The Reid Method: The Beginning

Chapter Four- Eight Letters, Why Is It So Hard To Say?

The Reid Method: The Beginning

Chapter Four- Eight Letters, Why Is It So Hard To Say?

It was June 23, the day of graduation.

All of the students were wearing their caps and gowns, lined up and ready to cross the stage.

Sandy and Michael had made it to see their daughter graduate. They were sitting in the fourth row. Just behind them was Spencer's mother, Diana, and his sisters, Samantha and Courtney. He wanted to invite Cameron, Victoria, and Natalie too but each student was only allowed three tickets to the graduation ceremony.

Tomorrow is Cameron's 5th birthday. Spencer would get a chance to visit the three of them at his party tomorrow afternoon. Samantha was hosting the party at their place.

Spencer watched as J.J.'s name was called. She crossed the stage accepting her diploma and then smiling for a picture with the Dean.

Several other names were called and then finally it was Spencer's turn to cross the stage and accept his diploma.

After the ceremony ended, everyone gathered in the lobby to take pictures. The class photos were taken and then everyone went off to get their own pictures taken.

Spencer spotted J.J. taking pictures with some of the girls.

Spencer found a spot at the back of the lobby where the photos could be taken. He took one with just Courtney first, then one with Sam. Another one with Sam and Courtney and then one with his mother. The last one was all four of them together.

Courtney and Sam walked ahead to the car. Spencer and Diana stayed behind.

"I have something for you" Diana said as they stopped. She handed Spencer a small blue bag with tissue paper sticking out from the top.

Spencer took the bag from her and opened it. Inside was a small black case. He opened the box.

"It's from your Uncle Gordon. He wants you to have it" Diana said with a smile.

Spencer always thought of his Uncle Gordon as a second father since his own father wasn't around. Inside the case was a black watch.

Spencer looked back at Diana. "Thank you Mom" he hugged her.

Diana returned the hug and then cupped one side of Spencer's face with her hand. "I'm proud of you, Spencer. I love you."

Spencer smiled. "I love you too."

J.J. appeared in front of them. "Hi, Ms. Reid."

"Hi J.J." Diana replied back. She looked at Spencer. "I'll head to the car."

Diana walked over to Courtney who was waiting for her just a few feet ahead. Samantha went out to bring the car around.

Spencer pulled J.J. into a hug. He didn't like contact with other people but with J.J. it was different. He actually enjoyed embracing her. The two lingered in each other's arms for a moment before letting go.

J.J.'s parents came over and congratulated both of them. Her father Michael took a picture of Spencer and J.J. in their graduation caps and gowns.

Spencer said goodbye  to J.J. and her parents before going to return the cap and gown to Ceremony Coordinators. He made his way through the crowded lobby to the parking lot and joined his sisters and mother in the car.

They were going out to dinner to celebrate Spencer's graduation. Over dinner, they discussed the details of Cameron's birthday party.

"So the party starts at 1 p.m.?" Spencer asked.