The Tangled Rose (Book One in the Tangled Series) (Editing)

Chapter 2: The Grad Party and It's Fight

I'm sitting on a bench in the locker room looking over my speech waiting for the girls to get ready. As the girls finish getting ready and walk into the gym, the staff members get organized for the graduation outside. The girls stand around in the gym waiting for the guys in black and red graduation robes for our school colors. A couple of guys come in; when I see Kyle following behind looking around the room so I run up to him and give him a hug.

"Hey knucklehead," I say jokingly as I pull away. "Oh no," I mutter as I see Colton walking up to us. His dirty blonde hair stands out in the crowd, messed up like always. There is that same girl walking with him, Kristy the girl he cheated on me with. She is taller than me but not by much and she has dirty blonde hair just like Colton. He must have some nerve! A panic sets within me and I take in a deep breath.

"So Colton, I see your still with the slut from your bed?" I ask mentally punching myself in the face for not thinking before talking.

"Rose. Calm down," Kyle whispers.

"Her name's Kristy," he says gesturing toward the girl, "It's not like you should talk. You're just the slut that's using her best friend." He replies smugly. I step forward and slap him so hard he staggers back almost falling to the ground. Glancing over at Kristy I see her giving me an evil look and of course, it wouldn't be showing good manners if I don't return the favor with an equally mean glare.

"DON'T YOU DARE TALK ABOUT ME OR MY BEST FRIEND THAT WAY! " I yell replacing all my sadness with so much anger.

"Whatever, bitch," he says as he's walking away with a smirk, "see you at the party." I give Kyle a sad look.

"Hey it's okay," he replies.

"No it's not-" I am cut off by the announcer.

"Okay, everyone. It's time to get this show on the road," the administrator yells. I pull away and start following everyone else, but Kyle walks up next to me with a soft smile.

As soon as we got outside Kyle and I found a place to sit together. They begin to call out names as people walk up accepting their diplomas; Kyle's went quickly. I'm so nervous at this point and I know I'm going to be going up soon. One last person goes up before I hear my name. I stand looking back at Kyle, he gives me one of his famous soft smiles and nods.

"Good luck." I walk up to the stage biting my lip nervously. My hands shaking I remember the speech I just have to get over my stage fright so I can actually say it. Stepping up the first set of steps, I walk over to the principal to shake his hand and handing me my diploma nodding his head towards the microphone. Now's the moment Kyle and the rest of the school are looking at me. That's the moment that I notice Eric out in the crowd.

''Hello my name is Rose Jones. I am proud that I've made it this far. There have been many people who were willing to help me throughout this journey. If it weren't for them I wouldn't be who I am at this very moment. These are the people that I have to thank. Principal Gorman, Kyle Jenkins, My mother Deena, my father Nicholas, and all of the other people who have helped me get this far. They will always be in my debt. Thanks so much for listening and have a great graduation. Thank you."

I smile at Kyle and the crowd staring back at me as I walk off the stage there was a roar of applause as I walk back over to Kyle with a sigh of relief. I owe any popularity I have to Kyle. I sit next to him in my spot and he gives me a big hug. The graduation comes to an end and the Principle announces the graduating class so we all throw our hats into the air.

A little bit later after we get back inside taking off our robes, Kyle and I start walking down the hall together when suddenly someone calls out Kyle's name from behind us. Kyle and I both turn around to see who it is; Kyle's older brother Eric and he is holding a small bouquet of flowers. Kyle smiles wide and runs up to him giving him a big hug.