Stick Together

Epilogue

Jes

As I sit down in my chair that is alphabetically lined up with my class, I think about how bittersweet this is.

Today is graduation and I can't help to be a little nervous that after we all receive our diplomas, we'll be heading out into the real world.

I've dreamt of this day since the first day of freshman year but I didn't believe it would come this fast.

It felt like just yesterday I received my report card from my eighth grade teacher telling me that I was going to high school.

These past four years have flown by so quickly but I wouldn't trade any of them for the world. I've made some new friends, kept my three best friends, made enemies, had a boyfriend, and my best friend became my boyfriend.

As I look around at all the people surrounding me who are sporting caps and gowns, blue for the boys, and white for the girls, I can't help to think that this is it. My high school days are over and I'm actually going to college next fall.

I sigh as I sit back and listen to the valedictorian give the class of 2015 a speech. I don't know the class valedictorian all that well, but I hope he has a wonderful time at college as for the rest of the people in my class.

I over heard a few of them mention they wouldn't be attending college so I hope they have a great future, whether they attend or not.

I tune in to what the valedictorian is saying a few seconds later when I get bored of my thoughts, "Class of 2015, this has been a amazing journey for all of us. Yes, we all have had ups and downs these past four years, but we've came together today to experience this wonderful day." Everyone claps and I smile before he goes on, "I'd like to personally congratulate every single one of you who has made it to this day, who is sitting on this lawn awaiting for their diploma. We did it, we actually made it! Through the dances, the drama, the shows, the lunch hours, and who can forget the long days spent in class," That causes everyone to laugh, including the teachers who stifle a laugh, "we made it to this wonderful day. I'd also like to thank y'all for giving me this amazing experience to be the class valedictorian. It's a honor and a privilege to be standing up here today." He smiles before looking down at all of us once again, "Now if you would move your tassel from left to right, I now pronounce the Class of 2015! We did it!" He claps as well as us and we all stand up just admiring this moment, "Once a Patriot, always a Patriot."

After his speech, I look up when I hear the first name being called and that means we all have to stand up to receive our diplomas.

I stand up with my row and we walk towards the stage where we recieve the paper that we've dreamed of for years. 

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Shane

"Shane Oakley." I walk up the stage as my name is being called with a true smile on my face. 

This is all surreal. Every bit of this graduation, I can't help to think how I made it. I have to thank Jes for keeping me motivated these past four years. If it wasn't for her, I'm pretty sure I wouldn't be standing up here right now, receiving my diploma. 

She helped me with so much, my school work, every girl that I crushed on, and most importantly, learning how to love your best friend. 

I gladly retrieve my paper from our principal and shake his hand with a smile on my face. I hold my diploma in my left hand as my principal and me pose for a picture. 

I shake his hand once again before walking down the stage with my diploma in hand. 

I look over my class before my eyes land on her, she looks so beautiful in that white gown, her hair is straight and she's wearing just enough make up to make her blue eyes pop, and she's sporting a breathtaking smile.