Danger Signs // Demi Lovato // 4

Graduation

After Jay got out of the hospital, she stayed at home for a few days, then her mom took her out to get a dress for graduation.

We texted all the time, but the last time I saw her was the day she was released and I didn't see her again until the day of graduation.

Maia and Demi did my hair and makeup and I got dressed.

While I was putting my heels on, Demi was running in and out of my room, looking through everything. "Where's your cap and gown? Maia!"

When Maia didn't come in or shout back, Demi ran out again. I finished putting my heels on, it having taken so long because of all the distractions around me. I grabbed my phone and left the room, nearly bumping into a certain blonde.

"Where'd Demi go?" Maia asked, peeking over my shoulder into my room.

"She went to find you," I said. She turned and started down the hall, looking in every room she passed. We eventually made it downstairs and Demi was still nowhere to be seen. Finally we checked the one place we hadn't thought to look, the laundry room. Demi was there with my blue cap and gown, steaming the wrinkles out of the gown. We had bought it early on in the school year so we wouldn't have to think about it later, and in that time, it was moved around a lot, folded, and crumpled.

"I found it," Demi said, oblivious to the fact that Maia and I had spent almost ten minutes trying to find her. "Are you excited to see Jay?"

"Duh," I said, rolling my eyes. "It feels like it's been months."

"Is she doing better?" Maia asked, the three of us moving to the main area of the house with my cap and gown so we could get ready to leave.

"Yeah, she's not in rehab yet, but she's started talking to a therapist there. She's going somewhere in LA." I was happy that Jay would be close to home, but I wondered if I would stay close to home. She wanted me to pursue a singing career and I would probably have to travel. If I said no to these opportunities, Jay would blame herself and I didn't want that. If she needed me to travel and do what I needed to do so she could get better, then I would.

On the way to the school, I texted her saying we had just left.

Jay: Awesome we're about to leave. I had a problem with my zipper so we're running a little late. But I can't wait to see you

I smiled to myself and went on Twitter to pass the rest of the time it took to get to the school.

There were more people than ever flooding inside. Parents and siblings of the graduating seniors milled around, finding seats while the graduates made their way to their assigned seats. I wasn't close to Jay and Jordan, but Isaiah was in the same row, and Paige would have been too if she'd been there. I glanced around and spotted Miles smirking at me. Brie was nowhere to be seen, so I was glad she hadn't been allowed to come support her friends. Lastly, I saw Emma. She was sitting next to a guy I didn't recognize and they were talking and smiling. It was almost like she knew she was being watched and she looked over her shoulder, her eyes meeting mine. I quickly looked away and soon the ceremony started. Speeches were given by Principal Stricker and the valedictorian, Emma.

The applause she got was deafening and I gently clapped my hands together.

She began her speech by talking about the crazy high school experience she had. I didn't pay much attention, my eyes finding Jay and Jordan. I smiled at them before turning around again.

"...that being said, there's one more thing I have to say. And I don't care what anyone else thinks," Emma said. Even with my lacking vision, I could make out the fire in her eyes. "At the end of the day, being popular has nothing to do with real life. Some people think it's the most important thing in the world and it's practically a sin to be friends with someone who's not popular. So, um, Rosie Lovato was the best friend I ever had but I was forced to not be friends with her because of what everyone else thought and that's bullshit."

I saw Stricker stand, but people started shouting, "Let her speak!" He sat back down and Emma continued.

"A lot of people in this school still aren't that accepting of things that aren't 'traditional.' Rosie has two moms. So what? She has people who love her and support her no matter what. Who cares that they just so happen to be two women who love each other? I never really got to know Demi and Maia Lovato, but I know that they're beautiful, strong, successful women and they have an amazing daughter who never asked to be bullied over her family situation. So, to the Lovato family, I am so sorry what happened and I hope everyone else that was ever mean to Rosie knows that these three woman have been to hell and back. To anyone who can't respect them and treat them with the kindness they deserve, you're not popular. You're just a monster. Thank you." Emma quickly stepped away from the podium and nobody moved. As Emma took her seat, I started clapping, standing up.

Behind me, Jay and Jordan stood, clapping with me. A few other students joined and I saw Demi and Maia standing proudly as they smiled at me. Soon, the large room was filled with applause and cheers for Emma.

Finally Stricker got everyone to sit down and the official ceremony began. Names were called one at a time to receive their diploma and shake hands with Stricker and get a picture.

When it was my turn, I smiled, crossing the stage and taking my diploma. He held onto it as he shook my hand. "I owe you an apology," he said, but I shook my head. We both turned and smiled for the camera.

"All is forgiven," I said, smiling and turning to wave to Maia and Demi who were cheering unnecessarily loud. I walked off the stage and returned to my seat. I watched everyone else go up and I stood and cheered like my moms when Jay was called. She grinned at me and posed for her picture. Instead of going to her seat, she came over to me and pecked me on the lips.

"I love you so much," she whispered, leaning into me.

I turned her head and pressed our lips together for a moment longer. "I love you too."