As he was standing in that line waiting to hear his named being called, the Italian boy looked over to his friends and family who waved at him. As he waved back he thought of the past. Of how crazy it was for him. How he and his friends had their ups and downs, but still managed to come out on top of the world.
It was amazing that out of all of his friends, only him and another, his closet friend, were graduating. They went through hell and back together and were always friends no matter what. Even when they doubted each other, they still had each other's backs. Today was a big day for them…
It was even bigger than the day he came out to her… It wasn't so much of him coming out, more like her figuring it out. But none the less, she still loved him. He became like a brother to her, and she became a sister to him. They always tried to protect each other, even when the other didn't want it. (You know what it is.)
He stepped up, and saw that he was next in line to be called to receive his diploma. But he took one last look out to the audience. At his friends and family who were sitting in the audience waving at him, at his boyfriend who was just starring at him in amazement, and at his friend who's row wasn't going to be called for a while.
Then he heard it… his name was being called. "Marco del Rossi," the Dean called. He walked across that stage, with great joy on his face. He was ecstatic as he walked toward the Dean in his Toronto U cap and gown. When he received his diploma and shook hands with the Dean… She said something.
"Although Marco here isn't the valedictorian, he did receive the highest average in his Business Financing class. It was actually two letter grades above everyone else in the class. Therefore the other board members and I have agreed to let him say a few words. The floor is yours Marco."
He was shocked. He didn't have a speech prepared or anything. This was totally sprung on him out of nowhere. So he pulled himself together and step to the microphone and started to speak…
"Um, wow… this is kind of sudden. I really didn't expect this to happen… Ergo I don't have a speech prepared. But it is such and honor to receive this kind of recognition. You see, originally I took the class so that I'll be able to run my own business when I grow up… err graduate. But I got tired of it by the third week. By then it was too late to change classes." Laughing came from the audience. "But then two of my friends were going into the clothing business and needed some financial help. That's where I came in. So I worked hard to help them. And this class really helped. So that's how I ended up here before you today… By being the accountant for the straight versions of Dolce and Gabana." More laughter. "But um, thank you very much for this honor. I really appreciate it
Then after everyone received their diplomas and sat down. It was time for the Dean to congratulate them and send them off into the world. But just before that, she had to make a speech.
"Today is graduation day. A day that I am so happy that's finally come, because your outta here!" Everyone laughed at that statement. "But it is also a day that I dread so much… Try to remember freshman year, if you will. Back to orientation day when you all sat in this very auditorium for the first time, and saw me. And feared me because of the things that you heard about me from the upper classman." More laughter. "When I walked across this stage and saw all of your young hopeful faces for the first time, I was taken aback at how many people had chosen this school, and I was very glad. Then my first words to you were… 'Look to your left, now look to your right… These people will not be graduating with you.'" More laughter. "I also said, 'Therefore you must try to make me wrong. And prove that the people looking at you… Won't ever look at you like that again.' And look at you here you are now. Making me, your mothers, fathers, friends and family… AND YOURSELF proud." Marco remembered the speech that she made at the beginning of freshman year. At how he looked at Ellie and how she looked back at him. It made him think about how proud he was of himself, and her… For now the world was their oyster. "And now that today is the last day that you'll ever have to hear me talk about your grades again… lord knows you kids are happy about that…" laughter… "I now will like to congratulate you all… And would also like to present you as… THE TORONTO UNIVERSITY CLASS OF 2010!!!" After she said that, "Graduation Day" by Vitamin C played (the works of Mr. Marco del Rossi himself) and everyone threw up their caps… Marco and Ellie made sure to catch theirs. (lololz.)