How to be popular

Epilouge

I smoothed down my blue and yellow graduation gown, then combed through my dark brown hair with my fingers. The day was finally here, I was graduating high school, no longer a senior.

The event was being held outside at the football field, all of the parents sat in the bleachers behind the stage, watching their child receive their diploma. Doug wasn't sitting beside of me since his last name didn't start with a J, but there were two kids beside of me whom I knew pretty well.

The sun was shining and the grass had the fresh morning dew scent on them. It was how I imagined my graduation to be.

It was soon my row's turn to get up and walk across the stage to receive our diplomas. I took in a deep breath and began to walk up with stage with an actual smile on my face.

I beamed with pride when the principal said my name out loud to the audience. I slowly made my way towards the assistant principal, who shook my hand, gave me my diploma, then surprised me with a hug. I let go and shook everyone else's hands before going back to my seat.

The rest of the ceremony was beautiful. In a way, I was going to miss high school. Twelfth grade went so much better than eleventh. I made new and real friends, made all A's/B's in my classes, played basketball and even joined in a play or two.

I tried to forget about the eleventh grade, but soon just accepted what had happened. I was younger and desperate then, but a lot had changed for me in one year.

I saw Ava walk past me to her seat. She glanced at me and smiled, I exchanged one back. We were cool, I think, she stopped bothering me, both of us went back to our own lives. However, Ava was still the air headed queen bee of the school with the most fake looking 'natural' blonde hair.

After the ceremony was over, all the seniors stood up, threw their hat and then went to find their parents. I waited a minute until some of the kids cleared out of the way, then made my way towards an open part of the football field so my dad could find me.

When he was in sight, I waved to get his attention. He hugged me tight, then let go. My mom, my real mom, stood a few feet in front of me, hands in front of her. She looked different, cleaned up. Her hair was curled, her hands clenching onto a silver wallet matching her dark blue knee-length dress. My mom didn't look like an alcoholic that day.

We had talked things over, and agreed on visiting each other often. She explained everything to me once she was sober, and it all made sense. My mom was 18 when she
had me, dad was almost 30. She was scared to tell anyone who my dad was, and finally decided to give me up, so I could have a better life. Mom said she wanted to keep me and raise me, as much as she wanted kids, but couldn't. Either way, she was a good woman, and has stopped drinking too. I was proud of her.

I teared up as she approached me with open arms and a long hug. "I'm so proud of you, Alexis." Even know my name was changed, mom preferred to call me Alexis.

We let go, she wiped the falling tears off of my cheeks. That was what I wanted all of my life, for a mom to be there to do things with me. Now she was here.

"We both are," Dad added. "Now, who's ready for some gourmet grilling and drinks?" He asked with a grumbling tummy.

I decided to have my graduation party at the house, my dad would grill hamburgers and BBQ chicken.  We also set up a mini bar, but only non-alcoholic drinks would be served. I didn't put up many decorations beforehand, but the backyard looked festive anyway with the fire pit and all. I invited family and a few friends that weren't graduating today.

I chuckled and shook my head. "Dad, gourmet grilling is not cooking chicken on a grill smothered in store bought BBQ sauce."

He rolled his eyes playfully. "But the guests won't know that." We all laughed.