(Jean X Marco) Welcome To My Life

Chapter 11

"So, are you ready?" Jean asked Marco, who was sitting on the bed in his graduation robes. Marco smiled over at Jean.

"It means the world to me that I get to do this with you and the others." Marco said as he stood and walked over to Jean. Jean looked up at Marco's face.

"It means the world to us too, that's why we had graduation postponed until you got better, and now we get to do this together." Jean said as he brought Marco into a hug and kissed him softly.

"Alright boys, are you ready?" Marco's mother asked as she walked into the room. She almost looked shocked at the sight of her son in robes, and it surprised Jean when she started to cry.

"Mom, it's okay." Marco said gently as he walked over to his mother.

"I know, but you've grown so much. I'm so proud of you." She said. Marco bent down so his mother could kiss his forehead.

Jean looked at them, happily, but he was also sad. He forgot to tell his mother, he had his fingers crossed that he would see her, but the chances were slim.

They all walked out to Jean's car, and they drove to the football field where they always held the graduation ceremony. They stepped out of the car and walked onto the field, where Jean was surprised to see his own mother. She practicality ran to him, and threw a hug around him.

"Mom, you're here?" Jean asked, shocked that she was able to make it.

"How could I miss my son's graduation? I'm ready for you to grow up and be you know. I was stupid to believe your father a while ago. I'm happy with who you are." She said as she hugged him tightly.

Jean didn't speak, but he hugged her back just as tight.

Jean didn't let go until he felt a tug on his robes. It was Marco. "Come on, lets go to the others." Marco suggested. Jean nodded and grabbed Marco's hand as they walked over. Everyone threw hugs at Marco. They laughed and cheered at seeing their favorite, freckled guy at the cermony.

"Alright, it's time to sit." Jean said as he adjusted his hat. They all sat and waited for the beginning of the ceremony.

The color guard members marched in with the flags held high, and everyone rose as the national anthem began to play. Marco stood with his arm behind his back in unmoving silence.

Then they said their pledges, and soon were seated. The principal spoke into the microphone on the podium.

"I would like to bring our valedictorian to the mic." He said as he motioned for Armin to come to the podium. Armin walked up and stood.

"Good afternoon everyone. I'm Armin Arlert. I would like to start my speech by saying that nobody is actually equal." Armin paused. "There are no two people alike. Long ago my parents died, and my grandfather took care of me. I met two other people who had also lost their parents, but I am like day to their night, in other words, we are completely different." He said.

"I'm here now because of the people around me. My grandfather and my friends. I have learned so much here at Rose High School, and I want to take everything I have learned with me. I want to thank all the staff for teaching me what I need to know, and I want to thank everyone else for teaching me that I'm different. That I'm weak, but that's not a bad thing, and I'm greatful for it. Thank you." Armin finished.

"I would like to thank everyone who is here, not only for your own child, but for others like them." The principal began. "I want to start first by expressing what I learned from this class. I have never been more proud in the actions of one student. Jean Kirstein." The principal said, beckoning a confused Jean over. Jean looked at the crowd and found his mother.