All night, I was twisting and turning, imagining countless embarrassing scenarios where I acted like an idiot on stage while receiving my diploma. Graduation and prom were some of the biggest moments in any girl's life, and I had to experience both in under twenty-four hours. I, Lana Hart, was walking into womanhood with no tips to succeed.

The moment of truth, the stepping stone into the real world was moments away from our grasp. This was what our twelve years prepared us for. Shivers traveled down my spine as I thought about stepping out in front of the bright lights and shaking the hand of an administrator. I'm one step closer to completing Mommy's dream.

Hope you're smiling right now, Mom.

My uniform was folded and streamed last night, so I wouldn't have to rush all morning, especially since our time was so limited. Who thought having prom right after graduation was a great idea? Because clearly, they didn't calculate how long it took for our hair to be styled.

After my typical routine, I dashed downstairs, noticing our family already waiting for us. Declan's mother had a camera in her hand, ready to attack us like the paparazzi she was.

"Morning." I yawned, covering my mouth.

"Oh, morning honey! You look amazing!" she smiled, rushing over to fix my collar.

"Thank you," I responded.

"Stay right there, Lana," she nicely demanded, bringing the camera to her eyes. "Smile bright! You look amazing."

Her compliments caused my cheeks to flush pink and for my smile to grow bigger, reaching my eyes. The clicking sound of the camera echoed through the room, and the flash constantly blinded me every five seconds. My father was in the background already tearing up only at my photos; I couldn't imagine how he's going to react during the ceremony.

"There! Tilt your head upwards, okay! Just pretend Declan is behind the camera," his mother suggested, snapping the photo the second I giggled.

"Mrs. Novak!" I whined, my stomach becoming a dome of swarming butterflies.

"Let's try one behind the chair," she advised, gesturing to go behind the chair.

Obeying, I moved behind the chair, propelling my arm on the headrest and placing my chin in my palms like a blooming flower. My cheeks burned from all the smiling, but it would be a lie if I said I didn't enjoy being photographed. It brought me back to those younger times when my Mom acted the same way Declan's mother did.

"Why do you need so many photos of her, she looks ugly anyway," Sam interjected, sitting criss-cross applesauce on his cushion chair.

"Shhh, Sam! Where are your manners?" Mrs. Novak narrowed her eyes towards him.

"Whatever," he mumbled, rolling his eyes and dropping his gaze back to his phone

"I can't believe today is the last day I'm going to see Lana wearing that uniform," my father sniffled, rubbing his palms together.

"Awww, Dad." I pouted, watching as Mr. Novak patted his back.

"Let's go take photos outside in the garden," she beamed, running over to the hallway.

Suddenly, Declan emerged somehow not causing a single sound when wandering down the stairs. He must have some magic powers or something. I was so distracted by Declan's handsome features; I misplaced my footing and ended up on the ground.

Am I surprised?

Quickly, I boosted myself back to my feet faster than when I landed on the floor. Declan seemed unbothered like usual, barely making eye contact with us-- me especially. Maybe he's avoiding me because I'm so irresistible when I'm wearing space buns.

"I just thought of an amazing idea!" Declan's mother proclaimed. "Since it's graduation, why don't we take some memorable photos of you and Declan." She excitedly wiggled her eyebrows.

Half-smiling, I turned to Declan, who disregarded his mother's question and proceeded to the door. Gee, might as well shoot an arrow to my heart, would yeah. Either way, I stayed positive, not wanting my own personal photoshoot to end yet.

"It's okay. I don't think Declan would want to," I responded, shooing her off.

"Didn't you guys want to take it outside?" Declan questioned.

My eyebrows furrowed in shock mixed with confusion-- shofusion! "Huh?"

"Oh, my! Listen to the boy, Lana," she beamed, running outside the door behind Declan.

