The Letter (Zayn Malik Fanfiction) [2013 Watty Awards]

Chapter 23

Beverly's POV

1 week later

I was all packed up for the tour. Ella and I was going for the boy's concert at night since we had graduation. Both of us was at school and Mrs Grumps wanted me to speak since the valedictorian was at college because of early acceptance. 

I was freaking out a little since I've had no idea what to say. The ceremony was starting in 5 minutes. Ella was already at her seat which was quite far away from me. Sitting to me was the school's star quarterback and his girlfriend. Jacob and Lily. They were really a sweet couple. A relationship everyone envies. "Hey," someone said and I turned around. Ryker.

"Hey! It's been a long time!" I exclaimed smiling and he smiled back.

"You'll do great for the speech. Before you ask me how I knew it, I heard Mrs Grumps talking to you about it," Ryker said.

"Do great?! I don't even know what to say!" I said scoffing.

"Just let your mouth speak what's on your mind," Ryker said smiling as my principal walked up the stage.

I droned out on whatever he was talking about. I stood up when it was time to present us this scroll thingy. I stayed on stage waiting for everyone's name to be called out. Finally it was done and it was time for my speech. What to say..

I stood in front of the microphone. "Hey guys! If you don't know who I am, I'm Beverly Jacques. Most of you must be thinking why am I up here right? The valediction had a early acceptance in college so here I am!" I said which caused some laughter.

"Our school worked differently from other schools. We stayed in the same class for lessons. We study together for 4 years instead of 6 years? The first two years, some of us change classes while some of us are still in the same class for those two years. Then in came the third year, the year where everyone is arranged to the courses we want. Then we're stuck with each other for 2 years, whether we like it or not. Friendships were built. Friendships were destroyed. Same for relationships. But if a couple are meant to be, they'll be together in the end. Like Jacob and Lily. The it couple of the school. Not because that they are popular. They are average but its what their relationship that's makes them the it couple of the school," I said smiling at Jacob and Lily and they smiled back shyly.

"They've been through many obstacles. The usual drama but the both of them love each other so much that they stick together and not throw away their relationship. This is true love, something we all should have. Something everyone deserves. Happiness. Something that can't brought by money. There is many things in this world that can't brought," I said sighing.

"In the process of growing up, everyone thinks that they're life sucks. It's true. When you hit high school, everything changes. You have to know who are you're real friends and who are your fake friends. If you aren't popular, then you'll get picked on. Everyone misses their childhood. When they were carefree and happy. I never lost that happiness even though I was in high school. Yes. I had the typical drama. People picking on me but high school actually taught me how to be happy despite everything. I got this from my little brother. If life isn't so simple, why don't simplify things ourselves?" I said looking around and everyone was listening.

"I really simplify things and I actually realised what I wanted. I want to be surrounded by a group of friends who love me for who I am and I love them back. I want a relationship like Jacob's and Lily's. I wanted to stay happy. I want to watch my friends get together and marry each other. I want a best friend which I can act silly with. This is how I made myself happy. By simplifying things. Everyone knows that life sucks but if we can't change life, why don't we change our own lives? By being happy. The very first step," I said.

"For four years, we stuck together. We've made life long best friends here. We're now graduating. Time flies really quick. It was as if yesterday, I just finished middle school and was looking foward to high school. People have changed in four years. Physically or mentally. Everyone have changed. No matter who you are. When you were going through drama, I'm sure you had wished you could graduate faster to get away from all the picking on. But when you're having fun with your friends, you'll never want to graduate. But right now, we don't have a choice but to leave this high school. This high school that have many secrets among us that will never be revealled ever. Have fun graduating class of 2013!" I said and they all cheered smiling.

They started to chant my name and I grinned widely. I walked down from the stage and Ella ran to hug me. There was this final stage we had to do. Which was to throw our graduating hats. "1, 2, 3!" someone yelled.

"Friends forever!" we yelled throwing our hats smiling at each other.

I retrieved my hat which was lying on the floor not so far away from me. The school biggest jerk, Brian walked up towards me. "Hey Bev," he said and I turned to look at him.

"Yeah?" I said.

"Your speech was great. I bet this will be the best speech ever in this high school," he said and for the first time, he smiled widely.

"Thanks! Have fun graduating!" I said before Ella pulled me out of the school's gym to the car park.

"Time for the concert!" Ella exclaimed happily and I smiled as we got into the car.