Well, here we are! The final chapter. I'm not going to lie, it's a little weird being at the end. Maybe a tad emotional too? It seems like it was just yesterday that I was sitting in the theater with this silly little blip of an idea in my head. Now here I am, that blip turned into a fanfiction, and in its final moment. I want to thank everyone who's been following this story and supporting me. It seriously means more than you guys can ever know, and I'm so lucky to have you all! I can promise you that this will not be the end of Riley's life just yet! There will certainly be epilogue pieces here and there and check back real soon for a sequel that's going to follow Riley into High School! (It will be a little more mature so keep that in mind of course) But enjoy the final chapter!

"Maybe...an updo? Ugh, god no, our profile is hideous no way! Or maybe we just do a half updo? No, we'll look like we're five years old. This is ridiculous! We can't just do nothing with our hair. I was willing to compromise and let her wear flats, but I will not let her hair go undone! And of course her hair just has to be too short to curl-!"

Right in the middle of Disgust's tantrum (talking to herself aloud, mind you) Joy comes to sit beside her, "What are you do looking up hair ideas now? The eighth grade end of the year dance isn't until tomorrow night and it's late. She needs to be in bed."

"Because!" Disgust begins, sounding nothing short of frustrated, "Today at graduation Riley didn't do a thing with her hair! What a mess! I mean, all of the girls wore their hair up or curled it, like, they looked to die for and she just brushed it! What is that about? Is she kidding?"

She can't help the chuckle that passes her lips before she attempts to defend Riley, "Well, you do know she's not exactly as much of a girly girl as the others."

"Well she should still have standards!"

"Carissa didn't do anything with her hair." Point for Joy

"Carissa has short hair!" Maybe not.

"...So?" Joy quirks an eyebrow.

"So she can get away with running her fingers through it and she'll look like a knight in shining armor!" Point for Disgust.

"Look." She begins, attempting to take Disgust's hands away from the controls and instead hold them herself, "It's late, and Riley should get some sleep before the big day tomorrow. Keeping her up to obsess over her hair will make her too tired to have fun at their little prom." She sighs, "And like I said, she's a little bit more...tomboyish compared to her other girl friends. Not exactly a Carissa, but not exactly an Amanda either. But I can promise you, no matter what she does with her hair tomorrow." She pushes a strand of green hair behind her co-emotions ear, "She's going to look beautiful. And so grown up."

Disgust smiles, "It's scary isn't it?" She starts, "I remember when she was this skinny, awkward little sixth grader. And now she's standing in front of her mirror with a twenty three inch waist, gorgeous hips and b cups strapped to her chest."

Okay, so maybe joy is hysterical now. But they never get to have girl talk! And it's...funny to be talking about the way Riley's started developing into a young woman. Mostly because it just...never came up before. Sure, the emotions began to notice the changes in her body when they started developing towards the middle of seventh grade, but they sort of just quietly accepted it, "I'm terrified of high school, what if they get..." Her hands let go of Disgust's and kind of motion towards her own chest, extending outward just a little, "Bigger?"

"Then Carissa hits the jackpot!" And now they're laughing together. In a way, it shows a change in themselves as well. Her emotions are maturing. Months ago, to bring up Riley's changes? They would all avoid it like the plague. To them it would be awkward to discuss. To them, Riley had still been a child. Now? Well, now they truly can see her starting to grow up, and they're catching up right with her.

So much that there will even be a change in Joy, "I want Riley to look so good tomorrow that we get to make out with Carissa."

This even shocks Disgust to hear, but with out hesitation, she's leaning in close to Joy, "Oh my god, you're reading my freaking mind! We've only ever kissed, but god that girls face just...ugh. I want her to push us against a wall and just-"

"Like in the movies!"

"Yes!"

And again they laugh together, turn to the screen relieved when it finally shuts down and her dreams begin for the evening.

Joy leans over, pushing a button, however, and breaking a carnal rule of dream duty. She's already searching Riley's most recent memories, "You had counseling with Motivation a few days ago so you haven't seen." And before she's pushing anymore buttons, Joy is smirking, "You wanna' see her dress?"

