𝐻𝐸𝑅 // 𝐵𝐼𝐿𝐿𝐼𝐸 𝐸𝐼𝐿𝐼𝑆𝐻 𝐹𝐴𝑁𝐹𝐼𝐶𝑇𝐼𝑂𝑁

HER : 32

emery

all of class of 2021 graduates were sitting in their seats at the venue. our parents cheering us on from their own seats. smiles were painted on everyone's faces, not one person had a frown. today was for us, the final episode of the last season of high school.

i looked to my front left, hoping that i'd catch my girlfriends gaze and share a moment with her. one that i'll always remember, because we made it here together, her and i.

she was already looking at me, waiting for me to look at her, and when i realized that, the smile on my face widened even more. she kept the eye contact for far longer than i thought she would before she turned and sat up straight. the reason being, the ceremony was about to start.

things went smoothly, just like we practiced the other day. standing in alphabetical order in last names, every student got their diploma. some didn't receive one, which was sad but non of my business. my friends graduated before i did, i think my voice was gone from cheering so loudly. i was so proud of everyone.

i was the last of them to stand on that stage and i'm pretty sure all my teeth and gums were showing in my picture. i didn't care, i finally made it. achieved a goal i wasn't even sure was possible. i was valedictorian.

now cheering so loudly didn't seem like a good idea, i had a speech i had to give. "happy graduation day class of 2021!" i started.

"Today is a day of conflicting feelings; it is a day of happiness and nostalgia, of endings and beginnings. We come together to honor not only our successes but also the lovely tapestry of affection, friendship, and memories that have elevated our lives within these school walls. We learned the most valuable lessons from the love we saw in the hearts of our teachers and classmates. We developed relationships that survived the stress of exams and the ups and downs of high school ....As we approach the future, we must accept that letting go is a crucial component of progression.  While letting go, we cling stubbornly to the priceless memories we've accumulated, including the absurdity in the halls, the late-night study sessions, wins on the field, and the quiet moments of victory in the classroom. As we navigate life outside of these school walls, these memories, laced with the love and fellowship we've experienced, will serve as our guiding lights. They will serve as a reminder of who we are, our history, and the potential we possess. So let's cherish this time while feeling thankful for the past and eager for the future. Let's keep in mind that the love and companionship we have felt here will always be a part of us when we part ways and go on our separate adventures." i paused for a second. "so do one thing for me now... look around you, notice the people around you, the ones you love the ones you appreciate, even the ones you hate. this maybe the last time you'll see them, live this exact moment like you've never lived before."

the cheering was so loud, louder than i ever expected it to be. my eyes were getting watery, i was smiling but pouting at the same time. billie was standing right in front of me and she pulled me into a rule breaking hug, we we're supposed to run for each other after we threw our caps in the air. "i'm so proud of you." she told me, she wiped a single tear from my cheeks, one that escaped without my knowing, "i have to go." she said.

billie was voted by our class to also give a speech. best decision anyone could've ever made. her speeech was funny, sweet, creative and most of all inspiring. she was a genius fool. my fool.

principal andrew said a few words and then the sky was full of flying caps, a second later the floor was. i grabbed a random cap and ran as if i was running for my life towards billie. we came in at the same force almost tackling each other to the ground. "we did it!" i told her.