Hey! Here's the second to the last chapter. Explanatory crap is at the bottom.

Chapter 24
Graduation

Sora walked around her room, grabbing last minute things and stuffing them into the clutch purse she was holding. "Mimi, you almost ready?"

A muffled sound came from the bathroom but Sora chose not to pursue it. She knew Mimi was crying. She'd done that a lot the last two weeks. But who could blame her? Sora had cried too, just when she was by herself, in her car, taking a walk, or in the shower with music blasting loudly in the background.

Mimi stared at her reflection with disgust. She was crying over a guy, again. That was the thing though; he wasn't just any guy, he was the guy. Tai was the only person she'd ever given her heart to completely, and he'd torn it into little pieces, stomped on it, then set it on fire.

She straightened her black cap, making sure to add an extra bobby pin to keep it in place. She shoved a few more pins in her purse, just in case any of the girls, or even the guys, needed them. Her black gown hung open, allowing her to examine the pale green pencil dress she was wearing.

Cursing at her red and puffy eyes, she immediately went to work fixing her makeup.

Sora walked into the living room and sat down on the couch. She'd have to wait for Mimi and they'd probably get there just when the ceremony was about to start. Still, she was thankful for the delay. It gave her a chance to calm her nerves. Why she had ever let Mimi talk her into speaking at graduation was beyond her. Her prepared speech was clutched in her hand and she tried to breathe through the minor anxiety attack she was experiencing.

She neglected to hear the doorbell ring several times before whoever was standing behind it knocked rather loudly.

"Coming!" Sora shouted as she shook out of her reverie. She opened the door to find a tall, thin man standing before her. He smiled uneasily. She smiled back, a little unsure. "Can I help you?"

"Takenouchi-san, correct? My name is Jeremy Mitchell, I'm Tachikawa-sama's assistant," the man introduced himself in nearly perfect Japanese.

She took in his appearance. He was not majorly built, but he was tall and his body looked decent. He had sandy brown hair and kind green eyes. He looked uncomfortable and a little out of place, but he was wearing a nice suit, either Dolce or Armani; Keisuke sure was paying this one good. Sora smiled lightly, and she could detect just the small hints of an accent lingering in his vowels. She just couldn't place her finger on which one it was exactly though. "Yeah, I'm sorry and actually it's Sora. Nice to meet you, Jeremy- uh, san," Sora shrugged, as she hadn't used honorifics in, like, forever. "What can I do for you today?"

"Tachikawa-sama asked that I – well, this is a bit embarrassing, but he would like for me to-"

"No need for the formalities, drop the honorifics. Mimi and I won't bite. Loosen up Jeremy. Let me guess, Keisuke wants you to record every step his Princess takes today?" Sora asked a bit amused.

Jeremy nodded. "As well as yours."Sora grimaced, "What, why? Oh well, I guess there's nothing I can do about that. We're just waiting for Mimi and we'll be on our way."

"I'm so sorry Sora, let's go. We're late!" Mimi yelled as she stumbled down the hallway, trying to strap her heels in place at the same time. She nearly fell twice but managed to find her footing both times. "Hello, hottie! Who's he?"

"The recorder guy," Sora said dully.

"Tachikawa-san, my name is Jeremy Mitchell, and it's a pleasure to meet you-"

Mimi bit her lip and looked at Sora. "American, but annoying; where does Daddy find these people?"

Jun stood near the front of one of the two lines. She was fidgeting and desperately trying to calm her nerves. Her fingers were gripping her gown firmly and she was taking sharp, rapid breaths. A cool hand covered hers and she stared up at Izzy gratefully.

"You'll be fine," Izzy reassured.

Jun nodded and took one final breath as a flourish of horns signaled the beginning of "Pomp and Circumstance."

"Are you ready for this?" Tai asked, a renewed excitement bubbling in the pit of his stomach.

Matt threw him an exasperated glare and then cracked into a tired smile. "Does it matter?"

