18Graduation Day was just three weeks away and as much as she tried to focus on her studies, Avery's mind kept drifting to the future.
Even during her favorite class, creative writing, Avery often found herself fidgeting with her long auburn hair, her gray-green eyes hazy as she stared off into space.
In just a few weeks, she would be ripped from the world she knew and thrust into a new one full of uncertainty and novelty.
The hardest part would be saying goodbye to Beth Simon, her roommate of three years. The two had met in a freshman year class and had been inseparable ever since. Beth was headed to graduate school at Vanderbilt in Nashville, Tennessee, and Avery would be working at a travel magazine in Arizona. Both girls were following their dreams, but wishing the paths could have ended in proximal destinations. However, they knew they had to do what they had to do, and it might not work out exactly the way they wanted.
Beth was really one of the strongest ties Avery had formed during her four years at Iowa State University. She had dated, but none of the relationships had been lasting and meaningful. She hadn't really wanted any of them to. Well, except one, which had ended in friendship, which was just as well.
Nolan Carson would always hold a special place in her heart, though she knew he would always just see her as a friend. He had been there during rough times-fights with Beth and her grandfather's illness-providing a soft shoulder and plenty of comic relief. That was perhaps what attracted Avery to him most. Aside from his sandy blonde hair and ice blue eyes, Nolan had the ability to make her smile even when she least wanted to. He had a sarcastic sense of humor that appealed to a lot of girls, Avery included. He was a terrific friend too-Avery knew he would do anything for her.
The friendship had never moved beyond platonic and Avery knew it never would. Their time had passed. Avery was certain that she would not see Nolan again after graduation, even though he teased that he'd mooch off of her when he came down for his cheap spring break. Avery knew it was only a matter of time before their communication and, sadly, their friendship came to an end.
True to graduation weekend tradition, Avery spent Friday night out with friends, enjoying drink specials at various bars in town. It was pretty uneventful, but nevertheless a good time.
Saturday afternoon, Avery was sitting in her room on her computer looking at the boxes sitting around her room waiting to be packed. Brrring, she heard, indicating that someone had sent her an instant messenger.
Glancing at her computer screen, Avery saw the message was from Nolan. If it had been anyone else, she would have ignored the message, but with Nolan, she never ignored it.
"Hey Shortcake! Are you there?" it read.
Shortcake was the nickname Nolan had given Avery after seeing pictures of her as a child. Her short red hair had been so curly, she'd resembled Strawberry Shortcake for part of her young life.
"Yep, I'm here," Avery typed back.
"What's up?" Nolan asked.
"Not much. Just packing up and getting organized," Avery responded.
"I still can't believe you're graduating," Nolan said.
"Me neither," Avery replied. "These past four years have gone by so fast."
"Too fast," Nolan said. "And why do you have to move so far away?"
"Sorry," Avery said. "I have to follow my dream."
"I guess," Nolan said.
There was a long pause then, neither really knowing what to say.
"What are you doing tonight?" Nolan asked.
"Going out with Beth and a few other girls," Avery said. "Want to join us?"
"Me and a bunch of girls? I don't know," Nolan said. "I'll just see if Brent and the guys are going out. Maybe I'll meet up with you though?"
"Sounds like a plan," Avery said. "We're going to Paddy's, as usual."
"I figured as much," Nolan said. "Well, I'll let you get back to packing. See you tonight."
"Bye," Avery said, before closing the chat screen.
Avery returned to packing and organizing, humming along with her radio as she worked. The next time she looked at the clock it read 6:35 p.m.
"Oh no!" Avery said aloud. "I'm supposed to be ready to go out at 7:30!"
Hurriedly, she pushed things aside and ran to shower. By the time Beth returned from work, Avery was out of the shower and putting the finishing touches on her wardrobe.
"You look great!" Beth said, entering the bathroom the girls shared.
"Thanks," Avery said. "Are you almost ready?"
"Yeah," Beth said. "I'm just going to change and touch up my make-up."
"How was work?" Avery shouted as Beth went into her room to change.
"Good," Beth said. "But kinda sad since it was my last day."
"I bet," Avery replied.
The girls chatted as they finished getting ready and then headed out to meet their friends at Paddy's.
Their early arrival guaranteed them a good table and the first round of drinks went down smoothly as the girls talked, listened to music, and watched all of the patrons filtering in.
Within a few rounds, Avery was certainly feeling the effects of the alcohol. She wasn't the type of girl to get drunk all the time, but this weekend, she felt she deserved it. It was her graduation weekend, and she was going to enjoy it.
As she staggered up to the bar to get her sixth Long Island, she felt a hand on her shoulder. When she turned around to see who it was, she met a pair of ice blue eyes she knew could only belong to one person-Nolan Carson.
"Hey," he said. "Are you okay?"
"I'm perfect!" Avery responded. "I'm really drunk."
"I can see that," Nolan said.
"Are you drunk?" Avery asked.
"Not yet, but I'm working on it," he replied.
"Let me help you," she said. "I'll buy you a drink."
"Oh, that's not necessary," Nolan said.
"No, but I want to buy you one," Avery said. "Just for being my bestest friend ever."
"I see," Nolan said with a chuckle.
Instead of a drink, Avery opted to buy the two of them a shot. She selected the whiskey pickle, which had long been one of her favorites. After the shot, Avery bought herself a drink and returned to her table with Nolan on her heels.
All of the girls greeted Nolan as Avery settled back into her seat. As the evening continued, Avery became more and more intoxicated. Nolan continued to keep an eye on her. Eventually, Avery's group of friends dissipated and left her at the bar with Nolan.
