Her Escape, His Safe Haven

Chapter 60- Warrior

Athena's POV

Today we graduate high school. Today is the day I've been looking forward to for years. I always thought that I'd be running as soon as I had my diploma in my hand. I had it all planned out. I was gonna take a cab to the airport and take the first flight to California. I don't know why. I guess I just felt like there'd be more opportunities there.

Now, I couldn't imagine leaving. That's not to say this place hasn't been my own personal hell, but I have grown. I have found my family. My place. I have thrived. I have excelled. I have lived.

All in the last year. That's all it has taken for this small town to feel like home. For it to feel like this is where I belong. This is my home, and I don't want to leave.

Not if leaving means I lose my family. My Eli.

My fiance.

Holy crap. My fiance.

Last week at prom Eli asked me to marry him, and at first I thought he was kidding or crazy or both, but the longer I looked into his eyes, the longer held me and the more he said the easier it was to say yes.

I know we're only eighteen and that's young to make such a decision, but it's right. It's for for us. I couldn't care less what everyone thinks. The only people whose opinion matter are Charlie and Deliah, and they were both over the moon. In fact Charlie surprised us last night with Cassidy's wedding ring. I guess he had kept it in a safety deposit box and after getting Deliah's permission he offered it to Eli to give to me.

I'm not ashamed to admit that the whole thing had me crying like a baby. Charlie accepted me as his daughter in law. He accepted me. That meant the world to me.

"Now, let's hear from our salutatorian, Athena Marsden." I was beat out for Valedictorian by one grade. Montgomery Vega beat me, and he gave a great speech. Well I think he did, I kinda spaced it.

I made my way to the stage in the blue gown and matching cap. I stood in front of the podium with my speech in my hands.

I twisted the beautiful ring on my finger a little out of nervousness before clearing my throat.

"Good afternoon, everyone. I am Athena Marsden, as you heard. I'd like to start by thanking our families. Not only for being here today, but for helping to shape us into the people you see here today. Of course I need to extend my gratitude towards our incredible teachers." I looked over at Coach for a moment and he sent me a smile, knowing that I thank him specifically. "You have taught us how to integrate quotes, and how to balance equations. You taught us that history repeats itself and that sometimes you just need an outlet. Thank you." I aid sincerely.

I cleared my throat for the next part, "Most of you know me either as the girl whose father was arrested, or the girl who was shot in the girls bathroom, which is fine. I am that girl. I am that girl, but because of people I have met over this last year I am also so much more. I am the girl who grew up with a horrible family, but I am also a girl who is strong. I learned that strength." I felt tears begin to well in my eyes so I took a deep breath, "I learned that strength from my friends that I met here. I learned that through the family I found along the way. I learned so much during my high school experience, but that strength is something that I will never forget."

I took another deep breath, "We have all learned something that we will take with us. My lesson was that I am strong. What was your lesson? Who helped you learn it? Was it your family? Your favorite teacher? Was it your best friend? Do you learn it all on your own? Have you thanked them? I mean, truly deeply- thanked them. I haven't. Not enough anyway, so thank you. Thank you Deliah, for teaching me that I can be strong not just for myself but for someone else." I couldn't find her or Charlie in the crowd so I just looked out blindly. "Thank you Charlie, for teaching me that sometimes being strong means letting myself feel what I need to feel."