It's Just The Woods

19

May 26th, 2021 Kingsley, PA 6:00 P.M

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"We are here to congratulate the class of '21!" Cheers erupted from the audience.

The decorations were dark black and blue. Rachel thought it was the biggest coincidence ever. A huge, white banner said. 'Class of 2021! Congrats!' on it with black and blue letters. There were multiple balloons all over the grass outside and there were nearly a thousand chairs in the grass.

Rachel and Shawn looked at each other nervously. Infront of them, Nicolas sat by himself. In the very back, there was an empty seat. Near Rachel and Shawn, there was another empty seat. "However, first, we have a group of brave teenagers who, over the past two weeks, have dealt with three great losses."

'We weren't even close with Georgia and Kyle!' Hailey thought.

'But you kissed her!' Nicolas taunted. Rachel rolled her eyes at their tactics. "I would like to invite Shawn and Rachel McAdams, Hailey Richardson, and Nicolas Chase to the front."

Murmurs flooded the area. Rachel grabbed Shawn's hand in order to ease her anxiety. Nicolas was the first to step up to the mic. He took a deep breath. "Last week, I watched my brother die. I watched as a part of me died with him. He was, uh," He began crying, trying to hold it back. "He was the better twin. He loved to kiss ass to the teachers and to the parents of our friends." Collective laughs were heard.

Rachel smiled at him, but he shook his head. Ignoring everything in her body that was telling her no, she stepped up to the microphone. "I know a lot of you probably didn't know Fredrick, but I know you all knew Kyle and Georgia." A tense feeling filled the room. "Georgia was not a pathetic baby who relied on Kyle. She saved herself for us last week. She saved Hailey." Rachel's eyes began watering. "So, please do not think so little of these people. They are..." She stopped herself. "Were so much more than you think."

Shawn took Rachel's hand, smiling slightly. "What we're saying is that many, many people are suffering right now. We are not the only ones. However, we know what actually happened and we are willing to talk about our story and what happened that night in the woods." Shawn looked around. "For our own sanity, as well as your own, we are leaving some part of our story out."

Hailey took a deep breath before walking to the microphone. "So, today, class of 2021, I hope that we can show them that you don't a stupid gown and hat to show how special you are." She looked at her class. Some were tearing up while the rest were full on crying. "Let's dedicate this special day to Fredrick Chase, Georgia Moren, and Kyle Zane!"

Cheers erupted loudly from the crowd. Hailey smiled at her friends, who were all crying. They all held hands and made their way to their seats.

The principal smiled at them before clearing his throat. "Let's start a ceremony!" Someone from the back of the audience whooped loudly. A few people were called before Nicolas. "Nicolas Chase!" Nick stood up but didn't walk. While being confused, the principal called out, "Um," He looked at Nicolas, who nodded his head. "Fredrick Chase!"

Nicolas looked at his friends. "Please..." He mouthed.

Rachel nodded her head before standing up to walk with Nicolas. Then, Hailey joined them. Finally, Shawn walked up to them. Together, they walked the stage. Nicolas took his individual diploma before walking back to his group.