After The Rain✔️

Graduation

With finals behind us, we were on to graduation. Braydon was named Valedictorian of our senior class. Even though he was our resident bad boy and swore like a sailor, he had impeccable grades. Just goes to show you never judge a book by its cover.

I look back on that day and it's interesting. You had the bad boy, the artist, the no nonsense girl, the bully and the wallflower all thrown together because of one horrific incident. We didn't start out as friends. God knows we were so different, but we became friends.

I didn't see them as labels anymore. I saw them as something more.

Braydon had a good heart once you got past his tough guy exterior and cared more about the people in his life than material things.

Robbie was the guy that bullied people because it's what he saw in his own home. He learned that sometimes in order to stop things from continuing, you have to break the cycle.

Hunter saw the beauty in people and things. Even in the darkest times, he still managed to find something beautiful. He was also straightforward and got to the point. Sometimes you have to dig deeper to see the purity of life.

Trish, she was pretty observant. She knew that Raven and I would end up together even before we did. She still calls me baby cakes and has said if it doesn't work out with Raven to give her a call. Oh dear god, I hope one day Raven marries me so I never need to make that phone call.

As for Raven, I was glad I went outside that day. He changed my life in so many ways. Even if he can be goofy at times, but I love him and I always will.

As we sat there, Braydon walked up to the podium to give his speech.

Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen,

I stand before you today not to give a speech about life and all that bullshit.

We all rolled our eyes; Typical Braydon.

I come before you to honor someone that has shown what it means to face adversity. This person has shown me how to be courageous when even she had doubts. She showed strength. She showed she is also a fighter. Her name is Molly King.

Everyone looked at me.

A month and a half into the school year she had to endure being bullied, humiliated and raped. Instead of shrinking away like most people did, she didn't. She still got up and still carried on. She didn't deserve any of it. She's actually a sweet, kind person who became my best friend. I know our relationship has its ups and downs, but I'm glad that I got to know her. She changed my life. If there was any person you would ever want to be like, it's her. Molly, you never give up and never back down. Keep being you. Thank you.

I was so touched by what Braydon said just now. I felt tears fall and wiped them from my cheeks. Damn him about making me cry.

After his and other's speeches they called us up to get our diploma. As soon as they called my name I heard a lot of cheering and whistling. I didn't know whether to be embarrassed or happy. My friends and boyfriend are a bunch of nuts.

After graduation, I felt someone pick me up and twirl me around from behind.

"Raven!"

He set me down and spun me around until I was facing him, "What? I can't be happy for watching the girl I love graduate?"

"Okay, you're forgiven," I giggled and he pulled me into a kiss.

"Okay lovebirds, break it up," dad said.

We stopped kissing and I turned and gave my parents a hug.

"We're so proud of you honey," Mom said.

"Thank you."

"Now, don't get upset, but we have something to tell you," dad said.

I gave them both a look. Oh lord, what did they need to tell me?

"Your mother and I are expecting."

Raven and I did a double take, "What?!"

"I'm pregnant," she said with a goofy smile.

"I know what expecting means. When? How? Why?"

"Well," she started to say.

"Never mind, I don't want to know," I said, cutting off my dad. Let's just hope they don't screw this one up like they did with me. On a plus note, at least I'll be away to college.

Eventually we found the rest of my friends and Raven congratulated Robbie for not completely screwing up; ah brotherly love.

I walked over to Braydon, "Braydon!" He looked at me with his hands shoved in his pockets. Then I did the thing he least expected. I hugged him. "Thank you," I whispered. With that he hugged me back.

That was the thing about our relationship, it may have started out one way, but in the end it ended with the way it was always meant to be, friends and nothing more. He was my first kiss and that will always hold a special place in my heart.

Looking at everyone, I couldn't help but wonder what the future would hold for all of us. Would we still be friends later on or would we eventually all drift away like most high school friends do? I just didn't know.