Dabbling in Danger

Night to Celebrate

Malina

Oh shit, here we go.

"Malina Walker."

I suck in a breath, focus on the woman closest to me and get my feet moving toward her.

"Congratulations," her smile is wide as we shake hands.

I give her a nod and next is Mr. Baker, we clasp hands and he shakes vigorously.

"Congratulations, Miss Walker."

"Thank you," I say and move on to a staff member I don't remember seeing around.

She has a beautiful smile, calming demeanor.

"Congratulations sweetheart on your success," she shakes my hand and gives me a squeeze on the shoulder.

Last, it's Mr.Lopez, the principal.

"Well done, congratulations this is a big day," he firmly grasps my hand, we shake, I turn to face the camera man, he rests an arm around my shoulder and snap, photo taken and off I go to be reseated.

Okay breathe, you made it without even a trip.

Maybe fifteen more students walk across after me, then our class president approaches the podium.

"On this day, we shall leave here with our diplomas and newly stress-free brains," she shrugs with a half-smile. "Well, stress free for now." The audience made up of students and affiliated family and friends share a light chuckle.

"Today we celebrate another step, another achievement in our very fast-paced lives. And so, let us embrace it because tomorrow is another day of hustling. May we all overcome our new-found college debt."

Groans sound throughout the crowd.

The girl gives a sad smile and continues, "may our hearts and mind be full of great memories and our phones sprinkled with new contacts of friends. May we maintain our strength to lead the lives we always wanted and when life strays us to another path may we overcome and ball out even harder! To us!," she exclaims.

The auditorioum erupts, we all rise to our feet cheering and blue graduation caps with red and black tassels attached soar into the air.

I weed through the crowd and go outside to wait for Adeen and my sister. I prop up next to a tree and pull my phone out about to call when Tiana comes rushing toward me, Adeen following behind.

"Mm sooo proud o'you Lina!" Tiana squeaks, pulling me into half of a hug.

As much as I'd like to push my sister away, I keep it cool and try to enjoy the night.

"Adeen, take a picture of us!" She squeals.

His eyes look me over, maybe assessing my demeanour. I throw an arm around her shoulder and pose for the picture.

"Alright," he positions his phone, "one, two, three!"

The flash goes off, I cheese feeling accomplished for once and with the amount of pride I'm feeling, I sense nothing will bring me down tonight.

After a few more pictures between the three of us, Tiana suggests we go out to dinner.

I start to object, but Adeen steps in.

"Actually, I have a surprise. I reserved a beach house for the week in San Denaburg. I was thinking we could leave tonight after stopping home to pack our bags."

"What!?" Tiana nearly screams with excitement, "staying on the beach for a week sounds like heaven!"

Adeen smiles, "to celebrate the two of you guys' accomplishments of graduation and sobriety."