The green beauty's face lights up, it's like Christmas morning for her, "Oh my god yes. Yes I do. Please tell me the dress isn't red. I hate the color red, it totally washes her out."

"Nope! It's not red! But it is chiffon."

"Chiffon. Like chiffon, chiffon? You mean she actually got a...formal dress?!"

"Designer."

"You're kidding me!"

"I'm not!"

"Shut up!"

"Dead serious, girl!"

"She really did?!"

"Yes she did!"

"Come on let me see it!" She's nearly tugging at her co-emotions arm, "I have to see it! I'll sleep better knowing I've seen it!"

And right on the screen is the memory of her trying on the dress in front of a full length mirror, and Amanda gushing. It's a chiffon dress that reaches just above Riley's knees. The very bottom of the dress looking kind of flowy and airy. It's sure to sway with her every movement. It's a charcoal blue color. So it's a little duller than your typical royal blue. After all, Riley just wants to look nice, not make a statement. It's a very simple dress. The top has cap sleeves that are bunched where the neck-line meets the sleeve, and the neck-line is a wide v-neck that isn't too low cut. But when Riley does a twirl for her friend, the bottom of the dress spins out. Within the dress, is a very, very subtle sparkle- silver in color.

Disgust is in amazement, "...It's everything I dreamed it would be. She's gonna' look kick ass. Damn, look at those curves."

"I know, she fell in love with it. And it was the last one in her size."

"We really scored. How much?"

"350 dollars...on sale for 120."

"...I love my girl, she's such a smart shopper."

Yes, Riley Andersen is maturing, but so are her emotions. Puberty won't be there much longer. The cycle will be complete eventually. But it's a glorious thing isn't it? To grow up and discover yourself and be confident in everything you are. She's halfway there. They all are.

"Mom!" The liquid eyeliner just won't cooperate on the right eye. She's reaching for a makeup cloth with much urgency, "Mom!"

"What?! What, Riley, I told you the makeup cloths were under the sink!"

"No come up here! We have a wardrobe problem!"

Like clockwork, her mother is heading up the stairs and eventually greeting her in the doorway, "I'll say. We bought you a beautiful dress and you've picked a bathrobe?" She grins.

"Haha, very funny." She turns around, fanning her right eye, waiting for the liquid liner to dry, "You can see my bra through the dress, did you wash my flesh colored one?"

"It should be in the laundry basket at the foot of the bed." But she's smiling at her daughter, hands on her hips, "Your wings look nice and even, Riley. Stop wiping the makeup off."

"Are you sure?" She finally blinks, turns around to meet her reflection in the mirror. Okay, maybe they are even.

"Yes, baby. Now get that mascara put on and get dressed! Your date is already on the way!"

"Okay, I'm almost done! I'm only wearing eyeliner and mascara anyway."

"What are you gonna' do with your hair, sweetie?"

'And you told me not to stay up fussing about it! We still don't know.'

'But I do!'

'Don't ruin this, Joy, I will so totally never forgive you!'

"Um...I was thinking that diamond alligator style clip grandma gave me for my 11th birthday would look nice. The one with the three flowers? You know, just kinda pin the hair on one side behind my ear, like, the side bang side. But keep the side bang where it is."

"...I think that would be perfect, honey." But her mom is already turning around. She's getting so emotional right now, "I'll be downstairs if you need me, okay?"

"Okay- I'll be down soon."

The nerves are setting in for her. And as she turns off the bathroom light, dashes to her parents room for the garment she'd been panicking for before she pauses in the hall, checking her makeup once more in the bathroom mirror before she crosses the hall back to her room, she shuts the door quickly and takes a deep breath.

'Don't worry, Riley. My anxiety has been normal! You won't have an attack! Just breathe.'

'Just what Fear said, you'll be fine and you're gonna' look great!'

If she's really thinking about it, this'll be her first real date won't it? The first official, uninterrupted date where the feelings are mutual that she's ever had. Boy, Riley's come so far.