"Where did Beth go?" Nolan asked, after returning from the bar with a glass of water for Avery.
"She went home with Brent," Avery said. "It's sort of their last night together, so she's going to stay there."
"And how are you supposed to get home?" Nolan asked.
"Won't you take me?" Avery asked, fluttering her eyelashes at Nolan.
"Sure," Nolan said. "But not until you drink all your water."
Avery mocked a pouting face, but downed her glass of water and then another. As soon as both glasses of water were gone, Nolan took Avery by the arm and led her outside to his car. When they arrived back at Avery's dorm, Nolan helped her take off her shoes and settle into bed.
"You're not leaving, are you?" Avery asked.
"What else am I supposed to do?" Nolan asked, confused.
"Stay here with me," she replied with a coy smile. "You can take Beth's bed, or there's plenty of room here with me."
Nolan wasn't sure what to make of Avery's personality change. He was sure it was due to all the alcohol she'd ingested earlier, but he wasn't sure whether he liked it or not. She was not usually so bold and flirtatious.
"I'll take Beth's bed. Just let me know if you need anything," Nolan said, settling himself into the bed opposite Avery's.
"Alright," Avery said, sounding a little disappointed. "Goodnight Nolan."
"Goodnight," Nolan responded.
When Avery awoke the next morning, Nolan was gone, but he had left her a note. It said that he'd gone home but he would see her at commencement. As she sat up, Avery felt the remnants of her night of fun pounding through her head. She moaned and got up slowly, heading for the shower. She knew she had to get ready fast, for her family would arrive in just three hours.
After commencement, Nolan sought out Avery and her family so he congratulate her. As he did so, Avery's mother insisted on taking a photo. The two squeezed together for a quick snap, and exchanged a few more words. After a few moments and promises to get together before Avery left for Arizona, Nolan gave her a final hug and waved goodbye.
"He seems like a nice boy," Avery's mother said. "How come you don't date him?"
"Mo-om," Avery said, rolling her eyes, although she wouldn't admit to her mother that the idea wasn't completely repulsive.
"What? I'm just asking," her mother replied.
"We're just friends," Avery said. "That's all we've ever been and it's all we ever will be."
"Okay," her mother said. "If you say so."
Two days later, Avery was knocking on the door of Nolan's new apartment. He and two friends had gone together for the place and Nolan was eager to show it off. Immediately after she'd arrived, he showed her around proudly. Then he told her to settle on the couch while he finished preparing the meal. Avery was quite impressed. Not only was the place nice and well decorated, but Nolan was cooking. Granted he was just grilling, but it was impressive nonetheless.
As they ate, Nolan asked Avery about her departure date and about her upcoming move. She admitted she was nervous about going to a new place, something she'd discussed only with Beth, but excited at the same time. "It's just so far away," Avery said. "I'm afraid I won't like it or I won't meet anyone."
"You'll meet people," Nolan said. "Within weeks, you'll have all the guys chasing you."
"Whatever," Avery said, blushing. "But thank you."
The two talked for awhile after that before retiring to the living room area to watch a movie.
As the movie played, they sat side by side, never quite touching, but close. At one point, Avery got tired and felt herself nodding off. Nolan took note and put an arm around her, urging her to rest her head on his shoulder. Though the move shocked Avery a little, somehow it just felt right and she took him up on the offer. It didn't take long for her to doze off and she slept peacefully, at least until Nolan woke her up an hour later.
"Avery," he whispered.
"Huh?" she said, slowly lifting her head and turning to look at him.
"Do you want to stay here tonight?" he asked.
"I wish I could, but I'm supposed to leave tomorrow and I still have lots to do," she said, standing up to stretch.
"Are you sure you can drive home okay?" Nolan asked, looking concerned.
Avery nodded, "I'll be fine."
"Well, be sure to call me when you get home, so I know you got there," he said.
The pair was silent as he escorted Avery to her car.
"Well, I guess this is goodbye for now," she said.
"Yeah, I guess it is," he said, looking at the ground. "I'm really going to miss you."
"I'll miss you too," Avery replied, opening her arms for a hug.
Nolan pulled her to him and held her for a few moments. It all felt so right, standing like that underneath the moonlight, but Avery attempted to shake the feeling. Foolish, she thought to herself, you're leaving in less than 24 hours, and you know Nolan's just a friend.
When she pulled away, she looked up at Nolan and saw a few tears in his eyes. In response, her eyes got teary as well. They stood in silence, just looking at one another for a few minutes, and then it happened. Slowly, he lowered his face and touched her lips with his. It was the lightest brushing, but it was enough to cause a stir within Avery.
When their lips parted, Nolan paused for a minute, as though shocked at what had just transpired, and then dipped once more for a taste of her. Wow, he thought, why did I do this? And why didn't I do it sooner? You're being foolish, Nolan. She's leaving.
As those final two words transmitted through his brain, Nolan froze and pulled back.
"I'm sorry, Avery," he said. "I'm so so sorry."
"It's alright," she said, shaking her head, still a bit starry-eyed.
"Well, you should get going," he said, pulling away from her and shoving his hands in his pockets.
"Yeah," she said. "I'll call you when I get home." "Okay," he said.
She climbed in her car then, feeling more confused than ever, and drove home. If she'd been a bit sleepy, she wasn't anymore. Nolan's kiss had awakened her senses and stirred up feelings she didn't know were possible. She called him when she got home, but the conversation was awkward and they hung up after just a few minutes.
For two hours that night, Avery lay in bed as the kiss played over and over in her mind. Finally, she just told herself that it was a mistake; he'd even apologized. It had just happened and now she had to move on and forget it. She just wondered if she'd ever truly forget.