Alright. This is it.

Last day of school, then tomorrow I graduate, and then it's a pirates life for me.

I read through the paper the teachers handed out yesterday, besides the usual motivational spiel there is some good info.

We don’t need backpacks anymore, it’s a half day today, and of course, we don’t even have to show up tomorrow. 

Wonder how many students will try to skip graduation.

I say ‘try’ of course, because Spears made it very clear he expects all of us to attend.

Actually, I’m kind of glad I stayed, listening to him grit his teeth over the PA system while reading that part of his script was terrifying.

I set the paper down and glance at the alarm clock, only about 10 minutes until I have to head out.

Pulling out my phone I swipe to the notification tray, nothing new. I absentmindedly open the messages app, hovering a finger over Fang's name for a second… before closing the app.

I put my phone in my pocket and grab my keys, giving a quick glance back through my apartment before leaving.

For the second to last time, I walk the route to Volcano High, a small smile on my face as I try not to make eye contact with any passerby. Even if I am in a good mood, randomly smiling at someone in Skin Row isn’t a great idea.

Still, this is the best I’ve felt in a while. 

This is a double-edged sword though, no more school, no more homework, no bullshit from other students… 

No Naomi.

But the shadow of my uncertain future looms over me at all times. I can feel it now, even in this good mood.

The same little voice from before returns, trying to convince me that I can find a way to fix this, stay in sunny Volcaldera Bluffs, and live happily ever after.

But I won’t lie to myself.

I carry the mark of the beast, a low GPA. No way any college will accept me, there’s no real point in trying to convince myself otherwise.

…

The school comes into view, and a wave of unfamiliarity flows over me, everything feels slightly off, but in a good way.

The usual sense of apathy is replaced by one of happiness, and relief. Every face wears a smile, conversations carry a higher pitch, and a sense of excitement wafts through the air.

It’s enough to make a trigga cry.

Making my way up the stairs and through the crowded doorway I walk to my locker, one last check to make sure it’s empty.

I unlock it and swing open the door, revealing the wonderful sight of a few scraps of old notes and a few broken pencils.

As I go to shut the locker I notice a small bit of paper stuck in the grate on the door.

I unfold it annnnd…

huh. how interesting. very interesting even.

“fuck you skinnie.” 

Hmm. 

I glance around the hallway and back to the paper, nothing else on the back.

Not sure how I’m supposed to feel about this, there’s really only one person who’d call me a skinnie, and it's Trish.

But she’d say it to my face, wouldn’t she? Leaving a note in a locker isn’t her style.

I slip the note into my pocket and shut the locker, leaving the lock inside.

Technically I could go to Spears with this and have him pull up the camera feed, but I don’t really think it’s worth it. This is the last real day of school, and I'll be out of here soon so…

I make my way through the halls to first period. Pushing open the door and glancing around the room I notice half of the students are missing, including Naomi.

She’s probably off doing some errands for the student council or something.

The others though, oh boy. What brave souls they are.

I take my seat and wait for class to start.

Maybe I’ll get lucky and won’t have to see Naomi for the rest of the day.

The PA system chimes and an unmistakable voice comes through.

“ANON MOUS TO THE PRINCIPAL'S OFFICE.”

A quiet “ooooooooo” fills the room as I let out a sigh and stand up.

I didn’t do anything wrong. I didn’t do anything wrong. I didn’t do anything wrong.

I chant to myself as I make my way to his office.

Finally reaching the door I hesitate, I can hear some people talking on the other side.

Knocking a few times causes someone to call out, “Come in!”

Pushing open the door I’m greeted with a strange sight. 

Reeda sits silently in one of the chairs in front of Spears’ desk, with Naomi offering her a tissue box, and an unknown dinosaur standing beside Spears at his desk.

“Please sit.” He says, gesturing to the unoccupied chair.

I look around the room for a second before walking over and sitting down. 

“What happened?” I ask, glancing over at Reeda.

“I’m sorry son, but you won’t be attending graduation.” Spears answers, leaning over and resting his elbows on the desk.