It doesn't take long to slip into that dress, zip it up carefully, and observe herself in the mirror, doing a few twirls. She smiles to herself before reaching over to her bed for her black flats. But this outfit is still missing a few things. She extends her arm out, pulling open the drawer of her nightstand, grabbing for her music box. And as it's opened and the sound of Angel Of Music fills the room, she pulls out a silver chain with a single circular faux diamond pendant dangling from it. It falls in just the right place on her chest, a little ways above the neck line.

"Riley...?" Her fathers voice calls from downstairs, "Your date's here!"

'Oh my god we're not ready. I'm not ready yet!'

'Yes we are!'

'No we're not, She's waited four years for the magic of a romantic date! I just need five more minutes! That's all I need is four years and five minutes!'

'Oh for the love of god, Fear!'

She has an excuse anyway, doesn't she? She has to brush her hair one more time and get that diamond clip secured just right on the right side of her head, "I-I'll be down in a minute!" it'll take three tries for that alligator clip to be secured on the side if her head just right. Or maybe it looked the same every time, Riley's just buying time.

It's okay, really. Because Carissa is awkwardly standing in the Andersen living room, hands in her pockets a nervous wreck. The young teen is clad in black dress pants, a pair of black shiny docs, a white button down shirt with the sleeves rolled up to her elbows, black suspenders and to top it all off: a bow tie. Her hair is gelled over to one side, easily revealing her freshly shaved side of her head (shaven on both sides). Not exactly a mohawk, but her hair is still just as short as always, but for today it's combed over to one side. Her attempts at elegance, she hopes will be enough to make her girlfriend swoon...even just a little.

Riley's mother steps beside her, I think it's adorable that you got her a corsage!" which is still in the plastic box and sitting atop the coffee table.

"Ahaha, it was really my moms idea. She's kind of old fashioned, I'm worried she's gonna' think it's too much."

"I promise you she's going to love it, Carissa."

Far be it from her dad to completely miss the point by a mile, "Aren't corsages for when someone dies, honey?"

With the most embarrassed smile his wife can plaster on her face she carefully reminds him, "You're thinking of a sympathy wreath, dear." Once again the playful why did I marry this man thought will rear its ugly head.

And her husband, sitting at the kitchen table, mid chew into his sandwich will pause with a very clueless, "...Oh yeah." As if he totally knew that.

At least there won't be any time for awkward feelings. Because right now, Riley is standing at the top of the stairs, taking a deep breath.

'You've got this, Riley! Go see your girlfriend! ...heehee- I love saying that! ...girlfriend!'

'And let's not forget how totally hot we look!'

'We'll probably fall down the stairs and ruin the night.'

'Or maybe we'll die!'

'Relax, idiot! Why would we die?!'

'Come on, guys, focus!'

She clutches the banister, slowly making her way down the stairs with a faint smile on her face...but the expression will change when she sees Carissa. Because...

'...Holy shit. Look at her.'

'Forget the making out I want her to fu-'

'Watch it, Disgust! She's fourteen, they're not going to third base!'

Yes, Riley Andersen is in awe of her girlfriend, who to her, looks absolutely...incredible. Oh, those bad hormonal thoughts are coming to mind, no doubt. But she can't control them- if only she could.

Carissa's expression matches Riley, she can't even speak properly, "U-Um...I just- that dress, and you-"

Riley giggles awkwardly, covering her face with her hands, "Yeah...?"

"Riley, you look really pretty, I swear you do, but I'm sorry to say...I don't think I can make direct eye contact with you right now." As she's scratching the back of her head and focusing on the coffee table. The gorgeous girl standing in front of her is merely overwhelming her with so many strong feelings.

But she's laughing now, "Me too- you just look so...so amazing; handsome, if that's okay to say." And her focus is on the front door.

Her father enters the room to stand beside his wife and the two parents laugh together at the little scene in front of them before he speaks, "Remember when we acted like this on our first date?"

But his wife, is standing with tears in her eyes, "I do...and...I just-"

"What is it?" He inquires.

"...She just looks so-" And her hand comes to cover her mouth for a moment while she regains her composure with a shaken breath, "...So grown up."

