Broken By Reality

Chapter ❷❸

I fell asleep, knowing in the forefront of my mind that I had done something good. Something good with Karly's death instead of dying in my own puddle of depression.
The morning I sleepily raised my body out of bed, hobbling towards the cupboard to get changed when my phone started ringing. I rushed (or more like limped quickly and retartedly) toward my phone and answered the unknown number.
"Hello? Wayne speaking."
"Hello Wayne this is Mr Copim. I would like to invite you and your parents or parent to a parade tomorrow honouring the efforts of your foundation. You will be receiving an award so I suggest you dress nicely. This will be a formal event."
"Thank you Mr Copim, I will be there." something inside of me screamed with happiness. I stumbled to call mums number and burst the news to her. She immediately rushed home from work to go buy a new outfit (of course). I called all of my friends. They agreed to pay for entry because they so desperately wanted to see me collect this award.

It was the afternoon of the ceremony as I finished the final riches to my outfit- a full tuxedo with my hair gelled back. The limousine pulled up outside the house as mum grabbed her handbag and we climbed inside. The music played quietly and gracefully as drinks and snacks were offered to us on the drive to my friends house. All my friends arranged to meet at one persons house to avoid the complications of picking several people up.
"Hey wayne." they all chanted almost simultaneously.
"Hey." we enjoyed the fine nibbles and soft drink and finished just as the driver pulled up at the venue. After clambering out, I realised just how beautiful and handsome my friends looked. They were all wearing pretty dresses wit makeup or fancy tuxedos. Like me.
"Crickey." Stuttered Brian as we took in the incredible view of the hall. It was magnificent. There were fancy lights everywhere and extremely fancy architecture. Walking inside, people greeted me with handshakes and kisses.
The show finally started after the early party had finished. It was already late and we were just getting to the good stuff. But I didn't mind. Not one bit.
They started off wit powerpoints, facts, blah blah blah about how I helped the economy and what not. Stuff I really didn't understand and really didn't want to.
"And now for his incredible efforts, we invite Wayne himself to the stage to receive this award."
All my friends nudged me as I got up and all eyes were on me. Yes. Me. But for once I wasn't bothered.
"Wayne we would like to present you with this trophy, certificate, and cheque for $25,000 for your efforts in saving lives. And we are all saddened by your recent loss."
"Thankyou. Thanks to everyone for supporting me through this time." I started with my speech. "Thanks t only friends and mum. I couldn't have don't this without you. But most of all, it's great to know that something great has come out of the death of my best friend, Karly Jeffersonly. So thank you for having me here tonight. And remember that if you wish to donate to the foundation, visit the website or talk to me. Thank you once again." I summed up my short speech as everyone cheered and clapped. The presented guy continued with his really long speeches as I sat on stage awkwardly by myself.
After the ceremony, mum and all my friends ran up to me.
"Wayne!! You did an amazing job!! Congrats!" They all threw words to me and hassled my brain at once. Then mum burst through them and gave me the biggest hug
"Oh sweetie. You did an amazing job and I'm proud I call you my son. You can spend that money however you like. I won't force you." I smiled as everyone else joined the hug too. Before long, I had a massive group of 10 people squeezing the life out of me. Oh well. It was worth it.
A man called everyone's attention in the party and proposed a toast
"I would like to propose a toast to Wayne and his efforts. May he forever change lives and help so many people like what he has already done as just a junior high school student. And thank you Wayne for stopping so many lives being broken by reality."
Everyone cheered, talked, and clinked their glasses, admiring the selfless work of one small boy.
Me.
But it wasn't all my work.
Without Karly, none of this would even be true.