Stepping Up

Epilogue.

One year later.

Song; Hot girl summer by Megan thee stallion. This song hits the right spot.

Don has gotten back from the hospital safe and sound. He is now well and fit. . .ISH. Maybe a little scratches and broken ribs here and there, but he's okay.

He had to spill over next year because he missed his final exams so that makes me a graduant this year!

Dad is doing quite well on his business and work while Tokyo is expecting a girl. She's five months pregnant and she's so heavy like a balloon about to pop.

Graduation finally came and we were told to wear all white. Some people wore a long wedding dress which wasn't necessary. While some wore nice and classy wears.

Tokyo picked my outfit for me and I was indeed glad.
All thanks to André, I'm now weighing 150 pounds and it's still counting.

I'm so scared of going to school because most people might not recognise me. Em practically forced me to go. Thankfully, the bullying committee have been brought to book so I have nothing to worry about anymore.

We all arrive at the school hall with a total number of 300 of us sitted quietly in the hall with our parents at the back.

My palms became so sweaty as they're going to announce the best graduating student of sugar hill high 2017. I may or may not have read so hard but I might come in third place. . .who knows?

I know quite well that Em has studied so hard all through the year and might get it, unless there's another secret brainiac in the school that no one knows about.

Dad and Tee gave me a calm talk that eased little nervousness in me. I'm indeed nervous as hell.

"It is my pleasure to say that you all came, saw and conquered. Good morning my esteemed students. I am Martina Roberta." The head of academic affairs came up to the podium and all of us clap.
"Thank you. The other teachers have talked to you and it's my time to announce the best graduating student for the year 2017." She opens a paper and looks at us again. This time I started sweating hard. My palms showed me the obvious.

"But before that, I'll announce from the last. There are actually five students here and when I call you, you come out here for your prices."

"Caleb Foster!" one guy I totally don't talk to comes up and everyone claps.

"Jade green!"

"Luke Bell!" I was so shocked. Like I never knew he was very smart. He goes up with his ego and collects his award. My nervousness grew to the highest level this time. I was scared that I may not be called.

When Luca comes down, he whispers into my ear that," Chill out. You are gonna be called next." and I reduced my worry. Tokyo, my dad and Don are all looking forward to hearing my name and I can't wait to feel relieved.

"And the second one goes to. . ." All of us wait for the name to be called. Even Em was nervous.

"....Emily Landrey-Diggs!" I jumped up and hugged her. She started crying and I consoled her. Don runs to hold her too with a smile and funnily enough, she hugged him back.

Weird.

"And this very, very, very special student we are about to call is our brightest student this year. She is respectful, Kind and also someone the school has pushed to the extreme. She was bullied by not just her peers, her family and everyone at large but she still stood up for what's right and came out with something tangible to her name. It is no other person than Andrea Darlene Parker!" I stood in shock. I didn't know how to get up or do anything. I just stayed there lifeless and fixed to the spot.

"Andrea Parker?!" I hear my name.
"Is she here?"

Gosh. I can't be recognised. That should be good?

"I'm here! I'm here!" I gain consciousness and go to the stage.

I couldn't help but grin. It's truly a huge privilege. I was awarded a scholarship to study in Kansas and I felt so happy, so was my family. I wouldn't have done it without their support and help, especially my best friend Emily.

"Give me a hug. See, I told you you'll be next." Luca said and I slightly chuckle.

"You said I was next. Unfortunately I became first." I say proudly.

"Okay? you're being a little proud now." He cups my cheeks and smiles at me.

"I am." I say and sight my dad and Tee come close to me. Tim clears out of my sight to chat up with other people while I make my way towards my family.

"You made it darl. I'm proud of you, for real this time." My dad says and hugs me.

"Really? Thanks daddy." I didn't know what else to say other than that.

"And I'm also happy for you little sis and for what you've done to yourself, I mean, look at you." Don spins me around and I couldn't help but laugh.

"Thanks." I say.

"Me too dear. Come and give me a hug too. I believe the baby wants that too, come on." Tee gives me a side hug. I didn't want to inconvenience her and the baby. Gladly, she understood that.

"Thanks Tee. I appreciate all what you have done in my life, my brother's and also my dad's. Look at him, always happy and cheerful now." I almost sob and we all come together for a group hug.

"Ahem!" I hear from someone close to us. I turn and see it's Em and. . .André?

"André? What are you doing here?" I say surprised.

"You didn't invite me for your graduation so Emily invited me for hers instead." He dressed in a simple suit and a bow tie. One can see his broad shoulders from the suit and know he works out. . .a lot.

"Sorry. Welcome, your highness." I didn't know what else to say to him.

"It's fine. Well,congratulations to you. Here's your gift." He hands me a gift bag and I see it's a nice bracelet and. . .a bikini?

"Thanks for the bracelet ,André but this bikini isn't for me." I hand to him and everyone laughs at me, including Him.

"What's wrong with it? After all you have that hot girl summer body right here." He addresses my curves and I felt shy in front of everyone.

"You don't have to mention that in front of my family." I playfully hit him and laugh. He's really funny and handsome too.

No, we aren't dating incase it's on your mind.

"It's no big deal. It'll look so perfect for Luca." I turn and give Em a dagger.

"You like Luke Bell?!" My brother widens his eyes. I guess he didn't know we were friends.

"No! He's just my friend that's all." I shrug.

Luca and I have been on a couple of outings but not an actual date though. We just chill out for a few hours or go for a drink or to the movies and head back home.

"If you say so. Dad, can we celebrate this achievement for Emily and Andrea?"

"Yes we can. To the car everyone." Dad holds Tee's hand and we all walk to the car as a family.

A/n; Awwn, I'm tearing up right now.
Happy ending? Bonus chapters coming up.
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