Here is the FINAL chapter of Neighbors! I cant believe that this one is done! But the sequel is started and going to be up right after this one! It is called Neighbors: Home Again!
But ANYWAY! Please enjoy this chapter and please let me know what you think!
Tracie Adams: Okay! I know you didn't want any part of this story because I told you what is going to happen, but here is the final! Hope you like it.
InuKagLove22: I am so glad that you loved it! I can't wait until you read this and the beginning of the sequel! And don't worry, I am a sucker for happy endings too. ;)
shortanamx: Thank you! I am glad that you liked it!
Creator of Magic: Yes! I love the way I wrote their reunion! Malissa is a sneaky character, but they live in a small town. So, it wouldn't be hard to find her, especially since Seph owns her own business.
brimason0201: thank you! I can't wait to see what you think of the sequel.
Urmimala Hazra: Thank you! haters are going to hate, and you can't change them, unless they want to change. Can't wait to read about what you think about the sequel.
ENJOY!!
Ben was waiting for Mal outside of the principal's office. She was there with Audrey, Audrey's parents, and her parents. They were having a meeting about the rumors Audrey was spreading and what they were going to do about it.
"Hey," someone whispered, making Ben look up to see Tony and Evie standing behind the receptionist desk.
"Anything?" Tony asked, receiving a no from Ben.
The door opened, making Tony and Evie duck down behind the desk so that they weren't to be seen. Ben sat up straight as Audrey's parents walked out with Mal's behind them. Ben stood from his seat, peering over both of the girl's parents, looking for his girlfriend. A couple of seconds later, both Mal and Audrey walked out, but Audrey was hugging Mal's side and crying.
"I am so sorry," she cried, making Mal groan.
"Okay okay," Mal said as she lightly shoved Audrey off her shoulder. "I get it. Maybe next time you'll learn not to eavesdrop and spread rumors."
Audrey nodded her head, with tears still in her eyes, and left with her parents. Ben walked over to Mal and her parents, before wrapping an arm around her shoulder.
"Everything is okay?" He asked.
"Yeah," she said as she nodded her head. "I told principal Sid that he should let Audrey be at graduation, because I felt bad."
"You're too good," he said as he kissed the top of her head.
"Yeah," Haden said as he smacked his hand on the table, making Tony and Evie jump up. "I have known you since you were 7, kid," he said as he smirked at Evie. "I knew you wouldn't be that far away."
"Okay, Haden," Seph said as she wrapped an arm around her husband's waist. "Let's go, because Adam is going to be waiting for you when we get home."
"Right," he said. "It's tri-tip night."
"You're making tri-tip?" Ben asked as he perked up.
"Yes, I am," Haden said as he smiled at his daughter's boyfriend.
"That's my favorite," Ben said with a giant grin on his face. "Don't burn it."
Haden laughed out loud before leaving with Seph. Ben laced his fingers with Mal's before walking out of the administration office, with Tony and Evie walking behind them. They walked outside to see a big swarm of people standing outside, surrounding a table.
"Hey! Mally!" Uma yelled as she waved her head from the crowd.
Mal led the four of them over to Uma and the rest of their friends, not knowing what was going on.
"What's all of this?" Ben asked as he held Mal close so she didn't get shoved around in the crowd.
"Our yearbooks, caps, gowns, and cords came in," Harry said. "The seniors are getting their yearbooks early, and everyone else is getting them on Friday."
"I almost forgot about the yearbooks," Tony said. "I wonder what pictures they're going to have from the play."
"Well, we'll find out sooner or later," Mal said as Belle pushed through the crowd to start a line.
"Get in line or no one is getting their yearbook," Belle shouted, making everyone scurry to form a line.
"I have heard your mom yell a total of 3 times in my life," Mal said to Ben as she kept her eyes on Belle. "One was when you smashed a cake into her hair when we were 5."
"You were there for that?" He asked as he looked down at her.
"The party was at my house," she said. "I was sitting on my balcony, but yes I heard and saw it. Two, was when she couldn't find Rosie the first time she brought her to the Moors, and Rosie was with me," she said with a chuckle. "And lastly was this past summer when I told her what Audrey said to Rosie."
"I see," he said as he kissed the top of her head. "Come on, we're next."
Ruby gave Ben and Mal their year books before walking over to Jane who gave them their bags with their caps, gowns, and cords in them. They walked over to a table before with their friends and started to go through their yearbooks.
"Look!" Evie said as she flipped her book over to show Mal a picture of her and Tony performing rewrite the stars.
"Damn," Tony said. "We look good!"
Mal laughed, before she started to flip through her pages. She had gotten to the 'most likely to' page and her eyes widened when she saw that she was on the page. She was on three of them.
"When and who voted for this?" She asked as she turned her yearbook to show her friends.
"You and Harry got prettiest eyes," Uma said as she pointed at the picture in the book.
"You got most talented," Evie said.
"Why me?" Mal groaned.
