Chapter 36 - Don't Call Her An Ogre

“Bradley, we’re gonna miss Graduation,” I whine as he rolls me underneath him, kissing me.

“I don’t care; I like this better.” He retorts, inserting his tongue in my mouth.

“Well, I do.” I reply, pulling away from him. I think it took every ounce of willpower in me to do that just now.

“Okay,” Bradley sighs, falling off of me and laying parallel to me in my bed.

“Don’t be grumpy,” I scowl. “We’re graduating today!” I remind him.

“That we are. I think I’d be more excited about it if the whole college aspect wasn’t coming.” He admits.

“Well, there’s really not much to consider about it. You want to go to London, so go.”

“I told you that I don’t wanna go to London,” Bradley states, rolling his eyes.

“Whatever Bradley, how can you not wanna go to the U.K.?” I interrogate, standing to my feet.

“Because I’ve been to England and I’d rather stay here with you than go back.”

Today’s date is May 24th, so it’s been a little over a month since Prom. Well, a little bit more than a little over a month. It was way back on April 12th, after all. Anyways, today is the gloriously wonderful day that Bradley, the other guys and I finally graduate from Lincoln High. I’ve been waiting for this day since like, the second semester of Freshman Year and now it’s finally here and I’m so excited that I just may burst a blood vessel. That would be bad though. Very, very bad.

Bradley and I are at my house, as we’ve been all day, and we’re supposed to be getting ready, but that obviously isn’t happening. We’ve been alone at my house most of the day except for when my Mother got home from work a few hours ago, but she doesn’t really count because she hasn’t been up here too much. Arianna, Jared and baby Charlotte - who’s gonna be two months old tomorrow - are all out on some family thing. The two of them have really been working hard on finding them an apartment in a safe part of town where they and Charlie can stay. They’re really stupid and stubborn though, Jared and Arianna, and they’re not accepting any money at all from either my and Arianna’s parents or Jared parents. The McMillian’s own a restaurant too, so I know that they have money Jared could have. They’re both too self-righteous for that though; but Jared’s job brings a lot in, I guess.

“Well, staying with me isn’t gonna pay your bills when you grow up.”

“Going to college in London won’t pay my bills either,” My boyfriend coerces.

"You knew when you applied there was a chance you’d get in,” I accuse, narrowing my eyes.

"Yeah, I mean, I did, but honestly, I didn’t know that we’d be together.” Bradley sighs.

“Okay,” I sigh. “Let’s just get ready for Graduation and we’ll talk about it later, yes?”       

“I think I like that idea,” Bradley says with a nod, putting his hands up underneath his head, looking at me.

“Well? Go! You have to get ready too.”

“Yeah, but I’d rather watch you get ready,” He retorts giving me a playful wink.

“You’re a pervert,” I inform my boyfriend, shaking my head at him as I walk to my closet.

“A pervert that you love,” Bradley teases. “I’ll be in your kitchen.” He tells me, walking out of my room.

"You need to be getting ready!” I shout after him. “I will leave without you!” I threaten.

“Yeah, yeah, whatever you say, Sydney,” Bradley faintly calls back, obviously not believing me.

I shake my head even though he can’t see me, and continue rifling through my closet. Over the course and my and Bradley’s relationship - our two month anniversary just passed not too long ago - Arianna has treating me as if I’m her personal mannequin. She dresses me for our dates and stuff like that, and sometimes even just when I tell her that Bradley and I are gonna hang out, she’ll chose clothes for me. Don’t get me wrong- it’s nice not having to pick out your own clothes, it’s just that a lot of her clothes are now mixed in with mine, all over my clothes. It’s a good thing we’re roughly the same size, give or take a few pounds.

