Pledging For My Life

New beginning

Chapter 1: Graduation Day

The day had finally arrived. It was the culmination of years of hard work for the seniors at Derrick Price High School. The hallways were strewn with discarded paper, remnants of torn notebooks. Conversations buzzed about summer plans and college acceptances, but for Tori, the relief of completing four years of high school was all that mattered. She made her way down the familiar halls, headed towards her locker to clear it out, only to be met with unwelcome graffiti.

'Last day of school and still facing this,' she sighed.

With determined resolve, she opened her locker, determined not to let the words affect her as deeply as they did. Her old books and papers were quickly stashed in her bag, which she zipped up decisively before joining the throng heading towards the exit.

Stepping out into the parking lot, the brilliant sunlight kissed her face, and she stole a glance back at the school, exhaling a sigh of relief. As she took a step forward, however, she suddenly found herself sprawling on the ground. Raising her gaze, she met the laughter of one of her long-standing tormentors, flanked by his cronies. She gathered herself up, brushing off her knees, a familiar routine after countless trips and falls. But this time, something within her shifted. With a defiant gesture, she extended her hand, giving them a gesture that spoke volumes, before striding purposefully towards the waiting buses.

Chapter 2: Unexpected Gifts

Arriving home, an unfamiliar car sat beside her father's. Tori's initial thought was that it belonged to one of her father's new girlfriends. Yet, as she approached, a bow and a note with her name caught her eye, leaving her utterly astonished.

"Hey sweetie, hope you love your G-Wagon. Love, Dad."

The words resonated as she hurried inside, finding her father with arms outstretched in welcome.

"It's your reward for securing a spot at Lambert College. You've worked tirelessly, and you deserve it. Plus, it's high time you had your own wheels," her father proclaimed, enveloping her in a warm embrace. Tears welled in her eyes as she murmured a heartfelt thank you. Overwhelmed with joy, she began to jump for sheer exuberance.

"There's more in your room. I thought you might appreciate it for college," he added, recalling the elation he'd seen in his late wife's eyes when he'd surprised her with a new car. Without hesitation, Tori raced up the stairs to discover a bag overflowing with makeup, brushes, clothes, and a gleaming new phone. The array of clothing dazzled her.

Glancing down at her worn sweatpants and baggy t-shirt, Tori made a silent promise to herself. College would be her fresh start, a chance to shed the label of an outcast once and for all.