Love Interests

Chapter 18

Riley's POV:

"Hi everyone how are you all doing today? Yeah me too I get it graduations can be boring but I can promise you mine will only make you fall asleep for a few minutes before the person next to you accidentally hits you. Yeah I'm talking about you guys in the back don't think I don't see y'all." I said gaining a small laugh from the people in the crowd. "Let me give you a rundown of my high school career and how it went for me. Freshman year, I was the new girl in town and at school, and just like my first time playing hockey, I was scared at first but as soon as I got the hang of it, I loved it. I made some great friends whom I love from the bottom of my heart and I pray everyday that we will always be like that. My academics were great except for Geometry which I hated, sorry Ms. Dwight, and I was really proud of myself. My swimming that year was less than par, because I was new to the team and what I thought was lucky for me Coach B had no clue who I was. Let's Just say I sometimes wish that I could completely redo that year but I can't so I'm getting over it." As I am speaking, I start to get a pretty dry throat and can already feel the tears. "I'm sorry. I told myself I couldn't cry till at least junior year." I told the crowd and everyone laughed. "Okay where was I. Anyway, Freshman year when by super fast and next thing I knew it was time for sophomore year. That year was what I called the most interesting year of my life Not only did I meet my best friend in our favorite but least favorite class, I also managed to be the first person on our swim team to get a concussion while swimming. To go through that year, we would be sitting her for another 4 hours so I think I'll just tell you the most important stuff. Anna and I somehow got put into the same English class and I'm surprised Mrs. Birdie didn't kill us sometimes. We clicked immediately and I'm so glad to have my partner in crime going to the same college as me, being in the same classes, and choosing the same major as me. Coincidence or not, I'm so glad we met because I can't picture myself without her. That same year my swimming career started to take off, that is until I decided to hit my head. It was the end of my season and now I know never to swim without my contacts not a mistake I will make again I promise! My junior year were actually quite boring. Had a few classes with my friends and swimming went really well, and in the end I became a captain somehow they trusted with the team- thanks Coach B! Now the year, that was quite a roller coaster for me. My Nana died at the beginning of the year and I have to say it was probably the worst thing that ever happened to me. A lot of people were confused about why I didn't come to school, and it was because I couldn't." The tears were coming down at a steady pace and no matter how hard I tried they wouldn't stop. I couldn't stop now because if I did, no one would ever know. "I forget sometimes that it's easier to open up, but I couldn't tell anyone about her she was the most important person in my life and when God took her away from me, I felt the world crash around me. I was lucky enough to have Anna by my side every step of the way, but I still feel like maybe it wasn't her time. When sit and wish for her to come back I can feel her presence around me and she is always there for my most important moments like today. I know she is listening and she is helping me tell you guys about her right now. I just want everyone to take a piece of everything that I have learned and place it in their lives. Without all the people here today, my classmates, my family, my teachers, and most important my friends, I wouldn't be the person I am today. I want to thank you all for the best 4 years I could have ever wished for. I wish you all well in college and don't forget to keep those grades up. Yeah Ginny I'm looking at you! Thank you and good luck to you all." With that I stepped away from the microphone and I saw that people had started to get up on their feet and clap and many had tissues in there hand. I walked over to my seat and gratefully took a tissue from Anna as she gave me a hug. The rest of graduation went by as a bur and when it was my turn to get my diploma I noticed that unlike all my other classmates, every person had cheered when my name was called and I was super grateful .

Anna had been a big part of my life and I'm thankful she is still here. After a long needed silence, Anna started to talk to me. "Look I know you don't want to talk about it but I want you to know I'm here for you always." "I didn't want to tell the boys, but....."

To Be Continued