There's Always Second Chances

Chapter 22

Bestemor - Grandmother.

"Today's graduation day!" cheered Andrea as she came down the stairs. She was mostly healed up now. They advised her not to do any strenuous activities during her healing time and she's just gotten the cast off of her leg. "Andi, be careful," remarked Anders. He stayed since before Christmas and just sent Lars home. He stayed to keep an eye on us and make sure we're safe. He was also here because Andrea's Mum wanted the graduation recorded so she could see her baby girl walk and accept her diploma. Lars came back with Nikolaj. 

"Your Daddy's going to graduate and then you can both see your bestemor," Andrea cooed to Naomi. Naomi's grown a lot in the past 5-6 months. Søren came into the living room with four letters. They looked like official government letters. He passed one to me and then to Andrea and then one to Anders. 

I opened mine first. Naomi was grabbing at the paper as she sat against my chest. "It's a court summons. Delilah's being put on trial for everything she's done." I read out loud. I summarised it so it was easier for all of us rather than me reading the entire letter. We were finally getting to tell our side of the story. We were finally getting to testify against the monster that ruined our lives. 

Hours passed and we were sitting on uncomfy plastic chairs waiting for our turn to walk. 

"Out of all the years we have operated. You are by far our finest and brightest students. Today you will accept your graduation as a step forward in your lives. So as I call your name, walk up and take all of your achievements with your head held high with pride." spoke Mr Ivan. We watched and clapped as many people walked on stage and accepted the roll of certificates. Each of us, Andrea, Søren and I all walked up with fake smiles. We didn't want to be here. 

We were too busy worrying about the court date. We were worrying about having to spend longer than planned here. At least we didn't buy the plane tickets yet. I was asked to stay on stage after I accepted my pieces of paper to make a speech. "And now for a word from this years student ambassador." Mr Ivan announced and stepped away from the podium. I walked up to it and gazed out at the rows of seniors. 

Tired faces all eager to go home to their own families wherever that may be. I looked at Søren and Andrea who had spent so long away from home that I hoped that I would see them again some day. "I know you're all probably tired and hungry so I'll make this as quick as I can," I started and cleared my throat.

I smiled as I caught a glimpse of Anders looking down at the pram and pushing it gently. Naomi probably kicked up a fuss. 

"All of you have gone great lengths to achieve what you have. I for one will say on the behalf of the teachers here at Lakeman High, that everyone is proud of you. I hope you all succeed in getting the professions you had dreamed for whether that be a mechanic or a ballerina or anything in between. The same goes for any of you trying to get into Universities." I spoke about our future opportunities and I saw each one of their faces light up with determination. So I continued my speech. 

Our school has not only prepared us to go on with our education but we were prepared for opportunities beyond education. They taught us about vital things we need to learn as we grew up. They gave us time and knowledge that you could only get here at Lakeman High. I hope that the seniors who come long after us are given the same care and respect as they have given us. So it is with great pleasure that I, as your ambassador, wish you well with whatever you decide to do and let us graduate with high spirits." I ended my speech.  

We all threw our caps in the air as is traditional with most graduations. As everyone filed out, I took my placed behind the pram of my daughter and smiled at my friends. "Great speech Adrian, couldn't of said it better myself," Mr Ivan spoke as he walked over to our little group. He reminded me of the headteacher in Australia before I came here. 

"It really was an honour to be this years ambassador." I remarked. Mr Ivan smiled. "Where are you headed off to now? Plans for University? Travel?" he asked. After Søren and Andrea gave their answers, his gaze settled on me. I shifted slightly under his gaze. I couldn't think passed today let alone in a few years or weeks or months. "I'm not sure Mr Ivan, I was planning to just look after my daughter Naomi," I admitted. There was no reason to lie. 

He smiled widely at me. "A wise choice Adrian. You don't need to be ashamed of anything. Being a parent is a full time job and learning experience. So you're plan is quite perfect. I hope you check in with us from time to time, you really were a star student," he spoke and bid his farewell to us before leaving. 

"What now?" asked Søren. "I guess we prepare for tomorrow." Anders answered. "Wrong," Andrea simply added and put on a big smile as she leaned into her crutches. "What we do now is go out for a nice big meal and some ice cream. We deserve to at least celebrate before we have to do a sad thing." she suggested. I liked her idea better. I know we had a court case looming over our heads but I think we deserve to celebrate all that we've accomplished over the years. 

"You want to some ice cream Naomi?" I cooed and lightly rubbed her chubby cheeks with my finger. She gurgled back at me. I guess she wasn't saying no either. "What are we waiting for lets go!" Andrea called out and she howled with laughter as she hobbled away on her crutches. Anders and Søren were right behind her, their expressions full of worry. Don't worry so much guys, she's practically mastered being on crutches at this point. 

Andrea's other brothers took a slow stroll towards the direction Andrea went off to. I watched them as I strolled after them. I maybe a single parent now with no plan in mind but I wouldn't trade my friends for the world. They were family to me and I hoped that once everything is finished up here in America, that I'll see them again. Whether it be in Norway, Denmark, Australia or some other country, I hope that we'll always stay in touch. 

I wouldn't trade you for the world either Naomi.