Graduation
1640 Words
Leah’s P.O.V
Two years later
“Hurry up Leah! You'll be late.”
“Just a minute dad.”
Today is graduation day. Man. I worked hard to get here. I’m currently applying my make-up, which I learned to apply, when I started college. I’m not an over-the-top girl when it comes to make-up and I definitely don’t wear it every day, so I settle for a natural look as always. Better hurry before my dad hauls my ass down the stairs,
“Dammit Leah, don’t keep your old man waiting.”
“God… dad don’t get your undies in a twist, I’m done let’s roll.”
“Roll? Why would we do that? We’d get dirty and have to change clothes again and there is definitely no time for that.”
“Oh my… you sure are getting old pop”
We hopped into dad's pick-up and left. Once we got to the main hall of the college, I kissed dad and found my seat next to Lenny.
“Hey, don’t you look smoking?”
“Hi Lenny and thank you, you don’t look too bad yourself.”
Yes peeps, I have friends and a lot of them. It turns out I’m a real social butterfly, and I finally got to spread my wings.
“Leah?”
“Oh hey Shaun, good luck up there.”
“You, too, pretty woman”
Yes, that’s Shaun, Emmett’s best friend or used to be. He has been a real friend, broke quite a few hearts too, his gorgeous, by the way, but every bit the player. The graduation ceremony started, and my mind drifted off again to Emmett, all these years and I still haven’t forgotten him.
Yeah, sure I’ve dated and am currently in a relationship, but I still think about him a lot. Zachary Mills and I have been dating for six months now, and he's a really cool guy. He's been patient enough with me that he hasn’t pushed me for s*x. I’m not ready for that.
Something tells me I won’t be, not with him anyway. I’m waiting for a certain someone, maybe.
“Leah Lockwood”
The dean called. A round of applause and whistles could be heard as I made my way up to the podium.
“Today, I am honored to say we are proud of your many achievements, Leah, what a promising student you have become and, over the years, your many accomplishments in all curriculum and extracurricular activities. Your brilliant achievements in academics and sports are indeed acknowledged. Sweet Leah, I am proud to have known you as a student, each one of you. To our valedictorian, Leah Lockwood.”
Whistles and applause were heard all over. Dad stood with a big ass smile and tears in his eyes. Man was I happy to see that I had made my dad proud.
“Good afternoon respected teachers, administrators, parents and the amazing class of 2022. Before I start, I would like to thank all the teachers for coming through for all of us this year. Can all my fellow graduates please stand as we give a round of applause to all our amazing teachers and principal? Thank you everyone. First, thank God for the opportunity to stand here today, for giving me the strength to deal with some of my teachers…(Laughter could be heard.) And then my dad, my rock and my support through these trying years, the teachers who put up with me, Principal Bailey, for your words of encouragement and all my peers we have come a long way to be here today. Congratulations to you all, we’ve done it. All that hard work and late nights studying has finally paid off. Go out and achieve your dreams. Nothing is impossible if you set your mind to it and strive to be the best and the outcome will be rewarded.”
Again, applause and whistles could be heard all around. After the last teacher gave his speech, everyone headed out to their families either for pictures or lunch.
“I’m so proud of you, baby bear.”
“Oh dad, if you cry I’ll cry, and we should be celebrating.”
“I’m not crying Leah, something flew into my eye.”
“Yeah right old man, come on, let’s take some pictures, then go for lunch. I’m starving.”
Dad put his arm around my shoulder and led us to the photographer.
“There's my valedictorian”
Zac said
“Hi Zac, I’m glad you could make it.”
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world”
“Thank you, Dad and I are going to celebrate at Donny’s. You’re welcome to join.”
“No, he's not!”
Dad mumbles under his breath
“Of course I’ll come baby.”
For some reason, dad hated Zachary. He would mumble s**t under his breath every time Zac was around, he would threaten the poor guy with a gun if he hurt or forced me to do anything. He never made Zac feel comfortable around him.
“Hi Leah, can we take some photos with you and your dad?”
Shaun’s parents asked
“Of course”
I smiled at them.
I grew considerably closer to them after Shaun and I became friends. Anastasia was still in college doing her last year. The crazy girl should be around here somewhere.
“Valedictorian!!! My god, aren’t you a sight? Congratulations Leah Peah, and Morron brother, someone tell me how he managed to graduate again?”
Anna stated
“Oh shut it Anastasia”
Shaun said. These two are always at each other’s throats. Bullying was a thing of the past for me. I have so many friends now, though I still consider myself a nerd in more ways than one.
Emmett’s P.O.V
Finally, I was done with the military and as I waited for mom to pick me up, Shaun called
“Hey buddy, f**k, it’s been forever”
“Hey, yeah, I’m surprised you remember me.”
“Are you shitting me? I’ve been counting down the days, man, your mom called and said you were coming home and that I could finally give you a call.”
“I’m glad so… how are things?”
“Good man just had lunch with the folks.”
“s**t I forgot, congratulations man.”
“Thanks, so look later tonight we are having a graduation party at my party lake house. Pop in, won’t you?”
“Er.. sure.”
“Great, see you there. I have sent you some pictures of the graduation.”
“Thanks man, I’ll see you later then.”
“Shot! Starts at 9”
“I’ll be there”
I ended the call and checked my messages. My heart stopped, my breathing became shallow, and my legs nearly gave way.
Leah… so f*****g beautiful, she looks happy…
“Oh my boy, I’ve missed you so much”
“Hey mom”
“Look at you, huh? Handsome, and the military uniform looks good on you, son. Come, let’s get you home. I’m sure you are dying to see her.”
Mom was right. I was dying to see her. The closer we got to the house, the more nervous and anxious I got. What if she moved on? What if she forgot about me? Three years is a long damn time.
“Are you okay honey?”
“Yeah I’m fine.”
“Wow Emmett, I’m so proud of the man you became.”
“Thank you ma’am”
“Ma’am huh? Don’t go all military on me now, son.”
She laughed. It was nice seeing mom this carefree and bubbly.
“What happened to him?”
“Came back for Grandma Ruth’s money. When I told him, you had been made beneficiary, he up and left. Last I heard he married again, but enough about him, have you called her?”
“No ma’am”
“Emmett Daniels! How could you not call?”
“I’ll call when we get home.”
“Fine then.”
After we got home, I spent the day with mom. Around 8, I decided to leave and head for the lake house, which was about an hour's drive, and I still wanted to check in with Leah’s dad.
“I’ll be leaving now”
i said to my mom.
“Okay honey, don’t stay away Em, I mean it.”
“I won’t ma’am.”
“I love you, okay? Now, go get your girl.”
“I love you too, mom.”
I got in my car and drove the short distance to Leah’s house. Mom made sure I had a car and a place to stay as soon as she heard I was coming home. She has great taste. When I pulled up in front of Leah’s. Walked up to the door and knocked.
“Good evening sir!”
I said, once Leah’s dad opened the door.
“Emmett, is that you, son?”
“Yes sir.”
“Well I’ll be f*****g dammed, come on in.”
“Thank you sir, but I’ll be leaving soon. I just wanted to, er... pop in and er… say thank you.”
“No need for that son. I knew you were a good kid, so I helped. I’m glad to see what a fine young man you turned out to be.”
“Thank you sir”
“Leah’s at the lake house with Shaun. Oh and, just so you know, Leah is seeing Zachary Morron.”
“Well thank you sir have a great night further”
“Knock that fucker upside the head for me, won’t ya?”
“Definitely”
I smirked as I returned to my car. Zachary my f*****g ass.
- Writer
