So Many Reasons

32;

I stared at myself in the mirror of my room. This was it. Today I was graduating.

My hair was straightened, and I was wearing the white dress I wore on my eighteenth birthday.

My parents were downstairs waiting for me to come down. I couldn't move though. I didn't know how to feel.

"Honey?" Moms soft voice rang through my room. She smiled at me and came to stand behind me, resting her head on my shoulder.

"You're so beautiful, baby girl." She kissed my cheek. I smiled and leaned my head against her. "Are you ready?"

I laughed softly and turned in her arms. "Honestly?" She smiled and I shook my head. "I'm terrified."

"That's expected, but you're going to do great things with your life, dear." She stroked my hair, like she has done since I was little.

I kissed moms cheek and hugged her tightly.

"Let's go."

~~~~~~

I was shaking. It wasn't cold, but I was so nervous I was afraid I'd throw up on stage.

Kendra strolled up to get her diploma, smiling brightly the whole way with her giant baby bump peeking through her gown. She grabbed her diploma happily and practically ran through the line of our teachers. Then she flashed the photographer to rock and roll signs and stuck her tongue out. That got me to laugh.

"Madilyn Taylor." I stood up slowly and followed the girl in front of me to the stage where I was given my diploma. My parents and other relatives cheered loudly and excitedly, like they did for Kendra. I knew my palms were sweating. I walked down the line of teachers. When I met David and shook his hand I could feel eyes on me; Principal Jones' eyes. David smiled at me and like magic my nerves were gone and I was excited. Now, I would be able to be with David freely.

I continued walking until I got back to my seat. My new mood spreading happiness through me.

The principal announced his final words and our tassels went over, then our hats went up.

We were no longer high school students.

Kendra was the first to greet me, running to me- more like waddling- and screaming. She hugged me tightly and I laughed.

"We graduated!" She chirped. I nodded and smiled.

My parents and Melanie were the next ones to congratulate us. Kendra, my family and I snapped picture after picture.

"Look." Kendra whispered, nodding her head in the direction where David and Danny were walking towards us. I gulped, wringing my hands together.

"Congratulations." David said, standing in front of me. I was worried, but I tried pushing it to the back of my mind because I wanted him to be happy.

"Do you want a picture together?" My mom asked happily. David nodded and put an arm on my lower back, smiling for the picture. His hand on me made my own lips turn up into a smile.

We took a few pictures, some with Danny and Kendra in them. I got more nervous with every pair of eyes I felt on us.

After our last picture David stared into my eyes, as if asking for my permission. I nodded and he leaned down, with a giant smile, and kissed me. I heard a few gasps from around me and now I knew all eyes were on us.

The smile on David's face when he pulled away left me breathless, and I was smiling as well.

This was it. Everyone knew. It was out there.

"Are you okay?" He asked. I took a deep breath and nodded.

Everyone was staring now, but it didn't matter. I had David, and now everyone knew he was mine. I was happier than ever.