Promptly, I hurried outside, instantly feeling the scorching heat and the sweat-producing under my armpits. Question was, if it's because of the heat or the chance of taking a picture with Declan? All good questions to ask a love-crazed Lana. Wait, does he really want to take a photo or is he messing with me?

The sunshine today was the sweetest of desserts, the kind that brings a small leap of joy to anyone's heart. My eyes instantly squinted, the sunlight illuminating rays around us, and our shadows were clear as day. I stuck two fingers out and tried turning them into bunnies that loved hopping around.

Declan stood in front of the white porch steps surrounded by their pots of lilies. There were four pots between us, but still, no matter the distance we were making memories together.

"Are you guys ready? Lana, move closer don't be shy," his mother cooed, shrugging her shoulders like the kitty meme I always saw on the internet. I stepped one pot closer, not wanting to invade Declan's personal bubble.

"Closer! Get closer," she said, gesturing for us to close the distance between us.

The second his arm wrapped around my shoulders, I froze on the spot, my mouth instantly dropped opening. My heart was pounding in my chest-- duh-duhn-duhn. Our skin touching caused somersaults to violently flip in my stomach.

"That's it! Perfect," she squealed.

"Oh, yeah, I forgot to mention... You've got some bread crumbs on you," he bluntly commented, eyeing my reaction from the corner of his eye.

My eyes widened as I severed our skin contact and pulled away from his body. Subconsciously, my hands flew to my lips, brushing the so-called crumbs he claimed I had on my face. Yet, I swear nothing was there.

"Lana, you ruined the picture," his mother whined, turning the camera over.

From my random outburst, I came out blurry while Declan radiantly grinned captivating everyone's attention. His head was thrown back and the veins on his neck protruded as he laughed, proving that he was really smiling from laughing. His dimple in his cheeks were on display and his eyes shone brighter than I ever since.

"Since it's our last day... Can we walk together?" I asked, biting my lip.

No answer. Okay.

"Anyway..." I snorted, nervously fidgeting with the purple bows attached to my space buns. "Time sure flies, right? Our high school lives end today and soon our college lives begin. I'm not sure about you, but I enjoyed this year the most," I smiled, reliving our moments together in my head.

"I suffered more this year than the past eighteen years combined," Declan confessed, walking back inside.

I should've expected that answer, but my heart still stung.

It took around two hours for each class to line-up in alphabetical order. When I saw the crowd of family members, anxiety rushed through my pumping veins. I kept wiping the excess sweat coming from my palms on my purple gown. Fortunately, Catalina was only two spots away from me and kept sending reassuring smiles.

The ceremony finally began with Declan's speech, which he supposedly spent one hour composing. During his speech, my eyes were fixed on how his lips moved differently for every syllable. The constant licking of his lips drove my mind insane, and I wished, I freaking wished I could get my first kiss from him.

But like that would happen.

I was pulled from my dazed state as everyone began clapping and snapping their fingers. Since being Valedictorian, Declan was the first person to receive his diploma. Cheerfully, I dived into the sky, punching the air while shouting "Declan!!" at the top of my lungs. My cheeks burned when I noticed I was the loudest in the room.

Once it reached our classes, Ambrose was up first. He turned to wave towards me before going up, but the redness in his eyes was apparent. He strolled on stage with so much confidence radiating off of him that our classmates shouted, lifting his spirits.

"Congratulations Ambrose Bright." the principal shook his hand.

"Way to go, Ambrose!" I shouted, jumping in the air once again.

Ambrose bowed with tears pouring down his face. I knew this moment meant everything to him. To finally achieve an important milestone in your life when everything seemed to be pulling him down. He always got back up and charged to every new challenge he faced. That's why I knew Ambrose would find a career that's perfect for him.

"I did it! I fucking did it!" he exclaimed through his sniffled nose.

"Catalina Cano," The principal announced and a shaking Cata slowly walked onto the stage.

She took the diploma proudly and waved in our direction as she stepped off the stage. Suddenly, I fanned myself, feeling the scorching heat coming from being in a crowded room filled with most likely more than five hundred people.