"No," Joe added. He looked around, frightened for a second, and stole worried glances across the gymnasium where Jun and Izzy were scanning the room as well. "They're not here yet!"

"They will be," Matt muttered, "eventually."

The sound of the bands' playing grew louder.

"Alright everyone," Mrs. Hanna shouted excitedly. "This is it, here we go!"

She signaled to Izzy and he walked across the gym, a steady line of people behind him. When he reached Joe, the two high-fived each other and started walking side-by-side. Jun pounded her fist against Matt's and they followed out the gym.

Family and friends had gathered in the bleachers, those on the left side trying to avoid the setting sun. The spectators stood as the students began their descent upon the large football/soccer stadium. The two lines split, each walking up the field on the sidelines. Parents called out their children's names; pictures were snapped; videos were recorded; and a girl named Megumi Inowa tripped and fell, face first into the Astroturf.

The students had already taken their seats and the song was nearly over. Principal Hida took the stage just as Izzy, Joe, Jun, Matt, and Tai took seats on the stage behind him.

Pomp and Circumstance started playing again, this time a little more uppity, happier. At the end of the red carpet Mimi and Sora walked down the long aisle, holding hands and waving at everyone.

The girls got to the stage and split up, each going up a different set of stairs.

"Thank you for joining us, girls," Principal Hida said amusedly. They curtsied and took their seats. The principal gave a long, heartfelt speech before announcing the first speaker of the night, the Senior Class President.

Mimi's legs wobbled dangerously as she took up her position behind the podium. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "Before I start, I'd like to just extend an apology for any moments where I start crying," she laughed lightly, as did the crowd. "Oh and one more thing," she turned her head to look at her friends and sang a song that they all knew well. "So no one told you life was gonna be this way…" They exchanged knowing smiles and clapped four times in unison with her. Mimi giggled, and then turned to address the audience and read her speech.

"I stand before you, seeing all the faces I've grown so familiar with. Even if for a minute we shared one word, one hope, one dream… we shared something. We may not have been friends, we may not have ever carried on a conversation, but we could all bond on one common factor… we couldn't wait to get the hell out of here.

Four years ago, I entered the gates of Odaiba High School. I was terrified beyond belief, but I had a support system that bypassed any other. I had five amazing friends whom I could rely on through thick and thin. And I did. They were my shoulders to cry on, my clowns to laugh at, and... the light when I was in the dark. I've been fortunate enough to add a few more people to my cherished family. Despite everything we've been through, I don't regret any of it. Because, really, I am who am because of what I've done and who I've had the pleasure of meeting. Sor, Mattie, Jay, Iz, Joe, Teeks, Kari and Tai… thank you, you are my family. I did this to make you proud, like you've all made me.

I should probably thank the teachers as well, especially Mrs. Shimiya. You may have very well been the deciding factor in my academic career. You believed in me, and it was your encouragement that pushed me in the right direction. So, from the bottom of my heart, thank you so much.

To my father, who unfortunately couldn't make it this evening… Daddy, there's never been a happier moment in my life when I wish I could've spent it with you, but I understand how things go, and I look forward to one day filling the large shoes you leave behind.

If someone asked you what the hardest part of your senior year was you might answer - the tests, finals, or the first day. But if your best friend asked you that same question, the answer might be different. It might be missing that one party, not seeing that dramatic breakup in the quad, falling down the stairs, or, in my case, running out of the girls' locker room without any pants on.

But… if you really were to ask me, I'd say the hardest part was letting go.

After today, there's a whole world waiting out there. And it's in this huge world that we will define who we are and what we stand for. It's up to us to decide whether we are going to blend in the billions of people or whether we are going to shine and prove to everyone that we make a difference.

We're not little kids anymore, and today, each of us is letting go of our safety nets. This is it. We've come this far, and there's no turning back. The world is always looking for something to talk about.

Why not give it to them?

These were some of the craziest, hectic, and most wonderful days of my life… and personally, I'd never change one thing about it. I sincerely hope that all you feel the same.

