The Truth of Noah Arbell

Chapter Sixty

The days were long and sleepless nights were longer. I missed exams but I still had a passing grade, not that any of that really matters anymore.

Robyn and Alex came in everyday day after school and hung out for a while on weekends, they hadn't told anyone what happened which I was thankful for but that means everyone is making up their own ideas of what happened to me and spreading rumours which sucks.

Graduation was tomorrow and I so desperately wanted to go, but I knew there was no chance I could, which was heartbreaking. I had looked forward to this moment and the fact that I can't go really hurt me. But that happened with everything I had been looking forward to, Grease, prom and now our graduation.

It was now eleven at night and my mom was over on the couch sleeping. I sighed as I turned on my side and tried to sleep, but I wasn't super successful. I woke up the next morning with a killer migraine. It was almost eleven and I could hear my mom on the phone or video call with someone whos voice wasn't super recognizable to me but I felt like I've definitely heard it before. My mom came over and passed me her phone.

"Good morning Noah." Smiled the woman on the other side.

It was my principal.

"Good morning." I sighed in return.

"We're sorry you can't be here for our graduation ceremony, but we do have a very special award for you." She smiled.

"Really?" I asked.

"We have decided to create a new award named after you, it is presented to the student who shows courage, leadership and who never gives up. Noah Arbell, I'm so very proud to present you with this award." She smiled.

"Wow, thank you so much, I assume the twelves are all here watching and or listening to this?" I sighed.

"Yup." She nodded.

"Ok, well I would've prepared a speech if I had known but I guess all I have to say is that I've been through a lot. I've met people, I've lost people, I've changed, for better and for worse. I honestly feel like I'm worth nothing, like there's no point in trying, but knowing that I have all of your support means so much and I'm so thankful. I finally realized that there's always a purpose, a wise person who is sitting in that auditorium, once told me that everything happens for a reason and she was right, everything does happen for a reason, whether you agree with whatever's happening or not, you'll see, it may not make sense yet but it will. Also for all of you wondering, I don't exactly know what happened to me at the prom but I am being hospitalized and I had been diagnosed with Second Impact Syndrome weeks before. I apologize if I scared anyone, but know that I'm doing well. Um, I'm not too good at goodbyes so let's just say see you later, good luck everyone." I smiled.

I could hear the clapping and cheering and it made my heart feel warm. I really did have a purpose. I hung up and my mom gave me a big hug as tears ran down her cheeks.

"I'm so proud of you." She smiled.

I hugged her back. For once I didn't ask why, I didn't question her, I just sunk into the warmth of her arms and enjoyed this moment. It was the end of the day Robyn and Alex came to visit.

"Hey buddy, how's it going?" Alex asked.

"Fine." I sighed.

Robyn handed me a plaque, it was the 'Noah Arbell Award'.

"Thanks." I nodded.

I could tell the two of them had recently been crying.

"I might not make it you know." I sighed.

They looked at me nervously.

"But I don't want you two to worry about me." I smiled.

The two of them smiled and hugged me. My head throbbed but I smiled through the pain, I seemed to only be able to do that with these two.

"But seriously, how are you?" Robyn asked.

"I've been kind of down and my head's been pretty bad but seeing you guys always make me feel better." I shrugged.

"Well that sucks." Alex sighed.

"Yeah, but I'm sure I'll be ok." I nodded.

"Lets hope." Robyn nodded.

"Yeah." I smiled.

I was happy. Happy to know that these two had my back. I smiled.

"I love you guys."