He grins, places an arm around her waist, "...Freaky, right?" a recurring revelation that even Riley's own emotions are having as well. But maybe he's just as emotional too. It's such a blessing that their daughter survived her hardships this year, and that alone is enough to make them both teary eyed.

But Carissa will snap out of her little trance, "Oh yeah- uh-" And reach over to the coffee table, "...I hope it's not too much. I picked a white rose because I didn't know what color your dress was and I figured white would at least match everything."

'She got us a corsage! She's so adorable!'

'This is so romantic, I'm gonna' die! No, like, I'm literally, like, I'm literally gonna' die.'

She can feel the color rushing to her cheeks as Carissa gently takes her left wrist- but Riley pulls away. The scars are still so prominent, and while they're more a light pink color than the deep red they once were, "I...maybe the right hand."

"No, she begins, "White also represents new life and healing." And she gently slips it onto her left wrist, "As far as I'm concerned, that arm deserves a little love tonight."

'But now everyone's gonna' see easier.'

'Chill out, they already know, no one will say anything. And besides, this is so romantic I don't even care that her arm is a wreck still. Nothing can spoil this.'

And so Riley bites her lower lip, smiling as her eyes meet with Carissa's, "I feel bad...I didn't think to get you a corsage."

"Just slow dance with me, that's worth more than any corsage, Riley."

"Wait!" Her mother interrupts as she breaks from her husbands grip and grabs her phone from her jean pocket, "We have to take a picture of you two together!" She's smiling once again, happy to have at least been able to get a little of her crying out, "Why don't you two stand in front of the door- Riley, honey, stand in front of Carissa." And she's motioning with her hands as the camera activates, "You ready?"

She takes her place as instructed, and Carissa reaches down to take Riley's hand, lace their fingers together. And the two will keep that pose, and smile nice and big.

"Okay one...two...three! And one more! Don't move yet-"

Her father has to laugh at this spectacle, "Honey, you just took thirty photos in a row, you held the button down too long. So it took more than half of those in a burst."

"Oh I did not!" But to her surprise, "...Shut up and eat your sandwich."

And again he laughs, right along with Carissa and Riley.

So one more photo will be taken, "Okay, now what time will you be home? And will you need a ride? Because if the bus isn't running I don't mind picking you up!"

"Oh, it's cool, Mrs. Andersen- my dad's going to be at the party, he volunteered to be one of the chaperons, so he said he could take her home before we go home tonight."

"Oh, okay, so you're staying at your dads tonight, dear?"

And the only thing running through Riley's mind is how the hell does mom know her parents are divorced?

"Yeah, so it's no problem."

"Okay! Riley?" Forgive her, but she has to wrap her arms around her daughter tightly, and give her the biggest hug, "You have a good time tonight. And text me when you can just so I know what's going on okay?" She draws back.

"Okay, mom."

And her mother is handing Riley her clutch purse with another emotional looking smile, "...I can't get over how beautiful and grown up you look."

The smile is returned, "...Thanks, mom. I love you."

"I love you too."

And she'll lean over to give her dad a hug as well.

To which he'll respond by lifting her off of her feet momentarily with a, "Dance like crazy, monkey! I love you, have a good time, don't hit the strip club without your wallet!" That will earn a smack in the arm from his wife, and a laugh from his daughter as she's running to Carissa's side.

She'll turn around one more time, "Bye! I'll see you guys when I get home!"

It'll be relieving to step outside and away from her parents. For a number of reasons. The first one is how warm and refreshing it is outside. The second one is about to come into full swing. Because Carissa is slipping them away from the view of the windows, taking Riley's hands in hers and leaning in to give her a very quick, but lingering kiss. Riley is nearly breathless when the other draws back.

"You look fucking gorgeous, dork."

"I would tell you how you look, but it's rated R."

Carissa cracks up, "Now you gotta' tell me!"

"Sexy as fuck, you're making me want to be very bad and it's way too soon for that."

"Go on, pretend we're on kik and you're some horny jock boy!"

"Oh my god, get out of here!" But as Riley is already stepping away in the direction of the venue, she isn't letting go of Carissa's hand.

So she's forced to follow, "But I'm just saying! What would we be doing if I was there with you!?"

