Changes never came easy for Piper Chapman. There was always that hesitation; anticipating the worst but expecting the best because she was a true optimist. And today was no different. Today highlighted a milestone for her. A high school graduate with a future ahead of her. And she felt bittersweet.

She was up at five in the morning, a blunt between her lips as she stared at the view from her balcony. It was a moment of peace like no other, to reflect on her growth but also to mourn the life she lost so many years ago. Her father would've been proud. Top of her class. Strong ACT & SAT scores. He would've told all his friends and anyone who would listen about his daughter Piper Elizabeth Chapman. And she supposed her mom would have been proud too. Ever the dutiful wife and mother, she would throw her the perfect graduation party and insist she wears the perfect dress on her big day. Piper smiled. It was nice to dream awake. They were gone but this day was every bit as special to them as it was for her.

Her moment of solitude was interrupted by the sliding door opening. Piper glanced over her shoulder to see her younger brother coming out with two cups of coffee in hand. Cal handed her one silently.

"Beautiful view isn't it?" Cal spoke.

Piper nodded. "Mhmm. It's a different world during these hours."

They sipped on strong black coffee and passed the blunt between them as they continued to share in the silent moment, watching the sun rising and listening to western birds croon to the new day.

"Mom and dad would've been proud of you." Cal said.

Piper looked at him, tears brimming behind her eyes. Though she had been thinking about it, it felt great to hear someone so close to her confirm it.

"I'm so glad you're here." She pulled Cal into a hug and held on tightly.

888

She took her time getting ready for school. She met with Mendez and the two drove through the lively and busy streets of LA together, jamming to the morning stations and smoking another fat blunt.

Piper pulled at the drive thru at Krispy Kreme. She put in a familiar order, smiling the whole time.

"What do you want?" She asked.

Mendez raised his eyebrows. "Oh?" He gave her a mischievous smile. He rattled off his order to Piper and they moved to the pick up section.

"You're dating someone new aren't you?" Mendez prompted.

"What are you talking about?" Piper asked nonchalantly.

"Two coffees? And you've got quite the spread this morning."

"This is all mine. I smoked two fat blunts this morning. Plus I've got a long ass day ahead of me." Piper reasoned.

Today was graduation day!

Piper paid for the food and off they went. Mendez sipped on his mango iced tea and hummed to himself.

"You're full of shit but okay!"

He didn't press the subject any further and Piper was glad for it. She dropped Mendez off at Daya's. He had flowers for her and wanted to give them to her and walk to school together.

"Make sure you wrap it up!" Piper yelled out the window.

Mendez shrugged, smiling over his shoulders. "I don't know what you're talking about Chapman."

Piper winked. "You're full of shit, but okay!"

He was totally gonna get some graduation pussy this morning. And she was happy for him. Him and Daya were a good match thus far.

888

Piper walked through the hallways of BHS for one last time with a sense of nostalgia. The hallways were decked in the school's color, banners congratulating the class of 2015. The energy of the place felt overwhelming. She would be here for a few hours this morning as a requirement. She needed to empty out her locker, receive her last report card and student records. Pick up her cap and gown and then participate in the long, gruesome process of graduation rehearsal.

In her hands, she carried a box of donuts, hot bagels and a tray of coffees as she made her way to the third floor where her favorite teacher's classroom resided. She stopped to make small talks with a few classmates and teachers who favored her and wanted to congratulate her.

Not too long after, she found herself at that classroom corner, admiring a special brunette in her sexiest element. Piper felt breath leave her body and shivers run up her spine. She was in love. A dumb grin full of adoration split her face in half as she listened to Alex jam to some tunes while writing on her board.

Anyone with common sense could read the look on her face and the forbidden secret would be out. Deciding to be smart, she pulled herself together. They needed to get through today.

"Knock, knock!" The blonde announced her presence loudly as she peaked her head through the door. She shut the door with her foot after stepping in.

Alex's face blossomed into a heart melting smile at the sight of her favorite girl and just like that, her day was made. She was not expecting to see her until later today.

"I've come bearing food." Piper said.

Alex smirked her signature grin, "I see that."

Getting closer to the desk, Piper set their breakfast on the desk then walked into Alex's awaiting arms.

