The week flew by. Everyone was excited, but I wasn't ready for graduation. Finishing school meant there was no reason to keep us from going through the mist. I wanted to help my people, but I also wanted Jolie safe.

We'd just finished walking the dogs and returning them to their homes. Strolling in the warm morning sunlight with her hand in mine, it was hard to believe there could be any danger, but I knew better. Now that we'd made ourselves her enemies, the Queen wouldn't rest until she had us in cages or worse.

Jolie lifts my hand and kisses the back. "What's wrong?"

I took a moment to enjoy the emotions radiating from her. Affection and protectiveness swirled to create an intoxicating mix that's uniquely my girl. Smiling down at her, I said, "I'm happy."

"I'm glad. But that's not what I asked." She stopped walking and reached up to smooth her fingertips over my forehead and down my cheek. "Your face is all scrunchy. What are you thinking about?"

"Graduation...and the Queen."

"Yeah. I've been trying not to think about her. Can we just get through tonight and worry about her later?"

Her deep brown eyes were filled with optimism, making me hopeful too. Opening our connection, I let her feel the way just being near her filled me with warmth. I allowed her honeyed emotions to envelop me and smiled when she rested against my chest.

A honking car interrupted us, followed by a giggle from Hedera. "Good morning! Emily and I picked up special treats for brunch."

She held up a box, and Emily smiled from the driver's seat. "Graduation day! You guys must be so excited! Do you want a ride to the house? Bea and Tate should be there soon."

Jolie glanced at me, then said, "No, thanks. We'll be home in a few minutes."

"OK!" Emily and Hedera waved as they drove away.

"Hedera is so happy here. I'm glad she came with us," I watched as their car turned on the next street.

"She fits right in. I was worried she'd have a hard time, but Bea really helped her come out of her shell."

"Emily too. Hedera never had anyone to show her the motherly love and attention she gets from them. It's helped her grow and become more confident."

"I'm glad," Jo smiled, but her feelings didn't match her words.

"Something is bothering you. Is it because of all the time Emily is spending with Hedera?"

"No! Of course not. Mom has enough love for everyone," Jolie laughed. "Plus, with her busy, I don't have to feel guilty if she's off work, and I want to spend time with you."

"Then what's troubling you?"

"I was just thinking it's kind of a bummer that Clara won't be at the house today. I thought we'd get ready for graduation together. Between her parents and her new guy, her day is full. We won't get to hang out until tomorrow."

"Won't you see her at the ceremony?"

"Yeah, but only from a distance; everything's alphabetical there. Then she has big dinner plans with her parents. That's OK. We'll have plenty of time at her party tomorrow, and we'll finally get to meet this guy. I really hope he doesn't suck."

I chuckled. "Me too. Clara's a nice person; she deserves someone just as nice."

Hours later, the graduating class stood in the center of the football field, ready to throw our strange hats into the air. It was a peculiar tradition, but the excitement level of the crowd told me it was important.

Students grinned and waved at their families as they stood cheering and calling out their children's names. Everyone was nervous and excited, except Mark. He smiled as Emily, Bea, and Hedera yelled our names, and Tate clapped, but his emotions were blanketed with sadness.

Jolie saw me watching him and shook her head. "His parents make me so mad. I wish he'd stop expecting them to do the right thing. They don't deserve him."

So that was the cause of his melancholy. I didn't like it. Stepping closer, I nudged his arm to get his attention. "I'm going to make an exception."

"An exception to what?"

"You're not as happy or proud as the other students and you should be. You should know how people are feeling. I understand your parents let you down, but I can tell you Emily and Bea are just as proud of you as they are of Jolie."

He looked at them and smiled as he took a deep breath. "They've always been my family. Thanks for reminding me."

"Of course. And I don't think you noticed, but when you crossed the stage, Tate was practically glowing with love and pride."

Mark's eyes found Tate in the crowd and the look that passed between them made him blush and chuckle. He nodded and gave me a pat on the back. "You're right. I've been focused on the wrong things. I have a lot to be happy about."

The music ended and the students began to scream, "Three, two," Jolie took my hand just as the crowd yelled, "One," and square caps flew into the air.

She laughed and hugged me as they fell to the ground and Clara ran over waving her arms screaming, "We did it!" Pulling Jolie and Mark into a hug she squeezed my arm and smiled. Pointing her thumb to the crowd, she rolled her eyes, "I have to go, Mom and Dad are waiting. We have a reservation. See you guys tomorrow!"

Jolie watched her friend run off with a smile as the parents and families joined their students on the field and music began to play again. Bea wrapped her arms around Mark and Jolie, "I'm so proud of you both! My sweet babies are growing up."

"Give me some of that," Emily laughed as she squeezed into their hug.

When they stepped away from each other, Tate said, "My turn," and pulled Mark against him for a kiss. All traces of sadness were gone. Mark was possibly the happiest person on the field.

It was decided that the graduates, Tate, and Hedera, would all go home to change and meet back at Jolie's house. Bea and Emily were picking up Chinese food for dinner.

I was ready to put on something more comfortable. It made no sense that I was required to wear a tie when the gown I was also required to wear covered it up. Human clothing rules continued to baffle me.

A little while later, we all sat around the kitchen table in comfortable clothes with plates piled with delicious food. Everyone was in such good spirits; I was floating on a cloud of peace until Jolie spoke.

"I'm so excited about going back through the mist!"

"Me too," Mark agreed with a smile. "We leave Wednesday, right?"

"Yep!"

Their words didn't match their emotions, and the surprise of their announcement caught me off guard. We hadn't discussed when we would go; Tate and I were still hoping to talk them out of it.

"Already?" Emily asked with a frown. "I'm going to miss you guys, but I know you'll have a wonderful time."

"I thought we were waiting to take that trip?" Tate faced Mark and struggled to keep his expression neutral as worry and frustration radiated from him in hot waves.

"We were," Mark put his arm around Tate's shoulders. "Until after graduation."

The tension between them was so thick even Bea noticed. "Don't worry; we can cover for them here. If anyone asks, we'll just say they're on a graduation trip."

"Thanks, Bea! That'll be perfect." Jolie smiled.

After a moment of uncomfortable silence, Hedera jumped up, "Bea and I made the cutest tiny cakes. They're called, petits fours and they're so pretty."

"Petits fours? Those are so much work," Emily stopped when she saw the tray of little square cakes laid in rows of red and white, the school colors. "Girls, this is so thoughtful! They're beautiful."

"Yummy too," Bea smiled. "We may have tasted a couple. They're strawberry and vanilla."

As everyone reached for a treat, Jolie's mouth brushed my ear, "We didn't want you to keep pushing it off, and you're not going without us. I love you. I can't stay here and worry."

I saw Mark whispering to Tate and guessed he was being told something similar. While Tate's jaw was still clenched, the emotions coming from him were softening. Apparently, the decision had been made. We'd leave Wednesday.

Jolie's hand squeezed my leg as she leaned against me. "Tomorrow night is Clara's graduation party. Do you want to go with us, Hedera? It'll be fun."

Just like that, cakes and talk of a party brightened the atmosphere at the table. Tate and I were still concerned, but any hope we had of talking them out of going was gone.

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