Perfect Lies.

Chapter-25 "Case closed"

Shay's POV (point of view)-

After our talk with Mr. Creed, the next day we were excused from giving exams. Many people asked the reason but, luckily our teacher kept their mouths shut. Although we went to school that day for some paperwork. The news of Mr. Phil's death was now spread in the whole building. He was the hot topic that day. As we passed through the reception, the only thing I could hear was about Mr. Phil. The very next day, a notice was sent to Mike, Robbin, and Andrea about being presented in court. Mr. Creed is sure a great lawyer. It was like talking to two different persons. At home, he was totally like Anna, and at the court, I saw a very different man, the whom I imagined the strict-grandpa type. The saddest part was that the old lady, who was Phil's mother figure. She was already informed by someone about the death but the way her face lit up when we told her to be a witness to punish the guilty, she hugged and kissed me on my forehead. The only stranger who kissed me after my 'so-called-mom' and Christy. But, the most surprising fact was that she offered me her house to live in. I told her everything about my case and she cried. Well, that was kinda sad but I had Alex with me so I didn't break into pieces. The hearing was kept on Sunday. Everyone was present and the conduct was smooth.

It took only 3-4 weeks until the final verdict was passed. The iconic case of 1985, was finally solved. Robbin confessed that Mike planned all this although, I knew that this was not the truth but I choose to remain silent. Mike was given 5 years of imprisonment, Andrea got 6 years, and a death sentence was announced for Robbin because of murdering the daughter of army officials. I know he saw that coming and he was prepared for it. He casually accepted his mistake and so did Andrea. But Mike was freaked out. I lived with Alex and Kate and Everything was settled now. We had our graduation ceremony today and I was very nervous.

We stood backstage at the gym and waited for our turns. After receiving the degree. We all were seated in the front two for those who were about to give their speeches. I fidgeted nervously with my paper which had the speech written on it as I desperately tried to calm down and practice.

"What are you doing?" Jeremy asked. He was seated beside me and by looking at him, I could tell that he was not even scared.

"I'm trying to memorize" I stuttered, He grinned.

"Stop it, just breathe" he spoke calmly.

"How am I suppose to--" but I was cut off.

"Breathe in and breathe out," he said as he did so.

Next was my turn, my name was announced on the stage and I  almost stumbled while climbing the stairs. I reached the mic. My eyes scanned the whole hall but, I stopped when I spotted Anna, Alex, and Kate. They nodded at me encouragingly and so, I started.

"I never knew what I was going to do with my life. But, now, I can see my goal very clearly in front of me. What I want to be, who I am, and what I was. This school shaped me and craved a beautiful structure out of me. I made some of the best memories in this school. I made some of the best friends here, who still support me. I met some of the best teachers who guided me and made me feel that I'm worthy too. It depends on the paths that we take, whether we decide to be honest and work hard or use corrupt means. We must face the consequences of our decisions to earn success. And in the end, I would like to thank all of the teachers and classmates for tolerating me. Thank you" I spoke and went back to my seat.

"Well done kiddo!" Jeremy patted my back.

"Shut up," I said, grinning.

Next was Jeremy, he went towards the stage with so much confidence that it looked like he owns the stage and didn't stumble on the stairs like me. As he started, I let my mind wander away. Everything is so changed now, previous week, we talked to Mrs. Keller, and yet here I was, attending my graduation ceremony and not being buried in a cemetery.

---

"Please save Mike" Mrs. Keller had begged.

"I'm sorry but, he has to save himself first" Alex had said.

"Shut up" I'd mumbled. "Mrs. Keller, he is just facing the consequences of his actions, he'll be out after 5 years, I'm sorry, I couldn't do anything" she'd cried a lot but there was nothing I could do, I can't save everyone now, can I?

---

Although, Alex's behavior was somewhat weird.

"Your cute face saved us all" he winked.

"What's gotten in your head?”

''Cause I don't care when I'm with my baby, yeah
All the bad things disappear
And you're making me feel like maybe I am somebody
I can deal with the bad nights
When I'm with my baby, yeah"

"Ahh...I don't care by Ed Sheeran and JB, you have a good taste for songs. But, why are you acting so sus today?"

"Nothing," he'd shrugged.

---

I thought all this but, was snapped back to reality when someone shook me. I glanced up and saw Kate grinning at me, behind her was standing the rest of them. I glanced at the hall and saw that it was almost empty.

"Oh yeah," I said and got up. We left the school and started on the street.

"Your parents are not coming?" I asked.

"Nope, they came and then left" Jeremy shrugged

"But, why didn't they pick you up?"

"I just told them to go home and they did so" he shrugged again.

"Why?"

"Because of you," Kate said.

"Me?!" I started, getting irritated.

"Now, we don't want you to go back to your emo phase just because no one came to pick you up!" Kate exclaimed.

"Ah...Shay's emo phase, how can I forget, 'I'm not okay, I promise'" Jeremy air quoted the song name dramatically with his hands.

"I swear, I can just recite the whole song on the spot" Anna laughed.

"Recite?. people usually sing a song," Alex said

"I can't sing" Anna replied

"You guys are crazy" I chuckled.

"And you come with us," Jeremy said.

I'm glad that I got this many caring friends. We walked together, entering a new phase of our life.