Chapter 40— Graduation and Cruise Prep
Lyra's POV
The morning of graduation dawns bright and clear, the sunlight spilling across Lumera like it's celebrating with us. I sit at my vanity, brushing the curls of my hair carefully and adjusting the pearls in my updo. The sapphire gown I'd chosen for prom feels like yesterday's memory, replaced now with the crisp elegance of my graduation attire.
Mom peeks in, smiling softly. "Your tassel should go on the right side first, Sol. Today is your day."
I smile faintly, tugging at my necklace — the little star Evan gave me years ago. So much has happened since I first wore it, and yet, somehow, it still feels like a symbol of where I've come from and what I'm stepping toward.
The ceremony hall is packed with families, friends, and teachers, all cheering and snapping photos. I glance around, spotting the group before the line-up begins. Evan catches my eye, his suit perfectly tailored, hair slightly tousled, and that lazy, comforting smile plastered across his face. My chest flutters.
The ceremony moves swiftly — speeches, applause, and finally, the moment we've all been waiting for. Tassels switch sides, and diplomas are in hand. When my name is called, I step onto the stage, heart racing, and shake the principal's hand. Everything feels surreal — the culmination of years of hard work, challenges, and memories.
After the ceremony, the group gathers outside. Soraya and Saphira are laughing loudly, taking endless photos, Cassian tries to pretend he's cool but can't stop grinning, and Aveline is buzzing with excitement, already plotting celebrations. Evan slides an arm around my shoulders, and I lean into him.
"You did amazing, Sol," he murmurs. "I'm so proud of you."
I smile, squeezing his hand. "Thanks… couldn't have done it without you all."
Between hugs, high-fives, and family congratulations, we take a moment to talk about what's next. For me, that means architecture — the dream I've been carrying for years, inspired by my mom and the designs I've sketched endlessly in my notebooks. "I'm finally going to study architecture," I tell them, voice light but excited. "I can't wait to design spaces that make people feel… like this."
Evan smiles, brushing his thumb across my hand. "I know you'll be incredible, Sol. And I can't wait to see everything you create."
Once the day settles into a quieter rhythm, attention shifts to the cruise — the final senior list adventure. The group is buzzing with ideas, packing lists, and tentative itineraries. It's our last hurrah before college, before real-world responsibilities tug at us in different directions.
"I can't believe we're finally doing this," Saphira says, practically vibrating with excitement. "It's going to be epic!"
Cassian smirks. "I already packed sunscreen. Don't want to fry before the pool party."
Soraya laughs, rolling her eyes. "Priorities, Cassian. Always."
I glance at Evan, who is quietly scribbling something in his notebook. When I raise an eyebrow, he smirks. "Just some cruise logistics. Don't want Sol stressing about anything."
My chest warms. He's still so considerate, so subtly thoughtful. That's Evan — always looking out for everyone, always quietly making life easier without making a fuss.
That evening, back at my house, Mom helps me pack. "Your designs, your notebooks, your sketching pencils," she says, piling items carefully into my luggage. "Don't forget anything you might need."
"I won't," I promise, slipping my sketchbook into the bag last. I can't imagine going on an adventure without it — inspiration strikes anywhere, even on a cruise.
Evan and the group stop by to drop off some last-minute supplies and snacks. The house is filled with laughter, teasing, and excitement. Evan pulls me aside briefly, handing me a small envelope.
"What's this?" I ask.
He shrugs, grinning. "Just a little guide for the trip. You'll see."
I open it later, finding little notes he wrote — suggestions for activities, quiet moments for sketches, even reminders to relax and enjoy. My chest flutters, and I tuck it into my bag, smiling faintly.
Finally, the day of the cruise arrives. The sky is clear, the sea sparkling in shades of turquoise and deep blue. As I step onto the ship, the wind in my hair, Evan beside me, and the group buzzing with excitement, I feel a bubble of pure joy. This is it — the culmination of the senior list, the adventures, the memories, and the growth.
I glance at Evan, who takes my hand in his, thumb brushing softly across my knuckles. "Ready for the last item on our list?" he asks, voice teasing but warm.
I laugh, squeezing his hand back. "Ready as I'll ever be."
The cruise promises laughter, new experiences, and quiet moments of reflection. As the ship sails away from Lumera, I glance back at the city I've grown up in, the friends who've stood by me, and the love that's slowly been blooming beside me.
Architecture awaits, the world waits, and yet, for this week, the sea, the friends, and Evan are all that matters. For the first time in a long while, I feel completely at peace — ready to step into adulthood, into my dreams, and into a love that's patient, kind, and steady.
And as the ship cuts through the sparkling waves, I know that this adventure — this final senior list journey — is exactly what I needed to close one chapter and start the next.
I did it. I survived highschool!