High School Love Story

Epiloge: Governor John Walker

I stood in front of the crowd, my wife of thirty years was at my side. I looked back at Chief Justice Lorezo.

"Repeat after me, governor... I, Johnathan Micheal Walker"

"I, Johnathan Micheal Walker"

"Do solemnly swear"

"Do solemnly swear"

"That I will faithfully execute the office of the President of the United States"

"That I will faithfully execute the office of the President of the United States"

"And I will, to the best of my ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States"

"And I will, to the best of my ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States"

"So help you God."

"So help me God."

"Congratulations, Mr. President"

The crowd roared, I grabbed Mila's hand and raised it in the air. This was my dream. But for some reason, it didn't feel as sweet.

Two weeks later, I ordered Air Force One to make a landing in Columbia, SC. My motorcade took me back to my home town of Kershaw, SC. I made them stop in front of Juliet's childhood home. It was now empty. I got out, and walked inside.

No one had lived here since Juliet moved away. In fact, some of the things that her family didn't want were still in the house.

I walked into Juliet's room, I saw her old dresser. There was a lone piece of paper on top, dated in 2016.

Dear John Walker,

I know I probably said a lot of things that hurt you and Mila. The truth is, I loved you all along. I honestly wish we could've been together, but I let my own anger get in the way of that. I saw you propose to Mila at your graduation, it was beautiful. I cried for almost two days after that, wishing it was me instead of Mila. But, I had my chance, and now I must live with the consequences. I'm gonna really miss you John. I miss how you laughed, how awkward we are, I miss everything about you. I always loved you, even from the start. I know you had such a complex relationship with Mila, and I should have waited it out, I know. I'm so sorry for everything, I hope our paths cross again someday. I love you. Always and forever.

sincerely yours, Juliet.

I teared up. I thought about her, and her three kids, and her husband Kenneth. How hard it must be for her.

Her husband had been in and out of jail almost since they had been married. He couldn't hold a job because of that, and Juliet's job didn't really pay well. He had decided that the best course of action was for him to sell cocaine to anyone and everyone who was willing to buy it. Unfortunately for him, one of the low-lifes he was trying to sell to was actually an FBI agent. He got thirty years. Juliet now not only had to provide for her three kids, but had to raise them as well, with no help from their father.

Poor, poor Juliet.

"Is something wrong, Mr. President?"

I turned around to see the head of my secret service team looking at me.

"No." I said.

He began to walk out, "Wait a second" I said "call my chief of staff. I want a pardon for Kenneth Johnston ready when I get back to Washington."

"Yes sir, Mr. President"

I looked back at the note. I folded it up, and put it inside my coat.

I turned around and walked out.