This was it - the real deal - graduation night. Not just any graduation night either, mind you, this was college graduation. All four of the group were well aware that with college graduation would come the rest of their lives, which would make the day after graduation the first day of the rest of their lives. Their reaction to this was also quite similar. It was simply: GOD HELP US! Okay, so maybe they were getting ahead of themselves with the whole first day of the rest of their lives thing, but there were only 36 hours left until graduation, and a little panicking was not out of order.

The last few weeks of school had been totally chaotic for the close-knit group, especially for the two girls. It started with the last minute projects and exams that had Tara, and her roommate of four years, Evelyn - although, you would do well to call her Evie instead, as she wasn't very fond of her proper name - up later than even the night crawlers, studying and quizzing each other like mad women. The week before finals also included a girls-only trip up to Mizzou to watch their high school friend Holly walk. Then, dead day's eve brought another road trip, except this one was back home for Rebecca's,another high school friend, ill-timed hen night and wedding. Tara and Evie had to admit, however, that making the trip for hen night was well worth it, because how often did all the girls from school get to get together and laugh and cry, as girls tend to do in bouts of extreme happiness, and gossip about who would be next? This topic, of course, brought Tara to the center of attention, and Holly had to make the crack about how she would be married before Tara, because when it came to matters of the heart, snails moved faster than Alex. The wedding, which was held the next day, was beautiful, and the ride home was filled with dream wedding plans. The nights in between road-trips and studying were spent between couples, whispering about everything and nothing, sharing unhurried kisses - which were perhaps the only unhurried aspects of the past month, and reassuring each other that things would in fact work out for the best and there was no real need to worry.

Tonight though, the last night before graduation, it would only be the four. Evie was staying to work at a local boys and girls club and get a jump start on her Masters, joking that she was fulfilling her dreams. Tara grumbled that she could surely "fulfill her dreams somewhere a little closer to home." Gregg was leaving straight-away for a big company on the East Coast. He'd turned out to be a financial genius and was hired even before his last semester started. "What, like there are no big companies on this side of the Mississippi?" Tara would occasionally shout at him. Their plans left just two returning home for the summer. Tara was glad that Alex, at least, was coming home with her.

Just thinking about what the next day held in store was making everyone tired. Families would be coming in from every which way - Tara's would be first, and as tradition stated, the seven of them would go out to breakfast together. Then Evie's mom and sister would arrive, her father would probably be late, but as far as either Evie or Tara were concerned, that would be okay - less time for her parents to start World War III up in the loft. Alex's and Gregg's parents would both be in later as well. Lanie, Tara's little sister, and Chrissy, Evie's little sister, had been recruited to run interference if things got too crazy - they just didn't know it yet - and heaven help them if they try to get out of it.

For some altogether ungodly reason, Evie had decided that she wanted to speak at graduation - before it seemed so real and enormous and utterly terrifying. She was quite insane, regardless of when she'd made that decision - Tara was sure of it. Eve was speaking, but now she was in a panic and swearing up and down that if she didn't get some peace tomorrow before the ceremony, she would "screw graduation and skip town." Little did she know, Tara had already taken her car keys - just incase. So, between the two girls alone, it was quite understandable that there was most definitely enough nervous energy being generated to support a small third world country. And, on top of all that, everyone (meaning everyone and their grandma) - Tara's family, Evie's family, Alex's family, Gregg's family, Evie's steady's family, and Gregg's girl's family - (see, everyone and their grandma) was coming to the loft afterwards. To take pictures, of all things! Tara was beginning to think that maybe Evie had the right idea about skipping town.

So, every ounce of energy that wasn't currently devoted to supporting that energy deprived third world country was being poured into cleaning the loft. In fact, things were getting to the point where everyone involved was nearly positive that no dirt, dust, or micro-organism of any sort would venture within a five mile radius of it for the next three or four years. In fact, both girls were sure it may have been unhealthy to clean as much as they were. Somehow, they felt that if they used much more cleaning product on the furniture, it might disintegrate…or explode. Not to mention the fumes being produced by combinations of said cleaning products - surely those were slightly hazardous as well.

Nevertheless, the thought of the upcoming day made Tara absolutely positive that the kitchen floor needed to be scrubbed again, and even surer that the bathroom hadn't been cleaned in at least a good five hours. So, she headed for the kitchen with a sigh. The sigh turned into an outright laugh as she spotted Eve sitting cross-legged on the floor and scrubbing the hell out of some poor tile in front of the sink. Tara was positive the tile was extremely sorry for whatever sin it had committed.

"What on earth did that poor thing do to you?"

"It had a smudge," Evie replied, disgust oozing from every word. Her bit said, she pulled the knot of her bandanna tight and set to work on the tile next to it.

"I see. I suppose that one is guilty by association then," Tara said, pointing at the tile Evie had started scrubbing just as roughly as the one before it.

"On the nose, dear."

"I'll take the bathroom then. There might be some soap scum lurking in the shower." As she headed off, she heard a grunt from the kitchen, although she wasn't sure if it was in acknowledgement, the amount of effort being put into scrubbing the second unfortunate tile, or maybe a combination of the two.

