Prologue
Graduation. The small step into the rest of your life, into adulthood.
I sat squared into my seat, diploma in hand, trying my best to keep from throwing my hat early and marching out of the stadium a free woman. That is until college. I shivered at the thought of four more years of this crap. Sam always said that being in college was some of the best years of his life, telling me about the crazy wild parties and insane experiences he had in his 'golden years'. But unlike Sam, I wasn't ready for the 'crazy days' that college had in store for me.
I yawned into my hand. The principle of our small of our small school had walked to the center stage to begin his long, boring-ass speech about how we as students are beginning our new lives as mature adults going into the adult world and blah, blah, blah.
My head swiveled around in boredom, searching for my parents. I almost slapped my hand over my eyes when I saw my adopted father holding a large video camera that was almost too big for him to handle one-handed and pointed it directly to me. He waved frantically once he caught my gaze, I finally humored him with an embarrassed wave then watched as my other adopted parent came into view. My mom, Realene, pushed Dad out of the way completely out of the way, leaning over my dad as she waved and blew me a few kisses. Though my dear brother was missing from the two to complete the Lincoln family troupe, I could just picture him climbing over the hundreds of chairs in the auditorium just to suffocate me in one of his long bear hugs.
I sunk deeply into my seat, my two friends on either side of me cackling at my odd family. I rolled my eyes and punched Michel in his arm as hard as I could and nudged my head back to his own mother, who had a large neon pink sign saying 'Luv U my sweet, baby-boo-bear'. A smile crept onto my face as I watched all the color drain from his face. Michel wasn't really one of my best friends, in fact I never really had that many. Not that I was unsociable, I had plenty of friends just not close ones. I was never really popular with the student body anyhow, I was kind of there. The kid who studied hard, almost never got into trouble, never went to parties. Always neutral, always the good girl. Thing was, I was completely comfortable with the way my life was. Slow and safe. Just the way I preferred, never wanting change.
My thoughts were snapped from me when I heard the principle requesting us to move our tassels, bringing his speech to a close. I glanced up at my black and white tassel, swallowing in anticipation as I moved it and listened for further instructions.
"Ladies and Gentelmen, I give you this year's 19-" He barely finished before the loud uproar of the young adults cheered atop of their lungs loudly as they could around the auditorium.
Caps flew around the large space, some going further than others. My own cap quickly joined them and watched as it lingered with the others a few slow moments. It was as if movements around me went into slow motion to allow me to think amongst the chaos.
I had a fresh start on life. A new beginning. The very thought made me grin madly. Thoughts of my future flooded my mind and allowed me to drown in my own mind a few moments as I thought. The things that I'd accomplish, the people I have yet to meet in this life. I'd most likely find a husband, hopefully. Maybe even kids. I had no clue, no idea what life had in store for me. Whether it be for good or bad. My comfortable little life was changing…and it was exciting know that fact.