Together

Everything went as practiced, dragging on for far too long, and eventually the program finished so people's names could start being called. Ivy was fairly close to the front since her last name started with C.

When she went up to get her diploma and shake her hand with the principal she heard her family cheering for her. Especially Ethan. His yells were rather distinct.

She felt an upsurge of affection for him as giddiness took over. She actually did it! She was done and would finally be able to study what she wanted, barring a few general ed classes.

Her heart continued to swell with excitement up until the point where she heard Carson's name called and saw him get his diploma. He caught her eye and grinned on his way back to his seat.

Ivy really couldn't have done this without him. She owed him so much but he was the kind of person who would never expect to be repaid for his kindness. That didn't mean she wasn't going to try anyway.