---

"Bye guys! I'll see you later on today! Love you!" I said as I shooed my family out the door. When they'd made it all the way down the top flight of stairs, I shut the door, turned to Evie - who was currently hogging the couch - and said, "MY GOD. I thought they were never going to leave!"

"Don't feel bad. I practically booted the last of my family out the door around three."

"Is it pointless to go to bed now?"

"Pajama Party instead?"

"I'll get Weekend at Bernie's. You get the popcorn."

The sun had just started to peak into the room as the credits rolled, and we came to the conclusion that a sunrise talk at our park would be most fun. 'Our park' being Founder's Park, that is, which we deemed "the cubist version of the Little Pigeon River" upon it's discovery in our freshman year. So, we set off for the park, a terribly long journey that involved crossing the street and … well, that was really about all there was too it. I have to admit, I love living downtown, especially after the building we lived in was renovated in our sophomore year. We went straight to the owner to inquire about the newly furnished loft. It was quite perfect, and reasonably cheap, and we've been here ever since. Anyhow, we reached the park and climbed onto our respective blocks to watch the sun finish rising.

"So. Can you believe it? We're done."

"I know. Heaven help us. …Alex and I have a date tonight."

"Hmmm. Are you going to get dressed up?"

"I dunno. I thought about it, but then, I don't want to dress up if it's just going to be a regular date like we always do, you know?"

"No. We always eat at home. I mean, it's kind of fun - being in the kitchen together and such - because I can see what it would be like if we were really living together, you know?" Evie shrugged casually and paused to give a small, shy smile I would have sworn I haven't seen in ages, mostly because it had been replaced with a seemingly permanent beam since she and Zach had gotten serious. "But at the same time, I wish we'd go out every now and then," she continued.

"I know. It'll all work out. Don't worry."

"You know me far too well. But I can't just not worry. I'm staying here, and he's, well, we don't know where he's going to end up yet. And I know he's it for me. But what if I'm not it for him? What if … God, there are so many what ifs," Evie said as she buried her head in her knees.

"If not, then you're better off." Was it really that hard? Okay, yes, I was probably over simplifying, because as Evie often points out, I've had my one and only for nearly a decade. But still, it seems like general good logic that if someone doesn't treat you like the queen you are, then you're better off finding a suitable replacement.

"You always say that."

"Because I mean it." Both of us fell quiet, contemplating the secrets hidden in the sunrise. Once the purple had faded completely, and the pink and orange were rapidly joining it in obscurity, I couldn't keep quiet anymore. It was almost too much to comprehend, especially with no sleep at all. "…Krispy Kremes?" I ventured.

"On one condition," Eve bantered.

"And what would that be?" I smiled widely at her, the shy smile was gone - as was the sad shine in her eyes - replaced with the much more welcome beam - and impish gleam.

"We don't clean the loft when we get back."

I snorted rather inelegantly. "No arguments here. Besides, I think the furniture might break down if we put anymore chemicals on it."

After a much needed nap that lasted from nine in the morning until half past noon we were up and about, and I was starting to panic about my impending date with Alex. The way he'd asked… it was so odd. He seemed nervous, way to nervous to be asking his girlfriend of nearly six years on a date. "So, should I dress up or not? Or maybe wear something semi-dressy? OH! I don't know what to do! What do you think?" I flopped onto the breakfast bar, eyeing the omlette she was cooking.

"I think you should breathe, call Alex and ask him what you're supposed to wear, and follow that up with a bubble bath - you are way too stressed out for your own good."

"Thanks for that analysis, doc." I always end up wondering why I go to her for advice. Granted, she usually is right, in some roundabout way or another, but still. I was too stressed out for my own good? Did she even look in the mirror yesterday?

"Anytime, dearie."

It turned out that I was indeed supposed to dress up, and as I headed to take that much-needed bubble bath, I heard Zach arrive. Of course, I'd just settled into the tub and started to get my thoughts in order and relax when they started arguing. Loudly.

"Oklahoma!"

"The musical? Why is Evie shouting about a musical?"

What the hell is in Oklahoma?! God, don't look at me like that Zach. Why on earth would I not be upset?!"

"Ah, not the musical then. Although, perhaps I should just turn up the music…"

"What do you mean you don't know? Don't you even want to try? … Well it sure as hell doesn't sound like it!"

"That's it. He's leaving, and I'm escorting him out." I was in my robe and halfway down the hall before I even realized that I had my mind set on escorting out the very muscle-y, very strong, six foot plus man out of the house. Next thing I knew, I was peeking in the room, trying to decide the best way to announce my presence and accomplish my goal. Things certainly appeared to have simmered down at this point. It looked like he was trying to hug her, or kiss her, or well, just touch her in any manner, but she was having none of it.

She brushed his hands away once and flung them off of her on his second attempt, saying, "Don't. Just … don't. God, I don't know. Just … Hold me or something. Please."

