Chapter 21

May 2040. My internship finished up after 6 months. I passed my GRE and graduated college with the greatest distinction of a grade point average of 3.9. I had finished everything with almost 300 credits and officially received my Master's degree in early childhood education. I also received an honorary gift for excellence in education. I studied hard for two summers and even took two extra semesters to finish with the highest honors.

The day of graduation. I bought myself a short white glitter lace dress full of details like a plunging V-neckline, a double-layer skirt, and a racerback with an exposed zipper. My hair had finally grown back out and I put it up in a low bun. I paired everything with my white ballet flats. Our university colors were green and white. Just like high school. Only instead of a white robe I wore a green one this time. I dawned my Magna cum laude cords and tassles. One of the best parts of this graduation was, I wasn't in a wheelchair.

I couldn't thank Dad enough for that talk we had. It was the pick me up I needed. It was the boost I deserved. The strength to keep going. It was so encouraging and inspiring, that graduating college was much more rewarding than graduating from the Plumber Academy. Though I love both and will always cherish both. After I got settled into the gymnasium for the ceremony my heart began to pound. There were over 1,000 graduates in my class. Most didn't show up to walk, and others recieved their diploma's in the mail. Although it didn't matter; the arena was full of not just my classmates but of their proud families and friends. My family and friends were around there somewhere. People contiued to pile in even after we got started.

"I'd like to begin by saying I can't believe how far you've all come. As your Chancellor it makes me proud to be an alumni and stand before all of you fine individuals today. Men, women, father's, mother's, sister's, brothers; you made it. All those long hours in the library or in class you strived and overcame, you should give yourselves a round of applause." Our Chancellor spoke out over the loud speaker.

The crowd cheered and clapped. We the students clapped as well. When it was time for me to walk across the stage and get my diploma I was hoping to see my Bryan. My little boy was why I was here. He had just turned two the month before. He now knows how to go to the bathroom all by himself. He now knows all a two year old should know. As proud as I am of him, I was hoping to make him proud today.

"Harmione Kay LeMay, Magna cum laude." The chancellor spoke out. Everyone clapped out of manners and respect. Over the uproar I heard a squeal of excitement. It was Bryan. His small voice carried over the applause and found its way to me. As I stopped to take pictures of me holding my diploma; while shaking hands with the chancellor I began to cry such sweet happy tears.

Graduation lasted another hour after my name was called. As part of the rules and guidelines of our university everyone was to remain seated until the last person walked and the Chancellor gave his closing remarks.

As is to tradition we sang the schools alma mater. However no one really knew the words, so the lyrics were on the back of our programs. It was a mad house when everyone dispersed. We were packed in like sardines. I bumped into a few people that stopped short in front of me just to take pictures.

"Excuse me, pardon me, sorry." I repeated over and over. I finally saw them. It was the back of my loving husband's head. He was talking to my parents. Deanna saw me first.

"Harmione!"

She ran over to me and hugged me tightly.

"Congratulations!"

"Thank you!"

Pawpaw Carl and Nana Sandra were also there.

"Harmione, we're so proud of you!" Sandra exclaimed and hugged me. I hugged her and Pawpaw Carl.

"That's my grandbaby." Carl said after.

"Mommy!"

"Bryan!"

Charlie put him down. He ran over to me. I picked him up and put him on my hip.

"Con...congrew... Congrewlishs Mommy!" He stammered out trying to say congratulations.

"Awww thank you baby." I laughed and brushed his fringe out of his face; then kissed his cheek. Charlie wrapped his arms around both of us and kissed me.

"You deserved this so much, I love you babe."

"I love you too Charlie, thank you."

"Harmione." I heard Dad's voice say.

I turned to see Dad's arms wide open. I smiled. Tears came to my eyes. I gave Bryan to Charlie and ran over to my Dad. He embraced me tightly. I felt the Omnitrix on my back as he held me. That thing gave Daddy his greatest achievements but also his most painful memories. I wouldn't be here today without my Daddy. He's my role model. He's everything I want to be.

"I love you Daddy." I whispered.

"I love you too Princess." I heard him whisper back.

It was then he and mom did something that I thought was only in my memories.