Pushing the hangers down the railing, I find a little black sleeveless dress that I know doesn’t belong to me, and pull it out. She always tells me that I can wear whatever I want of hers, as long as I wash and dry it once I’m done. She’s not here right now - she, Jared and Charlie are gonna meet up with us at the Graduation though. I hold the short black dress up on the hanger before me, examining it. Emilio Pucci, of course. That’s the dress designer; Arianna doesn’t even go shopping that much- how the heck does she get all of these dresses? I think Jared’s like a day worker by, well, day, and like a pimp by night or something. I don’t see any other way Arianna can afford this stuff.

The dress is a respectable length for a Graduation and it’s cute, so I decide to wear it. I wouldn’t be, but Principal Dewitt said that any female seniors not appropriately dressed for the occasion tonight wouldn’t be permitted to walk. And in addition to not being able to walk across the stage, the prohibited girl would be escorted from the event and have her diploma mailed to her. And that would suck, so I’m making sure that I dress totally appropriately. Our dresses must be black or blue and they can’t be more than five inches above the knee. We also have to wear black heels or flats and the heel can’t be over five inches tall. Very specific, no? There really aren’t any rule for the boys, for obvious reason. They just have to wear black slacks, a button up and dressy shoes. So, yes, they have it easy. I don’t see the big deal about dress code though; I mean, we’re graduating so of course we’ll be wearing gowns that’ll cover us either way.

I get dressed in the Emilio Pucci dress and look at myself in the mirror, smothering it out. It’s pretty darn sexy, if I do say so myself. The dress, that is. It has a sheer neckline and an open back with a keyhole opening. It’s not like, slutty or anything, probably something you’d wear to Church. Or the Club depending on what kinda girl you are. It does cling to me though, but I think it’s meant to do that. I take out a pair of black high heeled booties with a golden zipper along the front and pull them on, doing the zipper up. The heels are actually mine- the highest pair I own, with a four and a half inch heel.

I peak a glance at my digital clock that’s resting upon my desk and the illuminated red digits inform me that it’s already 5:30. Graduation begins at 6:45, but the graduating seniors have to be there by 6:15 so that we can be in place and take care of all the last minute stuff. I slip on my diamond tennis bracelet and Blue Nile diamond stud earrings quickly, grabbing my cell phone and leaving the room, in search for my boyfriend. On the way downstairs, I weave my fingers through my slightly wavy hair, doing a waterfall braid starting from the right and descending around the back of my head, going down to the left.

Walking down the stairs carefully, I hear the faint sound of the boys downstairs. I didn’t know that they were all over here, but by the sounds of it, they’re in the basement. Once I walk into the living room, heading down to the door that leads to the basement, I’m stopped by my father’s voice. I just love how he randomly pops up for these things when his attendance is really not anticipated.

“Sydney, you look beautiful,” He tells me, a weary smile growing on his face.

“Thanks Daddy,” I reply, walking over to him, giving him a hug. “I didn’t know you were coming.”

“You think I’d miss my baby girl’s high school Graduation? Not even for the world,” My dad promises.

“No,” I chuckle. “I just didn’t think you’d like, actually, come to the house.”

“He’s not the only one who came,” My grandmother voices, causing me to spin at the sound.

“Nana!” I exclaim, seeing my frail, old Grandmother sitting on our couch with a smile.

“Hi sweetheart,” She coos, standing up with the help of her cane.

“I can’t believe you’re here,” I say, hugging her tightly. Not too tightly though; I don’t wanna hurt her.

“You didn’t think I’d miss your Graduation did you? If you did, you are off your rocker, girl.” She says.

“I’m really sorry that I haven’t been to see you in a while,” I tell her as I pull away. “I’ve just be--“

“Don’t apologize!” Nana reprimands. “I know you’ve got that boyfriend of yours now. And you’re friends.”

"Well, yeah,” I nod sheepishly. “I’ll come not this weekend, but the next, I promise.”

“When are we going to Italy, again?” Bradley interjects, walking into the room, fully dressed. Man, that boy is fast.

“June 20th,” I answer automatically.

