The Track and Me

Fourteen

I slept in the next morning. I wasn't entirely sure what to think. Last night was the best night of my life. I was happy.

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"I got in."

"Really? I knew you would!" I said hugging Jake.

Jake released me from the hug and kissed me.

It was unlike anything I've ever done before. My first kiss. He definitely knew what he was doing. I on the other hand did not.

"I'm sorry." I said once I pulled away. "That was my first kiss and-" Jake silenced me with another kiss.

"You never have to apologize for something like that. I am ecstatic no one has kissed you before and I can guarantee I will be the only person to ever kiss you." Jake said caressing my face.

If you told me a year ago that I would be sitting on a deck kissing Jake Stanley in a year, I would had said you were insane. Actually I probably wouldn't even have spoken with you. However, sitting here now in Jake's arms I can't think of anywhere else I would rather be.

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Jake's father's trial left as quickly as it came. As soon as the judge reviewed the evidence and listened to Jake, a decision was made. A waitress stepped forward and said she felt threatened when he sat at her table one night. She described his unwelcome comments and touches, he was immediately sentenced to life behind bars.

"Thank you." Jake said holding my hand as we walked outside the courtroom. "I couldn't have done that without you."

That day I discovered something. We both needed each other. Whether I knew it in the beginning, I knew it now. Jake needed me. For once in my life I felt needed.

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"I present to you the class of 2016."

I looked out from the stage. I was West High's valedictorian. I watched my friends throw their graduation caps in the air as the crowd cheered.

I instantly caught a glimpse of Jake making his way towards the stage. I made my way down the steps and he picked me up and twirled me around.

"We did it." He said smiling. "We actually did it."

"Sweetie I'm so proud of you." My grandma said taking me into her arms. "And you too Jakey." She said taking him into her arms as well.

"There's my two favorite graduates!" Kelly said throwing her arms around Jake. "My baby boy is all grown up."

"Mom. You're embarrassing me." Jake said as his mom hugged him.

"Like Carrie hasn't seen this before." She said laughing.

Kelly's husband and Jake's adopted father walked over and also gave his congratulations. He wasn't usually home due to work but he made sure not to miss graduation.

Jake and I are still happy. Tonight we have our awards banquet for track. Jake insists I'm going to go home with a ton of awards. He may be right but no award could make me happier than I am right now.

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"Thank you all for coming tonight. Seniors, I know you would much rather be somewhere else but I figured why not spend your time with your teammates." Coach began his speech while I sat at a table with Jake, Maddie and Dylan.

Maddie and Dylan are both going to MTSU. She was very sad we would be so far away but her and Dylan are very happy together. Dylan talked to Jake about asking her to marry him. They only been together a year and Dylan decided to wait and save up for a ring.

"Speaking to my seniors. I'm losing a great part of this team this year. You all can only imagine how much this team will miss you all. I am very excited to see how each and every one of you do in your future. Many of you have been here since the beginning and some of you have just began but you all have talent. I'm going to start off the awards ceremony with the most valuable player award."

"You." Jake said leaning over and whispering into my ear.

"Jake Stanley."

I looked over at Jake beaming with pride as he looked puzzled. "Go on." I ushered him.

"Jake has been a key asset to this team for the past two years. Not only has he showed determination, he has been a friend to each and every one of you. So, in addition to MVP, Jake Stanley has also been awarded the outstanding attitude award."

Everyone there began cheering as Jake stood on the stage while coach held his awards.

"Wow. I'm completely blown away. I don't feel like I deserve these awards. Each and every one of you have played a role in my life. All of you are individuals that I am proud to say I know. I've watched this team grow in the past two years into something that I am proud to be a part of. I consider each of you as part of my family. This team has made me find people I'd never thought I'd find." Jake smiled at me. "I am so grateful to have led this team to victory this season with my co-captain, Carrie Ryan. I couldn't have done it without you. To the underclass men, I hope you all lead this team to the championships again next season. Thank you and go Trojans!"

Jake walked back to the table as he shook hands with other members of the team with his free hand. He sat the trophies down on the table and gave me a quick peck on the cheek.

"Thank you Jake. The next award I'm going to be handing out is the award voted on by the team. This award goes to an individual with the most sportsmanship, appreciation of his or her teammates, school spirit, and amazing talent. Carrie Ryan, get up here."

I was shocked that my fellow teammates voted for me for such an amazing award.

"Wow. Um. I'm going to be a stuttering mess. I did not expect to get an award as amazing as this one today. I am completely honored that you all would vote for me. A few years ago I lost a part of myself. Once my parents passed I was alone. I was considered an outsider and unfixable to myself and several others. I'm not blaming any of you. It took a lot to get as far as I have. To where I am." I wiped a tear from my eye. "You all have helped me becoming who I am today. You all are my family. You all helped me in ways that can never be explained. I am so grateful for this team and to be a part of something that I can consider family. I will still be in touch with many of you for years to come and I can't wait to see what all of you become because you all are amazing people. Thank you for this amazing award. Go Trojans."

When coach gave me my award he hugged me tightly. "Your parents would had been proud of ya kid."

As I walked back to my seat almost everyone stood up as they clapped. Many gave me hugs as I passed them.

"I'm going to miss you so much!" Maddie said holding me tightly. "That was an amazing speech. You had me crying." She said as she looked at me with tears in her eyes.

"I won't be that far. But I'm going to miss you too. A lot."

Jake hugged me tightly once I approached him. I was home. I found my family.