Habitually, Alex's arms went around the blonde's petite wait while Piper pushed her raven hair from her shoulder and placed a sweet kiss on her neck. Alex gasped. Piper pulled back, smiling and stroking Alex's face. So affectionate.

"Good morning." She whispered.

Alex grabbed her face and crashed her lips against the gorgeous blonde's. They both moaned in remembrance as they deepened the sensual kiss. It was the type that was so gentle, so soft - that it froze time if only momentarily. The kind that felt like nothing before her mattered as the two lost themselves in each other's breath. Like they were the only one who existed and somehow, that was perfectly fine because they'd found each other just in time.

When they separated, both breathless —Piper wore a smile on her face and all she could think about was that everything should feel like the aftermath of kissing Alex Vause. Exhilarating.

"Hi pretty girl." Alex greeted back once she managed to find breath in her lungs again.

Piper's stomach launched with butterflies and a blush reddened her cheeks. It was the same reaction, every time Alex referred to her as such.

She responded back with the only acceptable response. "Hey gorgeous."

"This is a nice surprise." Alex said, tugging at the blonde's colorful blouse. "And I see someone is feeling a bit nostalgic." She teased.

Piper shrugged. "You know me so well! I figured we would have one last Krispy Kreme for the road."

Alex was feeling indulgent and couldn't help but to reminisce. If it was not for the blonde's resilient pursuit and sweet torture, she would've missed out on so much. It all seemed like a million years ago now, but she was so grateful for the journey. And that they were here, together, ready to move forward freely after today.

"It's also nice that you're actually the treater today." Alex wiggled her eyebrows.

"Ha ha!" Piper said dryly. She grabbed the brunette's hand from her waist and pushed her behind the desk so they could eat.

After two donuts and half a cup of coffee, Piper stood up and went towards the door. She looked out through the window and saw that the hallways were still empty. Their time was very limited and she wanted to make one last memory in this classroom. She locked the door and moved around the room to shut the blinds.

"Baby girl. What are you up to?" Alex asked, following her movements with her eyes and curious frown.

Piper commanded the room with mischief. She found her seat at the back of the room in the center row. She propped one leg up over the desk.

"Have you ever thought about it?" She quizzed thoughtfully.

Alex suddenly felt hot all over. She wrapped up her breakfast and stood up, walking from behind her desk and leaning against it with arms crossed over her chest as she watched Piper unzip her shorts.

"Thought about what?" She replied coyly.

Piper looked around, shyly painting an unforgettable picture. "Me… you… on top of one of these desks."

Alex bounced her legs nervously —her green eyes clouding with immeasurable lust as her cheeks blushed with a pink hue. She willed herself to go back to logic but she was so enthralled with the blonde's seduction. Her throat felt parched and she shook her head, battling her inner self for control.

If she's learned anything about Piper over these last few months, it's that the blonde is very persuasive, spontaneous and unpredictable. Sometimes to a level of recklessness. Yet, even with that knowledge in mind, Alex couldn't bring herself to stop Piper nor could she tear herself from the trance she seemed to be stuck in as Piper removed her blouse and let it fall in a pile at her feet, leaving her only in a glistening, sheer demi-bra.

Suddenly, Alex Vause found herself calling to a God she doesn't even believe in; praying for strength and the will to avoid what was sure to be the best sex she'll ever have in her life.

"No. I haven't." She replied falsely.

It was a damnable lie but she had to try.

Piper saw right through her and remained unfazed, unclasping her bra next. Her perky breasts were a delight and Alex was immediately salivating at the mouth. The blonde's rosy nipples pebbled for attention, causing Alex to bite her lips. Damn!

"I have." Piper confessed. "Every period for forty-five minutes. I fantasized about us doing things."

Alex removed her glasses and squeezed her eyes shut. Fuck! She hated how turned on she was right now.

"Like what?" She asked, taking a step forward towards the blonde and stopping in the middle of the room, halfway.

"Different things. At first, I obsessed about what kissing you would feel like." Piper replied, running a finger in a line down her sternum. Teasing herself and torturing Alex in the process. "And it was perfect, baby. You ruined me. But then you wouldn't talk to me after and that just made me want you so much more. I just had to have you. I wanted to taste you and feel you, hold you." She grabbed her breasts, squeezing and pulling on her nipples, sighing passionately and biting her lips sexily. "Sometimes when you'd catch me undressing you with my eyes, those were the thoughts plaguing me."