“Oh, so two days after our three month.” He says, walking towards me. “Nice to see you again, Mr. Barker. You two, Helen.” Bradley smoothly greets, shaking my dad’s hand and wrapping his arms around me from behind. “You look amazing,” He lowly says in my ear.

“Thanks,” I retort, thankful as my mother walks in the room, striking up a conversation with my dad and Nana. It’d be a little, scratch that, a lot weird for my elderly Nana and father to just be standing here while Bradley and I are talking. “Not as amazing as you though.”

“I do look pretty sexy, don’t I?” He playfully asks, kissing the skin just below my ear before stepping back.

“Yes, you do.” I assure him, whirling around, looking him up and down. He’s dressed simply, but he really does look wonderful. He’s wearing the mandatory black slacks and dress shoes and a white button up and he’s got an undone red tie hanging around his neck and a green apple in his hand. Bradley’s brown hair is sticking up in different directions - a clear sign that he’s been running his fingers through it.

“We’re just a really sexy couple,” Bradley shrugs with a boyish grin.

“I suppose we are,” I giggle, pushing a lock of my hair behind my ear. “Are they guys all here?”

“Yeah, they’re downstairs in the basement playing some new video game with your brother.”

“It better be a sport game and not one of those stupid violence games.” I say, putting my hands on my hips.

“Actually, I think they’re playing GTA,” Bradley informs me, biting into his apple.

“What?” I gasp. “They’re teaching my brother to kill people and steal cars? That’s so stupid.”

“You worry too much,” He tells me, patting my head. “Besides, we should probably leave now anyway.”

“We probably should,” I agree, looking at my phone. 5:45. One hour until Graduation starts and the huge arena where we’re graduating is only about ten, maybe fifteen minutes away from here. “Will you go and get them?”

“Ugh,” He groans. “I was just down there,” Bradley complains.

“You’re such a fat lard.”

“I’m a lot of things, but fat isn’t one of them, sweet pea.”

“You really love the weird pet names, don’t you?” I tease, looking up at Bradley.

“Yes, yes I do.” He admits, leaning down and kissing my nose.

“Could you please refrain from the cupcake crap when we’re in the room?” Walker pleads, entering the room. Bradley pulls away from me, sending Walker a dirty look, which makes Walker laugh.

“Could you please warn us before you come in the room?” He shoots back.

“I’ll think about it,” Walker tells him with a cheeky grin.

“Oh, look at you boys,” My mother coos, as Drew, Tanner and Mikey all enter the room.

“Don’t compliment them, Mom,” I warn. “It’ll only inflate their over-sized egos.” I joke.

“Oh, pish posh,” She denies. “You boys look so handsome, all of you. All six of you, time for a picture.”

“Mother, are you really gonna start with the pictures?” I groan.

"Yes, Sydney, I really am.” My mom says, turning her camera on and looking through it. “Okay, Bradley, you get behind Sydney and look all coupley. Mikey, you stand in the middle, Drew, stand beside him, Walker stand on Drew’s left. Tanner, you get on Bradley and Sydney’s right. Okay, that’s perfect. Ready? Big smiles! Pumpernickel on three. One…two…three!”

"Pumpernickel!” The six of us chorus together as my mom snaps the photograph.

“One more,” She says with a bright smile, snapping another picture.

“Let’s get going Melinda, they have to be there by 6:15.” My dad interjects.

“That’s thirty whole minutes, Jeff,” She argues. “Now, Bradley and Sydney, just you two.”

“Okay, just the two of them and then we leave.” My dad firmly tells her.

“Yeah, okay,” My mother reluctantly agrees as Bradley wraps his arm loosely around my waist, holding me.

My mother takes the picture and then sets the camera down in the bag, slipping it over her shoulder. Suddenly Josh walks into the room, holding Poncho and rubbing his back. That kid really loves Bradley’s puppy. Now, it’s not like Poncho’s moved in with us or anything. He kinda fuzzes between my house and Bradley’s. When he wants to be over there, he goes and then comes back over here and vice-versa. I sure am gonna miss little Poncho when I go off to Italy and then college in a few months.