What are the chances of tripping over my gown on stage? I don't think I could handle anymore embarrassment this year. Anxiety thoughts were drilled in my brain and only made the seconds last like ten years.

"Lana Hart."

Shitzuts. Dear God, please don't let me trip .

When I stepped on the first stair, my foot and God betrayed me once again. I managed to stick my hands out like a lunatic and maintained enough balance to save myself from ultimate embarrassment. Our principal stood proudly with my diploma in his hands-- hopefully, he isn't annoyed since I'm taking so long.

"Thank you." I smiled, bowing down to show respect.

Ambrose, Catalina, and Meadow's cheers were the loudest, helping me overcome the troublesome situation I was in earlier. Though the universe has done me dirty many times this year-- one thing they have done right was giving me the bests friends. No matter what, I knew they would be there to encourage me to keep going along with my father.

As I made eye contact with my teary-eyed Father, I wished my mom could be here too. I'm doing everything I can to be closer to you, Mommy. The harsh reality was I couldn't imagine her smiling in front of me. My memories involving her were so limited, I wished our home videos hadn't gotten burnt.

Lastly, we waited for Meadow's name to be called. She strutted with such fearlessness with her hand on her hip like she was modeling for Tyra Banks. After collecting her diploma, Meadow posed as her parents hurried to take photos of her. Meadow surely is something else.

Our Principal expressch the importance of growing up and expanding our wings into the world in his final speech. The whole room was filled with us, sobbing and sniffling the boogies streaming from our noses. These four years were wonderful and assisted my growth into the adult I was becoming. Hopefully, college was as good as everyone claimed it was.

"Our high school lives have officially come to an end," I sniffled, using my sleeves to wipe the tears and most likely mascara from my cheeks.

"At least we still have Prom later tonight," Catalina added.

"Lana!" Declan's mother yelled from the bottom of the steps.

"Isn't that Mrs. Novak?" Meadow asked.

I nodded, scrambling down the stairs faster than she could blink. Her arms were wide open for a hug and I instantaneously embraced her.

"Congratulations, Lana. You worked so hard, I know your mother would be so proud of the woman you're becoming," she cooed, as she caressed my back, and my arms only gripped her tighter.

"Thank you for congratulating me!" I smiled, inhaling her beautiful Japanese Cherryblossom perfume.

"Your father and Declan's father were here as well, but they had to leave for work." She pouted, as we pulled away from each other.

"That's alright if I saw my dad crying I don't think I could be the brave one today and would start crying again," I sniffled, my eyes becoming glossy with only the thought of watching my father cry.

"It's his only child's graduation ceremony. Of course, he would cry," Mrs. Novak mentioned, her voice suddenly becoming lower. "I too, can't stop crying." She blew her nose into the tissues in her hand, causing us to get emotional along with her.

"Aww, Mrs. Novak cares about you so much! You're basically a real member of their family," Catalina said, squeezing her arm through mine so they were connected.

"Of course! My dream for you is to join our family as Declan's wife," she encouraged.

If only Declan could get the memo.

"Oh shit! Look at them." Meadow smacked my shoulder to get my attention.

She bluntly pointed at a couple standing by the stairs, and if I weren't a hopeless romantic, I would've found them making out in front of everyone disgusting.

"Now, that's how graduation day should be spent," Mrs. Novak commented.

"Wow, you have experienced a lot haven't you Mrs. Novak?" Meadow asked, with curiosity written on her face.

"It's so wonderful to experience romance." Mrs. Novak winked.

"Oh my god! Look over there," I yelled, subconsciously pointed out another couple on the other side of the courtyard. Trembling, a boy loosened his tie, hesitating to make eye contact with the beautiful girl in front of him. Shyly, he gave her his tie, solidifying the importance of their relationship. "He gave her his tie!" I squealed.

