???? ????? ???????, p lahote (on hold)

⎯ AINT NO PARTY LIKE A VAMP PARTY

JOAN SAT WITH THE REST OF THE GRADUATING CLASS, HER HEART POUNDING A LITTLE FASTER THAN USUAL. The ceremony was just like every other high school graduation she had seen on TV—long speeches, caps and gowns, proud parents snapping photos. It should've felt like a dream come true, but all Joan could focus on was the tight knot of nerves in her stomach. She had worked so hard to get here, and now it felt like the future was both exciting and terrifying at the same time.

Jessica's voice rang out over the microphone, loud and confident as she began her speech. Joan turned her attention to the girl at the podium, trying to focus on the words.

"Our answers were things like astronaut, president... or in my case, princess," Jessica said, a playful grin on her face. The crowd chuckled, and Joan's lips twitched upward in a smile.

Jessica's speech continued, talking about how when they were younger, they had big dreams and unrealistic ideas about their futures, but now, it was time to make serious decisions. "Well, how 'bout this: who the hell knows?" she said, causing a burst of laughter from the audience.

Joan laughed along with everyone else, but inside, she couldn't help but feel that twinge of anxiety. Who the hell knew what the future held for her? The only thing she was sure about was the people standing beside her, like Paul, Aunt Edith, and the others who had supported her every step of the way.

Jessica kept talking about the importance of mistakes, of taking risks, and of embracing change. Joan found herself half-listening, half-lost in her own thoughts. It was true; life was full of unexpected turns, but Joan had always prided herself on her ability to adapt. Still, she couldn't shake the feeling that things were shifting around her, and she wasn't entirely sure she was ready for it.

When Jessica finished her speech, the audience cheered, and the moment felt more real than ever. The graduation had begun.

Joan's name was called soon after. She stood up, smoothing her gown and adjusting her cap, trying to keep the nerves at bay. As she walked across the stage, her eyes found Paul in the crowd. He was sitting a few rows back, his broad smile shining through the sea of people. His eyes met hers, and she waved at him, her smile widening. Paul winked at her in return, giving her a quick thumbs-up. The gesture filled her with a warm sense of pride and calm, like everything was right in the world.

At the same time, she saw Aunt Edith sitting proudly nearby, her face glowing with happiness. Joan sent her a small smile as she stepped up to receive her diploma, shaking the principal's hand. The sound of applause swirled around her, but it felt distant, almost surreal.

Once she had her diploma in hand, Joan walked off the stage, her heart still racing with the adrenaline of the moment. She caught Paul's eye again, and this time he grinned, giving her another thumbs-up. Joan couldn't help but feel a sense of comfort knowing he was there, even if he wasn't sitting near her.

As she made her way back to her seat, she glanced around the crowd. She spotted Bella, who was sitting a few rows ahead of her. Bella seemed a little distant, almost lost in thought, her focus somewhere else despite the ceremony happening all around her. Joan's brow furrowed slightly. Bella had been acting strange lately, and she could feel it, even now. But there would be time to talk later, she knew that.

As the ceremony continued, Joan felt her heart still pounding in her chest, her excitement and anxiety intertwined. But it was over now. She had crossed the stage, received her diploma, and her future was waiting, even if she didn't know exactly what it looked like yet.