"Piper..."

At the sound of her name, Piper smiled victoriously. It was in a tone of voice she was very familiar with. A sultry voice laced with desire and the smokiness of a goddess. But Alex also sounded tortured. Her voice held an ounce of frustration - like a woman watching her favorite fantasy playing out before her very eyes but feeling restrained. It left Piper dripping!

"What are you doing to me?" Alex whined.

"Nothing yet baby." Piper replied, her breath coming in short as she slipped her hand inside her panties and began circling her clit as she spread her arousal around. She moaned. "I've imagined it a million times. Your lips on mine, whispering the many ways in which you'd like for me to cum for you." She gasped, running her index finger between her slick folds. "Though, as many times as I've fantasized about it, none of the scenarios I've played in my head involved me getting off alone."

"You're killing me!" Alex cried.

"So join me baby." Piper invited.

Alex was on her faster than she could blink. She leaned over Piper, capturing her lips in a hungry kiss, moaning aggressively as their tongue tangled. Piper was breathless and overwhelmed as Alex trailed kisses down her neck, her chest and sucking a nipple into her mouth causing her to gasp.

"Yes!" She mewled. "Please baby! More."

Alex swirled her tongue over the bud, grazing the sensitive nerve while massaging the other with her hand, humming. She moved to the next, showering with the same attention.

"How am I doing for you, sweetheart?" Alex looked up, winking.

Piper chuckled. "My pussy is crying you a river, right now. So good."

Alex's face flushed and her throat burned with a thirst that water couldn't quench. Only Piper Chapman.

"Show me." She demanded.

She stepped back so Piper could stand up. The blonde stepped out of her short, leaving her only in bikini black panties. Alex rolled a nipple between her fingers, tugging teasingly. She licked her lips at the sight in front of her. She's fantasized about this a million times too and this was perfect. And wild!

"Can I photograph you sometime?" Alex asked shyly.

Piper was flattered by the ask and curious as well. She didn't know that photography was Alex's thing and she was looking forward to being her little subject anytime.

"Sure…" she replied. "State when and where and I will come."

"Yeah, you will." Alex smirked. She quickly fused two sturdy desks together and gently pushed Piper on top of it.

If anyone told Alex that she would be coming to work on a Friday morning and Piper Chapman would be there, sprawled naked on top of a desk, waiting to be ravished — she would've lost her mind. But here they were, the response just the same as she kissed her way down Piper's body, leaving her with some memories in the form of red bruises from her lips that would turn blue all over her stomach and between her inner thighs.

Dropping on her knees, Alex propped the blonde's legs over her shoulders and pushed her soaked panties to the side. She whimpered lowly as the blonde's scent taunted senses; her lips salivating for a taste. And she just couldn't resist, burying her face in the blonde's mounds, licking her slit from bottom to her clit in a long ascent. Piper's hips rocketed and a pleasured hiss left her throat as she wound her fingers in Alex's dark locks.

The brunette was an artist with her tongue. The way her tongue rolled in waves between Piper's folds should be a verse in the Bible. Piper was restless above her, grinding her pussy against Alex's mouth as she sucked on her clit, eliciting the most beautiful, muffled sounds. Alex added her fingers, at first just one, teasing her blonde and working her into a frenzy of little fires that would soon spark an explosion. She was slick and so wet. Another finger was added to stroke the sweetest juices out of Piper.

"Baby! Fuckfuckfuck! Don't stop!" Piper begged.

Alex's fingers worked faster but expertly — massaging Piper's walls and hitting her sweet spot with every thrust. Her flattened tongue only served to capitulate the blonde over the edge as she pinched her nipples.

"Alex! I'm cumming baby. Fuck!"

Alex held her tight as her body violently shook with pleasure. But made sure she was her guide through the whole experience; humming and lapping at every drop. Once Piper's cries subsided and her legs fell aside, Alex placed sweet kisses on her clit, soothing her thighs with her palm before working her way up again.

The warning bell rang.

Piper sat up, a satisfied glow to her skin. Alex stood up between the blonde's legs, chuckling at the look on Piper.

"You look crazy." Alex teased.

Piper ran her fingers through her hair. All that thrashing from that beautiful orgasm. Of course she looked crazy.

"Whose fault is that?" She pulled the brunette into a kiss, both moaning.

