Crimson Gold

Part 3: Chapter 13: Graduation Preparations

3rd Person POV

Forks High School

"When we were five, they asked us what we wanted to be when we grew up," Jessica stated from her spot on the podium. Ryan sat in the audience with Alice and Jasper beside him.

"Our answers were things like astronaut, president, or in my case, a princess." Jessica smiled, getting several chuckles from the onlookers.

"When we were 10, they asked again," Jessica went on. "We answered Rockstar, cowboy, or, in my case, a gold medalist. But now that we've grown up, they want a serious answer. Well, how about this? Who the Hell knows?"

Ryan whistled as everyone around him clapped.

"This isn't the time to make hard-and-fast decisions," Jessica went on. "This is the time to make mistakes. Take the wrong train and get stuck somewhere. Fall in love... a lot. Major in philosophy because there's no way to make a career out of that. Change your mind, and change it again, because nothing's permanent. So, make as many mistakes as you can. That way, someday, when they ask us what we want to be, we won't have to guess. We'll know."

Everyone started clapping loudly at that, and Ryan stood, whistling. Behind him, several other people followed his lead. Ryan grinned. "Now that's a speech I can get behind."

Timeskip

As Ryan entered the Cullens' house for the graduation party, dressed in a black and red tuxedo, he was immediately greeted by Alice. "I'm so glad you made it," she gushed excitedly. "Can you believe everyone showed up?"

Ryan chuckled. "I can. What I can't believe is how the food isn't gone yet. I hope you left me some punch."

Alice smiled and led him inside. "Come on." The two walked into the main room where most of the people were dancing. "Wait here," she instructed. "I'll be right back." With that, she walked off.

Ryan shook his head in amusement. "Never change, Alice."

Hearing his name, he turned and saw Jessica walking over to him. "Glad you could make it," she greeted with a smile. "Did you like my speech?"

Ryan shot her a grin. "Like it? It was freaking awesome. I told you that going against the cliché was a good idea."

Jessica laughed. "Guess you were right. Looks like there's a first time for everything."

"Hey!" Ryan protested, a smile playing across his lips.

Grinning at him, Jessica walked off to the dance floor.

Shaking his head, Ryan walked over, mingling with the crowd while he waited for Alice to show.

He was about to make his way to the DJ booth when he saw Jacob and two other boys enter the room. He groaned. "Not this again."

Shaking his head, he walked over. "Hey, Jacob," he greeted. "Glad you could join the party."

Jacob shook his head in amusement. "I wish. I'm just here to talk to Bella." He nodded over at her as she walked over.

"What are you doing here?" she demanded.

"You invited me, remember?" he asked.

"Was my right hook too subtle for you?" Bella asked sarcastically. "That was me uninviting you."

"Guys, come on," Ryan said, stepping between them. "This is a party; we're supposed to be having fun."