Beneath the Surface|COMPLETED

twenty-seven|we'll be okay

Saturday, May 11th, 2019

9:30 AM

Today is the day that I have long awaited since I began my academic career. Graduation.

I am sitting in the church pews between Roger and Zane, watching families file in and find their seats. Some parents spot their kids and wave enthusiastically. By now, the overflow families are having to find seats upstairs. All the while, the band is playing music.

Emery and I got ready together this morning and we were absolutely giddy. Our families came at the same time we did, even though they weren't allowed inside yet. They are sitting next to each other of course, and are all preoccupied with their own things. Our parents are talking to each other, Jordan is making sure the camera is ready, and my siblings are playing games on their phones. Actually, there's a good chance that Xavier is texting Abby, but I know he would never tell us that.

After the principal quiets the band and gives her speech, she lets the valedictorians take the stage. There are six this year and obviously, Emery is one of them. I am so proud of her. I hear her family cheer when it's her turn to speak.

One by one, our full names get called and we walk on stage to accept our diplomas.

"Isaac Fitzgerald Coleman."

"Amara Noel Holland."

"Emery Clark Sloane."

"Brett Thomas Wilson."

With Brett being the last person, everybody now had their diplomas. We moved our tassel, signifying the end of a chapter and the start of a new one.

"Congratulations Dawson High graduates!"

We all cheer and rush outside to throw our caps in the air. Families also make their way out the door as fast as possible to capture the moment.

"1, 2, 3, 4!"

All of our caps are thrown in the air, the sound of camera shutters around us. We begin hugging those near us, even if we aren't friends with them, and pick up whatever cap we see.

In the crowd, I spot my family and make my way towards them.

"You did it, mejia!" Mama beams.

"Si, we're so proud of you," Papa says.

"Papa, are you crying?" Rosie asks.

"What? No," he rubs his eyes, "I just have allergies. You know, we are outside after all."

"Sure..." she rolls her eyes.

"Xavier, give your sister a hug." Mama nods her head towards me.

"If I have to." Xavier begrudgingly makes his way to me.

"Okay, pictures!"

My siblings groan, but we get pictures as a family, with my parents, my siblings, and each person with me individually in under thirty minutes. I'd say that's a record.

Emery, Brett, and Isaac find me where we do the same thing; group shots and pair shots. Zoe, her boyfriend, and Adam come up to us and we take more pictures with them.

The energy is buzzing. The day is bright and sunny, with clear skies. Amongst the conversation and exclamations surrounding us, birds can be heard chirping. Seeing everyone hugging each other for the last time and starting to leave the church gives off the sense of finality. It makes me feel nostalgic and I know people have different things to say about high school, but I'll miss it. I didn't exactly love it, but the routine, familiarity...I'll miss it. Especially since all these people who I grew up with will now turn into strangers.