A Game Of Secrets

Season 8 - Ep TEN

Graduation Day...

Angie took in a deep breath. "Are you ready to go?" Denise asked. Angie looked into the mirror. She had convinced her Mom to let her wear a pantsuit. Ashley teased her about it. "When I graduate next year", she had said, "my dress would be jaw dropping". "Wait till then". Angie teased back. Ashley gave up and walked off while mumbling, "it's just two months difference". She was a year lower than Angie in school but they were twins.

Angie gave the mirror one last look and went down. "OMG! So adorbs!" Lin squealed and hugged her. Mitchell just gave a knowing smile. Angie returned the smile pushing the sadness to the back of head. She was going to make an announcement this evening and she wasn't prepared for Mitchell's reaction.

"Let's take photos before we go". Sophia said as the girls came together. Lin was overly cheery. They all took it as a sign that she was sad and nervous. No one dared to ask her about it. Mitchell wore a neutral face. She wasn't in the right frame of mind but her Mom would be mad if she skipped her own graduation.

They all entered different cars and rode to school. Lin immediately ran off to comment about everyone's dresses. She met Levi on the way and began talking his ears off. Levi smiled politely at everything she said. He was barely listening but he was taking in her beauty. Angie smiled. She could be relaxed that Lin had someone for her.

"Hello stranger". Jason greeted with Grayson on his arm. "At this point, shouldn't it be the other way round?" Angie gave smug smile. "Ha ha! Very funny, Angie", Jason pretended to be be offended, "why don't you suggest I wear a dress too?" Veronica laughed and ran by. Grayson covered his mouth with his hand to contain his own. "I was kidding", she nudged Grayson, "you look handsome and I'm sure the little kid is happy".

Angie talked with them for a while before going to take a seat in between her Mom and Ashley. She waved at Mike, Dave and Connor who were seated at the other end of the row. She was so glad that they showed up for moral support. She loved them and they would always be her family.

The program started. Everyone took their seats. The advice from teachers were well said. Angie started paying real attention  when it was time to collect certificates. She clapped for each person that stood up. She tried her best not to think about those that should have been on that stage too.

"Seo Lin Ye!" The principal called her real name. People were actually looking around for who the person was. The principal cleared his throat and said, "Lin Shin Ye!" The crowd went wild with laughter and cheers. Lin was very popular. She glided with poise. "Thank you for correcting yourself". She said loudly for everyone to laugh. She collected her diploma and ran off stage. She threw her arms around Levi. "She would have been so proud of me". She cried into his neck. "She is". He comforted her.

Mitchell was called next. Tatiana stood up and yelled, "yeah! That's my baby!" Mitchell should have wished for the ground to swallow her but instead, she was happy. She was glad that her Mom was proud. She remembered when they moved because everyone in her old school was homophobic. She lost the  pride in being herself. Standing on this stage, Mitchell knew she was gonna be someone great.

Three other people received theirs before Angie was called. She climbed on the stage. She shook the principal and collected her diploma. She faced the audience to receive her applause. Angie's eyes watered when she saw Daniel in the first role. He smiled and mouthed 'I love you'. Angie sniffed and replied 'I love you too'. She walked down before any drops fell. She would have time to cry later. 

The principal took some few minutes to honor those who would have graduated but we're killed last year. Angie knew he was getting closer to calling her on stage. "We thought our sorrows were over in Bresten High", he said, "but it is with great sorrow that I add another name to the board". He removed the small piece of cloth from the golden tag.