Whiskey Lullaby

Graduation hit me before I was ready. I looked around at my entire senior class, the girls were wearing beautiful dresses and the guys were dressed up all fancy like. 

I was dressed pretty formal as well which is really unusual for me because my every day outfit was a band t-shirt and ripped jeans. 

I had a picture of Kris tucked inside of my tuxedo, I wanted to "graduate" with her, or a part of her anyway. Bobby would be there so at least I'd have him. But I know that she'd be here in spirit and that gave me some comfort. 

A couple of hours passed and before I knew it, I was sitting in the gym, graduation gown over my tux and the cap on my head. 

My class wasn't very big so we were able to have the ceremony in the gym. I found myself looking around at everyone, some were crying, some were laughing, some were just sitting there, looking bored out of their mind. 

I, on the other hand, was lost in my own little world, preparing myself to go up onto that stage in tears because I knew I would. 

When the principal called Scout's name, I screamed as loud as I possibly could. I could see her cheeks turning red from where I was sitting. 

Then came my name, I took a deep breath before standing up, making sure I still had Kris's picture tucked in my pocket. 

I walked onto the stage, took my diploma and walked over to the podium. 

We were allowed a short, two minute speech, I cleared my throat before speaking,

"I honestly didn't think that this day would come, not this quickly, or easy. As you all know, my best friend took her own life, I didn't want to imagine myself here without her," my eyes glanced to the empty seat that the class had saved for Kristen. "I want to thank her, Scout, my mom, who's been so strong, and Bobby. You guys are the best and I love you so much. This one's for Kris," I finished my speech off by holding my diploma up and walking off of the stage.