His name booms over the loudspeaker. “Justin Taylor”, the entire row, Debbie, Emmett, Michael, Ben, Mel, Lindz, Gus, and yes, me, stand up and cheer him. His smile makes the May sunshine seem dim in comparison as he picks up his diploma and crosses the stage.
We all go back to Debbie's, although he’s lived with me for the last two years. I find him in his old room, staring at the parchment. “Weird.”
I wrap my arms around him. “I knew you could do it.”
He tilts his head so I can kiss his neck. “I wasn’t so sure.”
~~~ ~~~ I really wasn’t always sure, but he has a way of pushing that reminds you how strong you can be. When my book was published, when it made the non-fiction bestseller list, when I wanted to hide myself and my past but no longer could… he was there. When my senior project won not only accolades but also a spot in a prestigious gallery, he took it as my due.
I turn around in his arms. “Who would have thought I could make more selling my art than my ass?”