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Chapter twenty two: Graduation

Today was graduation and after the last few weeks especially I was so happy for it to be over. Evan decided on not talking with me and I learnt how to be okay with that. He never admitted to cheating on me; it just seemed like I didn't exist in his world anymore.

In a few days I'll be off to Scotland with Henry and I was ever so happy for the distraction; a new scenery for my mind to be focused on. That's what I needed. And of course the correct company.

"You look good in a cap" Henry teased as he looped an arm around my shoulders. Blushing I peered a look over to him "not too bad yourself Mr brit"

Smirking he shook his head "so it's all over now. No more school- just college and job prospects" Henry said in a doom and gloom tone. "Truthfully I have no idea what I want to do so I think a holiday is the best way to solve things"

Stifling a laugh I nodded "a holiday will definitely solve all our problems"

Scratching the back of my neck I watched as Evan walked past me with a short blonde. She looked his type all over and it pained me still; even though I knew I was the better person. I mean- I didn't cheat did I.

"You're going to get through this eventually, okay?" Henry said with a saddened look "I'll make sure you're back to your old self in no time"

I rested my head into his arm "you're right, why am I even sad ? I would never treat someone like that"

Katie walked over to us which made me inwardly groan- why does she always appear at the worst times. "Your boyfriend looks all cute over there with Emily, doesn't he ?"

Scoffing I rolled my eyes "sure go ahead. Take the piss. I really cannot be arsed to even be affected by your words"

Katie pursed her lips together "is that so? Well I'm just happy I got to be apart of the love story" she said with adoring eyes- truthfully it was sickening.

"I'm going to act like I understand what that means but for now; kindly fuck off" I spat with disdain.

Katie raised her hands in the air "aww you poor baby. Have I hit a sore spot ?"

Henry put a hand on Katie's shoulder with dark eyes "fuck off and go do what your best at which is sucking dick"

Choking on my saliva I turned to Henry with a laugh erupting from my mouth.

Katie didn't know how to respond so instead she glared at both of us and walked away briskly- leaving me and Henry buckled over in a fit of laughs and tears.

"That was actually amazing" I complimented with my mouth gaped open in shock. "You did her dirty"

Henry shrugged "it's the most I could do"

Julie ushered for me to come over which I did, but by her side was the infamous Evan Peters; of course. Though that was to be expected. "Come on, I need a photo!" She exclaimed with a happy expression.

Frowning I gingerly stood next to Evan who also looked just as uncomfortable. "Big smile please-

"Can Henry get in one too?" I cut in with pleading eyes which Julie nodded. "Sure thing, bring him over"

Evan scoffed and whispered under his breath "of course"

Raising an eyebrow I went to ask what he meant but Henry was already by my side with the camera faced in our direction.

"On the count of three"

"One"

"Two"

"Three"

"Happy graduation !" We all sung in sync though mine and Evan's wasn't as enthusiastic.

Once the photo was taken I quickly scurried away; not wanting to be around Evan for any longer than I was.

That man broke me.

He totally ripped my heart out and stamped all over it.

"You okay?" Henry quizzed

I sighed "not really. Though he did say 'of course' when you came over which doesn't make any sense"

Henry scratched the back of his neck in thought "I would like to know what that meant to"

I shrugged "suppose we never will. Now should we go round yours and have some much needed celebration drinks?"

Henry nodded with starry eyes "I would absolutely love that"

**

Three days later

"I'm all packed and ready to go" I mumbled to myself as I put the last of my clothes in my suitcase. I was happy to be getting away from this place for a little while. Least when I got back I had the peace of mind Evan would be in Los Angeles for his acting career.

"You definitely have everything? Toothbrush ? Hairbrush ? Underwear?" Julie rambled on as she paled in colour.

I placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder "it's going to be just fine! I've got everything"

She chuckled "just making sure. This is a big trip you're doing. I don't want you to forget anything"

I nodded gratefully "thank you for your concern. I'm eighteen.. ready to explore this world" I breathed

Julie pulled me in for a tight hug and whispered in my ear "I'm sorry things didn't work out for you and Evan but I know he still cares for you"

I toyed with my thumbs "I doubt that. But that's fine, some things just aren't meant to be"

Brushing imaginary dust from my clothes Julie helped me take my things downstairs where nerves suddenly caught up to me. I had never travelled before so this was massive.

"I.. hope you have a good time" Evan blurted out with as he walked into the lounge.

Gulping I turned my head away "thanks"

Julie bit down on her lower lip before turning away "I'll leave you two to talk"

I gave her pleading eyes to stay but she of course didn't catch on and continued her way out of the lounge which made me freeze.

"Why do you hate me so much" Evan said with pure bewilderment spread across his face.

Taken back I raised my eyebrows "I'm not entertaining this. Not today"

Even stepped closer to me and looked even more perplexed "are you forgetting that you're the one who ended things with me?"

I nodded "I sure did, but for good fucking reasons"

Evan rubbed his temples "I have done nothing wrong to you- you're acting like I'm a monster. I only hate you because of what you did"

"What I fucking did?!" I spat with shock "please enlighten me Evan! I'm all ears"

Evan swallowed thickly and sadness washed over him "you cheated on me Maeve. You don't have to hide it because I know that you did"

Scoffing I suddenly became incredibly frustrated and angry; how dare he?

"Excuse me. I never cheated on you. I would never hurt you like you hurt me" I screamed breathlessly. "I mean come on, right at school too for everyone to see? Did you know how humiliating that was!"

Evan crossed his arms and paled in colour "y-you saw that?"

I nodded "I sure did. I sure fucking did. So this was all some ploy because I hurt you somehow ? Because I apparently cheated on you?"

"I- I got told that you had been seeing Henry behind my back. I was even shown photographs. What are you telling me?"

Suddenly my stomach twisted into knots, what was he talking about ? "Who.. told you this and what photographs ?"

Evan passed me a photo that was conveniently lodged in his back pocket "I kept it to remind myself how much I hate you" he stated truthfully.

I opened the crumpled photo and saw Henry kissing a girl with dark hair like me- but it wasn't me. I never kissed Henry.

"Evan, this is a set up" I stated strongly with tears prickling my eyes "we were set up"

"That would make sense.. because Emily was the one who kissed me that day. Because I was so hurt I didn't back away from it and-

"And they knew I would be right there to see it" I choked with dismay "this is all Katie's doing"