The Heart Shaped Locket

Last Day

May 27, 2016

~Cerise's P.O.V.~

The day was finally here. The last day of school, and not just that, but we were graduating today.

I got my cap and gown about a month ago, so, I had time to decorate my cap.

Within the past couple months since Skylar's passing, I have done better.

I went to prom with Nolan, after he finally persuades me into going.

I wore a sunset dress that has a black flowery design on It, with a pair if black heals to wear.

For my graduation dress, it is a white dress with blue flowers on it and I got a pair of black heals that have bows on them.

And as for my cap, I used Skylar's favorite show character from when she was little.

Winnie The Pooh.

And the quote said,

How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.

Though this year was tough, it's hard to let go of school.

It was a place where I made my friends and where we built memories, and when we throw our caps in the air, we will be saying goodbye.

"Cerise, your friends and boyfriend are waiting for you." My Dad calls out and I smile.

"Okay, I just need a minute," I call Back, slipping on my shoes.

We already went to school today, but all we did was clean out our lockers, hang out with our friends in class, and write on the boards. While some kids were planning their senior prank.

As I grab my cap and gown, I hear a knock at my door.

"Come in," I call out, still looking for a bag to put my phone and wallet in since we were all going out tonight to celebrate.

"Ready to graduate?" Nolan asks, not leaving his position from the doorway.

"Not really, no." I finally allow myself to admit out loud.

"Really? Why not?" He asks, making his way to my bed to sit down, patting the space next to him.

I join him on my bed, soon making eye contact with him.

"Because I'm going to miss it. As much as these four years have been a pain in my bum, especially this year in general. We don't even know if we're going to the sane colleges yet. And, I'm going to separated from all of my friends, and I just, I don't know anymore." I admit as I'm on verge of tears.

"Cerise, I know highschool is a bumpy roller coaster ride, and it has been extra bumpy for you, but I can promise you, you're not going to lose us," Nolan says and pulls me into a hug.

"C, is that what hat you're Worried about?" Addy questions and I bring my attention to her, slowly nodding.

I felt bad that I was making a big deal if something so little, but it was important to me.

"C, you don't have to worry about ghat. Listen, we have a graduation gift for you, but you need to graduate first. So you have to come with us." Addy says.

Everyone was staying quiet, but Blake was motioning for us to follow her.

I got up from my spot, turned to face Nolan, reaching out my hand for him to grab.

He takes my offer and we walk out of the room, but before I do, I grab my cap and purse and we all fall out of my room.

It was time to graduate.

~*~*~*~

"Cerise Thatcher," The person announces and I look over at my parents before standing. Them giving me a thumbs up as I do.

As I make my way up to the stage, Skylar's words go through my head once again.

"You are going to be okay Cerise. You are a strong girl..."

Those are the words that repeat in my head over and over again as I walk up the steps.

"Here you go, and do you have anything you wish to say?" The announcer questions, handing me my diploma, and I nod my head.

"Okay, well make your way up to the podium." The lady says and I make my way over.

I feel the butterflies pounding in my stomach as I draw closer.

I didn't have stage fright, I just know it was time for me to speak up and have people be inspired from what I am about to say.

"Go, Cerise!" Someone calls out in the crowd, and that builds up my confidence even more.

"Hello John Adams Highschool, now is everyone today?" I question and everyone's cheering at my words.

I look around and find Nolan and my friends, who already received their diplomas.

Nolan gives me a smile; me giving him one in return before I face the crowd once again to continue a speech.

"At the beginning, back in freshman year, all we would ask ourselves is one question, 'When is it over?'. But now, here we are, graduating, and we can't seem to say goodbye. We were so ready to leave, but now, we are saying goodbye, jot only to our friends, but our childhood. But once a door closes, another opens. This book we call our lives isn't over, only this chapter of our lives. We just have to turn the page to start the next chapter. Just remember, it's never the end, only the beginning. Thank you!" I say and make my way over to the group of people of people who have already received their diploma. Everyone cheering at my speech.

"That speech was very inspirational C didn't know you had it in you," Blake says, and I smile as she pulls me into a hug.

"Thanks, Blake," I say and we take a seat as the lady, who was announcing people's names before, walks back up to the podium.

"Now, I don't know if anyone can top Cerise's speech, but let's get the last couple of names." She says and begins calling everyone else.

Giving their little speeches, everyone come join us.

"And now of class of 2016, rise." Says the lady, and we do as she says and stands up.

"Now, for the audience, please rise." She says, and everyone in the audience does as told as well.

"You all have made it do far in these last four years, and have grown so much. It's hard to say goodbye to something so wonderful, but it's time to let go. So, class 2016," She says, and I feel a tear fall from my eye, but I don't bother to wipe it as it falls down my face.

"I pronounce you, as graduates from John Adams Highschool! Congratulations!" She says, and we throw our caps into the air, throwing up out childhood.

This was it. We weren't children in a place where we were safe. We were saying goodbye, but we were starting something new.

Though things are bad, something better awaits.
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