A Baker Family Vacation

1

Elijah POV

We had been invited to Lorraine's graduation but no matter how much we refused, Kate and Tom wouldn't let us not go so here we were in the Baker's car running late.

"Alright, guys! Stick together and find your seats!" Tom instructed us. We all ran through the aisle trying to get the best seat, Bud helping Nora as they went behind us, and Kate and Tom walking behind everyone, ensuring that Nora didn't fall. She's pregnant now and right around the halfway point. I sat beside Jake and Mike everyone else clustered around us. We made it just in time to see Lorraine get her diploma.

"Lorraine Baker," her principal said. Suddenly, we hear nearby cheering and I looked over at Tom to see him screaming his head off.

I chuckled letting him continue even though everyone was looking at us by now.

By the time the graduation was over, we headed back to their house for the after-party where Henry and his band played 'I Wish' by Stevie Wonder.

"You didn't tell me your brother was so talented," I whispered to Mark.

"Honestly can't believe my eyes myself," Mark said.

Once they finish, we all clapped and I patted Henry on the back as Tom and Kate walked up to the mic.

"Okay. I believe it's time to toast the incredible graduate," Tom said raising his glass before putting it down. "Lorraine. You've always been my little princess. Of course, I say that about the other four of your sisters but I mean it. It's really amazing that you got an internship at Allure. Did anyone not know this moment was coming?" We all clapped and cheered before he continued. "Of course I want you to stay in Chicago and I will bug you all summer about it but I promise that in the end, I will let you take your own path. Alright. Um.....my daughter Nora, her husband Bud, and my future linebacker. Do you want to say something?"

Kate tried to get her husband off the stage as the oldest Baker took the stage herself.

"First and foremost, congratulations Lorraine! We are so proud of you and we hope that our baby is just as accomplished as you. Second of all, I really don't want to make this speech about us but Bud has some incredible news," Nora announced passing the mic off to her husband.

"I've been accepted a position at a new advertising firm......" he started. Tom started cheering but he was not done. "In Houston." He sat back down as everyone claps hesitantly. "We're moving in September. Thank you all and congratulations, Lorraine!" The couple came off the stage Bud holding onto Nora's belly.

I watch as Mark sits there in shock not saying anything.

"This has to be hard on you," I whisper.

"I'm handling it," he says. "She's lived by herself for so much time, I kinda figured this would happen."

I watched as Tom tries to get someone---anyone----to join in on the Touch Football game but all of his kids refused.

"Hey, guys! What do you think about some touch, huh?" he asked.

"Mike and I are competing at a skating competition at the park," Jake says.

"Sorry dad," Mike says.

"We volunteered at the animal shelter," Mark said.

"See ya around Tom," I called following him as he hands him the Football.

"Hang on. Who's taking you?" he asked surprised.

"Ian," I informed him. "Why don't you ask Kyle and Nigel? They love Football!"