I leave you with these parting words… Life is short. Break the rules. Forgive quickly. Kiss passionately. Love truly. Laugh constantly. And never stop smiling, no matter how strange life is. Life is not always the party we expected it to be, but as long as we are here, we should smile and be grateful.

So to the graduates of Odaiba's 2009 Senior Class… goodbye, good luck, and thank you."

Cheers erupted as Mimi dapped at her teary eyes. The principal came to the mike. "It is an honor to introduce this next student. He has proven that no matter what curve balls may be thrown at you, you can always succeed. Please join me in welcoming our Valedictorian, Koushiro Izumi."

Izzy cleared his throat and, with a smile in her direction, repeated Mimi's early action. "Your jobs a joke, you're broke, your love life's DOA…" She giggled and her eyes flashed with appreciation. He nodded back at her, as if to say, "anything for you," then proceeded on with his speech.

"Tonight marks the end of an era. Years of books, plays, dances and sports have all led to this gratifying moment. As we, the graduating class of 2009, sit here watching the last of our high school careers fade into twilight, and nervously await what new adventure tomorrow will bring, it is important that we share a moment to reflect and appreciate the enormity of our fine accomplishment, for tonight's graduation marks not only our passage from the halls of Odaiba High School, but is also a declaration of our commitment and effort.

Tonight we sit here as proof of hope for the future. We are the businessmen, the teachers, and the parents of tomorrow. By our own dedication to our success in high school, we have qualified us to lead the future; tonight we rise above and shed those labels. For tonight's graduation is the culmination of our commitment, from efforts stemming back to that first day of kindergarten to now, as we await the satisfaction of diplomas in our hands. While at times it may have been easy to be drawn into the negative aspects of school, we have chosen to pursue and to accomplish. Worthy of pride, this is why I congratulate you.

I must stop for a second and thank my parents, Masami and Yoshie Izumi; though you never had to, you loved me and believed in everything I did. You've never held me back and for that I am forever grateful.

With the support of our parents, our teachers, and our friends, we made it to this day, and to the beginning of a new stage of our lives. Where we go from here and what new frontiers we are meant to discover remain unseen, but as we step out those doors tonight and stare into the first lights of what is to come and what is to be, always remember tonight's victory. For no matter what tomorrow brings, be it the simplest path or a road wrought with twists and turns, tonight we share an achievement. Class of 2009, congratulations. Always take with you the memories, the knowledge, and the self-satisfaction of a job well done."

His speech was short but concise and full of things that only Izzy could pull off saying. He smiled at the applause he received and was about to turn away from the microphone when he stopped to looked out. "I just have to say, for old times' sake, that this experience has been… PRODIGIOUS!"

The crowd stared at him strangely while a few people laughed, having gotten the meaning of his joke. They were, however, ever few.

"Now, at this point we would have our Salutatorian come up here and speak, but this year we have two. These two students managed to remain neck and neck with one another for years. And, as of their last posted grade, they each had a grade point average of 4.55. So it is with great satisfaction that I introduce Jun Motomiya and Joe Kido."

They exchanged a quick look trying to decide who would speak first. Joe held out his hand and Jun stood. She adjusted the microphone to accommodate her height. "It's like you're always stuck in second gear…" She winked and smiled toothily at her friends.

"I entered my academic career with high expectations and goals that my parents set for me. For as long as I could remember, my father has wanted me to be a surgeon, the chief of staff at hospital, and the woman who would cure cancer. There was apparently no hope in my brother, so I tried very hard to live up to what he wanted me to do. Papa, I know that I'm not the perfect daughter, but I always try to make you happy. You and Mom, and Dais, you've always encouraged and supported me, even when I didn't deserve it. So this, this tie for number two… it's for you, Papa. Because you've never let me down.

When I first started high school, three things came to mind: prom, love, and graduation. I always imagined it to be spectacular. Full of good friends and some of the best times and memories of my life. My high school life has been exactly that and more.

