Blue - Dodge Mason

TWO

RULE TWO: A dollar a day, every day that school is in session.

The day had finally come. As I sat in my cap and gown next to the kids I've known my whole life, I was shocked to find myself slightly sad about high school coming to an end. My leg vigorously tapped against the floor as I brought myself back to reality; everyone was looking at the stage where two pictures were framed on display. We all knew who they were. Abby Clark and Jimmy Cortez. They graduated the year before us and passed away last summer. Yes, they were being mourned, but we knew why their pictures were really up there. They served as a reminder to all of the students of the risks when they play the same that seniors are eligible to play the summer after they graduate. Panic.

You know the saying, every small town has it's secrets? Ours is no exception, here we have a game. The losers stay here while the winners get a chance get out. In Carp, Texas, out is the only place worth going. Everyone teenager in town knows about Panic, I mean it started like most things around here, since it was summer and there was nothing else to do. All graduating seniors can play; sometimes 40 players enter, sometimes half that. Each year there are new players... new challenges... new judges...

The winner of Panic got to take home the grand prize, which is why players risk everything to win. But winning always came with a price. Previously, Abby and Jimmy died playing and it was the first time it had happened. Yet that wasn't going to stop the game from commencing this summer. You'd be shocked the things seniors would sacrifice for money and how many were putting everything into Panic. We all know the game isn't meant to kill you, as long as you follow one rule - Don't Panic.

"And now for what you've been waiting for... the graduates!" The cheers in the room brought a slight smile on my face as names began to be announced. I grinned to my left at one of my best friends as they announced, "Natalie Williams." She stood up and I watched her happily strut on stage. A few more names were called, more familiar faces I was stuck seeing everyday for the past four year. "Bishop Moore." I clapped my hands as he grabbed his diploma. "Heather Nill." Right after, I cheered loudly for my other best friend. It was crazy seeing how far we've come; I've known Heather, Bishop, and Nat since we were kids and now all we have is the summer before we all go our hopefully separate ways. I mean we all pretty much have the same goal of getting out of Carp.

A few more names were called... Kayt Anderson, Troy Van, Blake Adams, Dodge Mason, Summer Calvo. "Jacky Bennet." Nat hit my shoulder and screamed, "Go J!" I shook my head with a wide smile as I made my way up the stage. It was a short moment, but the paintings of Jimmy and Abby caught my eye as I was crossing and I nearly stopped as my blood ran cold. But I shook myself out of it and looked into the crowd; my parents were standing and I saw my brother cheering for me and then flipping me off when they weren't looking. I had to hold back a laugh as I grabbed my diploma and shook my principles hand. Holy shit, I actually graduated. One step closer to getting out of this shithole.

Nat locked her arm in mine as Heather and Bishop walked in front of us. I skipped to the band and Nat ran up to her dad while I felt someone grab the cap off my head. "Look who's all grown up." My brother put it on himself and ruffled my hair, "God your head is small Jacqueline-" "Jeremy give it back." I groaned as our parents walked over to us shaking their heads. Jeremy managed to keep my cap from me as my mom engulfed me in a hug.

"And to think our girl is going all the way to Boston." My mother began to tear up as she grabbed onto my hand, "Jacky, you know there's great schools around here too?" "I know mom." I managed to smile as my face heated up, "It's just the uh- scholarship at BU, and the program, I feel like I'd be missing out if I didn't at least take a chance." Yeah, the scholarship you lied to them about because there's no way you can afford it- "Who let you get all the brains." Jeremy smirked and pulled me into a hug, "Congrats Jac, I'm proud of you. You've always done better than me." He winks and I roll my eyes. I spot Bishop walking over to Heather and Nat and I look towards my family. My dad sighs, "Go be with your friends, we'll see you later."

I head over and Bishop's fixing Heather's hair or something? I don't even know if they're dating yet or not, but Nat squeals as she sees me, "We're free bitch." I laugh and she chimes, "Alright let's get out of here, I'm so done with this place."