Vaniville High Fourth Year - The Perfect Year? (An Amourshipping Fanfiction)

Chapter 23 - Valedictorian

(Ash)

"Ash Ketchum!" The principle's voice boomed from the microphone on the stage. Butterflies rushed into my stomach as he called my name. I wandered up to the stage, the sounds of the thunderous applause being blocked out due to my excitement. I took the diploma from my headteacher and then shook his hand, before stepping up onto the podium.

"This time last year, I always thought about how difficult this journey had been and was going to be. I had almost no hopes of success due to my grades in the last grade, but with my friends determination added to my own, which was growing day by day, I felt like I could accomplish anything. I want to thank my friends for the belief they had in me throughout this year. Without them around, I wouldn't be stood up here today, accepting this diploma. So, thank you" I took a step off and waved to the large crowd. I spotted my Mom's bright face and Serena's bright, beautiful smile as her blue eyes shone with tears.

"Last but not least, Serena Yvonne!" Our principal called out Serena, who was last in terms of alphabetical order. She made her way onto the stage and accepted her diploma, the same amazing smile plastered across her face.

"Today, I accept this diploma as recognition of the hard work I put into high school. Today, along with many of my peers, I can finally say I have done it and move on to bigger and better things. Thank you to everyone who believed in me and the teachers that helped me throughout my years as a student at this amazing school. Thank you very much" She stepped off the stage and sat back down.

"And now, the final words from our valedictorian" The principal backed off from the microphone, as a figure appeared on the podium. Cilan coughed twice and prepared to speak. I guess I just won $10.

"Today, we are all gathered to recognize the achievements we have gained through our years at high school. A journey in which every moment is cherished and never forgotten, where new friendships are made for the better, for the future. Our graduation today is only a small step towards adulthood, because there is still much to be done. Many of us here in this hall are moving onto university, or college. Some have landed places in various other schools and even jobs. We are recognizing these achievements and allowing those who have graduated to be recognized by their peers as an individual student of this school. Someone with unique character who was not the same as their friends. Someone who knew right from wrong and got the work done when the work was due. Someone who put 200% into everyday and woke up ready for new challenges. Someone who wasn't afraid to experiment and overcome obstacles along the way. Over the past four years, everyone has built a different sense of character, one that makes us unique from the person next to us. I would like to take this time, as the valedictorian to say congratulations to all of my fellow students and may your future be as bright as the sun" Cilan took a step back as everyone stood up and gave him a standing ovation. A recognition of his hardwork.

"Lets go Cilan!" I heard Gary shouting, as everyone clapped. Calem was next to him and he whislted loudly, while the others continued to shout over each other. Soon enough, the clapping died down and the principal stepped up to the microphone.

"Will this years graduates of Vaniville High, please rise" He said in his booming voice. We all simultaneously rose from our seats, waiting for the call.

"Congratulations, you are now officially graduates of Vaniville High!" He said with the utmost amount of happiness. Everyone cheered and threw their caps into the air. I launched my as high as possible, watching it slowly float back down like a feather. I caught it in my hand and put it back on.

We spent the rest of the day taking pictures and talking to other teachers and students about our experiences and memories. The whole day was positive, until I saw one person. Kevin suddenly stepped infront of me.

"What do you want?" I almost snapped at him, nearly losing my cool.

"I-" Kevin tried to find what to say, but he gave himself another minute. "I am sorry, for the trouble I have caused you Ash. I realize it was just jealousy and anger building inside of me"

"No" I shook my head, throwing out my hand. "I am sorry, Kevin. I shouldn't have thought of you in the wrong way in the first place. I was wrong to judge you from first impressions. I realize now why you are who you are, Kevin"

"Huh?" He replied, ignoring my hand for a moment.

"Well, you want to get your way, just like most people, correct?"

"I-I guess so" He admitted, nervously scratching his head.

"Well, you understand that it is sometimes impossible to get your way and that is why you are who you are, because you know some things are impossible. That is why you chose Sarah" I further explained. Kevin took in the information and nodded.

"You really are smart, Ash" He admitted.

"Well, I wouldn't get this any other way" I raised my diploma, awkwardly laughing.

Kevin grasped my hand and gave it a firm shake. This was different from the last time, last year. It was a firmer grip, one with meaning.

"I truly am sorry, Ash. For being such trouble. We had our differences in the PAST"

"Sounds good to me" I replied with a little grin.

"Congratulations on graduating" He finally said, before turning around and walking off.

"Kevin?!" I shouted to him. I thought he would continue walking but he stopped, not turning around.

"You too. Try not to do anything stupid from now on!" I waited for Kevin to reply, but he continued to walk on, raising his right hand with a small wave. I wasn't sure what that was about, but I guess settling our differences like adults was the only way of finishing the year. It was just immature to continue with something so stupid, so I was glad that was over.

We still had two days remaining of the school year, but then it would finally be all over. As soon as the bell rings on that Friday, I will be apart of the adult world, hoping to be fully enrolled in the college I desired. The exact same college as Serena, so our future could be spent together. A bright and wonderful future that I wanted the moment I laid my eyes on her, almost 4 years ago.