The Hoodie Girl

Chapter 3: Not Looking Back

Asher

It is finally time. Finally. I have been waiting for graduation day since I started school. Elementary school. I have never been a fan of sitting in classes for eight hours a day.

The only reason I'm going to college is because of my dad. He says in order to run Delgado Corp, I have to go to business school. And I want that company very fucking badly. I want to take the company to places my dad never even thought possible.

"Alright everyone, line up in alphabetical order. We are going by last names," Ms. Wilson, our school guidance counselor, says urgently.

I move to join my fellow "D" group. When I'm settled in line, Ms. Wilson tugs on my arm, trying to pull me from my spot. Keyword...trying. I smirk down at her as she huffs out of frustration.

"Asher, can you please move to the front, since you are the Valedictorian," she says with a disapproving look.

I guess she isn't a fan of me getting the honor. Oh well, I could care less. I step past her and take my place at the beginning of the line.

I told Mr. Atkins that I won't be giving a speech. He tried to persuade me, but I didn't budge. I don't want to say some lame speech about going off into the world and being successful and blah blah blah...my future is set in stone. Greatness and success were already chosen for me.

"Please welcome to the stage, Ridgeway's 2010 Valedictorian, Asher Delgado," Mr. Atkins' deep voice booms over the speakers.

Showtime Asher. I fix a smile on my face and saunter onto the stage like I own the place. Mr. Atkins reaches out and shakes my hand while handing me my diploma with the other hand. Cameras starts clicking feverishly, trying to get as many pictures as they can of Axel Delgado's son.

"I also want to present Asher with the Valedictorian award," Mr. Atkins says while handing me a square, glass plaque.

It has my name with Valedictorian under it etched in the glass. I take the plaque with a broad smile. Mr. Atkins, subtly, pushes me towards the podium with the microphone. I send him a quick glare, but he is still clapping while making sure to keep his eyes on the crowd of people. Asshole.

"I would like to thank my amazing principal, Mr. Atkins, and the rest of the teaching staff here at Ridgeway. If it wasn't for them, I wouldn't have the skills needed to further my education. I know whatever school I choose will be getting an excellent student because of the excellent staff here at Ridgeway High," I say with a fake smile plastered on my face.

Mr. Atkins move to wrap his arm around my shoulders for more pictures, no doubt, but I sidestep him and briskly walk from the stage. "Stupid dick," I mutter under my breath while walking to my assigned seat.

"Next, I will like to present one of our brightest students, Seelah Reece, with the Student of the Year award," Mr. Atkins' voice booms in the speakers again.

Who the hell is Seelah Reece, and where have I heard that name before? No one walks on the stage, and my curiosity is taking over.

"Seelah, don't be shy. Come to the stage, please," Mr. Atkins says with a nervous laugh.

Still no one. This Seelah girl must've decided to ditch. Probably some nerdy loser that's too shy to get up in front of everyone. I sigh loudly, ready for this day to be over.

As Mr. Atkins calls the rest of the students up to get their diplomas, my mind drifts back to Seelah Reece, wondering who she is and why she's not here.