"I'm breaking up with you."

"Haha, and then what?"

"Gee, I don't know, Austin."

"Ouch, harsh, babe!" But they're both laughing at that one. It was a good come back!

"So far this is going so amazing! So let's talk about our favorite ideas we've come up with for what the party venue looks like!"

"I'll start" Fear is extra confident today, it seems, "I was thinking the best one was that safe gymnasium with the soft walls!"

"Yuck no way!" Disgust is all about the glam, "Amanda heard a rumor that it's on a rooftop of a building. I want to see city lights and tiki torches and a huge DJ! Totally modern and glamorous!"

Joy has to agree with Disgust, "I'd heard that rumor too! I'm hoping for rooftop party!"

Sadness even nods her head, "But what if the building collapses and we all just kind of die?"

"Oh come on, that's not going to happen."

Anger rolls his eyes in response, "Besides, even if that happens, we just go full on bad ass and jump across to the building next door, it's full proof." Probably not, but still, it's fun to think about, isn't it?

"I just love how beautiful it is today, the sun is due to set in a few hours, it's going to be such a perfect night, I can feel it! I mean, look at the way Carissa keeps looking at us!"

"That's totally true love." Disgust is swooning, "I mean I used to hate the idea of cliche romance, but now I want it all! I want it all...and maybe a makeout session."

The previous night, only Disgust and Joy had been awake to discuss this. But they aren't the only ones growing up.

Sadness can even admit, "...Would be nice to have some heavy kissing to make us forget all of the pain in the world.

And Anger, "Give me that angry, aggressive kissing! I want to bite her lip while she pulls our hair!"

And Fear, "I want her to scare me into submission."

Joy is a little surprised he's even admitting that, "...Really?"

"...Y-Yeah, I guess so."

But maybe there are some things that are still just a little too grown up for the emotions to handle right now. It's still an awkward in between for them. So after the brief awkward silence, Joy is happy to change the subject, "Oh! The elevator, we must be here already! We finally get to see what this party's going to look like! Everyone get ready, we need to be prepared for every possible scenario- just in case."

The couple will step out of the elevator and be entering a small looking lobby (at the very top floor). They will be greeted by the principal, to whom they will give their tickets to. And two bell hops will open the doors for the girls. And to their amazement, it is in fact a rooftop party. The music is loud, and kids are already congesting into the middle of the dance floor, dancing to Oh I think that I found myself a cheerleader. The music is loud enough to make their insides shake- and the two girls will eye each other in amazement. The ground looks like granite tiling. The DJ is set up in the far corner on a fairly large stage, instruments scattered on either side of him. There's paper hang lights, a few potted palms. In one corner is a set of circular tables for all of the attendees to sit and eat, and beside that is a set of outdoor style couches where a couple of teachers sit nursing drinks along with students (theirs are non alcoholic, of course.).

Carissa takes a step forward, "Holy shit did we go to the Oscars after party?"

Riley laughs a little, stepping beside her, "Like, seriously, this is so legit."

And dancing like an idiot on the dance floor, is Carl who is waving them over with a loud, "YO, THIS IS MY JAM, GET YOUR ASSES OVER HERE!"

And when Amanda notices the girls she'll scream with the biggest smile.

Riley smiles right back, "Carissa, I'll catch up with you and Carl in a sec, I just wanna' get a selfie with Amanda!" And she's already running to her best friends side to hug her tight.

"Oh my god, Riley, you look so beautiful! I'm like, gonna' cry, I can't even right now!"

"Oh my god, you too! That is the most perfect dress for you!"

It's a strapless, bubblegum pink dress. It comes to just above her knees, and it poofs out a little bit. The waist is covered in rhinestones, and it's covered in shimmery sparkles. Her hair is pinned up in a high bun with a few curled stands of hair hanging from it, as well as framing the sides of her face, "Thank you so much! I'm glad you talked me into this one!"

"Come here, we have to take a selfie together okay?!"

"Okay, yeah!" She's already posing for the camera.

And from the outer core of the dance floor, Carissa with crossed arms is smirking, "Are we lucky sons of bitches, or what?"

