Bad Reputation | S.M.

Chapter 83

I left the meeting and drove hastily over to my graduation that was being held at the football field. I parked my car at the lot and got off, instantly seeing a few people that were holding flowers and balloons begin to stare. I put on my gown, carrying my cap in my hand as I walked up to the area where we were supposed to meet so we could line up as a class.

I walked into the room where everyone was touching up their makeup or putting on their gowns, taking a deep breath in before everyone was silenced and turned to stare at me. I cleared my throat and Tanya pushed through everyone, smiling and coming up to me.

"Don't mind them, they're idiots for staring, come on the boys are waiting outside." She smiled and engulfed me in her arms. We walked outside where Adrian and Jason were wearing their caps and gowns, waiting for us. Adrian quickly came up to me and wrapped his arms around me. I smiled and hugged him back, later resulting in Jason and Tanya joining in.

I let out a deep breath and shook my head, "I don't know if I can do it guys." I began to tear up. "I can't go up in front of everyone and act like everything is fine when it's not."

"Nicole," Adrian cupped my face in his hands. "If there's anyone that can do this, it's you  you have worked to hard for this and we're all proud of you. You can do it."

I slowly nodded and he placed a kiss on my forehead and they all hugged me once again before we were told to line up to be seated. We were announced, walking in to the sound of Pomp and Circumstance. They all remained by my side at all times and I sat in between Tanya and Adrian, my leg pacing up and down.

We sat at the front, knowing that I soon had to go up and give my big speech. I looked through the crowd, searching for my mother and brothers until I was able to find them. I sighed a breath of relief when I saw them, knowing they were there watching.

I tried to calm myself down, holding both Adrian's and Tanya's hand in mine. I could hear my principal and dean's talking in the background, but I found it impossible knowing that the people behind me were whispering. Finally, Tanya turned around and gave them an aggressive look, making me snicker a bit.

I found it hard to concentrate, I was trying to go over my speech in my mind, but I kept going back to that day, wanting to cry. I had my cap on, but I could feel myself sweating, God knows why.

I finally snapped out of my thoughts when I heard, "Please welcome Nicole Ortega, Valedictorian."

I choked, my eyes going wide as both Tanya and Adrian squeezed my hands. I took a deep breath in, standing up and hopping up to the stage with my crutches. There were a few claps in the crowd while others just stared.

I had finally reached the podium and one of the deans took my crutches as I held onto the sides of the podium. I cleared my throat, staring down at the paper I had written not too long ago.

I took one look at the crowd and I thought I was about to combust. If only I could.

I looked at Tanya who gave me a thumbs up while Adrian mouthed 'you can do it.' I sighed and began to read,

"Goodmorning honored guests, parents, friends, faculty, staff, Principal Chambers, and the Class of 2016, the time has finally come and we are graduating. It is a great privilege to be standing here before all of you to deliver this speech.

The past four years to say the least have been a journey for all of us in some way. We have learned, matured, and we especially made friendships that we will carry with us throughout the years. Our experience in high school is one that we will take with us everywhere, one that will help us out in the real world. If I learned one thing from high school it is that being a teenager is no walk in the park. I learned that in the end gossip and hatred does not define a person and I learned that no matter how many times you fall, you have to get back up.

Now, this Graduation is the time to thank those who helped us on our journey, the ones who stuck by us until the end such as teachers, parents, family, friends, the list truly goes on. I first want to start off by thanking my mom and two brothers who I am lucky to have with me today. They are the reason I wake up every morning and they will always be the reason I strive to do my best. I thank my father, who sadly could not be here with us today, but I know he's looking down on me from wherever he may be." I teared up a bit before moving onto the next line, seeing Shawn's name appear. I took a deep breath in and read, "I want to thank Shawn who stuck by me, believed in me, and especially loved me for who I am. I thank the whole Class of 2016 because I have learned so much from each and every one of you, whether some choose to believe it or not. Today we go out into the real world, I am excited, yet scared knowing that responsibility will play a big role in our lives, but I know will all be able to get through it.

If I can take away something from these four years of my life and give it to you all it is that life is our story and we are the author. In life we do many things, some we regret and wish we had never done while others we wish we could replay a million times in our head. These things makes us who we are and who we will be. Although we may not like some of the things we've done, they shape every part of us. If we took away these mistakes or memories we wouldn't be the same. Class of 2016 I'm telling you from experience, just live. Make mistakes, create memories. But never let anyone tell you who you are or who you should be. Never second guess yourself, your past, your present, or your future. We write our story, so Class of 2016 go out and live as much as you can, because our life is in our hands. Thank you."

The crowd erupted into loud cheers and applauses as I smiled, blowing a kiss to my mom in the stand and after hugging Mr.Chambers before I was given my crutches so I could hop off stage. I went back to my seat where Tanya, Adrian, and Jason congratulated me by cheering like lunatics and hugging me.

Our graduation continued on until we all went up and received our diploma, shaking hands with our Principal and teachers.

I took the diploma in my hand and smiled towards my family, feeling accomplished. We all stood at our seats, waiting for them give us direction.

"Now, please move your tassels from the right side to the left." Principal Chambers announced and we all cheered. "I now present to you, the Class of 2016."

As those words left his mouth everyone cheered loudly and we all threw our caps up in the air. I smiled and the field was flooded with a bunch of people, congratulating their loved ones.

Tanya, Adrian, Jason, and I all hugged before I was pulled away by my mother and brothers who all engulfed me in their arms.

"I'm so proud of you Nicole!" My mom exclaimed and kissed my on the cheek.

"Thank you mom."

"Good job hermana!" Hunter yelled and jumped into my arms so I could carry him. I laughed and brushed his hair our of his face, kissing his chubby cheeks. Jacob came up to me a grin on his face, hugging my side.

"You did really good up there big sis, I'm really proud of you."

"Thanks kid." I chuckled and messed his hair up, causing him to roll his eyes. I hugged a few more people, congratulating them before I felt someone tap my shoulder.

I turned to meet with my principal and I smiled as he held his arms open for me. I hugged him for a short moment before letting go and shaking his hand.

"You are certainly a special person Nicole, don't let people tell you otherwise." He smiled. "I know you are going to get places in life."

"Thank you Principal Chambers, it truly means a lot." I nodded and he did the same before walking away.

My mom handed me a bouquet of flowers and some balloons, making me laugh as she began to take pictures of me and my brothers.

We finally walked back to the car and we all got in, heading into the city for lunch. I had a confused look on my face as my mom laughed and we pulled up to the front of a restaurant. I looked up at the sign, happy to see we were at Amelia's.

I smiled, looking down at my hands, knowing that somehow I'll okay.

I guess.

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Happy update! I know I suck, but trust me there will be more to come. I hope everyone is staying safe during these hard times and I'll try to make your quarantine a lil better hopefully. Thank you for the support! Much love.