"We'd like to congratulate the graduating class of 2018! It's been my honor as your principal to see you all grow up as honorable young men and women ready to take on the world and make a difference. It is also my honor to introduce this year's graduating valedictorian Ms. Ashley Grey Airwood." Applause erupts and I climb the stairs to this stage one last time walking to the podium and smile at my classmates.

"The original speech I had written took much time and perfecting. Then I decided that, that isn't me anymore. I've learned so much, even until this point, that we change every single day. That sometimes being perfect and winning trophies isn't what makes you happy in life. It's crazy little brothers and best friends. Stepping out of your comfort zone and getting yourself into something you never thought you would. Discovering new people and riding the emotional roller coaster of life until you get sick. It's discovering love, and hate and forgiveness.

"Arie Pencovici once said, 'Graduation is only a concept. In real life every day you graduate. Graduation is a process that goes on until the last day of your life. If you can grasp that, you'll make a difference.' I'm lucky enough to say that I've been able to step out of my old shell and into the new adventure that awaits us outside of these walls, this town, and more. So guys," I grin. "Let's get the hell out of here 'cause we did it!"

My entire graduating class cheers and stands to their feet throwing their caps into the air. The beautiful sound of laughing and people cheering their successes made my heart warm. I've made so many changes to who I am and what I want out of life, I finally get what makes me happy.

Speaking of the devil, Bain wheels towards me in his wheel chair as I smile. "That was beautiful, Airwood. Spoken like a true nerd."

He grins and I roll my eyes smiling.

"Picture time!" Ryan yells from behind me making my ear drums hurt.

Bain groans and Ryan glares at him. "Oh no you don't! We're officially graduated, even you! And no one thought that would happen, this must be captured in photo." Everyone laughs and Bain shakes his head.

"I'll take it!" Isabella comes running up behind Ryan with a big smile wearing her beautiful flower pattern sun dress holding my brother's hand.

Ryan gives her the phone and we all stand in a group all together when I suddenly feel hands grab my waist and I'm being pulled down to sit across Bain's lap in his wheel chair.

Isabella smiles. "I got it!"

Ryan smiles looking at the photo and sighs looking at me. "We did it. You did it. You wont at life, Ash."

"So did you." Trip wraps his arms around Ryan kissing her on the cheek and she blushes.

"I'm getting there." Bain mumbles and kisses my shoulder. "But I can say that I've never felt more alive."

His kind words make my heart melt into a puddle. He's worked so hard for the past couple of moths to gain my trust, controlling his temper, and meeting my family. He's really changed and I couldn't be more proud of him.

I do love him. I just haven't told him yet, I just might let him suffer a little longer.

"You think we'll be okay?" I ask looking at my best friend, her boyfriend, my brother and his girlfriend and then at the boy I've stupidly and hopelessly have fallen in love with and have been to hell and back with. What does the future hold for all of us?

"With you by my side," he takes my hand and holds it in his. "Anything is possible."

I smirk. "So mushy." He chuckles and kisses my lips, "Don't worry. I'll always be your bad boy."

Yeah, I think we'll be just fine.