The Bad Girl's Good Side

Chapter 10: Coincidence much?

Chapter 10: Coincidence much?

Graduation day.

A key to unlocking freedom. Finally, after twelve years of unbearable misery, I have obtained my freedom from the prison walls called school. Maybe I'm exaggerating but it surely doesn't feel like it.

After today, I'll be boarding a plane to California, where I'll be attending college. It's a big move, considering I'll be miles apart from my family, but I am willing to take the giant leap of faith. But aren't we all?

I'll definitely miss my friends, except for Jordan and Chase since they're moving with me, especially Peyton and Kaitlyn. They've been with me since I started attending this school and my journey wouldn't have been easy if it weren't for them.

Peyton is moving to New York to attend NYU to complete a course only knowing by her, but it falls along the lines of interior designing. Kaitlyn is moving abroad, to Brazil, with her family since she decided to take a gap year. Luke is still indecisive about where he wants to go, although Peyton tried convincing him to go with her to New York.

She doesn't want to lose him.

"Students of Greenwood High." The headmaster begins at the podium. "We are ecstatic to congratulate on your great achievement today. On behalf of the teachers of Greenwood High, as well as the parents, I would like to say that I wish you all the best in life and hope that you will always stand up each time life throws a curveball at you."

I know how that feels.

"Now, may the 2019 valedictorian, Hailey Matthews, please come to stage." The headmaster finishes

Apparently, Tristan was first to be elected as valedictorian, but due to him leaving, I was asked to take his place - unfortunately. I stand up from my seat and make way up to the stage, my friends cheering me on with Jordan being the loudest. For some reason, each step I take closer to the podium, my stomach churns more with nerves and my body begins to shiver with apprehension. Despite my cold feet, I reach the podium decorated with the school's crest and face the googly eyes of the vast crowd. Students, parents, and teachers have their eyes on me - not scary at all, just delivering a speech in English class.

I got this in the bag.

"Honestly, I have not prepared a speech," I begin, my voice a bit shaky and the crowd chuckles thinking that it is a joke. "I have not been in the school for, but I can say that It grew on me. Not only was is a prison to enforce education into our brains," the crowd chuckles. "This has been a place where families began. Families of fellow peers, some teachers and surprisingly, parents. Parents always seem to have more friends after paretents' meeting."

The congregation laughs once more.

"This has been a wonderful, yet stressful journey for all seated here today, and if it weren't you, our guardians, our dreams are able to be transformed into reality. And to the teachers, headmaster included, even though you had to hand out countless detention slips and probably developed a lot of migraines, we all wish to say thank you for dealing with us through all the chaos. You have helped us get where we are today, and hope to never waste the effort you have invested in us. To the students, my fellow friends, goodluck in your lives, enjoy the journey and make sure you don't end up where none of us want to see you. Thank you." I nod to the crowd and they applaud in response.

I walk back to seat and wait for the headmaster to begin calling the students up the stage to collect their certificates.

"That was amazing!" Peyton squeals next to me in tears of joy, I hope. "I'm gonna miss you so much." A tear slips down her cheek.