The future starts today, not tomorrow. - Pope John Paul II
Juliette's step-father came to visit and they joined Auggie and his parents out for dinner at the local restaurant. Everyone listened to their plans for the future and what they were doing to meet those goals. Sophie was pleased to see that group was happy and the warmth that came from the adults was genuine. She looked to where Ezra and his mother were and noticed that reunion, was just as relaxed as when he'd spent time with his father this morning. Daisy and her father, had Peter with them. There was still open communication happening and that was always a good thing. Shelby and her sister, had joined Mike and Chris. They'd chosen a table right beside Mark and his brother's. Sophie could tell that they were offering silent support to their friend. When Mark introduced his brother to the group, she was pleased with how they were easily accepted and asked to join their table. Still, Shelby and Chris kept an ear on the conversation between Scott and his father.
"No dad, this time I'm going to stand it like a man and give some back."
Mr. Barringer asked, "what's that supposed to mean?"
"It means I don't need your help, I'm doing fine on my own. I'm handling my own responsibilities. I don't need you to 'pave the way' as you put it. Look, I appreciate that you want to participate in my decisions and life. And I've forgiven her, you and myself for everything that's happened. I'm in control and working towards my future. I'd like you in my life, but not the way it was in the past."
"You've grown up so much... without me.... I'm proud of you son."
"Thanks dad... I want you to meet some of my friends... "Shelby, Chris, come over for a minute!"
The two girls excused themselves and joined Scott. He introduced them to his dad. Shelby was more comfortable, than Chris, but they both remained at the table.
"So Shelby is your girlfriend and Chris is your friend?...Two ladies, now that's my boy!" Mr. Barringer teased.
"Dad....," Scott was worried that the girls would take offence, especially Chris.
"We're not his only friends," Chris said and proceeded to point out everyone else.
"You're right, but I can see a special bond between the three of you. Hold on to that friendship. Life is always a struggle uphill and good friends are hard to find."
They all nodded their heads. "Excuse me, I'm going to return to my table... It was nice meeting you Mr. Barringer." Chris politely retreated.
Peter was making his rounds, talking with the other groups and guests. He overheard the exchange between Scott and Mr. Barringer, pleased with the results. When the guests were gone and the children in their dorms, he'd discuss Scott's graduation with the other councillors. Scott and a few other children, were ready to move on.
The timing of this graduation was perfect. Most colleges and universities didn't start semesters until September, which meant the three other graduates and Scott would have all of summer to work and make money for an apartment or towards school. Also it would give Scott time to train with the college football team. The councillors all agreed that, like previous graduations, a celebration should be held. For the kids that would be next in line, they'd work on organizing and planning the party. Since the number of graduates were so small, there wouldn't be a prom, but a band was created from the musically inclined kids. They intended to have a dance and lounging area too.
During group session time, was when Peter announced the graduating students. Everyone had already figured out who was up in the Cliff Hangers, but hearing it officially still was rewarding for Scott.
"Soon Shelbly will graduate too," Chris reminded.
"I still need to work a few things out with my sister, before I'm ready to go." Shelby added, "And some of you still need my tough love, right Daisy?"
Daisy snorted, "I'm doing fine thank you."
"You and your dad made some good progress at parents' day," Peter reminded.
"Yeah. I'm just shocked he's still sober. But we all know that once an addict, always an addict."
Ezra had something to say about that. "Actually it's all about personal choice. Saying it that way is just an excuse. It's what you want and whether or not to continue being selfish."
Auggie nodded, "he's right. Sure addiction is a disease, but we know that it can be controlled, if you want it to be. Choice is choice.The future is now, not tomorrow, whether it's one day at a time or not."
"Wow that was profound too!" Juliette praised her boyfriend.
Chris brought their attention back to Peter. "So no prom, but a dance all the same, which is cool, but what happens after that?"
"The next day Scott will pack up, paper work is completed and off he goes."
"You guys all make it sound like a walk in the park. But if we think my training for football is hard now, well it's going to be intense."
"Once you're comfortable with the new team guys, you should try out for rugby too," Chris suggested.
"I doubt I'll have time, but it's a sport that I'd love to try."
Daisy was more practical, "less money and padding... no you should stick with football."
Shelby agreed. The discussion continued until the session ended. Since it was lunch time, they all headed to the dining room. The girls were talking about the dresses, the guys focused on eating and whom they wanted to dance with.
"Choose the dress and then I can help alter it," Juliette offered.
"If we're given make-up then I'll handle that," Daisy added.
"Red beets work good for adding colour if there is no lipstick," Shelby advised.
Chris wasn't sure if she wanted to even go. Yes she wanted to wish Scott well, but wearing a dress, didn't bring any good memories to mind. But if she wanted to move forward with her life, the past had to be overcome. So when Shelby offered to do her hair, she agreed. Without Peter needing to say something, Chris approached him.
"I don't know if I want to stay long at the dance. Do we have to stay or can we go back to our dorms?"
"Why not stay?" Peter asked.
"Dresses... wearing a dress, reminds me of the past and I want to move forward. If I can just wear my normal clothes, I'll stay."
"How about women's dress pants? Would that be okay?"
"Sure... that' works I guess."
"Let me talk to Sophie and I'll get back to you on that."
Daisy overheard and asked, "can I wear a guy's suite and tie then?"
Shelby snorted, "why would you want to, when you're so pretty in a dress."
Juliette teased, "a suite and tie would make you look like an undertaker. That's in line with what you originally wanted to do, right?"
"Never mind," Daisy sighed, "a dress is better."
That made Peter smile, his kids had made so much progress these last few months. He wondered if they would keep on this path, after Scott, their role model was gone. The discussion continued to focus on the graduation for the rest of their group session.
