Letters To Bri

My First Speech

Riley's POV:

As Christian and I were on our way to Northridge, we stopped at Burger King and each got a hamburger, and fries. When we got at the school, we got introduced to the principal, who wrote us the letter. He said he was excited to meet us. I was nervous, it was my first speech, I mean, I never gave a speech before. I'm not that kind of person. In third grade I once was in a play, Beauty And The Beast. There were only a few girls who auditioned, so I got picked to be Belle. Practice was fine, but show day, I just stood there stoned. I stared at the audience, then ran backstage and cried. So now, I'm hoping all that stage fright is gone, and I'll be okay.

Christian printed a speech for me. I read it a few times for him, so I can get the idea of what it's going to be like in front of an audience.

Five minutes before show, I tried to memorize the speech, which was highly impossible; it was too long. I memorized a few parts, though. When The principle said my name aloud in the mic, I knew it was my time to shine. I went onstage and started talking, by introducing myself.

"H- hi. My name is-" just then the mic made a loud ringing noise. Yes, I was embarrassed, but I had to keep on going. I was about to talk, but I just then saw Christian in the audience, lipping breathe to me. And yet, he was right. I got a hold of my grip. There was nothing to be afraid of, so I went on.

"My name is Riley, Riley Jennings. I attend Boscobel, elementary.

"Recently, we lost a close friend. His name was Brian. He was a great guy, brother, and friend, to me anyways. He means a lot to thousands of people. He was very athletic; he loved sports. But I'm not just here to talk about my friend, I'm here to help you get through your loss." I stopped reading off from the paper, and spoke for myself. I saw Christian in the audience smiling, yet nodding. I smiled back.

"Michael, former ninth grader, yeah, I've heard of him. I've also heard he was a great kid, just like Brian. He probably was quite similar to Brian. And ya know what, now they both share a place together, in heaven. They're probably screwing around, having fun right now. They're probably watching us from above, wondering why we're down here on earth while we can be in some place better. They probably want to meet us again. And ya know, they probably won't be able to see us until the end, but I'll tell you one that thing; that is that they may not be with you in person, but in heart, always.

"Sometimes, the smallest things can take up the biggest spaces on your heart, says Winnie The Pooh. And he is indeed right. No matter what, Michael is always in your heart. And all the memories, are kept forever. You may not have him, but memories are still there.

"If you cry, it's alright. You're letting it all go. And if you forget his voice, it's alright. Everything is going to be okay. Trust me. It's a process, but everything will soon turn out alright. I promise you.

"And when I promise, I never, ever break that promise, I said shaking my head and holding my hand up like a boy scout would do. "And if I somehow do, you can hunt me down, and I'll take the blame.

"If you ever need someone to talk to, I'm always there. I promise. Brian and Michael will be missed, forever and always. I still miss Brian. I'll always miss Brian. He was my Beat Friend.

"Again thank you all for having me. It was a pleasure. And remember my promise; everything will soon turn out fine." I wanted to drop the mic on my way out, but I turned out setting the mic carefully on the ground, and walked behind the stage. It was silent for a moment, but then everyone started cheering. I was happy. I was glad I did what I did. But most of all, I was proud of myself for not being a douche.

When Christian saw me, he gave me a hug and squeezed really tight, saying "I'm so proud of you Riley!" And I said, "Me too," and he said, "I can't believe you did that," and I said, "Me neither," and he said, "You got rid of your stage fright," and I said, "I know," and he said, "I love you Riley, in the friendship way," and I said, "Okay. BTW, PDA." We stopped hugging.

We met the principal soon after Christian and I were done hugging. He gave us the money, and we left. Christian and I split it, even though I really didn't need it. I was probably just going to put it in my savings for college.

When we got home, we checked our website:

There were twelve comments from principals asking if we could say a speech at their school. And at the end of their comments, they posted a link that went to YouTube. Christian and I watched the video. It was me, giving the speech to Northridge.

Apparently, some one was recording me...