Later that day…

We were all on such a high after the ceremony, we walked out laughing and joking, but I remembered I had to meet Gerry.

"Come on Serenity we're going for a few beers coming?"

"Em…I'll catch up with you guys in town later, I have some things to do, I'll call you later"

"Ok bye" they said not fully understanding what I could possibly have to do.

I ran back into my dressing room and Gerry sat on my counter staring intently at his shoes.

"Gerry, I'm here" I said closing the door.

"Baby I didn't hear you come in"

He seemed a bit distracted, so I went over and wrapped my arms around him.

"Honey bear, what's wrong?"

"Look we need to talk."

He stared at me for what seemed like forever.

"Gerry your starting to scare me. Is there something wrong?"

"Look, I want to talk about us… you know I love you, don't you? And I would never do anything to hurt you, but I feel like…" he sighed and rubbed his neck uncomfortably.

I rubbed his shoulders in affection even though I knew what was coming I held onto any shred of hope.

"Gerry whatever it is you can tell me" I said fighting back the lump in my throat and the tears in my eyes.

"I feel like, I need…" he couldn't say it.

"You need someone older right?"

He nodded slowly and I felt my whole world shatter around me.

My eyes began welling up with tears and I could see him growing extremely uncomfortable.

"Your not gonna cry are you? Please, please don't cry"

"Gerry, I wont cry if you don't want me too. I know it makes you uncomfortable" I said quietly looking at the ground.

"I am so sorry. You know I love you don't you?" I nodded although not believing it fully myself.

We stared into each other's eyes for a million years but then he looked away.

"Look I'm sorry for ruining your graduation. I probably shouldn't have done it today. At time's I can have absolutely no tact." he laughed gingerly.

"Its ok Ger…Sir I'm fine."

"Serenity come on call me Gerry. After all we've been through I think first name terms are acceptable."

"Ok Gerry look I understand and I think it would be terribly selfish of me to keep you in a relationship where you weren't happy or comfortable."

"Serenity." he took my hands in his and held them so tight. "I will always love you and you will always be the closest person to my heart."

I whimpered and he spoke again "I should go and let you enjoy what's left of your grad evening."

He let go of my reluctant hands and walked to the door.

"Just always remember how much I care for you and love you. I'll always be there for you. You will always be my Sailor"

With that he closed the door and was gone. I collapsed to the ground wanting that very moment to crawl into a hole and die. I went home and crawled under my covers, not bothered to go out and celebrate with my friends.