Chance Encounters

Chance Encounters Chapter 1

CHAPTER 1

"Melody Grace."

I stopped breathing and numbly stood up and began walking toward the announcer on the huge stage. I thought I was going to pass out, but that would only happen if I didn't inhale air in the next five seconds. I've probably been holding my breath since the other day at graduation rehearsal, but that's probably not even possible unless I'm in the hospital and this is one of those 'dream-come-true-but-I'm-scared-shitless' dreams. So when I finally inhaled a breath and let it go I realized I had walked on to the stage facing a basketball stadium full ofpeople that I would never give the liberty of seeing me pass out. I swept my gaze across the vast crowd and turned to the principal whom handed me my diploma and nodded. I turned to the podium and said what I had been practicing in the mirror for the past twelve years.

"This will probably be the shortest Valedictorian speech any of you will ever hear, but when you word things correctly they can be only a paragraph long and still make an impression like a crater on someone and push them to do what those words inspired them to do. I want to be the person to deliver those words to you and change your lives. Just remember no matter what you pursue in your fields, that you're art students"

A few whistles sound from the crowd.

"And art has shaped the world's culture because of unique visionaries such as yourselves and you will continue to shape it, develop it, perfect it, and make it your own until you each have thrown in a bit of your extraordinary beings in to this world to make it a little more," I pause "Us". Let all of the homework, late nights, last minute projects,hangovers and pitchers of coffee be worth it. Let us not forget the sleepless nights that have gotten you here and made you the tough - ive made it through college dont fuck with me' attitudes. You've made it this far and dont let a single person tell you that you wasted your time or you shouldve been a doctor because, you are the one who did the projects,essays,book reports, and internships. You are the one who got yourself here today and no one can ever change what you already conquered.

The stadium erupts with applause and I'm a little shocked at the thoughtful and teary expressions dotted through the audience. I guess I'm not the only one that would start crying when I think about the future. I locked eyes with one of my best friends, Sam who was in the tenth row applauding like a mad woman, or a seal getting ready to back slap somebody. I turn to my principal who gives me a look and mouths 'is that it' I lift an eyebrow and mouth back 'yeah, so? I said it was short'. He blinks a few times and nods once indicating to the exit of the stage.