The Introvert and the Football Player

Bo's Graduation

I got to the school at about ten minutes to 11, and the ceremony started at one. We were supposed to be here at least two hours early, and if we were late Mrs. Burke would have our asses. I met Ashton by the front doors for the last time unless we came back to visit Valerie and Nova. "Are you ready for this Smith?" He asked me. "I was born ready for this boy." I said.

Mrs. Burke was yelling at everyone to not wrinkle their outfits, and I spotted Nova down at the front of the auditorium. She was on the phone, and I could see her face turn from happy and carefree to anxious and worried. Another administrator then took all the Junior Marshals to another room to get them ready for the ceremony.

I looked around the room at the people that I had been around since freshman year. I had been friends with almost all of them freshman year, and now I barely knew half of them. Everyone knew me because of football, but the only one I was close to was Ashton. My two best friends I had started the year off with, acted like they didn't know me. Bailey gave me a small smile when I sat in the row behind her, but Jason stared stonily ahead. Everyone in this room pretended that they knew and got along with one another, but in reality it was a room full of sharks.

Mrs. Burke was lining up A-F, and everything was about to change. Tomorrow we'd all be graduates of Taylor High School. I meant what I told Ashton at the front door; I was born ready for this. I was ready for Stanford, and I was ready to tell Nova I loved her.

Taylor High School's gym was crowded with graduates, administration, the school board, and the families, and all of those people were making the gym hot. It was so hot it was almost uncomfortable. "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Taylor High School's graduation ceremony of the Class of 2016." The principal began. "I first met these students in their sophomore year and I could tell right away that they were special yet slightly wild. A perfect combination, but at the same time, a dangerous one."

"Each student in this class is incredibly gifted. From the athletes to the band members, they are all gifted. Before I ramble on, I'd like to introduce this years valedictorian, Jason Smalls."

Jason's speech talked about his high school experience and football. He didn't mention the drama from this year, or Bailey. He didn't tell everyone he was becoming a dad in four more months, and he didn't tell them that he didn't speak to half of the friends he mentioned. "Such bullshit." I mumbled under my breath. The girl next to me smirks at what I said but doesn't say anything.

I look over to where Nova was supposed to be sitting, and she isn't there. Ginger Hames is sitting where she is supposed to be sitting. She didn't come to my graduation. I look up to Valerie, and she looks just as confused as I am. Jason finishes his speech at least twenty minutes later, and the salutatorian gets up to say her speech.

After what seems like an hour later, the principal begins calling us up to get our diplomas. It occurred at an extremely slow pace. Thirty minutes seemed to pass before he got to the B's.

*******
"Jason Aaron Smalls." The principal boomed. I was next. After I take the steps across that stage I will have graduated from Taylor High School. "Bo Tyler Smith." I heard. I stood up smoothly and walked up to get my diploma. I shook administration's hand with a firm grip and smiled up at my family who was there watching me. My mom was crying of course, and the proud look on my dad's face will be how I see him forever.

It was all over, but Nova wasn't here to see it. The most important person to me didn't see me graduate.