Three years ago, I moved here and had no friends. I was the loudmouthed, overdramatic girl everyone was a bit unsure of, except for Mimi. She extended a warm hand and a diet Coke to the girl who was sitting alone on the bleachers. She brought me into a world where friendship was everything, and loyalty had a true meaning. She's been my confidant and one of the best friends I could ever ask for. Still my life wasn't the squeaky clean version I'd imagined. I got a lot more out of it.

As many of you probably know, something absolutely shattering happened to me this year. I was hurt by someone I thought I could love for the rest of my life. Though I was heartbroken, I learned something important and something many of us will hear at least one in a lifetime: lovers come and go, but friends are for life.

This saying is so true. Though I was hurt by someone I loved, my friends were with me the entire time. They never left my side and made sure, no matter what, that I wasn't alone, no matter how much I felt like I was. My best friends are my rock, the ones who kept me secure and strong; without them, life is boring and dull; and not only that, they've helped me get through what was, to me, the hardest time of my life; and for that, I'm always grateful. Love you babes!

So with that, I want to say, hang on to the memories high school has given you: the good, the bad, and the ugly. Never give up, and always, always be there for your friends and let them know you love them. Thanks everyone!"

There was applause for the maroon-haired graduate as she nodded her head and turned back to her seat. Jun hugged Joe as he stepped to the podium; his legs were bent and slightly shaking. "Uh, in hopes of not ruining anyone's hearing, I won't be singing this… When it hasn't been your day, week, or month, or even your year…" Joe continued.

"From the day we arrived, there were expectations. Goals that undoubtedly defined who we'd be in life. Some of us even went as far as to construct five-year plans; then again, that could have just been me. But if there's something we all did, it's that, just by sitting here, we've broken the mold. We've proved that we were worthy of admiration and success. I hope you are all as happy as I am this moment.

I started my academic life with one word in mind: success. Failure was never an option. I was the third son of a well-known family and I always strived to prove myself. This long journey called high school has taught me many things, but above all, it's taught me this… that I am who I am. That I was born Joe Kido, and I will die Joe Kido. That I'm not my brothers, I'm not the captain of the soccer team, I'm not a rock star, and I'm not a genius. That I'm me, aspiring doctor and dedicated student.

We've all made our fair share of mistakes – heaven knows I have – but I've never let that stop me. I kept my vision clear, my nose in my books, and my aspirations out of the clouds. Is there a crime in that? I think not. If it was, how many of us would actually be sitting here, ready to ascend to our next level?

Really, if you think about this, graduation is just ascension to a higher plateau. This may be a mere step for some, but for others, this is a giant leap; a leap of faith and a show of trust in ourselves. Sure, we can always plan for tomorrow, but even the best-laid plans deviate.

There's no point in looking forward to tomorrow if we don't stop and appreciate today, for today is yesterday's tomorrow. There will never be another day like today; there will never be another first day of senior year. So it's these memories that we have to hold, and I beg you, hold onto them for dear life, and learn from them. Learn to be happy, learn to forgive, and most of all, learn to love and cherish everything you've been given.

Mom, you are my idol; I can't tell you how much your support has meant to me. Dad, I know I'm not the prodigy you wanted, but all I can do is try, and you've never told me I couldn't. To my brothers, thanks for punking me for the past eighteen years; it was motivation that I never really wanted. To my fellow graduates, can you believe we've come this far? To the six people sitting up here, and to the two people out there in the audience, look how much has changed in the last ten months… It's remarkable. We all have something to give and something to gain; let's just hope that it comes in equal measure. So thank you all, and congratulations, graduates."

Joe stumbled backwards and walked into the principal. There was laughter lacing his well-deserved applause. Principal Hida caught his shoulders and sent him to his seat. Joe bowed in apology and blushing profusely sitting down next to Sora. She laughed and set her head on his shoulder. "You did awesome!"

"You're next," Joe whispered back.

"Now, I'd like to welcome our first class speaker, Sora Takenouchi."

