I was passed a package that hold my cap and gown. One of the teacher advisors at my school helped each student put on theirs.

She put my tassel on the right side of the cap. "Tassel on right, once you graduate bring it to the left." Then she scurried away on to the next graduate.

I walked towards the Gymnasium and saw all the parents of the graduate we have today, trying to find the best seats to get a good look on this exciting day. I notice both Dad and grandma fighting over which seat is the best seat to see their daughter graduate.

I chuckled a bit. Even though he was gone for years, they still bicker the same way when I was 8 years old. I also see Andrew's parents following my dad to find a seat, quietly laughing at the scene in front of them.

"Everywhere we go your grandmother needs to find the perfect seat."

I turned around and notice Andrew in his cap and gown.

"Yes, but this is a important day for her." I replied

He took hold of my head, "I know, come on we have to go line up," He les me out of the gymnasium towards the room beside the stage, where the graduates are waiting to be called. I see Andre and Leah talking and holding hands with each other. Would Andrew and I get to that point? Does he even think we're a thing?

With everything going on Andrew and I never establish what we have going on at the moment. Are we together? or just friends? Maybe we're in between...

Besides who knows where he is going next fall.

The vice principal comes inside the room and claps his hands loudly. "Okay class of 2016!! are you ready to graduate?!"

The seniors roared and started to line up. "I'll see you at the end," Andrew said then kiss me on the cheek. He walked down the line.

Why am I feeling this way? I could just be anxious about graduating? Yes that could be it, I am graduating today and started a brand new chapter in my life, involving all my friends and family, including Andrew. No matter what happens today, I will be a high school graduate and becoming a young adult.

The line started to move out of the room towards the gymnasium where all the parents were standing or sitting down watching each graduate walk around the perimeter of the gym. I could see Dad with his camera and my grandmother trying to hold back her tears. I also see the Carter's family behind them giving me the thumbs up and waving their hands to get my attention. I rolled my eyes and continue to walk around the gym with my classmate. We arrive where the graduate will be sitting for the ceremony. I was in the fourth row and Andrew was in the first row.

We sat down and listen to speeches from our principal, vice principal, the Trustee of the school board, and so on. The speeches were okay but not my cup of tea at the moment. I just wanted my diploma and to get out of here. After the speeches it was the valedictorians turn to come up to the podium and give his speech.

He cleared his throat. "Hello parents, teachers, graduates. My name is Andrew Carter and I am your valedictorian for the class of 2016,"

Yep, Andrew Carter as the Valedictorian? I wasn't the only one who was surprise. Uncle Anthony thought the principal was pulling a humorous joke. Until they went to the school and realize through out Andrew silliness he was a smart kid and contribute a lot to the school within the past four years he attend. We all teamed up and helped Andrew write a pretty good speech. We did not want him to flop on stage in front of hundred of parents! We care about him don't we?

"The first time I walked into high school, I was afraid. Like every other student; you wonder what you will get out of high school. Will you drop out of high school and start becoming an adult early? Or will you become the top student of your class? It seems unpredictable what you will reveal. Making new friends, leaving your past, welcoming back old friends, or accepting yourself for who you are."

Our eyes met, knowing that this speech may be about us.

"After this day, we will be starting a brand new chapter. Becoming doctors, teachers, scientist or getting into the big leagues!"

A group of graduates howled; I can bet my life that was the basketball team.

"I will miss this school, more than anything. I played a few pranks here that will be remembered.. But today I become a brand new person. A mature adult who is capable of doing anything. Graduate of 2016 raise your head high and remember this is your time to shine!" Andrew beamed and threw a fist bump in the air.

The crowd cheered and roared. Andrew moved aside and allowed the principal to take his place on the podium. "We would like to congrats Andrew on his full time scholarship to University of Pennsylvania. He will be close, maybe we can hire him as a student coach for basketball next season?" The audience laugh.

I was in shock; we're going to the same University? Am I hearing this correctly?

Finally the graduates were getting there diploma. Everyone was being called and I started to feel a bit nervous, was this really happening? Was I really gradating?

I am going to miss a lot of people here, even the random nerds that were scared of me because I was and still is crazy Alex. Or was it because I always looked angry...

"Alexandra Thomason!" The crowd cheered and I can hear my dad hollering in his seat. I walk up on stage and receive my diploma. The principal shook my hand and whispered, "Congratulations, with everything going on between you and Andrew, It has been a amusing four years! Good luck next year."

I mumbled a thank you and walked down the few steps on the side of the stage. I look over to the group of graduates and see Leah holding out her diploma. I arrive to my seat and saw Eric recieving his diploma. I smiled and clap for him. He has came such a long way and with being bullied, running away from home and trying to find his true self. he still made it through his senior year.

Eric sat down beside me and given me a hug, "I want to thank you for everything and understanding my past,"

"Eric I am glad you told me and it makes things better between us. Even though you're moving half way across the country."

It is true, Eric is moving to Los Angeles and pursuing his career in writing and also writing scripts. He will be attending some kinda of film school, (I forgot the name, Sue me!).

"I will miss you Alex,"

I felt like crying, "I will miss you too Eric,"

Why does everything have to end?

"I would like to congratulate the class of 2016!" The principal announce. The graduate lifted their caps in the air and the gymnasim was in celebration. everyone is making their way over to their parents and giving them hugs and congrats. people are starting to take pictures of the graduates with their diplomas, while others are crying because this may be the last time they will be seeing each other.

I notice Andrew standing looking lost in the middle of a busy crowd. "Andrew!" I yell out. Andrew found where I was and made his way through the crowd, I as well.

We both reach the middle of the gym. "Congrats Alex, who would have thought you would make it to this very day," Andrew remarked.

I rolled my eyes. He always has to say something stupid. "Are we really going to the same university? I thought you were going to Canada?"

He shrugged his shoulders, "Yeah I was suppose to but I have other reasons."

"Why are you staying back?" I ask, "Isn't it your dream to go to Canada?"

His facial expression change, he brought my body closer to him and gazed into my eyes. "Alexandra, I already have you why would I want to loose you again? Yes it was my dream to go to Canada and have a full time scholarship playing basket ball. But Basketball is not only me and being with you is much better than being so far away."

My breathing stop, the feeling is coming back again and I know I can't let go this time. Or hide it under a rug..

I had to ask, "What if this doesn't work, Then what will happen?"

Andrew thought for a moment and grin, "I guess I'll take the chance." He enclose the space between us. Who would have thought I would be kissing the devil in the middle of the gymnasium that I graduated in.

I could of gone a long way of hating him, you know; dig him a grave and pretend his death was a mistake!

But forgiveness is a true thing and everyone forgives but does not forget. Allowing myself to forgive Andrew has open a door that I never thought would have open; my true feelings for him. Years ago I was hurt by his actions, but he isn't the same anymore. He wouldn't go back to who he was before.

This summer will be great, with Andre, Leah, Andrew and I. Also the whole family, renting out my dad's cottage is going to be fun and exciting. Andrew and I will be getting along, no more house fires, peace and harmony.

What could go wrong?

*********