"Harmione sandwich!" They screamed. Then they each kissed me on the opposite cheeks of my face. Hugging me in the process. I squinted up my eyes and just laughed. My parents: Ben and Hope Tennyson. We're the greatest parents any child would be lucky to have. They were mine, and even after everything; their love for one another stayed the same. They worked hard together to create unity and peace in our family. So many people told them it wouldn't work out. There was so much doubt. There was so much pain. There were so many times we all thought this was it. This is where it all ends. Not to Mom and Dad. They broke molds. They pushed past each and everything that ever came their way. They endured. They grew stronger because of it. It was because of my parents we all have a charmed life.

We decided to eat out at a Mexican restaurant after the ceremony. My mom left to pick up my brothers from school. They did miss my graduation but they weren't going to miss the celebration. They had one week left before summer vacation. They were going to be Sophomores. My cousin Genesis was going to be a Senior. I could believe how fast time was flying by. I mean here I was myself at 22, and I swear I left high school just yesterday.

At the restaurant I left my cap and gown in the car. I didn't want to get anything on them. When we got inside a few other families from graduation had the same idea. It took us almost 45 minutes to get a table. We would have left, but we knew it would be like that no matter where we went. Besides it gave Mom and my brothers time to join us. When we were finally seated they came in.

"Jesse, Justice!" I exclaimed proudly I was so happy to see them. Justice hugged me.

"Great job Marshmallow butt." He whispered. I scoffed and lightly punched his shoulder as he sat down. Jesse hugged me and I kissed his cheek.

"Congrats sissy." He said softly.

"Thank you."

Jesse smiled at me and sat down next to Mom and Bryan.

"Uncle Jesse!" Bryan screamed out.

"Hey buddy!" Jesse said back.

"You're not happy to see me Bry?" Justice asked.

"Hi Uncle Justice." Bryan replied.

"That's what I thought."

Bryan giggled. Jesse scrunched his nose up at Bryan as he began to look over the menu.

As we ate our meal, no one talked hero work. No one talked about their regular work, or school, or any other stress inducing field. It was like I'd never totally been at peace before and this was it. That night I had the best sleep I've ever had. I didn't stir. I didn't cry. I didn't wake.

During that summer we all met Genesis's new boyfriend Eric. We had a picnic at the lake and she invited him.

"I thought you weren't even thinking about being in a relationship Gen?" I asked and poured her a glass of sweet tea.

"Well Eric and I met in drama class and I just discovered for myself that he likes to do some of the same things I do. And I took a shot."

"Well he is cute."

"Thanks. I think so too."

I gave her a smile. Then I heard something extremely terrifying. It was Bryan wailing. Genesis and I ran to the source of his cries. Charlie was on his knees near him.

"What happened?" I exclaimed as I approached.

"He slipped off to far into the water...got a mouth full...scared him." Charlie answered.

"Aww...poor baby."

I picked him up and carried him over to the pavilion where Genesis and I were moments ago. I watched my family swim from there. Genesis kissed Eric's cheek. As I watched my family enjoy themselves I took Bryan away from them. Over to a large tree. It was a tree that has several alien like flowers around it. My great grandmother left them around for my great grandfather. The lake was still and it began to sparkle in the sun. I sat down with Bryan in my lap. With us we took some bread and began to feed the ducks. I would place the bread in Bryan's hand, guide his hand to throw in the duck's direction. He just laughed as the ducks quickly came to feed.

Once we ran out of bread it was quiet again.

"Mommy?"

"Hm?"

He grabbed my face and kissed it. Then clapped his hands with joy. I smiled and kissed him back. I then did something in front of Bryan I've never done. Right in front of him I waved my hand and created one of those flowers my great grandmother makes. Bryan stared in amazement. The pink glow illuminated on our faces.

"Again!" He shouted.

I showed him again.

"Again, Again!"

I shouted a third time. A forth. He took my hand wondering how I was doing this in front of his eyes. He then turned to me and said.

"You're a pretty fairy mommy."

I just smiled. I then kissed the top of his head.

"And no one must ever know I'm a fairy Bryan."

"I won't let no one know or hurt you mommy!" He screamed. He then hugged me around the neck and held tight. I was his fairy. He was my good luck charm. The magic would never die as long as we always had each other.