Hell of a deal

7

Pip couldn't recall Summer ever being dreary. Nor did he ever anticipate that it would be. However, May arrived and he couldn't bring himself to be excited. Even at his own graduation.

"Philip Pirup." The principle announced.

The blonde walked across the stage donned in cap and gown. Unlike his peers, Pip smiled simply because he was expected to. Out in the crowd his mother was watching and applauding along with other parents who couldn't contain themselves.

"Congratulations." The principle handed Pip his diploma and shook his hand.

The blonde accepted his diploma and moved along for the next person. The girl behind him could hardly wait for her key out of South Park High, ready to split at her seams with excitement. One by one, the principle set free South Park's graduating seniors with firm handshakes. One student winced under the man's firm grip.

"Sorry, Son." The man handed him his diploma and gave an apologetic hand pat. "Congratulations. You made it."

Pip's surviving bully curled his fingers as he walked off stage, trying to loosen the achy joints and torn tendons. His hand healed...but it wouldn't ever be the same. Watching the young man struggle after just a handshake, Pip felt guilty.

At the very least, he was still alive.

"Mummy couldn't be prouder of you!" Pip's mother smothered him in her tight embrace.

Spread across the grassy field outside the school, students mingled with their friends and families. Everyone had a multitude of companions: Parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts and uncles. Pip just had his mother. And, then Kenny.

"Hey. Smile. We're free."

"Jolly good, isn't it? Hm."

Pip gave a halfhearted laugh that sounded deflated at best. He spent his entire school career waiting for this. Finally, he was free...But, only from his relentless peers.

"Poppet, chin up. You've done splendid." His mother pat each cheek adoringly. "Now, let's get out of here before this parking lot becomes horrid... Oh, the traffic. Hurry."

She made sure to add that Kenny was more than welcome to come along. Of course, he accepted.

"...where is your family?" Pip pried, glancing around trying to catch sight of his blonde siblings or red-headed mother.

"My parents didn't want to waste the gas money...so, it's just me. I don't mind. I'd rather be with you anyway."

Pip's mother shook her head with pity. The poor young man didn't have anyone to honor his accomplishments. Kenny's parents never quite had their priorities straight. Especially, his father. Whatever gas money they were "saving" most definitively got spent on alcohol or other questionable things.

"Come along, both of you." Pip's mother ushered the young men toward her car. "In we all go."

The three managed to drive out of the school's parking lot before it became an absolute traffic jam. Sitting in the back seat with Kenny, Pip looked out the window at all the people he finally got to leave behind. As he stared out across crowd, he couldn't help but think about the classmate who had died.

"Rather sad about that boy, hm?" Pip's mother was thinking about the same thing. "It was lovely they still honored him with a diploma....Those poor people. I couldn't imagine losing you, Poppet."

Driving along, Pip's mother asked what he'd like for supper later. It was his special day, after all.

"Oh, anything is fine. Don't fuss over me."