Happier

Chapter 30

Eighteen years. It takes you eighteen years to realize that not everything in life is important, neither is it forever. Four of those eighteen long years, you spend in high school. Stressing over school work, boyfriends, labels. It's all a part of growing up. But somewhere in those four years of high school, you learn a lot. You learn that not everyone is supposed to be your friend, or even like you, not everyone wants what's best for you. Cheerleading isn't the most important thing and neither is that F you got on that one test. None of that is going to matter in ten years. What really matters, is that you're happy with who you are and who you're surrounded with. Whether that's five people or twenty. It doesn't matter. Those four years of high school are meant for you to find yourself, even though the school system thinks otherwise. It doesn't matter what degree you have, or what you'll become. Finding yourself, what you like and who you like is important. It doesn't even matter if they like you back or not. In those four years, Lacey Margaret Goldberg has found out a lot about herself. Most of it in senior year. She found out that cheerleading isn't as important, intellect isn't important, getting good grades isn't either. What's most important to her, are those seven people right in front of her right now. Whilst the seniors -including Sam- are trying on their graduation gowns, Stacey and William Goldberg look at them, criticizing their looks. 

"You guys," Stacey starts, tearing up a little, "you look so perfect," Sam wraps his arms around his girlfriend, kissing her on her hair.
"I'm so proud of you," William tells his daughter, but then looks at the rest too, "of all of you!" everyone chuckles, holding on to their graduation caps.
"We're going to go get Chinese food for tonight," Stacey says, "Anyone want something?" everyone shakes their head, except for Lacey and Stacey.
"I kind of promised my family we would eat together tonight," says Melanie, biting her lip.
"Yeah, same," Archie adds with a sigh. They'd much rather eat with the Goldberg family, it's always so fun here.
"Then let's all go out for dinner together!" William suggests excitedly, flailing his hands around. Everyone looks up, giving one another a glance of surprise. It's like they're trying to conspire via their eyes what they're going to say.
"I'll ask, but I'm sure they'll be up for it," Cole starts with a smile while wrapping an arm around his girlfriend who's standing beside him. The others agree with a smile on their face, yet no one moves.
"Go on, ask them!" William pushes jokingly. Everyone suddenly seems to be awake and they take their phones to either text or call their parents. Within at least an hour, every parent has replied with a 'yes'. So, that night, everyone gets ready at their own house. They'd have dinner and go straight to school afterwards. So, their gowns had to come with them.
Lacey looks into her full-length mirror to see the complete picture. Her hair is curled slightly, giving it a little bounce and more texture. Her makeup is subtle, yet beautiful. The beige top and patterned skirt she's wearing is form-fitting, giving her that extra beautiful feeling she needed. She's graduating today. Actually graduating. Moving on with high school and starting a new chapter. A whole new book, even. It all seems so scary, yet so exciting.
"Lace, you ready?" Stacey asks from the doorway. Lacey nods and grabs her purse, phone and graduating gown and cap before following her sister downstairs. The family Goldberg gets into the car and William drives them to the Chinese restaurant they decided to eat at. Some of her friends and their families were already there. Archie stands near the entrance with his mom and dad, Melanie next to him, joined by only her mother. Cole is there too, talking to his little sister and his parents beside them. All that's missing are Violet and Sam.
"V will be here in a couple of minutes," Melanie informs them.
"Let's get inside already, shall we? They'll find us," William suggests and everyone agrees. "I reserved a table for 21," William tells the waiter at the entrance.
"How excited are you for tonight, Lacey?" Cara asks whilst they follow the waiter to their table in the far back.
"Super excited!" Lacey replies to the youngest Steward with a smile. All of them sit down like their places are rearranged. The kids on one side of the table, Lacey between the two Stewards, and Archie, Stacey and Melanie on the opposite side of the table.
The group start talking amongst each other about every topic possible until Sam and Violet arrive with their families. One of Sam's brother sits next to Cara whilst his other brother sits down next to Archie. Sam himself sits next to Stacey and Violet sits next to Melanie. Violet's sister sits between her own mother and Violet herself. Lacey looks at the well-lined group of families. She finds it strange how so many different families can come together on one night, just because their kids are all graduating. Life is one crazy cycle.