"You taste fucking amazing." Alex mumbled.

"Hmmm." Piper nodded. "Just for you baby."

They pulled apart knowing they only had another few minutes to wrap it up. But Alex could not stop staring. Teaching for the rest of the day will indeed be hellish. And this was also an experience she would never forget.

"Take a picture. It will last longer." Piper smirked.

Alex blinked - a blush creeping on her cheek.

"I mean it. Grab my pants." She motioned at the lifeless fabric on the ground and Alex bent to grab it. Piper took her phone from it, unlocked the screen and gave it to Alex. The brunette stepped back a few paces and snapped a couple shots, smiling.

"Send them to me." Alex returned the phone to Piper who was already getting dressed.

"I hope you have wipes for this desk!" Piper giggled, throwing on her blouse.

"Shit!" Alex bit her fist. She did not have wipes but she prayed there was disinfectant spray in one of the cabinets. And febreeze! "How do you do that to me? Are you a witch or something? The moment you start undressing, I lose my mind. It's like your pussy makes me have tunnel vision."

Piper giggled. That was so foreign to her. She was giddy. She's never been that before. "Welp, that sounds like a personal problem, Ms. Vause."

The blonde threw her hair in a messy bun then buttoned her shorts as the 7:50 bell rang.

"You were this close to getting your pussy licked too." Piper squinted and put a tiny distance between her index and thumb. "Keep it wet for me baby. Later, I have a few fantasies I'd like to share with you."

Alex faked a miserable sob. "I hate you."

Piper gave her one last kiss. "No, you don't."

Alex ran her fingers through her hair as she walked Piper to the door. "No I don't." She slapped Piper's butt and the blonde turned back, winking at her.

"Throw the whole desk away if you don't find spray!" And just like that, she was gone.

Alex stood, watching as students pile in the hallway, scrambling around to their lockers on their way to homeroom. Alex went back to the room, in search of cleaning spray before her first student arrived.

888

During third period while the class watched a boring film, Alex received a text.

I'm still thinking about it.

She blushed as she typed her response.

Me too. Standing by the scene of the crime right now as we speak. That was so stupid of us though.

Do you regret it?

I never will.

The way you make me cum is crazy. Where'd you learn to use your mouth like that? Teach me your ways!

Alex bit her lips. She was glad it was dark in the room and that she was standing at the back of the class where this morning happened.

A woman's gotta have some secrets.

I have a secret. But I don't think you're ready to hear it yet.

Try me.

I know you baby. You're not ready. But I can't wait until you are.

Alex turned off the screen and escaped into her own mind for a moment. She had a feeling that she knew what Piper was talking about and the blonde was right. She was terrified. Those words… they would change everything. And right now, they just needed to get through graduation and an actual first date in public. They've done so much of this backward. And even though neither cared for tradition, some can feel nice. And she wanted those firsts with her before things got more intense.

When she turned on her phone, she had another message. This time they were the pictures she took of Piper. She quickly saved them on her "for my eyes only" folder then zoomed in on those perky tits, licking her lips. Those swollen lips. And Alex could feel her skin burning hot all over again. Damn!

Thanks for the porn! Beautiful tits btw.

LMFAO. Thanks for the orgasm.

You're an idiot.

Idcidc. That's fine. I'm your idiot.

I like that.

I like you.

Thanks babe. That's sweet. I like you too.

If that's true, you'd come save me from this fucking rehearsal.

Alex grew super excited. She knew she needed to do something tonight for Piper. Nicky told her as much too. But she was hesitant because maybe Piper wanted to hang out with her friends? But she wondered, how long would be considered too soon to go public? To be introduced to her friends? Would be it too weird to throw her a low key party? So many uncertainties. But they didn't talk about what's next yet and that gave her more anxiety than she cared to admit. Instead, she responded sweetly.

I'm proud of you babe.

Don't get all sappy on me now, Vause.

Alex chuckled, rolling her eyes. She sent a cool emoji, the one with the lips slightly raised and that nonchalant look.

So? I'm your sap then. Deal with it.

That's what tf I'm talking about babyyyyy! Yesss queen! Consider it dealt and liked.

Alex laughed to herself silently.

Whatever. How's rehearsal going?

Lame!

Did you write your speech Ms. Valedictorian?

