The Howards

Chapter 8

I was appointed to be the valedictorian for graduation. I was called to the principal office, while Rick and Randall waited outside for me. When I came out with my head lowered, the two brothers gathered around me with worried look. Rick frowned, "El, did you seriously went to rob a bank? I knew the recent bank robbery was done by you!"

This bank robbing joke is getting out of hand. Karina was asking me on my financial status and how I survived without a job and with my mum's current condition. So I replied lightheartedly, "I rob banks,"

Randall smacked the back of Rick's head, "Dude, are you going to announce to the whole world? Did you have sex with principal's son? I can beat that bastard up."

This time was Rick slapping back Randall, "She's a virgin."

I sighed, before they could go any further. I grinned, "I just got appointed as the valedictorian,"

I allowed them to absorb the information then my feet left the ground. Rick twirled while hugging me, once my feet are back on the ground. Another pair of arm wormed around me, Randall said into my ears, "Congratulations, El,"

That made my heart exploded into fireworks. My feelings for Randall got stronger as the time goes by. I'd say the same for Rick, but it isn't as strong as how I felt for Randall.

Karina said I'm dense, for someone who read so much books.

I still don't understand.

••••

My ears were filled with deafening cheers and applauses as I stepped up to the stage for the graduating speech. I placed a white A4 paper in front of me and took a deep breath.

Mum is sitting beside Gemma, who is holding my mum's hand as they watch me. It was a big step for my mum to be able to sit among a huge crowd. I saw Karina waving her hand as she stood behind her mum. I looked at the Howard boys, smiling widely.

"Good morning principal, teachers, parents and the graduating cohort. I am Eleanor Morgan. It's a honour to stand up here as a valedictorian. To be honest, prior to this, I spend the whole week trying to think of something to say," I picked up my empty paper and flashed to them, "But I came up with nothing,"

I tear the paper into pieces and said, "That was me, in the past. A blank piece of paper," I continued, "We didn't know what we want to be and what we were going to be when we first came into Winston. Just like the blank paper. Nothing,"

"But now, we are starting a new chapter. A new life. A new journey. Your paper now have a new starting line, no longer a blank piece of paper."

"I have three good friends and a good college waiting for me. I have my mum who is still trying her best to move on. I have people who helped me through this entire journey and people I can't thank enough. I'm starting my new life with the people I love and I hope all of you here would do the same. Good luck, all the best to every one of you. Thank you."

The Howard boys were the loudest among everyone. Cheering and clapping as I shook hands with the principal and the teachers as I walked down the stage. I went into Karina's arms first. She smiled, "That was fantastic."

I pat her back, "Thanks."

I went into Rick's arms next. He smiled widely, "Nice speech."

"Nice hair," I mocked. Rick went around announcing that he woke up with good hair day for graduation.

Randall strolled to me and twirled me around, "Where did you get that?"

I shrugged, "All in my heart." My heart fluttered. Then I realized how close I am standing with Randall. Our face were almost touching each other. Randall stared at me, his lips slightly apart, as if it was inviting me. Then Rick interrupted, "Photo taking!"