New Life

Ceremony Part 2

(Principal's POV)

I looked at all of the people in front of me and I let a smile grace me face as I began to speak. "Ladies and gentlemen we are here to day to celebrate the graduation of these fine young children before both you and I. I am the principal of this fine institution, and I am grateful for all of you coming to celebrate today, pleas enjoy the rest of the ceremony. Now I would like to introduce an amazing student that has surpassed may obstacles to get here and one who has taken her place as the top student of this graduating class... I present to you Miss Mai Taniyama." As I spoke these words I gestured to the side of the stage and out came Mai smiling like this was something she did every day of her life. As she approached me I turned towards her and nodded my head and proceed to exit off stage where there was a seat waiting for me, and I quickly sat in it in anticipation of what she is going to say.

(Mai's POV)

Once I acknowledged the principal I turned and faced the audience once behind the podium. As I looked over the every one in the room my eyes suddenly landed on someone I never thought I would see again. Siting right behind the last row of student was Lin Kōujo with a slight smile gracing his face. I could not keep my smile small as I realized that he was really here and not in England with Oliver.

Without any hesitation I began my speech as I looked at all of my class mates "There are many points in our lives where something will mater as much as today does to everyone here...this is when we realize that we have made it and that we are moving on in life. And yes that might mean leaving friends behind but it does not mean you will lose contact with these friends, all that maters is that we go forward into our new lives and do the best we can. Yes moving forward does mean we will have more responsibilities such as getting a job or in my case getting a better job, and of course lots of bills and other cost for necessities. All we have to remember is that life beyond here is just like high school and that we did it once so we can do it again, though the consequences will be worse than what they were here in high school. But that is life beyond here and all of us have to remember that once we receive our diplomas that is when the real journey begins for each and every single one of us. Congratulations my fellow class mates we did it we are the class of 2010." As the last word slipped out of my mouth all of my class mates including the parents and teacher all applauded me for my speech which made me blush. I bowed my head and then proceeded to walk down the stairs on the right hand side and took my seat on that side, in the seat next to to the center pathway to the exit. Once I was seated the rest of the ceremony went by really fast.

(Lin's POV)

I was stunned at Mai's speech, it was a wonderful one to say the least but I was more stunned to find out that she was the valedictorian of the graduating class. As I watched her get off the stage I could not stop the smile on my face from getting any bigger by the time she was in her seat I felt as if I had the worlds biggest smile on my face. I felt so happy for her. All I can remember next is when they are calling everyone up to get their degrees, I remember pulling my phone out and taking photos of Mai walking across and getting her diploma, and I swear that by the time she walked off stage I had about twenty photos of her on my phone. Then just as fast as it started it was over and all of the students were getting up and heading towards their parents, as I looked around the room I saw Mai trying to get through the crowed but before I could say anything she was right in front of me. The way she smiled up at me made me happy, I asked her if she would like to go outside so we can talk and of course she said yes. Once out side I hugged her to me and said "I am so proud of you. " Then I looked her in the eyes and asked her "But why did you not tell me that you were the valedictorian, oh and where is everyone else?"

She responded by saying "I did not think you would come for my graduation so that is why I did not tell you, and no the others are not here...I have not been in contact with them since the month after you guys left back to England."

I looked at her in supersize at the information I just heard her say, and I responded by saying "Well then if there is nothing else or anyone else to want to talk to or see why don't we go have some dinner...oh and here these are for you." I said as I handed her the flowers and watching her reaction to me handing her the flowers had me laughing on the inside I still remember thinking wow could she turn any redder.

She responded by saying "Sure where do you want to go" I am happy she agreed because I would have had to cancel the reservation I made at a nice restaurant.

"Oh I have somewhere in mind and don't worry it will be fine but first lets swing by your apartment and have you change your outfit into something more comfortable and appropriate for the place we are going." I spoke as I lead her towards my rental car.