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I laughed, taking a joint from his offering hand. “You give a hard sell. I still don’t see the point.”
“The point is,” he started, lighting his own, “you need to look after yourself, even just for a minute. So, fucking do it. Harmon wouldn’t let me finish classes this year, or half of the Argento wankers. So I won’t ever graduate at this stage. At least one of us can.”
I gave him a sympathetic look. “Maybe you can one day.”
He shrugged. “I’m thinking of doing an IT course one day. Get into hacking or some shit.”
“You should,” I answered, giving him a smile. “You’d be great at it.”
“You think?” he asked, his eyes lighting up.
I nodded. “Fuck yeah, I do. And you know what? You’re actually encouraging me to go. If not for me, for Quinn. You’re right. She’d kick my ass seven ways to Sunday if I missed it. Hell, maybe she’ll even be there with me in spirit.”
Benny smiled, standing up to walk over to me. He pulled me into a hug, patting my back.
“She will always be with you, bro. And just remember, this life is only temporary. We will see them again one day. Waiting by the pearly gates.”
I laughed, grabbing my gown from my gym bag. He was right about one thing. Quinn would be in Heaven, rivalling all the angels. And not even God himself would be able to keep me out if it meant spending the after life with her.
Chapter 9
Thegroundswereswarmingwith mini Spades and their families. It probably had to be the safest place on Earth right now.
I was burning up in my black gown, the sun cooking us while we waited for the ceremony to begin.
In the audience I spotted Quaid Xanderson and his second in command, William Demazo. It baffled me that even as the leaders of a gang, they still made time for their children.
My father would never step foot in a place like this to celebrate me. Even as his only child, my sole purpose was to serve anddiefor him.
I watched as Blair got hugged by various members of the Spades and my heart swelled. She was family to them, even only after this short time. They really cared about her and I couldn’t be happier for her. She really deserved their love and protection.
I sat down in my allocated chair, watching as fellow students slowly took theirs. They were all excited, their voices buzzing with laughter and glee as they waited. It was the end of an era, and now they could start their lives as adults.
Mr. Franklin walked onto stage and I huffed under my breath. The headmaster was a wanker and I’d be happy to never see him again.
He introduced himself, giving his practiced speech. I sighed, looking behind me to an empty seat I knew would have been Quinn’s. Maybe she was here with us, in her gown with her bouncy curls and big grin. I wondered if she would have gone to the lookout as planned, but thinking about it, I’d be certain she would have. There was nothing stopping that girl once she had her heart set on something.
“When I call your name, please walk the path to the stage, where we will present you with your certificate. You will then continue down the stage, following the path completely around until you reach your seat again,” Franklin announced.
“Thank fuck,” I whispered under my breath, keen to get started.
Franklin looked at his paperwork, leaning into the microphone.
“Blair Aalders.”
I froze, looking up at Blair as she stood up nervously. I had never heard that name before so I could only guess it was her real father’s name. She must have changed it, and I didn’t blame her. I wouldn't want some scumbag’s name hanging around me either.
Grinning, I felt a sense of pride shoot through me as she reached the stage. My best friend was kicking goals, despite all the shit happening in this world.
Blair went to reach for her certificate, pausing as her eyes scanned the crowd. My heart stopped when I saw fear cross her face. I quickly turned my head, following her line of vision.
“Oh my fucking God,” I whispered, spotting my father.
I stood up, ready to give chase when a loud bang ripped through the crowd.
Screams filled my ears and it took me a few seconds to realize that the stage was blown to bits.
“Blair!” I screamed, shoving past students that were running towards the buildings to take cover. I couldn’t make any traction, the mass of bodies shoving into me in panic, blocking me.