As if! I've been too busy getting my pussy licked by a goddess!

Piper Elizabeth Chapman!

Oh shit! My whole government name. What's up baby?

I can't deal with you. Please work on your speech.

Okay baby. Scouts honor.

888

As soon as rehearsal wrapped up at one o'clock, Piper went straight to a local deli famous for its paninis and subs. She was hungry as hell and had a craving for a Cuban sandwich. The way they could make the bread so flat and perfectly grilled was fucking gold! That and a chilled Coca Cola would hit the spot and put her out of her misery in this fucking heat. She ordered pizza for the rest of the clan.

While she waited for her squad to join, she tried to keep her promise to Alex. She opened her notes app and tried typing some words of wisdom. She wrote a whole paragraph but as she skimmed it to hear how she sounded, she bit her lips.

"You all will go on to be successful, blah, blah, blah, bullshit, bullshit." She turned off the screen and slammed the phone on the table. Welp! She tried.

Polly walked in first, skipping over to the table with her cap and gown in a plastic bag.

"We're high school graduates bitches!" Taystee boomed in.

The whole deli thundered in applause. The other customers looked quite happy and proud.

One by one, they took a seat at the booth.

"Did you write a speech, Pipes?" Polly asked.

Piper frowned, "Fuck do I look like? The president?"

Every one burst into laughter at the table.

"Oh yeah, asshole? And how exactly do you expect to make a speech without a speech?" Daya asked.

Piper shrugged. "It's a mystery. Pray for me!"

Poussey instantly lay a hand on her head in sermon. "Lord, please bless this white girl with just enough brains to send us off for the year in the glory we deserve. This shit is your fault after all. Of all the taylors to ever swift, you chose this one to be our class valedictorian. Help us all? Thy will be done, in the name of The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit!"

Taystee pretended to catch the Holy Ghost. "Amen bitch!"

The whole table laughed again as Piper chewed on her nails in amusement. She grew somber for a moment. She doesn't know what her future holds but this...She will miss immensely.

Poussey was off to Oxford in England with her outstanding GPA and accomplishments. Polly was going to UCLA in the fall. Daya was going the community college route but ultimately, she wanted to become a hygienist. And Taystee was gonna be a dope ass lawyer come hell or high water. Everyone seemed to have it figured out. Except for her.

"Maybe you should give my speech for me!" Piper said.

"I have my own speech to give, woman!" Poussey sucked her teeth. As class president, of course a speech was warranted from her as well.

Their order was called and they grabbed the food. They all ate with gusto and laughter. Piper was quieter than usual. Opting to sit back and just take it all in. Yes, indeed she will miss this.

Everyone separated at 2:00 to go prepare for the graduation ceremony scheduled for 5 PM. Everyone wanted to attend one party or another but Piper was careful in making commitments o any of it. Because after graduation, she wanted to be one place and one place only… in Alex's arms, on the beach, under the stars.

She had a hair appointment for 2:30 she needed to run for. So after hugging her friends, she jumped in her car and off she went, to prepare herself. She didn't even have a dress yet. She was taking this whole go with the flow thing too seriously.

She drove with the AC blasting and music booming through her speakers. She made it to her appointment with a few minutes to spare. She opted for just a wash and some Hollywood curls. Providing the wind and her cap didn't fuck up the look, she planned to look decent tonight for pictures with her friends and her brother.

Her hair took about forty five minutes. And she was certainly cutting it close. Traffic was a motherfucker as she made her way to Rodeo Drive for something fancy. One stop at Chanel and Jimmy Choo, she was able to put together the perfect outfit.

She had just enough time to take a shower when she got home. She wore her brand new body hugging Chanel dress in yellow. She barely had time for makeup. A few brushes of mascara, some bright eyeshadow, a little blush and a nice coat of red lipstick, then she was running out of her house, barefoot with heels in hand and a clutch as accessory. She jumped behind the wheels, and answered her calls through Bluetooth.

"Piper! Please tell me you're on your way." Cal demanded.

Piper thanked heavens she had enough sense to have her boys meet her at the park where the ceremony was being held. Linc was here too as promised and him and Cal have been hanging out all day.

"I am, I am. See you soon! Bye."

She started the car and pulled out of her parking garage. She was driving like a careful maniac. Hitting the gas and switching lanes with ease. A few minutes to the school, she hit bumper to bumper traffic, cause why the hell not! This was LA and everybody and their moms was graduating today.

