Insomnia - luke hemmings

2.9

S U M M E R

This day is very special, yet nerve racking at the same time. I've become Valedictorian for my class and have to present a speech I had been working on for a whole month. Luke and I were on different ends of the students considering his last name ended with an H and mine an R. However I could see him and his decorated cap that held a glittery soccer ball. Calum and him matched.

Our principle made her way to the stage. "Good morning Class of 2019!" She smiled. The crowd erupted into a loud applause. "Alright that's what I like to hear. I've watched all you children grow from angsty teens to mature adults. All I can say is that I wish you good luck as young adults. Now a word from our Valedictorian Summer Royce!"

I strut up to the podium in hopes I won't trip over these heels that made me feel six feet tall. I shake the principals hand and shuffle at the podium. Looking around the crowd I spot each of my friends, then my family, then Luke. My eyes linger in that area as I begin.

"Good morning everyone. My name is Summer Royce and I'd like to start this speech off with a memory." I clear my throat. "Think back to being five or six years old and it's your first day of kindergarten. That excitement, those nerves, that's what the future feels like. That's what the beginning of high school felt like." I smile as tears prick my eyes. "I'm very honored to have been able to watch all of us grow. I know that each of us have bright futures." I shuffle with the paper that held my speech. "Thank you to my friends, family, and teachers that got me here. With the best of luck, thank you."

Everyone claps, I catch Luke's smile. The realization hits that I'm graduating high school. After today I'll be an adult with responsibilities. I walk back to my seat and the graduation begins.

One by one, I watch my friends walk across the stage. Some crying, some smiling, some laughing, it was all happy though. When they call Luke I hoot. "Love you Luke!" I yell along with the other mix of our friends. We all receive glares from teachers around but we couldn't care less. "Luke will be attending University of Sydney." The principal says then moves on.

Luke and I both got into USYD that's where we decided to be for now. They had good programs for music and psychology. The two things Luke and I were interested in.

"Summer Royce." The principal calls. I'm shaking hands and crying. When I get to the principal we hug and she hands me my diploma. Although my obsession with being good I loved school, and that was a fact. When I walk back to my seat yet again I look over to Luke who already had his eyes set on me. I mouthed 'i love you'.

When the ceremony was over, lots of pictures were being taken. Multiple with Luke and each of the guys, Katelyn, Benji, and a few group ones along with my parents. We all go to Red Lobster and enjoy ourselves in conversation. If I'm being honest this will be the last time I see Katelyn or Benji. They were both going off the the Easy Coast to attend NYU.

This was goodbye, part one to the end of this era.