I nodded silently and followed them, hot tears trickling down my cheeks. Gabriel took the wheel while I leaned against Xavier in the backseat. I looked over my shoulder one last time and saw Jake’s body floating in the water. What he’d put me through would probably haunt me for the rest of my existence, but he could no longer hurt me. I wanted to feel anger, but I felt only pity for him. He died as he had lived, alone and without ever having known love.
“Good-bye, Jake,” I whispered and turned my face away, burying it in Xavier’s chest. I felt him kiss the top of my head and his strong arms held me close as the Chevy roared to life and sped toward the gaping hole in the cave that had already begun to close over.
I had only one thought as the blackness closed in, drawing me back to my beloved earth. I was going back to the life I’d known before, the life I’d missed and longed for … but there in Xavier’s arms, I was already home.
Epilogue
ON the manicured lawns of Bryce Hamilton the seniors loitered under the bright June sunlight in their royal blue caps and gowns, faces glowing with excitement. Somehow, they didn’t look like teenagers in need of direction anymore; they were young people ready to make their own way in the world. College was still several months away and everyone was looking forward to the summer break. I knew Xavier had received offers from several colleges eager to recruit him into their ranks, especially those with all-star football teams.
Even though graduation wouldn’t impact on my future in the same way, I couldn’t help but get caught up in the flurry of nervous excitement. We were waiting for the signal for the procession to begin. Outside the auditorium I spotted Gabriel and his middle school choristers warming up for their closing performance of “Friends Forever,” a popular if clichéd choice as valedictory song.
Among the seniors the buoyant mood was contagious. The girls adjusted their caps and pinned back one another’s hair so it didn’t fall over their eyes and ruin the photographs. The boys were less concerned about appearance, focusing instead on vigorously shaking hands and thumping one another on the back. We were all wearing the class rings that had been delivered only days before. They were simple silver bands engraved with the school motto: LIVE. LOVE. LEARN.
Bryce Hamilton loved pomp and pageantry. Inside the auditorium invited guests and parents were taking their seats and fanning themselves with folded copies of the program. Ivy was sitting beside Dolly Henderson from next door, feigning interest in the neighborhood gossip. Waiting in the wings was Dr. Chester and the teaching staff in full academic regalia, the color of their hoods denoting their individual branch of expertise. The principal would give the opening address, and then as class president, Xavier would deliver the valedictory speech. He hadn’t had much time to prepare, but Xavier was a natural orator and I knew he’d be able to deliver an inspirational speech with just a few scribbled notes to guide him. From outside I spotted Bernie in the audience, trying to keep her youngest from clambering over each other and telling Nicola off for playing Peggle on her iPhone.
After the ceremony high tea would be served in the cafeteria, which had been transformed with white tablecloths and flower arrangements to befit the occasion. A professional photographer was already clicking away behind his camera lens, and I watched Abby and the girls apply fresh coats of lip gloss and make sure their caps were straight. I was looking forward to the part where we’d all throw our caps into the air — I’d seen the scene in several movies and wanted to experience it firsthand. Ivy had taped my name to the inside of mine so I’d be able to find it easily afterward.
The whole school was buzzing with a strange energy. But amid the excitement was an underlying wistfulness. Molly and her friends would never sit out in the quad again; this position would be passed on to the next group of seniors who could never be quite the same. The days of skipping class, cramming for exams, and flirting with boys at the lockers in between periods were over. School had united us; we were expected to pursue our own lives now, and chances were, we’d never all be in the same place again.
I wanted the ceremony to hurry up and start. I was so caught up in the excitement I almost forgot I was a mere onlooker in all of this. I felt entirely human, like I should be worrying about college applications and my future career prospects. I had to remind myself that this life was not meant for me. The best I could do was share in the experience through Xavier and my friends.
Molly appeared by my side and threw her arms around me.
“My God, it’s so sad!” she cried. “I’ve spent the last four years complaining about this place and now I don’t want to leave.”
“Oh, Molly, you’ll be okay,” I said, tucking a wayward corkscrew curl behind her ear. “It’s ages till college.”
“But I’ve spent thirteen years of my life at this school,” Molly said. “It’s weird to think I’m never coming back. I know everybody in this town; it’s my home.”
“And it always will be,” I said. “College is going be an amazing adventure, but Venus Cove will still be here when you come back.”
“But I’ll be so far away!” she wailed.
“Molly.” I laughed and hugged her. “You’re going to ’Bama — it’s one state away!”
She giggled and sniffed. “I guess so, thanks, Bethie.”
I felt a hand wrap around my waist and then Xavier’s lips were at my ear.
“Can I talk to you?” he murmured. I turned and looked up at him. The blue of the graduation gown emphasized the color of his eyes and his silky walnut hair wasn’t even mussed by the cap.
“Sure, what’s up?” I asked. “Are you nervous?”
“No,” Xavier said.
“Is your speech ready? I haven’t heard any of it!”
“We’re not staying.” Xavier delivered this earth-shattering statement with surprising equilibrium.
“Excuse me?” I said. “Why not?”
“Because it doesn’t mean anything to me anymore.”
“Don’t be ridiculous.”
“I’ve never been more serious in my life.”
I still didn’t believe him. “I think today is turning everybody weird,” I said. “Don’t you want to graduate?”
“I’ll graduate whether I attend the ceremony or not.”
I saw then that his eyes were bright and his smile made his whole face radiant. He was actually serious about leaving.
“You’re giving the valedictory speech!”
“It’s taken care of. Wes is stepping in for me. Wasn’t cheap though.”
I stared at him. How could he make jokes when he was about to walk out on one of the most momentous events of his life? Everybody expected him to lead the ceremony — it wouldn’t be the same without him.
“Your parents will never forgive you,” I said. “Why don’t you want to stay? Aren’t you feeling well?”
“I feel fine, Beth.”
“Then why?”
“Because there’s something much more important I want to do.”
“What could be more important than you graduating?”
“Come with me and you’ll find out.”
“Not until you tell me where we’re going.”
“Don’t you trust me?”
“Of course I do.” I nodded ardently. “But I’ve never seen you do anything this … you know … reckless.”
“Funny, I don’t feel reckless,” he said. “I’ve never felt more in control.”
Bryce’s marching band started up the procession and the students began filing into the auditorium to take their places on the stage. A teacher on duty was counting them in by tens. I could see Molly searching for me in the crowd as we’d planned to sit together. The school captains always filed in last because their seats were in the front row. I looked over at Gabriel. He was escorting his choir backstage, but he must have sensed something was up because he threw me a questioning look over his shoulder. I smiled and gave him a feeble wave in return, hoping I gave off the signal that everything was under control. Xavier was looking at me expectantly.