I was soon ready to go and went downstairs to grab my navy blue cap and gown. I slid on the gown and pinned the cap to my wavy hair.

Charlie had my camera in hand when I turned around. I put on a smile to appease him and let him take a few pictures. Then it was time to go.

Charlie was driving me as some father/daughter bonding thing, so I didn't fight having to ride in the Cruiser this one last time.

We rode to the school in silence. I felt nauseous, but I just regarded it as nerves, even though I had a nagging feeling there was something more important.

We pulled up and followed the rest of the blue and gold gowns into the gym. I went inside and found Angela, while Charlie found a seat near where Jacob and Billy were already sitting.

She seemed really nervous, but Ben was there to reassure her. Jessica came over to us crying.

“Oh my gosh, Bella. Can you believe it? We've been friends for two years and now we're leaving! It's over! You have to keep in touch in college, okay?” She said as she sobbed on my shoulder, trying to smile.
“Sure, of course, Jess.” I said, awkwardly patting her back.

She let go and smiled through her tears at me, absentmindedly rubbing her mascara everywhere. Then she saw Lauren and ran over to her instead.

A few minutes later it was time to line up and take our seats.

For only three hundred odd kids, the ceremony seemed to last forever. I thought they would never get to the 'S' names.

“Jessica Stanley.” I finally heard the principal call.

Oh crap! I'm next. Okay don't blow this, Bella. Walk in a straight line, smile, take the diploma, pause for pictures, wave to Charlie and go sit down. Easy peasy. I told myself trying to calm down.

“Isabella Swan.” the principal called.

I took a deep breath and slowly made my way up the small steps to the stage. I walked over to the principal, shook his hand, and reached for my diploma. Then I turned and smiled, so Charlie could take a picture.

As I started to walk down the other side of the stage, I scanned the room to see who else had shown up.