Faults, Scars, and Guitar Strings

Chapter 70

I ran my fingers through my hair and my hands trailed down to my white dress. Today is the day; the day I never thought I would get to. It's graduation day. I'm graduating from high school. I didn't even plan on living through the 10th grade, but now that I'm here I'm so glad I'm alive. I'm so glad I've been able to live to see this day. I walked to my bathroom and added some makeup. Everyone's coming today; my family, my friends, and all my classmates I'm graduating with. I took my lip gloss from the sink and put a little on before walking back into my room and throwing it into my purse for later. I turned around at a knock on my door and David was smiling at me. My entire family came over to take pictures in my house before going to graduation. Even my dad. All morning I've been thinking about how much things have changed in the last four years.

"You look great sis. Congratulations."

"Thanks David," I smiled and hugged him tightly. "I never thought I would be here. Thank you so much for saving me."

"I never would have let my sister kill herself," he told me. "You're proof that recovery is possible, but today is all about you. Today is about the fact that you're alive and succeeded in graduating from high school. I'm so proud of you."

"Thank you."

"Now you better get your cap and gown on before we're late, and your hair looks like a bird's nest," he laughed.

I hit him in the arm, "So much for our serious moment."

He shrugged, "Someone needed to lighten the mood."

I shook my head and laughed, "I love you too bro."

He chuckled and left the room.

I took the comb from my dresser and ran it through my hair one more time. I've been holding my cap and gown in the bathroom staring at it every day since it arrived at school. Maria and I both cried together when they were given out because it not only met that we've gotten this far, but it also meant that we will be going our separate ways. We're moving on with our lives and starting a next chapter that will mostly likely mean we'll be away from each other. I chose music over college. Now that I have my own team I'm going to spend my time making more music and hopefully release another album. I want to be there to inspire others and show them that anyone can succeed no matter where they started their life.

I took my mind out of my thoughts and put on my gown. I fixed the cap to fit on my head and added a few bobby pins to keep it in place. I slipped on my shoes and put my purse over my shoulder before leaving my room. Everyone was waiting for me downstairs in the living room. By everyone I mean mom, dad, Ben, David, and Lolita. Alicia's been in my life a little, but she's the only one who said she couldn't make it to the ceremony. She sent a simple card instead. I was a little disappointed, but she hasn't always been there for me in the past. That's just how it is. I smiled at my family and my new best friend and they all pulled me into a hug. We took a few pictures of everybody before leaving the house.

"Ready to go?" mom asked.

I smiled, "I've been waiting for this for years."

"Let's go then," David said, "otherwise you'll be late."

I rolled my eyes, "Yes sir."

"That makes me feel old."

"Well...." I smiled.

"Shut up Kay."

I laughed, "You know I love you."

"Yeah yeah," he smiled. "I'll let it slide today since it's your graduation."

"Thanks," I laughed again.

We all piled into a vehicle and drove to the high school. Dylan promised to meet me outside the front doors at the school. His whole family was coming too and they wanted to do pictures at his house before the ceremony. My family dropped me off out front while they drove around to look for a place to park. I spotted Dylan immediately and smiled at him. He was in a group with his family. He spotted me and separated from his family to see me. He wrapped his arms around me and hugged me.