Alex texted her.

You're late aren't you?

"Hey Siri, text Alex back: You know me so well baby!" Piper mumbled quickly.

Siri's monotone repeated back at her.

Sending: You smell me so well baby - to Alex Vause aka Stupid Lebian.

Piper burst into laughter. "Siriiii, you dirty slut!"

I'm not sure what you mean. What is a slut? Your mother?"

"Shut the fuck up Siri!" Piper cackled.

After fifteen minutes of no progress in that long line, Piper decided to U-turn and just park in someone's driveway. Fuck it. Her car might get towed or she might get a ticket. A price she's willing to pay because it was 5:10 and she was running late for her own damn graduation.

She ran barefoot the rest of the way. Her parents definitely wouldn't approve! But this is her life as a grown ass woman. Late to everything. That made her smile. So many good things in her life wouldn't happen if she was on time all the time. Alex Vause was proof of that.

She received a few notifications. All her friends were texting her. She read Polly's.

They're calling you! Where the fuck are you? Are you okay?

A few more feet and Oak Park came into view. Piper could see the sea of students and faculty seated for the ceremony. Poussey was doing her best to keep things going but she'd missed the entire first half. When she was closer than father, she put on her gown and her honor soles. She tried to fit her damn cap without messing up her hair but welp, that ship already sailed with all that running. The only thing the movies got wrong is that this shit is supposed to look glamorous. LIES! She was sweating, out of breath and not a fan in sight to blow her hair from side to side like some damn model. Damn, why is LA so hot?

She fastened her shoes and jogged the rest of the way.

"I'm here! I'm here Mr. Caputo!"

The whole student body stood up, welcoming her in deafening applause.

"Ladies and gentleman, please welcome, the late… late Piper Chapman! Your class valedictorian."

Piper took the stage heaving for breath. Her feet hurt. She was a converse and Birkenstocks type of gal. What possessed her to put those heels on?

"Thank you everyone!" She said into the mic breathlessly. "Is anybody else hot or am I like going through menopause. Damn!"

Everyone laughed at her.

"I worked four years for this moment and I can't even picture you all naked. A total bummer. Damn it's hot!" Her breathing began to slow and she waved at one of her favorite teachers on the front row. "Hi, Mrs. Fig. Your hair looks great! How is it still doing that? I'm sweating!"

She kicked off her heels and breathed much easier. Thank God!

"Okay. Shit! I cuss a lot. Bear with me. As a consolation, this is everyone's queue to take every word I say here today with a grain of salt. I arrived late to my own graduation because I have no conception of time. #sorrynotsorry!." She thought it best to kick things off with laughter and that worked. As she looked at her audience eating the hashtag tactic, she thought maybe that's the leg she will ride on for this speech she didn't prepare for. She hoped to sound genuine.

"Before we get into the thick of it, I'd like to take a moment to thank our faculty and staff here at BHS. I can't believe you all believed me when I told you my dog ate my homework but I appreciate you all! To the guidance counselors who have seen us freak the hell out about college application submission; the teachers who've been our person throughout this journey, you are all MVPs and deserve better pay. To principal Caputo for running the school with such grace and compassion for his students. To the parents here today cheering their children on… I stress this, most of us would be helpless without you! So thank you! We have made it here because of you all. And finally, to my baby. Words can't explain how grateful I am for you." She searched in the sea of bodies below her until her eyes landed on Alex. "I can't wait to see where the future takes us, freely."

Everyone in the audience clapped and hollered. The only reaction that mattered to her was Alex's. A subtle salute and the cheesiest grin.

"And to you, class of 2015. Give yourselves a round of applause!" More hooting and hollering.

"Many of y'all started this grown kids adventure with a lot of uncertainties and many of you will leave with all of them… plus more. #blessed. The fond memories we've shared are forever dear to my heart. Homecoming, debate club, basketball games, team spirit week, finals. The long nights studying, the early morning wake up calls from friends. And let us not forget that the 2015 class has seen some of pop culture's best trends. As freshmen, we started from the bottom but now we're here! #dreezydrake!"

The class of 2015 laughed in unison. A few obnoxious crackles could be heard. Piper smiled as she continued.

