Serena waved back to the Cullen couple as Charlie assisted her into the car.

Charlie probably was blissfully unaware of the supernatural Treaty and the complexities surrounding it, so he didn't question why she couldn't ride with them.

Sue asked with a smile, "Ready to surprise everyone?"

Serena smirked and responded enthusiastically, "Oh hell yeah!" They all chuckled as she climbed into the car.

Charlie chimed in, "I'd say you're going to be the best graduation gift ever." Sue nodded in agreement.

"Oh, trust me, she will be, you have no idea how everyone missed you, Serena"

Serena replied with a faint smile. "I can't wait to see everyone."

She looked at Sue, expressing her gratitude for Carlisle, "I'm so thankful to Dr. Cullen for letting me go. He actually went against protocol, but he knew how much it would mean to me and everyone." Her heart was filled with heartfelt appreciation for the vampire doctor, who had done so much for her, despite not having any obligation to do so.

Serena realized that Carlisle Cullen was genuinely a good person. Despite the fact that they were practically strangers, he had shown her kindness and respect. Carlisle certainly differed from what she had always heard and believed about vampires, based on legends and stories.

The legends had portrayed vampires as dangerous and menacing creatures, but Carlisle Cullen had shown her a completely different side. He was kind and considerate, a stark contrast to the tales she had heard.

She was starting to see that not all vampires were the same, and her perception of them was slowly changing.

Charlie brought the car to a stop in the La Push High School parking lot and let Serena and Sue out of the car. Sue assisted Serena, supporting her as they slowly made their way inside the school.

Sue noticed the beads of sweat trickling down Serena's face, knowing that she was battling to get through the struggle.

For the past five months, Serena had been bed-ridden, and the fact that she was pushing herself to walk and attend Paul's graduation was a testament to her determination.

Fortunately, Charlie had managed to procure a wheelchair from the nurse's office, and quickly seated Serena, pushing her towards their destination.

Sue informed Serena, "Seth saved us seats," as Charlie pushed her in the wheelchair.

Serena inquired, "Tell me, Sue, did I miss anything significant?"

Sue glanced at Serena and responded, "Well, many things have unfolded, and the boys will fill you in on all the details soon."

As they continued through the school halls towards the gymnasium, the noise level steadily increased, and the buzz of excitement filled the air.

Serena focused on maintaining her balance and strength as the wheelchair rattled along the floor tiles. The journey still felt challenging, but she was determined to reach Paul's graduation ceremony.