“Hi Sydney,” My brother squeals, gently putting Poncho down.

“Hey bud,” I reply, returning my brother’s hug as he wraps his arms around my mid-section.

“You look really pretty,” He tells me, pulling away.

“Aw, thanks Josh!” I retort, smiling at my adorable kid brother. “You look really cute in that tux, too.”

“I don’t look cute! It’s handsome,” Josh not so gracefully corrects me.

“Okay, okay, you look so handsome.” I correct, suppressing a giggle.

“So, who’s riding with who?” My dad wonders suddenly.

“I wanna drive Ben!” I announce.

“Ben?” My Nana echoes, clearly confused.

"What she named her car,” My dad informs her, clearly amused.

“You named your car?”

“Of course, Nana,” I tell her with a playful smile. “So, I’m taking Ben and who’s riding with me?”

“Well, I drove and I have to pick Jaime up afterwards, so I’m not.”

“I drove too,” Drew tells us.

“Well, I didn’t,” Tanner voices. “I’ll ride with you and Bradley.” He tells us.

“Okay, and are you four riding together?” I query, looking at my mother.

“We are,” She nods, calling for Josh to come back upstairs.

“Alrighty, well, we have about twenty-five minutes to get there, so let’s go.” I say, heading towards the door.

“I’ve never seen that dress before,” Bradley says from behind me as he follows me out.

“It’s Arianna’s, and usually I refrain from wearing her sultry clothing.” I explicate, walking to my car.

“Well, I like it,” He assures me. I hit the beeper to unlock Ben and he gets into the passenger seat.

“Thanks,” I retort. “You don’t think it’s too short, do you? I don’t want Dewitt sending me home.”

“It’s not too short,” Bradley replies, eyeing it. “It’s perfect.”

“Oh how I love being a third wheel,” Tanner voices from the backseat sardonically.

"Hey, if we didn’t have third wheels, we wouldn’t have tricycles,” I reason, backing out of the driveway.

“Tell me you know even one person who owns a tricycle,” Tanner scoffs with a grin.

"Of course I do,” I assure him, rolling my eyes.

“Oh yeah? Who?” Tanner wonders, raising his eyebrows at me in the rearview mirror.

“Erm, Duncan has one.” I tell him. “Doesn’t he Bradey?”

“Who’s Duncan?” Bradley interjects with a confused expression.

“He’s our across-the-street neighbor?”

“Really?”

“Bradley, he’s lived there his whole life. He’s like, eight.”

“He lives with the Buchanan’s or the Mayberry’s?”

“The Mayberry’s moved last summer,” I remind him. “Duncan Buchanan.”

“Oooh! Yeah, I know who you’re talking about. He does have one though, I think.”

“See, Tanner? Third wheels are necessary,” I conclude.

“Yeah, okay, whatever.” Tanner chuckles whole-heartedly.

-------

About fifteen minutes later, we arrive at the Harrison Ford Center- the huge arena that we’re graduating at. It’s also home to the Michigan State University basketball players, so it’s got like a basketball arena thing in the inside. Glancing at it now though, you couldn’t tell. I park my car near the front of Center and Tanner, Bradley and I get out of my car before being joined by Drew, Mikey, Walker and Jaime. My parents and Nana, along with other family members who’ve decided to come see me graduate and all of the guys’ families bid us goodbye and head up the plethora of stairs so that they can enter the Center through the main entrance to go to their seats. We seniors though, we have to enter through the lower level which is hidden from the sight of the spectators. Down there we have to get our caps and gowns and all that kinda stuff, which is what we’re doing.  