"Graduating! I kid… I kid! Jesus. We have witnessed a royal wedding, the end of harry potter, been #blessed with Instagram and filters that make us look how we feel inside, like a dog or dead. But before I continue with honorable mentions, first, let me take a #selfie!"

The crowd laughed so hard. Piper could barely continue with the speech.

"You guys stop it, if I hear that song one more time, I'm suing somebody. But it hasn't been all horrible, right? We've danced to songs such as "jerk, the dougie, gangnam style" —" She paused for dramatic effect with a shake of her head. "None of which I know how to do and no one cares! #whitegirlpriviledge!"

Once the laughter from the faculty and students subsided, she started again. She looked for that familiar face in the audience and once her eyes landed on those green eyes and that sexy, beautiful smirk, her heart warmed and she started to take her speech seriously.

"As your class valedictorian, I know I'm supposed to stand up here and give you some speech about perseverance, hard work and integrity all while asking you to channel your inner Hilary Clinton so that one day we may have a woman president in the White House-" the thunder of applause and hollering began but she raised her hand for them to be held until she was done. "Truth is class of 2015, I have none of those things for you. Like I said, many of you came here with uncertainties and you will leave with a lot as you make your decisions for your next path. I know some of you in the audience will go on to become film directors," she looked at Polly, "lawyers" Taystee, "hygienists/dentists" Daya "architects, engineers" Mendez. "Doctors," Larry, "And maybe even our 66th president sits among us. I pray it is you, Poussey Washington cause why not?! I would rig that election myself #scandaloliviapope! Barack Obama cannot be where the line ends for black people in politics." The class started chanting Poussey's name and she stood up, moonwalking to the hype. Piper bowed over in laughter.

Eventually, she resumed. "All of that is amazing. But it will be hell. Some of you went through so much shit in silence these last four years and I want you to know I see you… I've been in your shoes and walked a hundred miles with you and I'm rooting for you!" Tears were starting to shed. All these young faces feeling the power of those words moved Piper in a way she didn't know she was capable of feeling.

"You made it this far without some speech and that's all due to your resilience. Your worth is built within you. How far you're willing to go and will go, is all in your capable hands and minds. But even with all this advantage, I urge you all to brace yourselves, because while exciting, none of that shit will come easy. Some of you have planned, please don't solely rely on those plans. There isn't some book or manual to everything in life. Please, if you take nothing else I say here seriously, take this - things won't always go your way. You will get punched in the gut. You will be disappointed. But no matter what, promise me you will not give up. Some of you will eat cup noodles with hot dog water until you're sick of it #thestruggleisreal but lucky for you all, I'm a master chef at noodles and have different recipes for you. Hit me up!"

That sent the crowd in a frenzy! Some students were laughing to tears.

"Alright, I'm being told to wrap things up. So I want you all to take this time to look at the person to your left and right, hug them, introduce yourself if you've never spoken throughout the years, acknowledge you're an asshole for that, and make a genuine connection, right now. And as you do this, I leave you with these "wise" words;" She tsked. "Hah, wise. I'm no Yoda so I'm using that word very loosely… so here goes: You will go as far as you dream. You will achieve great things. You will be the best at whatever you choose. But don't sell out in the process. Commit to yourselves but do NOT lose yourselves. Remember who you are and why you choose to do the things you pursue. Because when it's all said and done, you're your own motherfucking boss and only have to answer to yourself. #YOLO. Congratulations to myself and you all!"

She stepped off the stage as she entered - to thundering applause and her name being chanted. She did her job. Officially a highschool graduate! She looked for those pairs of green eyes again and there she was, standing among the crowd, clapping the loudest and smiling the widest with Nicky and Lorna by her side. A whole queen! And Piper Chapman was in love!

She searched through her clutch for her phone and sent Alex a quick text as she took her seat on the front row with the rest of the honor students.

What's the verdict Ms. Vause?

I think you pulled that speech out of your ass and it was the best thing I ever heard. You were unbelievably funny, and honest and dare I say, wise?!

Shucks! I love it when you flirt with me.

I'm so proud of you. I mean it, Piper. You are an enigma to me but I adore you.

Thank you babe! I adore you too. And I'm proud of you too. Thanks for choosing me. I know the idea of us scared the shit out of you for a while but I'm so glad you're my girl.

Are you getting sappy on me, Chapman?

