Noah's Adventure - 2. Chapter 2 After Graduation

Uncle Matt’s speech drew plenty of laughs — and more than a few tears.

When the ceremony finally ended, we filed out of the arena into the bright afternoon sun. I found Taylor and Jay near the steps and pulled them both into tight hugs. They promised to come by for the cookout later, and just like that, they were swept away into the sea of caps, gowns, and proud parents.

I scanned the crowd for my family and spotted a familiar pair — Great Uncle Ted and his husband, Asher. I hadn’t seen them in months, and the sight of them made my chest tighten. If I’d had a choice, I would’ve lived with them instead of Grandma and Grandpa.

I guess I should just get this part out of the way.

When Mom left, she’d already arranged everything — signed papers, cut ties, handed me over like a piece of furniture she didn’t want. I should’ve seen it coming. She’d been distant for years, remarried, and never missed a chance to remind me I was a burden. One day, I came home to find my room boxed up and her sitting on the couch, looking smug. Things were said — ugly, final things — and by the end of it, I was living with my grandparents.

“Hey, Great Uncle Ted!” I called out with a grin as I reached them.

He gave me a mock glare. “How many times do I have to tell you — just Uncle Ted, or even Ted is fine.”

Grandma chuckled behind me as I pulled Ted and Asher into long hugs. Their warmth felt grounding, familiar.

“Uncle Brody and Grandpa went to get the cars,” Grandma said. “Let’s get a few pictures before we head home.”

We took photos — me in my cap and gown, surrounded by my uncles — smiles that felt genuine. Then we piled into the cars and made our way back to the house.

We had about an hour before the cookout. I lingered in the kitchen for a moment before speaking.

“Grandma, I… I want to take a quick trip to the—” My voice caught.

“The cemetery?” Uncle Matt finished gently. I nodded.

“Why don’t you boys take him,” Grandma said, waving us off. “I can handle the setup.”

Uncles Nick, Nathan, Matt, and I climbed into Nick’s SUV and headed to Sacred Heart Cemetery — part of one of the oldest churches in the country. The place dated back to the 1700s, which only made me love it more. I’ve always been a bit of a history nerd. The drive was short, and I liked that. The cemetery sat high on a hill beside a small chapel, quiet and tucked away from the noise of the world. I’d been there more times than I could count — usually to talk to Dad.

We parked and walked together down past the other headstones until I saw his.

“Hey, Dad,” I said softly, my throat tight. “I graduated today.”

“Hey, big bro,” Uncle Nick said beside me. “This boy’s done you proud.” His voice carried a warmth that made my chest ache.

“He even had the same class ranking you did,” Uncle Nathan added with a chuckle. “Apple didn’t fall far from the tree.”

Uncle Matt didn’t say anything at first. He stood a few feet back, staring at the headstone like he was listening to something only he could hear. Finally, he exhaled and looked at me.

“Your father would be so proud of you, Noah,” he said softly. “He would’ve made today a full production — balloons, banners, the works. That was him. Big heart, bigger gestures.”

We stood there together in silence for a few minutes, the kind of silence that doesn’t need words. Then footsteps crunched behind us.

“The Jacobs boys,” came a familiar voice.

We turned to see Monsignor Perry approaching, his white hair glinting in the sunlight.

“I thought that was you,” he said with a warm smile. “Congratulations, Noah.” He shook my hand, his grip firm.

“I thought you’d left,” I said, surprised. I hadn’t seen him in years.

“I moved to another parish,” he explained, “but I still come here to help out — and to visit the chapel. There’s a lot of history here… and some debauchery,” he added, shooting a pointed look at my uncles.

They immediately turned red and stared at the ground.

He chuckled. “I’ll leave you boys be. Just wanted to say hello.”

“Good seeing you, Monsignor,” Uncle Matt said as the old priest walked away. “He’s one of the good ones — no judgment, always willing to listen.”

We lingered a little longer before heading back. The closer we got to the house, the more cars lined the street — family, neighbors, old friends. The cookout had already begun.

As we pulled up, Uncle Nick cleared his throat. “Matt and I have something to take care of,” he said. “Go on inside. We’ll be right back.”

I shrugged and headed for the backyard.

And then I stopped cold.

Standing beside Jay was the most gorgeous man I’d ever seen.