"Damn straight. You know, she can be very loud and out there sometimes, but she's a cutie."

"I'm crazy about your friend, dude."

"About time you two made official- saw the status change on facebook. Congrats, Carissa."

And without even making eye contact, the two of them pound their fists together with a half smile as they watch their dates run back to their sides to join them on the dance floor. They don't even have to think about the next move. The couples are jumping around with the rest of their classmates and moving along to the music like goofs.

This year was filled with lots of twists and turns wasn't it? I remember when Riley started it last January, ending seventh grade, and getting prepared to begin her journey into eighth grade. We battled anxiety attacks, depression, self harm, and an attempted suicide. Things are never easy, and you can never truly understand everyone's pain. Even the darkest individuals carry demons, don't they? But just as always, we love our girl.

Riley is nearly out of breath as she's taking a seat at the round table with her friends, downing her drink like it's the only thing keeping her alive.

"Damn, girl, slow it down!" Carl teases.

"What?! I'm thirsty! Gotta' problem with that?!"

"He's just mad because he doesn't look as fierce as the rest of us." Jensen is grinning, leaning into her date for the evening, Jordan.

But Amanda will continue the conversation, "We gotta' get Mr. Bailey to take a group picture of us!"

"Yoooo" Jordan is pushing messy, curly hair back, "He should get in one with us, too."

The group of kids get at least three group shots in between sitting and eating their dinner. The sun is setting, it's almost completely dark as the DJ starts up again, this time, he's playing slower music.

Carissa finishes off her soda before she turns to Riley with a grin, "Hey. You owe me a slow dance."

Riley reaches for Carissa's hand to join her on the dance floor. It would be a lie to say that her heart wasn't pounding in her ears, or that she wasn't an absolute nervous wreck- trembling just a little, even.

But Carissa will ease her nerves as carefully as she can, hands gently wrapped around Riley's waist, chin resting lightly atop her head.

And Riley, who feels as though her skin is the only thing keeping her from leaping everywhere at once, will reach up, wrapping her arms around Carissa's neck. She'll ease up onto her toes a little, head resting just below her girlfriend's shoulder. With a content little breath, she will smile to herself as they dance. It's a fairytale to her right now.

Motivation said it best, I think. 'Only we have the power to make her happy, all you need is the motivation to do it'. He's right. When you have the motivation, when you have the ability to think positive, to get over those tough spots, you can accomplish anything. The universe will always channel what you truly desire, as long as the desire isn't incredibly out there. Happiness is easier to find than you might think. So go out there and take it! After all, that's exactly what Riley did.

But Riley will eventually pull back, only to inch up onto her toes, drawing herself back in for a slow, gentle kiss. A kiss that Carissa will ease into so perfectly. This is second nature to them now. Because no longer is anyone feeling ashamed to feel for the other. They are confident and proud to express their feelings. Riley will prop herself back onto her feet with a toothy grin that Carissa will match before she returns to her partner's chest, safe and sound to finish their slow dance, "Thank you for supporting me from day one."

"...Thank you for for still being here, Riley."

And like I said before, we love our girl. We always have and always will. And as I watch her now, dancing like a completely lovesick goof on the dance floor with her friends, I'm reminded that even the toughest times are only temporary. Make the most of your life. Because the older you get? The more you realize, one year goes by so quickly. It passes in the blink of an eye. And you'll sit there wondering...how did we get here?

By this point, Carissa has stepped away, and the DJ has taken his second break for the evening while the eighth graders enjoy their desserts. Riley and her friends are talking up a storm to one another, telling funny anecdotes from the school year and recalling memories even older than that. In the meantime, there are other kids (not from their middle school, mind you) piling onto the DJ's stage, and one older gentleman. Carissa is with them.

"Yo! Andersen, your girlfriend's band playing?" Jordan motions towards the stage.

And she's quick to turn in confusion, "...I don't think so. I see Claire- that's her bands lead singer, but that other kid John isn't there...and I don't recognize anybody else except her dad."

"Maybe they're gonna do a flash mob." Of course, Carl, that's exactly what they're doing.

