SAGE

Sage Miller

Everything about Ransom Everglades is luxuries, from the parking lot to the sign at the gate.

I've only been here a couple of times before and I can tell you that they take luxury to a different level.

Last time I was here I came to watch Styles play and eliminate the team that eliminated us. It seems like a lifetime ago but it was just last November.

But I'm not here for that today. Today is a special day for me and Eve, not to mention Alora.

She never believed she could graduate, She didn't believe in herself. I understand her in a way. She spent the whole senior year spiralling and drinking.

But I've seen how hard she worked towards the end of the year. She made an effort towards her education.

Now I'm here to see both of the graduate. I'm proud of both of them. she's doing something I would never do.

She's fulfilling my dream.

I stood next to my house and looked around. Parents and their children buzzing with life and excitement.

I let myself slip into a lot of sadness knowing that dad would want to be here. He'd be so happy and proud of her little princess. Just as I am.

Even if I did want to graduate I would never have this. My parents would never take pictures with me and tell me their proud because I have none.

At least Has her mother, Wren. It would be sad if she didn't have her. That's my comfort. She has Wren.

I shook my head to get my mind out of that thought. Alora and Eve were behind me looking extremely excited.

"I'm so nervous right now." Eve said clutching my right arm.

I chuckled and side glanced at her.

"You'll be fine." I reassured her smiling. "You've practiced that speech too many times."

"Yeah. You'll be excellent like always." Alora said. I detected the sad tone in her voice but chose to let it go for now.

I didn't need anymore sadness for today.

"It's just that_" Eve started then looked down like she's was struggling on what to say. "Nothing."

She whispered softly and sad. I know what's her problem. No matter how hard she tried she's still hung up on his stupid ex. I just wish he doesn't show up tonight because God help me.

I've dealt with so many fucking meltdown courtesy of that asshole in the past month. Eve is doing much better now and him being here will set her back.

I pulled my sister in and hugged her. I placed a soft kiss on her temple.

"I love you sis and don't worry to much. You'll rock the stage, I heard your speech waaaaay to many times. It's awesome." I encouraged her. "Now get over to Wren she calling for you."

She turned around and looked at them. She then looked at me. I smiled warmly at her and gestured for her to go.

"I'll be back okay." I nodded and she walked away.

Today was one of the good days for her. She was bubbly and buzzing with excitement.

All this time Smurf was quiet. I looked at her and realised that she's miles away in thought.

"Earth to Smurf." I snapped my finger in her face and she jolted right back to reality.

"What? You were saying?" She asked confused. I gave her a look and shook my head.

"What's wrong Al?" I asked softly. She opened her mouth but I spoke before her. "And don't tell me nothing."

She opened her mouth then closed it again. She seemed to be at lost for words. She tried to hide her long and sad face but she failed.

"You know you can tell me anything. I'm always here for you." I urged her. I gave her little push.

"It's silly and petty." She tried to brush it off but I can see that whatever it was. It was eating her inside.

"It's not silly or petty." I brushed her cheek with the back of my hand.

"It's just that__" She started. "Look at her." I followed her line of sight and saw that her eyes were in my sister. I frowned confused.

about her?" I asked hesitantly. I'm not sure I wanted to hear her

did, we wouldn't get along at all. I'm protective

daughter. She excelle in everything she does. She's so beautiful. Look at her." She said. "She's so

happy with them.

see how much they adore Eve. but I still didn't get what does that

turned back to

to do with you

My father barely pays attention to me. I'm a disappointment to him and a failure." She started and my brows pecked up in

and making my

I started but she cut me

first real friend I ever made by myself. I didn't have to follow Linkin

know that." I

I met her. She was always my friend and then I met you. But that doesn't change what I am. I'll always be a failure. I'm not perfect like her and

she can be the way she is. I wanted to tell her that she

beautiful woman next to me who didn't feel enough in

see you. The real you. You don't need to be like Eve. You are not a failure." I explained

just saying that because that's what I want to hear."

maybe am not. I've known you long enough to give you a review of yourself." I said firmly

herself with my eyes. Maybe she could see how worthy she is,

you want to. I don't think you're barely graduating because you are a failure. No. I think it's because

eyes watered but she

Don't forget that." I lightly pushed her but she

a lot better now."

want her to be happy and see herself like I see her. Her father is a

startled us. She said as she waved a finger up and down at us. "So

broke off the

is about to start." Eve urged and I groan. I wanna see her graduate but the sitting through the whole ceremony will be torture. I can't even sit still for ten minutes.

told me and pulled Alora as she

relationship and I sort of like her. After all how could I not because she's a replica of Eve. Her

thing out. I saw Alex and Ben doing the same thing. I smiled

by listing this year's accomplishments, from football to swimming

legs. I've been

back of my neck stand. Horrified I look closely but

I told not to show up. He promised

Fucking Styles.

remember specifically telling him not to show up and he agreed he wouldn't.

night. I don't want him to ruin it for

told him, calming myself and

kept on glancing on the direction I saw

you alright?" Wren asked

I'm fine." I

scanned the whole room and at the far end of the auditorium I

on something else. I follow his eyes and they are focused on Eve. I growled low, fighting the edge to

I wanna kick his sorry ass for showing up but my heart sank when I saw the look in

something you want so close yet so far. I felt pity for him.

own will I decide to let him be. If he's not causing

let me kick his ass. Not with that look on his

as they started calling names.

patiently until it was Eve's turn. They called her on stage and everyone

and blushed looking away. She then made eye contact with

got this. I believe in you.' I mouthed to her. She gave me a small nod

smiled and she started

most if you know, I'm Evernly Miller and apparently I'm your valedictorian." Everyone chuckled

glance at Styles and

here because our dream to graduate high school came true. Many things I could say today have already been said: drugs mess up your

every

could reminisce about the last four years. Instead I think it's more important we focus on where

even louder when she finished. They all stood up and

a glimpse of Styles'

settled down I looked again but found the seat he

won't see him. That didn't give me the relief I thought it would. I felt so much heaviness in my heart for the lost

eyes. They were empty. But when he chucked, I saw a glimpse of the man he