It doesn’t take long for the volunteers and everyone to get all the seniors their caps and gowns and the people with special honors and stuff their sashes or whatever you wanna call it. Apparently I’m graduating with honors. Call me stupid, but I had no idea. Evidently, I maintained an average of 3.5 all throughout high school, which is news to me. Bradley also gets a sash, but his is gold, not crème colored like mine. His is for keeping a 4.325 all through high school. He’s really smart, which I already knew, but still. He also took like seven AP classes our senior year. Me? Well, I took two, because I’m lazy. I think of our group of friends though, Walker is the smartest. So it’s understandable that he’s in the top 10%.  

“Okay,” Dewitt says before letting the first two seniors of the two lines make their way into the area. “It’s time, Seniors.”

-------

“Are you really already packing? You know we don’t leave another four weeks, right?” Bradley asks.

“I’m not packing for Italy, silly.” I assure him, packing another pair of shorts in my duffel bag.

 “Then what’re you packing for?” He wonders.

'This is why we never go to the movies,” Mikey says, staring at my television screen.

“No, we never go to the movies because good movies are never in,” Drew defends.

“No, we never go to the movies because Bradley and Sydney never shut up,” Mikey argues.

“Why do you wanna watch Children of the Corn anyways?” I ask my best friend.

Mikey, Tanner, Walker, Drew, Bradley and I are all at my house for a sleepover. Jaime would be here, but she had to do this family thing after the Graduation. Instead of pigging out in the basement like we usually do when they’re over here, we’re up in my room. It’s nearly 12 a.m., but we’re all still wide awake.

Mikey and Drew are sitting in my rainbow colored beanbag chairs on the floor, Bradley’s sprawled across the head of my bed, Tanner’s laying across the foot of it and Walker is lounging in my rolling desk chair. I’m standing near my closet, collecting stuff for our upcoming trip. Obviously not the one to Italy though, because that’s a little under a month from now. Tomorrow the six of us - and hopefully Jaime - are going to the Beach House for two weeks. It belonged to my Nana when she was younger but now that she’s in the old folks home, she never goes.

She told me that I could have it, the Beach House, if I wanted it, but I don’t. I mean, I don’t think I’m gonna go to Michigan State, so there’s no need for me to have my own house here. It was one of the Graduation presents she got for me- giving me the house. I think that I’ll just let Arianna, Jared and Charlotte have it though, so that they won’t have to get an apartment or anything like that. Plus it’s way cheaper since my Nana owns the Beach House. But not for another two weeks, because I desperately need to soak up some sun. The Beach House is up at the Holland State Park Beach right off the coast of Lake Michigan and Lake Macatawa. I haven’t been up there since last summer when I went there for about three weeks with Tanner’s mother and little sister.

“Because it’s either this or The Human Centipede.” Mikey says as to why we’re watching the horror movie.

“Ew, Children of the Corn is fine, thank you.” I shudder.

“I thought you’d think so,” He retorts, averting his attention back to my big screen television.

“So, what’re you packing for?” Bradley repeats, looking up at me.

“Holland,” I answer.

“Holland? We’re going to Holland?”

“Mhm,” I nod. “I thought I told you that?”

“I don’t think you did,” He shakes his head.

“Oh, well, yeah, we’re going to Holland.”

“Okay, cool, when?”

“Tomorrow morning,” I chirp. “And we’re staying for two weeks.”

 “Sydney,” Tanner whines all a sudden, groaning loudly.

“Yes, Tanny?” I ask, putting in a few bikini tops from my drawer and their matching bottoms.

“I’m hungry.”

"How are you hungry? We just ate like, a little while ago.” I remind him.

“Try like five hours ago.” He corrects. “That’s like a lifetime!”

"Are you sure you don’t have like, a parasite or something?” Walker asks, looking weirdly at Tanner.

“No, I don’t have a parasite, I’m just hungry all the time.” Tanner defends, rubbing his stomach.

"Well, then go downstairs and get some food. There’s probably pizza down there.” I tell him.