Amanda will roll her eyes with a laugh, "Isn't the point of a flash mob to be discreet? Because if so, they're off to a bad start."

Their questions will be answered soon enough when Carissa is tapping lightly on the mic that her father helped to set up in the middle of the small stage. "Hello? Hi, can I get everyone's attention for a sec? Sorry to be that guy." Luckily the air will quiet down quickly, "Uh, hi, everyone. Let's quickly just give a hand to our principal and the staff for throwing us this really awesome graduation party."

And as the teens are getting up from their seats to crowd around the stage, they clap enthusiastically, a select few kids chanting the principals name as if they were attending the Superbowl.

"Anyway, I uh, well-" She clears her throat, "All of you guys know, I was the new kid at school a couple months back. And I'm just really glad you guys were all so welcoming and whatever, made some pretty good friends-"

She'll be cut off by Carl who'll proudly announce, "I LOVE YOU TOO, MAN! KISSES FOR MY HONEY BOO!"

And as the congregation bursts out in a short fit of hysterics, Carissa will roll her eyes with an un-surprised sounding chuckle, "Back to what I was saying- I uh, pulled some strings tonight. That over there is my friend Claire- lead singer of my band. And those kids are some of her theater friends. And that guy over by the piano is my dad. Everyone say hi, dad."

And in a sarcastic tone they will utter a very melodic hi, dad in unison.

"I wanted to do something kind of special tonight for two reasons. The first reason being, well, we all graduated- we made it through this year and we're moving on to high school."

Once again the young teens are cheering proudly.

"So I planned this little performance in dedication of our graduation, and this year for all of us in general. But the second reason..." She she has to break eye contact with the audience as her cheeks turn pink, and she's forced to look at her feet, "Because I'm proud of my girlfriend, Riley for getting through all of this."

She waits for the crowd so finish with their elongated awwww, before continuing, "And I know that her favorite movie is Rent. So I'm going to, uh, take a step away from the mic, to my drum set and get ready to play something with these kids up here with me. So, class?" And she's finally looking up, certain to make eye contact with Riley, "Riley? This one's for you guys."

Riley will be in absolute shock...the minute she hears that familiar piano tune begin while Carissa is doing her part at the drums. The eighth grade class will start cheering once again, clapping for both themselves and the performance starting on stage. It will come to a halt as Claire and her friends begin to sing into the shared mic, "Five hundred twenty five thousand six hundred minutes, five hundred twenty five thousand moments so dear, five hundred twenty five thousand six hundred minutes, how do you measure, measure a year?"

The kids condensing together on the dance floor will gently sway along to the melodic voices, jokingly raising their cell phones to the music as they enjoy the performance. Some even daring to sing along.

Riley will not hold back, she is absolutely singing right along at the top of her lungs, Amanda standing beside her, following her best friends lead.

But really, how does she measure her year? In daylights? Or sunsets? In midnight's of regretted actions? In hand holds? What about afternoons in therapy? Weekends on the internet? But she can't possibly forget! ...In saved 3DS games. Or the laughter with Amanda...the fist bumps with Carl. Or in scoring on the ice...pizza's at the pier.

One thing is absolutely certain, as she stands here...happier than she's ever been, while singing along to one of her favorite songs. No matter what hardships you go through in a year, no matter the good or the bad. Even if things seem hopeless on some days, you cannot ever give up. You keep on fighting because the negatives in life are only temporary. Life in itself is temporary. You have to make the most of it. And most importantly? There's really only one way to measure a year. And if it's one thing her favorite movie has taught her about life...it's as simple as this song's final line: measure your life in love. Because that's something that is worth more than anything else.

Riley Andersen, a 14 year old lesbian female, who overcame the obstacles of being a sexually confused teen. Who fought her depression and survived a regretted suicide attempt, and rose back to the top again; strong and courageously...completely unashamed. She's so thankful for everything she has. Her family and her friends...her loving girlfriend. And she cannot wait for the years to come, this is just the beginning.

It's time now,

To sing out,

For the story never ends.

Let's celebrate,

Remember the year,

In the life of friends.

...Measure in love.