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"Cheese!", we said taking our first picture together as high-school graduates. Me and Ericka have been like sisters since we were 2. We were so close, even our parents acted as if they were blood related. "That was a beautiful picture!", said Momma Jean bouncing on her toes. I giggled. Ericka definitely takes after her mother. Both of them have very bubbly personalities and remind you of faeries. They're short, with strawberry blonde hair, freckles and are equal parts beautiful and adorable. "Save some space on your phone for the party dear.", said Poppa Alan pulling her away giving us a wink. Me and Ericka looked at each other a giggled."Dad knows Mom so well. She was about to ask us for extra poses.", said Erica. I shrug. "You're and only child. They're only going to get to do this once.", I said. Eric and Edward walked over. They are Egris High's very own heart-throbs. They graduated the year before us but kept coming back to hang with me and Ericka. Eric was smitten with Ericka from our first day of high school. They've been a couple ever since. "Congrats, Darlin'.", he said kissing her. Ed threw his arm over my shoulder. "Congrats, Munch.", he said kissing me on the top of my head. Despite him being Cotton Bay's most sought after guy, to me he was my brother. "Thanks, ugly.", I said putting my arm on his waist. "Eva!", my mother called out walking over to us. We all turned in her direction. She held up a camera and the four of us posed for a picture. "Ooh!", she said tears welling up in her eyes. The guys said "Awww", and hugged her. She laughed. "I know, I know. No tears.", she said hugging them back. "We're going to make sure the villa is ready for the graduation party. It starts at 7 so you all can be fashionably late but please don't show up later than 8 pm. 9, tops.", said my Mom. "We will make sure they are there on time Momma Pat.", said Edward flashing his charming smile. "Boy! That smile don't work on me.", she said swatting him with the graduation program. Ed laughed and nods. "We will be there on time. We promise.", he said rubbing his arm like it hurt. My mother smiled and walked over to Dad.
"Where to first Graduates?", asked Eric. "That is a silly question.", sid Ericka pulling him along. Ed held me close as we walked. I figured out that he allows everyone to think we're together to keep the girls at bay. The twins are about six foot 2 inches tall and built. They're muscular and broad but their faces are striking and delicate. They have dirty blonde hair with a $200 haircut. Their light blue eyes are haunting. Since they graduated, The make sure to wear something that will make women drool. Today is no exception. Ed is rocking his 'bad boy' silver jewelry with a fitted Black t-shirt and relaxed fit blue jeans. His tattoos and appearance are dragging whispers and swoons from the single women in attendance. I shake my head as he smiles down at me. "You love the attention.", I said. "Who wouldn't? It's a boost to the ego.", he said in a whisper. I roll my eyes. "What happens when I can't be your shield next year?", I asked. Ed smirked. "I'll need to hire a bodyguard.", he said holding the cafe door open for me. Despite his looks, Ed is not as experienced as he may seem. His first girlfriend used him for his money and his second used him to sell sexy pics of him on the internet. He was heartbroken. Since then, Ed has used me as his shield.
"Congrats!", said Shelly as we walked through the door. We have come here everyday since we started high school. Either for lunch or after school for a snack. Sometimes both. Shelly has been there since day one. "Have a seat. Your order will be ready in a minute.", she said. toiling away behind the counter. We take our usual seats. "I'm going to miss this place when I leave for college.", I said with a hint of sadness in my tone. "No worries, Munch. I'll send you care packages once a week.", said Ed pulling out my chair. He is the perfect fake boyfriend. I smile up at him taking my seat. He sat next to me and pulled my chair closer. He's done this a million times but this time was different. He had a sly smile on his face coupled with an intense stare. I roll my eyes. "i am immune to your charms, Davenport.", I said shrugging off my graduation robe. I wore a blue dress with sunflower on it. The dress is strapless with A-line skirt. I made it myself.
Eric and Ericka are clearly enamored with each other. They haven't stopped whispering to each other and stealing kisses since we left the football field where our commencement ceremony was held. I shake my head. "Here you go.", said Shelly passing out our usual orders. They thanked her but went right back to their own little world. "Thanks, Shells.", said Ed giving her a dashing smile. Shelly blushed slightly, nods and walks away. "Do you have an off switch?", I asked Ed. "You're welcome to look for it.", he said leaning in. "You're acting weird.", I said keeping my cool. "Maybe I'm just finally seeing you.", he said his eyes lingering on my neck. I turn away from him picking up my latte. I take a sip and it's heaven in a cup. "Munch... Don't you find me the least bit attractive?", asked Ed in a whisper. "I see you as my brother. I've been your friend for four years. It would be weird if we started dating.", I said with conviction but in my mind I have thought about it. More than a few times. "I do love you, Ed. Our friendship means a great deal to me.", I said. Ed sits back with a smile on his face. "I love you too.", he said in his normal voice but the inflection gave me pause. I sip my latte ignoring his advances. 'What had gotten into him?', I ask m