Suicide Notes

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Nineteen

Caleb-

"Graduating with distinction, Annalisa Kay Vasquez. Annalisa plans to major in music at the University of Washington and continue performing songs with her band, Fringe." Applause rose from the crowd, and our small section cheered and whistled as Anna moved across the stage to accept her diploma.

Pride swelled in my heart. This beautiful, accomplished girl was mine; and after tonight, there'd be no chance of going backward, only forward. My test results were back, and clean, like I told her they would be. I'd fulfilled her requirement and even managed to wait until it was more convenient. Frankly, I couldn't wait any longer.

"I now present your graduating class. Congratulations!" the superintendent's voice boomed from the podium several minutes later. All the students stood and tossed their caps, filling the air with mortar boards, whoops and hollers. Family and friends whistled and applauded as they made their way down the stands and onto the field to celebrate the festive accomplishment. My eyes were pinned on Anna as I weaved my way toward her through the throng of people; Stix, Rick and Riley, followed after me.

"Caleb!" I heard her shout with joy as she ran to meet me. Throwing her arms around me, I swept her off her feet and twirled in a circle.

"You did it, babe! Congratulations!" Placing her back on the ground, I kissed her soundly on the mouth.

"Back off, man. Give us a chance at her," Stix grumbled, elbowing his way in between us and we broke apart laughing. "Got a kiss like that for me, darlin'?" he drawled.

Anna blushed and shook her head. "I'm afraid not. Those are reserved for Caleb."

Stix grabbed her in a big bear hug. "Well, you can't blame a guy for trying."

"I can," I replied, with a fake menacing undertone. He was lucky I knew he wasn't serious. Stix was a player to the core.

"My turn." Riley stepped up to take Stix's place, only to be followed by Rick. Finally, when she was free again, I moved back beside her.

"Hold on a second, Caleb," her dad's voice boomed and I glanced over my shoulder to see James and Melanie approaching.

"Sorry," I responded with a grin, waving an arm and gesturing for them to greet their daughter. "I didn't see you there."

More hugs and compliments ensued until we were all standing around in a giant circle together.

"So, my restaurant is having a special tonight in honor of the graduation celebration, if any of you are interested in going to eat there. Do you have plans for the evening?" Melanie said, looking around at the group.

"We've arranged a little graduation party later tonight for Anna," Rick said with a wink. "She was supposed to tell you about it."

"That's right. She did mention she would be out all night with the band," James replied. "I guess it's to be expected. No kid in their right mind wants to celebrate the end of high school with their parents."

"We can all still go to dinner together at your restaurant, Mom. We're just going to eat pizza and watch movies at the loft, play some pool, things like that."

"No. You go have fun with the guys. Maybe your dad and I will venture out for a bit of date time ourselves."

"Are you sure?" I asked. "You're both more than welcome to come spend the evening with us."

Melanie laughed, brushing her long dark hair over her shoulder. "We're too old to keep up with the likes of you kids. We're more of the 'enjoy the quiet night' versus the rowdy party type."