Their World | Rilaya

88: Graduation

[Graduation is almost over. Everyone just received their diplomas and Matthews is at the podium, finishing up the ceremony.]

"Before I send off all of our new graduates, I would like to welcome Farkle Minkus, who will be giving the last valedictorian speech of the night," Cory announces.

Farkle approaches the podium and takes out his speech and the paper that Maya gave him and sets them both down.

As the applause dies down, he begins. "I have been dreaming of this day for as long as I can remember. Being in this exact spot and giving my valedictorian speech. When I was younger I had always planned on talking about how high school graduation would put me one step closer to ruling the world, but things have changed since then. I have realized that the most important thing about today isn't this speech, but the people I get to celebrate this milestone with. People change people. No matter where this world takes me, the people that have impacted my life will always be with me. They have left a part of theirselves with me and I hope that I have left a part of myself with them. I no longer dream of taking over the world, because instead I hope change it for the better. If you remember just one thing from my speech, let it be these next four words: 'Dream. Try. Do good.' Don't worry about how well or successful you will be in the future, but focus on doing good in the world today. Thank you. I am Farkle." He lets out a slight laugh since it has been so long since he has said that. He grabs his speech and starts walking away from the podium.

"Wait, Farkle, you forgot part of your speech," Cory whispers over the applauding crowd, referring to the paper Maya asked Farkle to leave behind.

Farkle smirks and says, "thank you for such a great teacher, Mr. Matthews," before he goes back and takes his seat.

Confused, Cory looks more closely at the folded piece of paper on the podium.

"To: Matthews
From: Maya"

Cory picks up the paper and unfolds it once.

"Back in the seventh grade you asked me to paint you a picture if anything beautiful happened to Riley. With your permission I would like to make something beautiful happen to her..."

Cory unfolds the paper one more time to reveal a painting of a diamond ring with the caption, "can I have your daughter's hand in marriage?" under it.

Cory looks up from the paper and out into the silent crowd of people, who are staring back at him. He clears his voice  to recover from the awkward pause and announces, "ladies and gentlemen, the Abigail Adams High School class of 2020."

All of the students get up from their seats and everyone in the room begins to cheer.

Caps fly into the air as Matthews looks over to Maya. He is immediately meet by her eyes. With a smile, he gives her nod.

Maya looks up at Riley, who is in the middle of standing up and asks, "Riley, will you marry me?"

Riley's eyes widen and she slowly sits back down next to Maya.

[Meanwhile out in the crowd.]

"Mommy, why aren't Riley and Maya standing up with everyone else," Auggie asks.

"I-I don't know, Auggie," Topanga stutters.

"You don't think Maya just..." Shawn's voice trails off.

"Did what?" Katy questions, unaware of what Topanga and Shawn were discussing.

"I believe she did," Feeny smiles.

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A/N: Yay, Maya finally proposed!