She Came From the Shadows (James and Tera: book 2)

Epilogue; Truth Revealed

I stepped up to the stage when my name was called. There was cheers from the crowds of both parents and from my own class. I smiled and felt genuinely happy. I shook the principle's hand, grabbed my diploma, and savored the moment before stepping down as the next student received theirs.

Once everyone had gotten theirs, we all stood at attention. For one moment, it was our principle who had all eyes and ears on him. Principle Harris, the man who has the job of working over the entire school, and a man who was the most respected by the class, looked out at us, his eyes gazing out and searching through the crowd of students. Everyone was in complete silence, due to him not having the face that he usually wears, but a look that was solemn.

Finally, he spoke. "I have a duty to fulfill as principle." He gazed out at us, but then his stare turned to the crowds of parents in the stands. "I have seen each and every one of your children grow up over the years. I have gotten to know each and every one of them. I know their career interests, I know their favorite and most hated subjects, I know what their favorite hobbies are, and I even know their bedtimes." Everyone laughed, and he broke out of character for a moment with a smile before continuing. "I know that Jack was always late because he always woke up late and NEVER got his license so he had to ride a bike." He shook his head. "My boy please don't let me catch you bike riding from the parking lot today." We all laughed.

"I know that Kai is always a talker when it comes to cars, but other than that he's stiff as a board." He pointed at Kai, who was smiling. "When the officer tells you that you have the right to remain silent, that's gonna be the day he has too much to say. I know it'll be the complete opposite." Harris looked over at me and Tera, sitting by each other due to the fact that not many students' last names started with a C. "I know that James and Tera have had the most sincere relationship I've seen since my wedding day." He nodded at me with a wink. "And I know for a fact that James isn't the boss in that relationship either." Tera and I both laughed, reaching for each other's hands to celebrate this moment together.

Harris recomposed himself. "It is not my professional job to get to know my students. My job is to be an enforcer in their academics, to oversee that they are able to get through these four years of school. However, it's not a job, but a privilege to get to know so many of my students. I'm able to connect with them and grow a bond with them all." His smile faded, but his eyes sparkled. "I was never able to have children, as my wife had died during pregnancy issues. I was so lost for so long, but when I was able to get a job as being principle, it helped me. It helped me become the father that I always wanted to be. I wanted to be a father who cared for and parented my children. I wanted to protect their rights and help them fight to become the better person they know they could be, to be the happier person they could become."

A tear slid down his face. "Throughout my years, I have heard from so many of my former students. They have told me that I inspired them to live their dreams, and some who have told me they had failed at their goals but never gave up on being happy and always trekked forward. Some who had lost their parents, they had told me that they felt as though I was one to them. So, as principle, it was my honor and privilege to be a parent to so many students, because to me, it felt as if they all belonged to me."

I looked around, noticing a lot of students tearing up. Others were nodding in agreement while holding back. I couldn't help but feel a sensation in my chest. Tera had squeezed my hand, and I looked over to see her staring intently at Harris. I could see in her eyes that she was moved by the speech.

Principle Harris wiped away his tear, and again regained his posture. "So, my fellow students, please make the most of the life you have. It is too short, so make as much of it as you can. And remember, no matter what happens, no matter who tells you that it's impossible, I will tell you right now, tell them to get on a bus and go straight to Hell, because anything can happen and anyone can accomplish what they put their minds to!" He exclaimed.