(A.N. I know this was supposed to be a one-shot but I had my friends' year 12 graduation a few days ago and it just reminded me of the bond formed between people regardless of what grade they are in and I just couldn't help but make another chapter. Let me know what you think :) )

I arrived early on graduation day – having not been able to sleep the previous night – not wanting to wait aimlessly around my house. Graduation had always been a big deal for me and I'd always found a way to celebrate for the year 12s. Because of this, I always gave gifts to the 12s every year when they graduated as a thank you for all they'd done for her and the music program. This year was no different.

I stood on the balcony overlooking the school's football field, the emptiness of the green stood as a reminder of calmness. In the midst of the quiet, I smiled and thought back to three days earlier when I'd given Savannah and Mackenzie their separate gifts from me.

I'd passed Mackenzie in the hall while she was talking to another one of her junior friends - the senior absolutely adored by their cohort – and she told me that she'd come find me before first break finished. When she finally came around, we walked to my locker to get the gift: a personalised bracelet. After giving her the gift and thanking each other for the past few years we'd had together – and many hugs – we went our separate ways to class when the bell rang. During that time, I'd mentioned how sad I was to see them go and lose my friends, but Mackenzie being the sweet girl she was, immediately grabbed my hands. "You're not losing anyone Kels, I am only a text away whenever you need me." I hugged my best friend and held on just a bit tighter knowing it would be one of the last times. The bell rang, making us go our separate ways to class but not before I half-jokingly begged to graduate with her.

At lunch, I was at my locker when Savannah came up behind me, pulling me into a hug. "Sorry it took so long to come see you, I haven't caught a break today." I smiled reassuringly and dismissed it, assuring her that it was fine, knowing that as the valedictorian, Savannah was always so busy. I sadly thought back to having to practically organise an 'appointment' to talk to my friend but pushed it aside in order to give my best friend and section leader her gift.

"It's just a little thank you for everything you've done for the last few years and dealing with me."

Savannah dismissed the comment and opened the jewellery box and sighed. "Kels, you didn't have to do this. Thank you." She said, pulling me into a hug - if you haven't guessed already we're a very affectionate and huggy group.

I shrugged slightly. "6 years is a long time Sav and you've done so much for me and been there for me."

"Gosh has it already been 6 years."

I was brought back to the present moment and looked down at the time: 7:20. With one last look around the peaceful scenery, I went to the theatre to set up for the graduation ceremony. A few minutes later, I saw Isla and Wren walk into the theatre and grabbed the gift bag I'd made for Isla, which consisted of messages from the band, a scrapbook and a frame of quotes from the musical – there was also a letter on the inside of the frame but I wasn't sure if they'd find it or not, either way I didn't mind. I only did gifts for Isla, Macklin, Mackenzie and Savannah from the band and one of the old band members who had since left, Jemma, because they are the seniors I'm closest to.

I saw Macklin a few minutes later and gave him his gift which was the same as Isla's, minus the frame since I thought it was a bit girly. I also apologised if he found the gifts a bit girly but he responded with 'it's the thought that counts.' Isla and Macklin were the guitarists in the band and had both played such a large part in the music program and I was going to miss them so much. Especially Isla, who would always let me sit with and the seniors when I didn't want to be with my grade.

The next person I saw was Mackenzie, about 20 minutes before the ceremony was due to start. I wanted to cry when she handed me a card and a little jewellery box with a necklace. "Kenz, you shouldn't have done this, it's your day." Mackenzie immediately dismissed it and I handed her the gift bag - which was the same as Isla's. "This is just a thank you for everything you've done over the years and to show how much we'll miss you. I love you Kenz and I know the rest of the band does too."

The senior smiled. "I love you too Kels, you're so strong and I know that you'll be amazing next year."

They walked back down to where the band was and I sighed. "Now just to find the others."

"Who else do you need?"

"I need to find Sav at some point and Jem."

"Well I'll send them your way if I see them."

With a final thanks and a hug, we went our separate ways to the graduation ceremony. It was bittersweet because I was so proud being able to watch them on stage with everything they've achieved but sad knowing that they'd be leaving and I'd have to let them go.


After the ceremony and the school went outside for the final traditions, I along with my other little piano players went to grab the last two gift bags, Jemma being there when we went to grab them after I'd messaged her earlier that morning. I ran to her, giving her a hug and grabbed the bag. "It's only small but I hope you like it, I know we haven't spoken much this year but I'm going to miss you so much."

Jemma smiled. "Thanks Kels."

With that, we all walked up to find Savannah amongst the seniors and their parents. Our group stood a few metres away, seeing Savannah talking to two of the other juniors she'd become close too – one of whom I had gotten to write a message for the senior much to my somewhat dismay as a result of my anxiousness around the girl but I pushed that aside – and we waited for our friend/section leader. We waited for a few more minutes whilst more people came to say goodbye – being valedictorian made her very popular amongst the students of East High.

When she finally turned to us, we swarmed her with a group hug, making her smile. I handed Savannah her gift bag – which consisted of the same as Isla and Mackenzie but with an extra gift: a jar of 100 notes reasons why we loved her and memories – and received an extra hug from the newly graduated senior. With a final photo at the request of Savannah's dad of all the pianists, the younger kids went their separate ways but I stayed behind wanting to say a few last words to my best friend. "I'm so proud of you Sav and I can't believe that you've actually graduated. You know we all adore you and don't want to see you leave but you'll do amazing. I love you."

She smiled and hugged me. "I love you too Kels."

Savannah's dad popped up once again and requested a photo – me being the one in bands with Savannah the longest – saying that "these are the memories that'd be remembered and cherished."

With one final hug, Savannah turned to me. "Well I've got a few more people I've gotta see."

"I'll miss you so much Sav."

"I'll miss you too but I'm not disappearing. I'll still come back for performances and everything, you just have to let me know when they are."

I smiled sadly. "I'll hold you to that."


By the next day, I had received messages from both Savannah and Mackenzie, thanking me for the gifts I gave them. I was so proud of them for graduating but couldn't help the emptiness I felt at their absence even if it had only been a few hours. But still I held onto the hope that they'd still come visit and our friendships would still be strong. But regardless of what happens in the next chapter of all our lives, I knew that they'd had an exceptional impact on my life and regardless of what the future holds for us and our friendship, they'd always be my family and we'd always be friends for life.