“Don’t you wanna be the best friend ever and go and get it for me?” He asks, batting his lashes.

“Nope,” I reject shortly.

“You’re the worst,” He sighs, standing to his feet.

“I love you too, Tanner.”

“Yeah, yeah, sure you do.” He calls back, leaving my bedroom.

“Bradley, is that a tattoo on your arm?” Drew wonders from his spot on the beanbag.

“Oh, yeah,” Bradley confirms, looking down at my name on his arm. I guess he never told the other guys.

“What’s it say?” He wonders.

“Sydney,” Bradley nonchalantly says.

“What?” Drew asks, his eyes bucking.

“It says, ‘Sydney’,” Bradley explicates.

“You’re out of your fucking mind,” Drew tells him, shaking his head.

 “What do you mean?” Bradley wonders, furrowing his brow.

“You got Sydney’s name permanently etched on your body? That’s crazy!” He exclaims.

“It’s not that crazy,” Bradley shrugs.

“Yeah, dude, it kinda is.” Drew argues.

“Dude, leave him alone about it.” Walker demands, looking up from his cell phone.

“Who’re you texting?” I query, looking down at Walker.

“Uh, no one.”

"Doesn’t sound like no one,” I retort, as his phone beeps. “Tell me.”

“Don’t freak out when I tell you, okay?”

“Okay?”

“I’m talking to Alison,” He admits.

“What!? Why are you talking to that ogre!?” I shout.

“Sydney! Don’t call her an ogre. She wants to be friends.”

“So? You don’t befriend you ex, Walker, you just don’t.”

“I agree with that one,” Mikey interjects, still engulfed in the scary movie on TV.

“She’s really not that bad,” He defends. “Like, as a person, she’s okay.”

“Really? I have a hard time believing that,” I reply, putting my hands on my hips.

“I’m not gonna get back together with her, I promise. She’s cool to talk to though.”

“Okay,” I sigh, knowing I won’t win this battle. No one wins with Walker.

“Okay? That’s it? You’re not gonna give me Hell about it?”

“Nope,” I say, shaking my head. “You can be friends with her, I guess, just don’t date her.”

“Yes ma’am,” Walker says, going back to his phone.

“I’m just saying,” Drew states, still fussing at Bradley over his tattoo. “What if you break up with Sydney?”

“Drew, I’m not gonna break up with her.” He claims, “If anything, she’ll be the one to break up with me.”

“Why would I do such a stupid thing?” I wonder, continuing to pack.

“I dunno, I’m just saying, if we break up, you’ll be the one to hurt me.” He explains.

“You make me sound so cold-hearted.” I scowl. “I’m not Alison, you know.”

“Sydney,” Walker warns as Bradley, Drew and Mikey all chortle at that.

“Okay, okay, I’m sorry!” I apologize, stifling a grin, putting my hands up in surrender. 

Author's Note: So, I don't know if you caught it, but there's a hint as to what happens next in this chapter somewhere. Also, happy June! My last day of school is on this upcoming Wednesday, so I'm really happy about that. I've been working a bit on Give Me Love, and I really excited about it. I can't say too much about it, but I'll probably post the summary on the next chapter, seeing as how it's the last. So, yeah. I hope you liked this chapter and don't be expecting the next chapter to be Bradley and Sydney's life in like, ten years or something, because that's not it. Not at all. I'll try to have it up either Monday of Wednesday, but probably Wednesday since I have exams up until then. Don't forget to comment and vote and what not. The picture is what Sydney wore underneath her gown and the song is just a song everyone associates with graduation. Thoughts on the next chapter? Also, I think I'm gonna publish this story? That didn't need a question mark, but still. Like, once I read through it a bit, I think I'm gonna publish it hopefully this month. I'm thinking maybe like, the end of it or the very beginning of July. So, yeah, just throwing that out there, in case any of you'd actually buy it. ♥