"Silly girl, that's what he was trying to do in the first place…"

Then, all of a sudden, Evie was buried in his chest, and he was gently rocking her back and forth, kissing the top of her head and whispering, "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. You know I wouldn't go if I didn't have to, don't you?" She nodded, but he paid her no mind, continuing to soothe her frazzled nerves. "I don't even know if I have to go yet, but I wanted you to know so I wouldn't surprise you or scare you by just up and leaving, alright? I love you. I wouldn't leave you for anything in the world."

She smacked his arm. "Shut up. I'm trying to be mad at you."

"Well, now that that's taken care of, I can get back to my peaceful and relaxing bubble bath." Apparently, I had decided he could stay.

An hour later, I found myself flying down the hall in two very different shoes, praying to goodness that when I busted into Evie's room I wouldn't be interrupting any post-argument making up, because there was no way I was going to be able to stop before flying into her room. In fact, I was going to be very lucky if I didn't fall and bust my ass as I skidded to a halt just inside the door. In the end, I resorted to shamelessly - alright, alright, so there was a little shame, but just a little - grabbing onto the open door in order to keep my balance, eyes tightly shut to prevent possible scarring of the retinas if I did happen to interrupt anything.

I was almost envious when I peeked over at the bed. There they were, in comfy clothes, she propped up against him, and he against the wall, resting his head on her shoulder, reading a book together. Aside from Evie's slightly puffy eyes, I would never have guessed that there was ever a problem. Anyhow, both of them were staring at me like I'd grown a second head, as if I'd scared the life out of them with my somewhat … rambunctious … entry.

"The one on your right foot," she said before I could even ask.

"Right. Thanks then." As I started to hurriedly clomp back down the hall, I heard them bust into laughter. "I can still hear you, you know!" I called back over my shoulder, rightly indignant.

"Then I suggest," Evie started but burst into giggles again. I heard her pull a deep breath, and then, "you turn up your music!"

"Hardy har har," I muttered.

Half an hour after that, I still wasn't ready. I was in full fledged panic mode. "I am so going to be late. My hair is in curlers. My make-up, well, that's just currently non-existent. Not good. This is definitely not good." I was so worked up that I didn't even hear the doorbell ring. I was leaning in towards the mirror to get rid of a smudge of eyeliner gone wrong when I noticed Evie leaning against the doorframe with an amused expression on her face in the reflection.

"I thought you would want to know that Alex's here."

"WHAT!"

"Now, now, don't panic. Honestly, what kind of friend do you take me for? I sent Zach to keep him occupied. What do you need me to do?"

"Hair. If you can get my hair, I can do the rest."

"I'm on it, Babe." It seemed like only seconds later she was saying, "There. All done. And, you do look gorgeous, if I may say so myself."

"Thanks. I'll see you later on tonight, right?"

"Yes ma'am," she drawled.

"Alright. Oh, by the way, you owe me details about an argument that disrupted my bubble bath."

"Fine, but I'm going to need details about your date in exchange," she countered, with an alarmingly mischievous smile.

"Bye!" I called as I bounded carefully, after all, I was in heels down the hall to rescue Alex from Zach. Poor thing was probably being bored to death with thoughts on Physics and Engineering. Alex is smart, but he is nowhere near that nerdy.

Dinner a la Zio's was excellent - as per usual - dressing up, in my opinion, made it all the better and lent a more romantic feel to the date. Alex and I had progressed to a sunset stroll through our little garden off National Avenue, holding hands and whispering back and forth - though there was no one else around, taking in the sunset. We rounded a corner of the garden, bringing National back into view, if just for a brief moment, and I could have sworn I saw a navy Escape drive past. Not that the car was important, just that I always do a double take when I see one because I'm never sure if it's Evie or not. I brushed the thought aside though, as Evie had her own date planned for tonight; so it was inconceivable that it could have been her. Just as the sun dipped below the horizon, we rounded the final bend of the trail that weaved through the garden, and the gazebo came into view.

It was surrounded by what must have been hundreds of tea lights, and two large column candles sat on the podium, a gigantic bouquet of red roses between them. "No way. Could this be…I mean, is this…surely not, no, I'm just being silly…" and just when I had myself talked out of the ridiculous notion I thought the candlelit gazebo obviously meant, Alex hit a knee.

"Tara Kelley, I love you more than anything in the world. You make me the happiest man alive, and more importantly, I would do anything to make you as happy as you've made me. I want to make you happy for the rest of your life. Would you do me the honor of being my wife?"

"I've died and gone to heaven." I'm sure I stood there gawking at him for nearly two whole minutes, as Alex looked more and more nervous by the second and he was starting to turn an interesting shade of green, before I came back to my senses and shouted, "Yes! Of course Yes!"

Alex's face immediately relaxed, and he stood up to put the ring on my finger. Only when he'd slid it home did I take the time to study it - and it was exquisitely simple, consisting of only a gold band with a small, square cut diamond. "I'm sorry I couldn't get you more. I know it's small…"

"Alex, it's perfect."