About You Now

One Final Time

Graduation, a day all students worked towards, a symbolic moment that marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of the next, whether that be school or college. The chance to walk across the stage in some place to collect a diploma, receive an achievement, and receive kind words for all the hard work put in while dressed in a cap and gown in the school colors. All Star Academy was no different. The day was warm, clear blue skies absent of clouds, and the sun was so bright that one could be blinded. The stage had been set in the dry, crunchy grass that was the sports field. Rows of single folding chairs were set out, intended for students and some parents, while the bleachers would hold the rest. Canopies had also been set up, with a little drinks station to offer water and other soft drinks.

Upon the stage, a projector and a matching screen had been set. In front of it was the podium, with a banner attached. The stage had been draped in a white canvas cloth, the stair railing hung with red and white ribbons, perfectly placed to match the vision headmistress Stephanie had. Upon the stage were several more folding chairs, one for each tutor, the proud sports coaches, and the headmistress herself.

Stephanie looked down at the glimmering watch that lay delicately around her wrist. Had school been active, it would have been in full swing by now, she thought. The classrooms would have been full of students, both those ready to learn and those who struggled with morning enphusasium. Corridors would have been abandoned apart from the odd few running late or testing the teachers' patience and daring detention. Friends would share jokes, and plans for the weekend would be made. All while most look forward to something, whether it be a planned school event announced months in advance or the plans made for after-school hours.

Instead, the summer holidays had begun just a week prior, students had left full of life, filled with laughter and unmistakable smiles upon their lips as school ended until the new term and school year began. Those of senior year would only return for graduation now, while those of younger years looked forward to a new term in a different year. For students entering their sophomore year, nothing would change, except they'd no longer be the youngest at school. Those entering their junior year would find more options for class subjects and sports teams available to them, along with a revised schedule. While those entering their senior year would discover the responsibilities they would now face, including the duty of being a role model to younger students, while maintaining their true selves, and preparing for life after All Star Academy.

"I'm going to miss them," spoke Stephanie upon sensing the presence of her husband, and wrestling team coach. Her words were a confession she never thought she'd say out loud, yet there she was admitting it. Despite the ups and downs that had occurred with that year's graduating seniors, she couldn't deny they stood out from previous years. Not only were they the smallest year group, but also the bravest that had stepped foot on school grounds, the loudest in some cases, and the most fearless when it came to being themselves.

Stephanie could remember Dean and Seth in a constant prank war during their sophomore and junior years, a battle that had eventually grown to include Johnny Gargano, Tommaso Ciampa, Sheamus, Drew McIntyre, and several others. She could recall Finn Balor, AJ Lee, Aleister, and Echo Black, working together to be what Nikki needed after her nasty breakup and Brie's vicious betrayal. How they taught her it was okay to be unapologetically herself, and to find confidence in who she was rather than being who others demanded she be.

She could remember the Wyatts also, always lingering in the shadows, but also being silent protectors of the outcasts, an alley to those who called themselves The Darklings. Roman also stuck out to her, but not for the constant drama with Serenity, but from his determination to help those who needed it. Like in his junior year, he'd helped Echo on her revenge tour, giving her the ammunition she needed to ensure justice was achieved in a way that teachers and school rules couldn't provide.

Even those of the popular and jocks had stood out to her at some points. Kaitlyn went on a journey of self-discovery that led her away from her once best friend; however, years later, the two would reconcile, both proud of who they were and had become, while accepting they were different. Kaitlyn apologizes to AJ for what she'd done, admitting she'd been a foolish kid back then and her then-bestie deserved better than being abandoned and bullied.

Brie was another who once believed that popularity was everything, and that meant unlimited power. She'd treated her twin so terribly that it had taken some time for them even to share a classroom after the betrayal. However, Brie had eventually grown to see the error of her ways and started a new, reconciled with her twin and embraced who she was at heart, while still ensuring her friends from the popular girls and jocks knew they could rely on her even when times got tough.

"They're always gonna be special, Steph," spoke Triple H, a soft fatherly grin upon his lips. He'd miss them too; not only were they the year that brought the wrestling trophy home, but also one of the most unique he'd ever seen. They were bold, crazy, loud, unique, and every other word in between. Even when they were at war with themselves, they still protected one another. "Is Serenity set to be here or is she collecting her diploma afterwards?" he asked, a tinge of concern coloring his voice. The teenage mother-to-be had indeed left her mark, but not in a way to be proud of. Instead, she was a mess of constant tantrums and never-ending drama, a source of annoyance most others could have done without. Her behavior was no better, refusing to listen to others or respect boundaries, ignoring when told not to do something or the simple word of no, purposely going out of her way to hurt others, and now bordering on obsessive stalkerish behavior.

"She'll be here," sighed Stephanie, recalling her decision to allow Serenity there. She still had half a mind to change her decision, if only to avoid the drama that would undoubtedly follow. However, she'd also second-guessed the teenager in question. Nothing was going to keep her away from graduation, not even barbed wire-topped fences and security guards would keep her away. "It's why I arranged a seating plan, to ensure she'd be as far from those she's been harassing as possible." For a moment, Stephanie thought she'd constantly fought with herself regarding where to put Serenity, before eventually deciding to put her at the front, in the direct view of the tutors and other staff who would be sitting on stage. The members of the larger misfit family would be the opposite side of the asile toward the back with the Wyatts, ensuring they had each other and trusted allies. Roman would be hidden amongst them, hopefully out of Serenity's sight and firing line.

"They'll be arriving soon," Triple H spoke, a sigh escaping his lips not seconds later. In a way, he didn't want to say goodbye to that year's seniors; he wanted to wrap them all in bubble wrap and keep them safe from the big world that awaited them now. But at the same time, he knew he couldn't do that; the world beckoned them to come and explore, journeys awaited, and each of them had their own paths to follow and dreams to chase after. "I'll keep tabs on them when they leave, I'm just as eager to know where they'll end up as you are," he added, recalling neither he nor Stephanie doubted the group of teenagers had what it took to bring their big dreams to life, as many who passed through All Star Academy before them had.

"You better," joked Stephanie, recalling how she'd become just as attached to that year's graduating seniors as her husband had. Despite the drama, ups and downs, and the chaos that had been present, the pandemonium, there was still love in many forms there and friendship that would last a lifetime if appropriately nurtured. "When those lot enter the world of wrestling for real, they're gonna take it by storm," she announced, suspecting many of them would add a new twist to what already existed or change something entirely. All of them had that power, that much Stephanie could say for sure; the question was what they would do with it.

"And we're gonna be right here, cheering them on," replied Triple H, wrapping an arm over his wife's shoulders in a side hug. Together, they'd seen many come and go, seniors graduate. However, that year marked the first since Stephanie had taken over as headmistress, and those seniors would hold a special place in her heart. "Wherever they end up, All Star Academy will always be theirs, no other year will be like them," he added, slipping into the persona many had come to call Papa H mode. The proud father who would give his all to help each of them succeed, as long as they gave him their best efforts in return. "Ladies and Gentlemen, one final time, Class of 2025 has arrived!"