“What? Why not?” 

“Unfortunately, there’s been… a development.” He reaches over and hands me an envelope. I reach inside and pull out a piece of paper.

“Read carefully you drughead slut.

if I see you with that human piece of shit at graduation.

I’ll make you regret not following in your mother's footsteps.”

I lay the note down and look inside the envelope again, there are a few pictures inside.

One from when Reeda fell asleep on my shoulder, one from when we were lying on the grass outside, and one of Reeda and I hugging outside of her house.

“This… Who did this? Who took these pictures?”

“We searched through the camera feed.” The unknown person speaks up. “They wore a varsity hoodie, and a tail cover, like the kind you wear during winter.”

“We tried our best to identify them but there’s too many students who both have tails and own varsity hoodies.” Spears adds. “We figured it would just be best to have you both out of school. Any police investigation would take longer than necessary, given tomorrow is graduation.”

Spears looks over at Naomi and nods, causing her to set the tissues down and walk out of the room.

“You two are free to leave once Naomi gets back. Once again, I’m very sorry you won’t be walking the stage with your peers.” Spears says while standing up. 

Reeda and I stand as well, the former grabbing one last tissue from the box.

After a few seconds, Naomi steps back into the office, with two black squares in hand. She gives them to Spears, who looks over them briefly and hands one to both Reeda and me.

“Volcaldera High School” Is written on the outside of the leather cover, and on the inside… a diploma. 

Spears holds out a hand to Reeda, who gingerly shakes it. He turns to me and does the same.

“...So this means…”

“You’ve both graduated. Congratulations.”

“thanks spears” Reeda says softly before grabbing the envelope from the desk, standing up, and walking out of the office.

“Thank you, Principal Spears.” 

I stand and make my way over to the door, pushing it open and stepping out of his office for the last time.

Reeda stands in the hallway, staring towards the exit silently. I walk up to her and put a hand on her shoulder, trying my best to think of something comforting to say. 

“Can you come to my house?” She asks without looking away from the door.

“Sure.” I reply, bringing my hand down only for it to be caught by hers.

She starts walking, pulling me along. 

So we’re holding hands now. Okay. Why are we holding hands now?

“Just… Get ready.” She responds, pushing open the door. 

“Get ready for what…”

A gray car is parked on the street in front of the school. Leaning up against the car is a salmon-pink raptor, looking down at his phone. 

As we walk down the steps he notices us, pocketing his phone and letting out a sigh.

He looks between us for a few seconds before a concerned look crosses his face.

“Who’s that?” I whisper.

Reeda takes a deep breath before looking my way.

“My Dad.”

My blood runs cold as I resume the staring contest with the older raptor. 

“It’s gonna be ok dude, he isn’t like Rip.” She whispers one last time as we walk off the final step and stand in front of my new greatest threat.

Please be right Reeda.

“So…” His groggy voice calls out. “You’re… Anon?” He asks, looking me up and down.

“Y-Yes Sir. Nice to meet you.” I hold out a hand, betting on Reeda’s assurance.

He looks down at my hand for a moment before chuckling and taking it in his. 

“Sorry I just wasn’t expecting you to be… ya know… a human.” He says through the handshake. “Didn’t mean to be rude. If only someone had mentioned it before.” He says looking over at Reeda, who rolls her eyes in response.

Now that I'm right next to him... well. He looks way more intimidating from far away, that’s for sure. The massive bags and voice make him seem like he just rolled out of bed.

He lets out a yawn and checks his phone again before gesturing towards the car. 

“Alright let's go, gotta get some sleep before work.”

Reeda steps up and opens the passenger door before turning to me.

“Sorry dude, I get shotgun.” She says with a faint smile.

Failing to come up with a proper comeback with her Dad right here, I wordlessly open the rear door and hop in.

As the car starts to roll away my phone buzzes in my pocket.

‘Reeda: he didnt kill u! yay!’

I suppress the urge to kick the back of her seat.