Sora inhaled deeply and silently curse Mimi for, one, making her late, and two, making her read this speech to begin with. "I'm taking Joe's cue here because I'm no singer either… I'll be there for you, when the rain starts to fall…"

"We are all gathered here today to celebrate one of the most significant days in our lives. Today is both exciting and frightening. Why frightening, you may ask. Well, it seems like it was just yesterday that we took our first baby steps, learned our first word, memorized the whole alphabet, and learned that every small situation could be resolved by simply crying or by our mother's gentle kiss. It feels like yesterday was our first birthday party, first trip to the dentist, and first day of grade one. Yet that is all now in the past.

The future is certainly unpredictable, and wherever we will be twenty years from now, I'm sure nobody knows. But high school has proved the uniqueness of every individual sitting here. Therefore, I have no doubts that these remarkable students will be victorious in the years to come.

For the graduates who already have their minds set on that career dream and are only anxious to get out of here and into a university or college, I wish you a joyful journey!

For those who are still deciding, keep at it. The day will come when you've made up your mind. And till then, I wish you guys luck and I hope that your dreams will unquestionably be granted. So let it be a lesson not to give up. Failure is definitely not an option after high school.

As for me, time can only tell where I'll be. Hopefully somewhere with less drama and a place in which all my friends will be near. Because the place I call home wouldn't feel right without them. So, I'd like to say that I'm glad we got to spend tonight in the same shoes; or to be precise, same outfits. And I will be forevermore saddened that tonight will be the last night we have to wear these silly garments. Do you not agree?

Well, former students, this night is the end of our journey, because those long twelve years of hard work and stress are finally over. Congratulations to us; we have succeeded."

Students clapped as the principal announced, "Now, please welcome Yamato Ishida."

Matt grabbed Sora's hand and kissed her knuckles before walking past her. "I'll be there for you, like I've been there before…" Matt sang softly and the girls in attendance screamed and swooned. He shook his head and smirked. "I don't really have a speech written; I just jotted down some points, so I'll work from there." He stared at the crumpled piece of paper in his hand and started.

"It takes a lot of guts to stand up and speak in front of many people. I learned that in a more informal way, when I was stuck in a room with dimmed lights and people that smelled as if they hadn't taken a shower in days. This is different, though, it smells much fresher here. Um, I'm guessing that that's probably because the field was just watered…

Anyway, the point is I remember that my palms were extremely sweaty, kind of like right now, and I can still remember that overwhelming feeling as I looked down at everyone. It was undoubtedly hard, but not nearly as hard as this. This is entirely different.

I'm guessing that most of the graduates here have dreamed of this day for a really long time. Perhaps not as long as their proud parents or my parents who are probably both shocked that I've actually made this day possible for them… You've all most likely been preparing the perfect speech, or planning what your hair would look like for this big event. Yes, it's roughly every child's dream to graduate high school and be considered an adult. Needless to say, some dreamt of today more than others, and knew that it was possible to greet more than others. To each and every one of you, congratulations. Your struggles are over and you've all managed to come out as winners, so be proud.

High school has taught us to strive for perfection. If you ever fell down, there were a number of ways to get back up. The challenge became finding the best way. But then again, what is high school without a challenge?

I've learned that it is a miniature version of the real world in adult life. There will always be action, there will always be feuds, and there will always be my personal favorite, drama. And with that comes reality.

Reality is nothing like those childish games we play where you jotted down the name of people you'd marry, how many children you'd have, or what your job was going to be. Reality means that you have to work for it. Whatever the end results may be for each of you, be prepared to soar through the tough obstacles with flying colors. And although preparation took a while, just by sitting here in these black, green, and silver-colored gowns, sashes, and cords proves that education has taught you how to prepare for the future.

The future is yours to decide… so decide it well."

"Thank you very much Mr. Ishida. For our final speaker of the night, Mr. Taichi Kamiya." Principal Hida motioned for the brunet teen to stand.

