Chapter 1: Graduation Day
Astrid POV:
“Astrid, dear! Wake up!” My mother’s voice cut through the haze of sleep. A groan escaped my lips. “Just because it’s graduation day doesn’t mean I have to wake up early!” I mumbled into my pillow. “If you want pancakes, then yes!” Mom’s voice, laced with playful threat, pulled me from under the covers. “IM COMING!” I yelled, launching myself out of bed, stumbling around the corner and down the stairs to the kitchen.
My mother handed me a stack of pancakes, a warm smile playing on her lips. “What?” I asked, blushing as I devoured the fluffy cakes. “It’s just…hard to see you graduate, and then head off to Melody University this fall,” she sighed, her eyes misting. “Mom! Don’t worry. I’ll come and visit, and I’ll call you every night!” I promised, reaching for her hand, squeezing it tight.
“DONE!” I declared, placing my fork on the plate. “Wow! Pig!” Mom exclaimed, playfully whisking the plate away. “Please, you should know that by now!” I grinned. “Here’s your dress.” She pointed to a dark blue, sparkling gown draped over a chair. My jaw dropped. I walked over to it, tracing the shimmering fabric. “It’s gorgeous! I love it!” I exclaimed, and Mom pulled me into a hug. “Now go get ready! You’re graduating!” she smiled.
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Standing in line with my classmates, red gown and cap perched on my head, felt surreal. Hiccup was right in front of me, as we were the only students with the last name "H". "You look so beautiful," he breathed, his eyes full of adoration. “You look handsome,” I whispered, and he kissed my temple.
Heather was waving at me from the front of the line, mimicking an “OMG” gesture, and I mirrored it back.
“Now let’s begin!” Principal Johann announced from the microphone. ~Many minutes later~
“Hiccup Haddock!” The principal called, and my boyfriend walked onto the stage, shaking Johann’s hand. “Congratulations, boy.” Johann said, handing Hiccup his diploma. Hiccup walked off the stage and back to his seat.
“Astrid Hofferson.” Johann called, and my family erupted in cheers, jumping up and down. I shook his hand. “Congrats, A.” He said, handing me my diploma. I walked down the stage and into my chair, and Hiccup crashed his lips on mine. “Congrats, babe!” He exclaimed. “You too!” I smiled.
All of the graduates tossed our caps into the air. “WOOOHOO!” We yelled, and my cap landed back in my hands.
After the ceremony, I was enveloped by my best friends – Heather Unhinged, Fishlegs Ingerman, Snotlout Jorgenson, Ruff and Tuff Thorstan, and Hiccup.
“GROUP HUG!” They exclaimed, and we wrapped our arms around each other. “Don’"t forget me guys!” Heather cried. “You’re my besties, I could never! Call me and text me everyday!” I wailed, and tears welled in our eyes. “And we can video chat everyday!” Fishlegs offered. “And help each other with our hard homework!” Snotlout added, and we all laughed.
“Oh, I’m going to miss you guys!” I sniffed. “I love you amazing people!” I said.
“I love you guys!” They all echoed in unison. We broke apart, hugging each other individually. I playfully punched Snotlout. “Text me, Jorgenson!” I laughed, and he returned the hug. “You too, Ingerman!” I said, hugging Fishlegs. “You’re the brains, so expect lots of homework help from me.” I laughed, and he joined in. I walked over to the twins. “Now I expect daily jokes from you guys!” I growled. “Will do, A!” Tuff said, and I hugged those muttonheads. I walked over to Heather who just said goodbye to Hiccup.
Since we knew we wouldn’t see each other much over the summer, caught up in college preparations and open houses, we braced ourselves for goodbye.
“My bestie,” I said, enveloping Heather in a hug. She cried onto my shoulder, and I did too. “Call me everyday and tell me about your day! And if you see any hotties!” Heather said, and I laughed. “Will do, except I have a boyfriend who I love very much.” I said, and saw Hiccup wince.
I pulled away from Heather and my parents tackled me into a hug.
“OMG, YOUR A GRADUATE!” My dad screamed. “Ok! Ok! I CANT BREATHE!” I choked, and the gang laughed. My parents let me go.
“Now how about we get home to that party!” My mom squealed, and we cheered.
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Hiccup POV:
I stood under the canopy outside Astrid’s house, overlooking the woods and stars. Arms wrapped around me. “Hey.” She said. “Hey.” I replied, standing beside her. “What are you thinking about?” She asked. I sighed, knowing I had to leave.
“Astrid…I’ve gotta go.” I said, looking down. “What? Why? Just stay for a few more hours.” She exclaimed, taking my hand. “No Astrid, I have to GO.” I emphasized, and her expression shifted. “Huh?” she said, shocked. “Things have happened, and I can’t stay here anymore. It’s too much!” I explained. “No! Stay, tell me and let me help you.” She urged, her grip tightening on my hand. I sighed. “I can’t! I can’t explain. I’m going to leave…but I’ll be back.” I said, turning away. “No!” She yelled, tears forming in her eyes. I turned back, smiling sadly. “Wait for me.” I said, and left her standing under the canopy, alone.