A Year with Mr. Arrogant 20

Abrielle

"My baby is going to graduate!" Mom pulled me against her chest, giving me a huge bear hug. I was about to die of lack of oxygen.

"Mom," I tried pulling away, and she finally let go once she saw me struggling.

"Sorry, honey. Do you have your speech memorized?" she questioned, her hands resting on my shoulders. I gave a nod with a smile. I was the valedictorian this year and I had to give a speech in front of everyone. I passed Ace's GPA by a quarter, other wise he would've made the speech.

"Make sure you don't trip up the stairs," Dad teased, rocking a sleeping Jazzy in his arms.

"Thanks Dad," I said, adding that sarcastic tone in my voice. What if I did embarrass myself going up the steps?

An arm wrapped around my waist and Ace appeared by my side. He looked absolutely cute in his blue graduation gown and cap. His family followed and we started a conversation.

~

I sat onstage with a few staff members, student council president, and the superintendent as Mr. Fetcher, our principal stood at the podium.

"Please welcome our twenty-eleven valedictorian, Abrielle Caldwell," Mr. Fetcher announced to the now applauding audience and school mates.

I walk up to the podium, directing my eyes around the large gym, full of people. I gulp, fighting back my fear of speaking in front of people. I shouldn't be fearful in front of these people, other than them picking on me in the beginning of the school year. It amazes me that exactly nine months had passed.

I saw him smiling at me in the front row. Brightest smile of them all. My parents raised their thumbs up while spreading their lips to a full smile, as dad held up his camera.

"Thank you, Mr. Fetcher for letting me speak today and thanks for the class of twenty-eleven for not protesting, seriously," I started the speech adding a little humor as everyone chuckled, "I really sat for hours yesterday trying to figure out what to say to you all drifting in and out of consciousness, like that guy," I pointed to a guy half asleep and everyone laughs louder, "but there are many possibilities. So, I guess from now on we will be acquainted with our adult selves starting today, let me reassure you that even I know it's not easy," I took a breath making eye contact with everyone and landing them on Ace,  "We might not remember all of the faces here today, but who knows you might get married to someone who went to this school."

My speech went on, and everyone started cheering and clapping. It was a good feeling actually. Everyone got their diplomas, and for the finale the air filled with blue caps.

Ace wrapped his arms just under my bottom and spun me around as I laughed, then set me back down.

"So, what are you going to do from now on?" Ace asked.

I roll my eyes, but it was a good question, because I was thinking of continuing my modeling career. It's still something new and it means I don't have to struggle much in life.

"I'm going to be by your side," I smiled, wrapping my arms around him and giving him a kiss.

~

The air filled with a cool summer breeze. I could see the water shimmering off an unusual glow as it slowly ripples around the yacht. We were having our graduation party on Ace's family yacht.

I took another gulp of a fancy beer I had in my hand. Deeply thinking about my life from now on.

"Don't drink too much, you don't want to get drunk," Ace came to my side, leaning against the rail.

"It's only my first beer tonight," I responded.

"I kind of wonder how you are when you are drunk," he lifted an eyebrow.

'Thirty minutes later'

"Ace I love you! I freaking love you! You know that right? Like this much," I slurred a bit, spreading my arms out all the way back.

"I'm not Ace," Jade snickered, shaking her head.

"You're not?" I questioned in a dramatic way adding a gasp, and she started to laugh even harder.

With that I started swaying in each step I took, going over to the dance floor, yelling Ace's name. A hand tightly grabs me by my forearm, and when I turn to see the person it's Ace.

"I turn around for one second to watch over the guest and your drunk?" Ace questioned, leading me inside the luxurious yacht.

"I only ha-had two, I promise," giggling falling to the soft carpeted ground like an idiot, and strong arms propped me back up.

"Who are you?" I slurred, swinging my head back, looking up at the ceiling and back at the person, "Ace!"

"I'm kind of scared taking care of a drunk person like yourself," Ace sighed, setting me down on the tan leather couch.

"Why don't you take care of me on the bed?" I questioned in a whisper, pulling him by the collar so he'd lay on top of me.

"As much as I want to, you're drunk," Ace answered.

"But why? Don't you want me? Don't you love me?" I asked, staring into his blue eyes, pouting out my bottom lip.

"Y-yes, I love you," he said in a serious tone, but I started to go unconscious feeling my eyes get heavy, not hearing what he said.

~

My head started to throb as I opened my eyes to the blinding sun rays coming through the large eight foot windows. Quickly shutting them back close, I felt someone lay beside me.

I turn to my other side and open my eyes to see Ace peacefully sleeping. I love waking up to him. I flinched when I felt another wave of throbbing pain shoot through my head. Ace slowly opened his eyes and pushed his self up with his arm.

"Hurts doesn't it?"

"I know how it feels, I remember the bachelorette party," I responded, placing my hand over my forehead.

"Drink some water," he said, getting out of bed with only his boxers on, heading into the bathroom.

Why does he seem off this morning?

~

I sat beside Ace, munching on popcorn as we watched Transformers. He hasn't said anything throughout the half hour of the movie, or hardly anything else throughout the day. Something is up, but I was too scared to ask.

His arm rested on the back of the couch over my shoulders. I laid my head back, and gazed up at the high ceiling. I didn't feel like watching the movie anymore. I gave out a tired groan to see if he would say anything.

Nothing.

I tried again and this time Ace snapped out of his thoughts, and turned his head towards me.

"Tired?" he asked, emotionless.

I frowned at him and dramatically whipped my head the other way, crossing my arms.

It took me twice to make him come out of his thoughts. What is he even thinking about in that head of his?

"Whats wrong?" I could point out the worry in his voice as he questioned.

"I should be asking you that," I responded, looking back at him.

"What do you mean?" he asked as if he really didn't know.

"You seem to be thinking too much today."

He blinked twice, keeping a poker face, " Yeah, I am."

Now it was my turn to wait for his answer, I wonder what his answer is.

"I don't think it's the right time to say it though," he said, making me think he was going to say something very important. Wait, what if he was thinking about proposing to me?

Was I ready?

"Please tell me," I said, out of curiosity.

Ace sighed and there was a silence.

"You know what you told me yesterday?" Ace asked, adjusting his posture so his body faced me.

I shook my head. I could've said anything.

"You told me that you love me and I don't know if it's true since you were drunk while you said those words."

I mentally gasped in my head, but then again, it was true, I did love Ace. He's the best thing thats ever happened to me. Like I said, I would would be nothing with out him. We've been through a lot and our bond is as strong as ever. So my answer to him?

"I do love you," I grabbed his hands placing it into mine.

A smile spread across his face and he launched his lips on mine, pulling back after a few seconds. Ace looked me in the eyes with a sincere expression on his face.

"I love you too, Elle."