Another tradition in our school was on graduation day if a classmate handed you their tie that revealed their deep feelings for you. I've always heard the cute stories of couples getting together, but now I got to watch it go down.

"Oh gosh." Mrs. Novak blushed, covering her cheeks with her hands. "This brings so many memories from when I was young."

"I know for a fact Mrs. Novak received over ten ties," Catalina said, receiving a wink from her.

"Must be nice. I'm so envious. I always longed for that." I sighed, a ping of jealousy emerging in my chest.

"Hey, Lana! Stop being a negative, Nancy! Did you forget you're graduating too?" Declan's mother crazily shook my body. "We don't have to wait for the guy to make the first move. You should speak up and ask Declan for his!"

My eyes widened in abruptness. "Huh?"

"She's right!" Meadow smacked my shoulder. "You have his mother's approval, what else do you need?"

"Well, but..." I trailed off.

They all talked about asking Declan for his tie was a simple task, but they are greatly mistaken. The boy had already rejected me more than three times--- I think? Honestly, it's hard keeping track, but should I really go through with it again? We have gotten a bit closer... maybe his feelings for me suddenly changed.

"Speaking of the devil," Catalina muttered. Declan was casually walking down the stairs with his soccer buddies along with around twenty girls who had a secret crush on him. "It looks crazy over there."

Our classmates were barraging him with questions-- Can I take a picture with you, Declan? No. Can I have your tie, Declan? No. What about me? No. Me? No. The girls wouldn't get the MEMO! Yet, I shouldn't be talking...

"I'm sorry about him," one of his soccer buddies kept telling the girls.

"Since when did everyone have a crush on Declan," I gulped.

"They probably kept it a secret unlike you, Lana. Not everyone is as brave as you," Meadow explained.

"This that supposed to be a compliment or?" I asked, my eyebrows creased together.

"Take it as you want."

"They probably chose today to confess, since it's the last day most of us ever see each other," Catalina mentioned.

Suddenly, Mrs. Novak mysteriously giggled, causing all of us to side-eye her.

"Just as I thought... He's saving his tie for you, Lana. Trust me, I'm his mother, and I know he has serious feelings for you," Declan's mom reassured.

"I don't think that's true..." I drawed out.

"It is! Like I said, I'm his mother and I know him better than anyone," she assured.

"Listen to his mother, goddammit!" Meadow pumped her fist into the air. "Go to him!"

"Today is the last day to make memories, remember," Catalina said.

Before I could process the pressure of my peers, Meadow harshly pushed me into the masses of girls demanding answers from Declan. Looked like my choice was made for me. For all we knew, Declan could give me his tie and our relationship begins from there. Please don't stomp all over me again.

Hesitantly, I drifted closer to Declan, but the twenty girls kept pushing and pulling each other back as if Declan was a famous boyband member. Somehow they gave me a boost, and I suddenly slammed into a muscular surface. Craning my neck, I awkwardly smiled as Declan swung around to face me.

"Declan... Hey..." I shyly smiled.

Silence.

Taking notes from high school movies, I batted my eyelashes and widened my radiant smile. "Um... Declan, could you give me your ti-,"

"No," he replied, walking away.

And just like that, my heart flew away in the wind. My eyes blinked furiously as my shoes were glued to the floor. I couldn't even move a single muscle, that's how shocked I am! This is what I get for getting dragged into peer pressure. My instincts were right for once, and I ignored them.

"He's officially a high school graduate and still doesn't want to date anyone," Catalina stated.

"Your love life just doesn't seem to get any easier does it," Meadow added, deteriorating what's left of ego.

Angrily, I harshly yanked the cover on the container that contained my diploma. Before prom, I'm definitely going to need a good crying session.

Ahhh graduation day what an eventful day and of course it couldn't go on without Lana getting embarrassed;)!!
Who's exciting for the Prom chapter? I am ;)

Love you guys and can't wait to read your comments !!!