He stood and gave Matt a hearty "man-hug." Tai adjusted the two silver cords around his neck and smiled his signature grin. He scratched the back of his head and tried to smooth down his wild hair.

"Hey, everyone… I got a trim," Tai joked. "Oh, and here's the end of our song." He tried to be happy and funny because he felt so utterly out of place. "I'll be there for you, cause you're there for me too!" He laughed deeply and grunted to clear his throat.

"To be honest, I don't know what I'm doing up here. I'm not one of the top five students like Izzy, Joe, or Jun. I don't get excellent grades and play sports at the same time like Sora. And I'm not terribly motivated like Matt or Mimi. Seriously, out of all the people sitting up here, I believe I had the least academic ambitions. I tried to do my work, I tried to get the grades, but I always fell short. I wasn't the one to make my parents proud; they had my sister for that. But I did have people I could depend on.

And I think they're what made this year livable. From the stupid stunts we pulled, like getting into car crashes, to being kicked out of math by Mr. Innota because we were playing a game of indoor soccer.

If this year taught me anything… it's that life is too short. I died, and look at me now. I'm standing here, telling you all that we shouldn't hold on to grudges, we shouldn't take things for granted, and we shouldn't regret anything. Because every single thing we've done this year, good or bad, was for a reason. Regardless of whether some of us believe that or not.

Look around, people; look closely at the people sitting around you… However much you might hate for this to be true, this may be the last time you ever see their faces again, so lock the memory of them in your mind and keep it with you. Keep it to remind yourself that you went to Odaiba High School; that you suffered alongside them through the exams, the mystery meat at lunch, the God-awful uniforms, and the days when you relished in the thought of meeting up with your friends during break.

Mom… Dad… you raised me and sent me to camp when I was younger, so I guess a thanks is in order. Kari, you are responsible for a lot of the crap that happened to me this year – so are you, TK – but I love both of you monsters. Jun, Joe, and Izzy, I think I graduated because of you three, though I never want to go through another one of Joe's cram sessions. Sora, you're my best friend. You and I go way back, and I don't think I could have asked for a more understanding friend. Matt, we hated each other when we first met, but bro, check us out now… both of us graduating."

They all laughed at Tai's words. Mimi nervously adjusted herself in her seat and kept her gaze to the ground; she didn't think he would even acknowledge her in his speech, even though she kept him in hers. "And Mimi… I know you probably hate me right now, but I survived this year because of you."

She stared at him, shock and sadness visible in her expression. Tai sadly winked at her and gave her a timid smile. Shakily, she returned it, and he kept speaking.

"Hey, when we look back, we might not see these as the best days of our lives; but they were our lives, and we lived them. For each of us they are that one thing we will never forget of our high school lives. I hope you all know what that one thing is.

Here Tai let out another of his toothy grins. "But let me tell you, for me, it was all about hot girls and fast cars. I'm out."

As the audience burst into laughter, Principal Hida gave one final farewell. "Ladies and gentlemen, please help me in saying goodbye to Odaiba High School's graduating class of 2009."

Okay major thank you's are in order. First K-Pop wrote the bulk of Izzy's speech, Light-of-Hope-07 wrote Jun's, and Hayleywilliams wrote Matt and Sora's, I owe you people oodles and oodles. Thank you for helping me with this, it meant so much! I was left to fend for Mimi, Joe, and Tai! lol.

But the biggest thanks goes to PY687! You are an awesome beta and you fixed this chapter so much! I wasn't happy with my finished project but as always I could count on you to be there to salvage my less than motivated writing! You're the bestest!

This was probably my least favorite chapter. There was so many ways it could go and I'm sad that it's pretty much over. I know this feels like it's the ending, but trust me, it's not!

Thank you for all the reviews! I love you all! Next chapter the best reviewer of the story will get special surprise! :D
Michi: Yeah, their parents are jerks and I'm sorry.

The good news is that the next chapter is the LAST and it's already written. 10 reviews and I'm posting it.

Thanks,
Diane