Yep. Idcidc! I'm your sap!

I like that ;)

And I like you, Alex Vause.

With that same giddiness, Piper put her phone away and tuned into the rest of the graduation. Once her name was called, she walked across the stage to receive her diploma with so much pride. She was on stage for three minutes basking in a blaze of applause and she felt goosebumps all over her. Tears even brimmed behind her eyes.

She took her seat after and just enjoyed the moment. Screaming for her girls as they walked the stage too, clapping and hooting for the rest of her classmates. And when it was all said and done, they turned that tassel hanging on their creative caps and the whole field exploded in screams and tears of joy. Caps flew, friends hugged, teachers congratulated and parents cried. It was beautiful.

Piper looked up at the settling sun. Feeling that same feeling she woke up with. Her against a hungry world. And she was floored. Until four pairs of arms found her and hugged her tightly. Reminding her she didn't have to face that hungry world alone. Her boys!

"Buttercup! You did it. I'm so fucking proud of you!" Lincoln lifted her and spun her around in circles. Laughter and tears were plenty as they hugged tightly.

"Thanks for getting me this far." Piper said, looking deeply into Linc's eyes. "I love you. I could not have possibly made it here without you. I'm so grateful."

Lincoln was full on bawling at this point. Such a teddy bear. Piper hugged him once more. Then she moved on to hug Cal, just as tight and long. Whispering to him as well how thankful she was. Knowing he existed in this world as her only blood family made many nights less lonely. And she wanted them to be closer next year. See more of each other. Starting this summer.

She only pulled away when her friends bombarded her next. They freaked out, jumping on each other, screaming, hugging, crying. That seemed to be the thing everyone on this field had in common. Insurmountable joy. It was beautiful to see.

She posed for endless pictures with her friends but on the back of her mind, she yearned for Alex.

And it's like her heart knew, because the second she thought of the brunette, she appeared. And that's when Piper knew it for sure - Alex Vause will always show up for her. Even when she least expects it. And that took her breath away.

Only Lincoln knew who Alex was to her and they had that silent understanding between them as Alex approached Piper to congratulate her. Piper tried to remain cool.

"Ms. Vause! Thank you for being here today. I really am grateful." She was putting on a normal show for her friends but between them, the lovers knew this moment meant much more.

"Of course, Piper. That was a wonderful speech you gave. I can't wait to hear what you do next."

"Thanks, Ms. Vause. Would it be alright if we take a picture together?"

Poussey having caught on very quickly, smiled. She was an expert in interactions and body language reading. She knew Piper's secret and she was happy for the blonde.

"Huddle up. I'll take it!" Poussey volunteered.

Piper ran quickly to Alex's side after the brunette nodded. She stood extra tall, tucking herself next to the brunette with arms around her back and her head slightly tilted against Alex's. A bright smile on her painted lips. All her dreams come. This is the only picture she cared about.

"On the count of three… say "L stands for Lesbians!"."

The snapshot showed two lovers smiling… horrifically.

888

SURPRISE!

You all… it's been so long! OMG! I wrote this chapter with such ease, it made my heart glad. I can't for the life of me think why I stopped? Maybe because the show changed a lot and I just wasn't feeling it anymore? But also, life happened. I hope everyone has been well. Especially under these dire conditions.

For those of you still here with me, welcome back! I'm so honored and I thank you so much for coming along this ride with me. It was great. Your reviews over the years inspired this chapter. Another thing was this damn pandemic. To the frontline/essential workers, I have no words for your bravery! I'm one of them too. And I applaud you all and you deserve everything you're being denied. We will get through this together! The rest of you doing your part, thank you, keep it up!

Some great news if you consider it that - I am now on Twitter and welcoming new followers! You can catch me at: Barelyme_ok. That's where we can chat. I also have a fundraiser that I'm working on and I will take this time to do some selfish promotion here! I have the link pinned on my Twitter account so if you all can head there, share the link or donate, that would be so dope!

And last but not least! I'm honored! Just saying it again in case y'all can't tell. LOL. This chapter felt like a good tie to everything. Obviously there's so much more I can tell with these star crossed lovers and maybe I will do so in a sequel! Let me know in your reviews!

Be well and stay safe out there. Prayers and thoughts sent to anyone who has been personally impacted with Covid-19. Love and peace!