Life's Second Chance

Ray's Graduation

"You should go and see her you know.." came the quiet voice of Jay.

"What's the point Jay, she wouldn't even recognize me." Kay sighed sadly.

"But at least you will.." came the thoughtful kind lyrics of the younger man.

Kay knew that this was Ray's big day, he'd remembered her talk about graduating from her favorite college MIT with high honors having him by her side and greet her on stage as a young child. Alas it would never be..It really wasn't fair. Remembering the promise he made turned to Jay and said, "Hope you're ready to get Flushed."

As out of character as it sounded Jay was glad to hear his partner's comment and smiled a toothy grin and as they walked through the door he jumped at Kay's, "Your hand" which made Jay automatically take his hand off and cough awkwardly, "Ehm, right."

And as the two Agents emerged the formalities of meet and greet were replayed, as if written on a script they'd gone through the daily routine before heading top side.

Taking a deep breath J stood dressed in a formal suit with a small bouquet of flowers midst the cheering crowd of students, parents, friends and distant relations. As his best friend and partner took the stand and received her honors he couldn't help but feel a tear steal his features.

Here he stood in the back, with his eyes upon the character in her robe giving her speech as Valedictorian.

The dark irony of it all was..the girl was the best friend of his twin sister..who still believed he was serving the local army as a pilot. Having Agent Kay as a godfather definitely had its perks but still..protocol still stood.

To his left he heard a light heavy heave and shifted his dark brown eyes to find two familiar faces close by. The elder who stood so tall and formal back at HQ now wore civilian frock with his shoulders slouched and eyes teary.

J's father seemed to be in much the same disposition, then again his father wasn't really good at things like this- as if remembering his father at his sister's graduation the year before let out a light inward chuckle. And as if his father sensed J's silent stares he turned to meet his eyes with a curt nod before turning to the character who now who tossed her cap.

"Now's your chance," came Kay's quiet voice of encouragement as he lightly pushed the boy forward.

J's feet seemed to have frozen for that split second, and was grateful for the extra nudge. Making his way through the crowd paused seeing his older sister engulf the girl in a hug. "Just great.." he commented quietly under his breath.

His sister always knew that he had admired the girl, no matter how much he'd deny it. "You've taken on aliens in live combat.." heaving deeply pushed himself to close the distance, "This is nothing.." he added nervously. Taking the window between the moment his sister turned to her group of friends, walked up to Ray and smiled warmly as he extended his hand to offer her the bouquet.

Ray smiled warmly as her cheeks were painted a pastel pink as she slowly reached out to clasp her small fingers around the stems wrapped in a cute bow. And as her fingers brushed that of the other she paused and dropped her gaze as if something tugged in her gut. "I'm sorry have we met before?"

J's eyes widened and tried to find the words that wouldn't come out, luckily his sister cut in and placed a hand on both their shoulders. "Ah, good! You're both acquainted. Reilyn this is my younger brother," nudging the girl playfully the older girl added, "-the one I've been telling you about." Winking at Reilyn, she playfully added, "I'll go check on the arrangements for the limo," before turning to J with a stern -tell-her-already- look- as she pulled the two closer together.

As both young people dropped their gaze shyly they both began to speak at the same time, only to have an awkward pause turn them both silent. Soon enough, J's beeper rang, much to his disdain. "I'm sorry I have to go.." he added regretfully.

"Let me guess.. Duty calls?" Reilyn's soft warm tones, and glistening eyes tugged J's heart. IF only he could skip this call-but.. he just couldn't. Handing her the bouquet added awkwardly, "There's a card in there-if you-ah-you know- if you wanted to-" J Beat himself inwardly. Why was it so difficult to confess anyway? It's not like she remembers anything.." Eyes zoomed in on his father tapping his wrist watch in impatience. Senior Agent Jay's bulging eyes spoke volumes and J had to roll his eyes before turning over his shoulder. Surprisingly Reilyn was still standing there waiting for him to finish his thought. "Sorry-I gotta go. Call me!"

With that he ran into the crowd and melted from vision.

{Author's note: Although I found it rather heart breaking to write this bit, I felt it was needed to show the depth and sacrifices the agents at the MIB have to go through. I felt it wasn't very well displayed in the movies, so I thought to add it here. It kind of gives another dimension to the cool looking agents who keep spouting some comedic phrase or pun.

What do you guys think?

Feel free to let me know in the comments! XD

Best regards,

Rei}