"Um, I'm sorry that you didn't get a chance to experience your amazing acrobatic performance in this year's play," Jordan said sarcastically, making everyone laugh and Mal roll her eyes.
"And we got cutest couple," Ben said as he pointed at a picture of him and Mal during one of the football games.
It was the same picture that Mal had as her background on her phone. A picture of her and Ben kissing before the game started.
"How did we beat Uma and Harry or Evie and Doug?" She asked as she turned her book back to her.
"Because you guys are the cutest couple," Evie said. "Like, you two are literally goals."
"We are not," Ben said as he flipped through the pages of his yearbook.
"Yeah, says the guy who created a senior tradition to kiss Mal before every game he played this year," Harry said as he smirked at Ben.
Mal shook her head and laughed as she continued to look through the yearbook. She had seen so many things that made her smile. Uma's picture as team captain of the waterpolo team, Doug getting 'most likely to succeed, Ben on the football and baseball page, and so much more.
"M, look," Evie said as she slid her yearbook to her best friend.
Mal looked down to see their senior prom page, and couldn't help but smile. She was happy that she ended up going, and had a great time. She and Ben were in the middle of the page with their crowns on their heads.
"I didn't think I would be in the yearbook much," she said as she closed it. "I am used to being low on the radar."
"You're welcome," Tony said as he smiled at Mal.
"What did you have to do with anything?"
"Well, I was the one to sign you up for the school play," he said as he flipped his page back to the picture of him and Mal.
"But," Ben said as he flipped the page of him and Mal as the cutest couple. "She is on like 7 pages with me."
"So, this is your fault," she said jokingly as she turned to Ben.
"I can neither confirm or deny that statement," he said as he took her yearbook from her. "But I am going to be the first to sign this, if you'll be the first to sign mine," he told her as he slid his to her.
"I guess," she said as she opened his book to the first blank page.
She honestly didn't know what to write in his yearbook, but she did know she wanted it to be meaningful. She uncapped her sharpie before she began to write. When she was done she closed the book and gave it back to Ben at the same time he finished writing in hers.
"Can I read it now? Or do you want me to read it later?" Ben asked as he held his book in his hand.
"Later," Evie said as she plucked the book from his hands. "We're all signing each other's, before we read them."
After about a half an hour, everyone decided to go home, and Ben, Mal, and Hadie walked to Ben's Jeep. He drove home with his fingers laced with Mal's. He had gotten a couple of acceptance letters, a couple of weeks ago. The school he wanted to attend accepted him, but the only bad thing was that it was 12 hours from home, and 8 hours away from Mal. Mal's school was down south in the same state that their home was, but his was in the state over. Neither one of their mom's wanted to see them separate, but were hoping that the distance wouldn't harm their relationship. They knew that they would always be close, but they wanted their kids to be together forever. When Ben pulled up to his house, Belle, Seph, and Rosie were waiting on the porch for them.
"Hello?" Mal said as she walked over to her mom with a confused look.
"Hello, sweetheart," she said as she gave her daughter a cheeky smile. "Hello, love," she said as she looked over to Ben with the same smile.
"What am I?" Hadie asked as he held his hands out. "Chopped liver?"
"Of course not, honey," Belle said as she looked over at Hadie. "We just needed to ask Ben and Mal a few questions."
"What questions?" Ben asked.
"And are any of them about to interfere with the nap I am going to take when I get to Ben's room?" Mal asked, making everyone laugh.
"It's only a couple of questions."
"And I don't have to be here?" Hadie asked.
"No," Belle and Seph said as they both shook their heads.
"Fine by me," Hadie said with a big smile. "Want to go swimming, Rosebud?" he asked as he looked at Rosie.
"Yeah!" Rosie said as she started to jump up and down.
"Okay, go up, change, get a towel, and when I get back we'll get your floaties ready," he said.
"Okay!" she said in excitement as she ran into her house and up the stairs.
"See ya," Hadie said before he sprinted away from the other four.
"So, what did you want to ask us?"
"Well, you two are graduating in two weeks, and this is your finals week before you have the last week of school off…" Seph said as she looked over at Belle.
"Yes?" Ben and Mal said at the same time.
"And we know you both already said no…"
"We don't want a graduation party," they said at the same time again, making both of their moms laugh.
"Please!" Belle begged. "You both are going to be leaving us, and we want to throw our oldest a party for graduating."
"We're not leaving you until August," Ben said, as he started to think about moving away from his family, friend, home, and Mal.
"What if…" Seph said. "And hear me out. We throw a party, but we throw it for you and your friends?"
Ben and Mal looked at each other before looking back at their moms. They knew that they were not going to be able to get them off their backs until they agreed to a part, so they nodded their heads making their moms smile brightly.
"Thank you!" They squealed before hugging both of them.
"You are welcome," Mal said as she pulled away from her mom. "Now, can I go and take my nap?"
"Yes," Belle said. "We'll wake you up when dinner is ready."
Mal and Ben walked up to his room, and when they got inside Mal jumped and flopped on his bed before cobbling into one of the pillows. Ben chuckled at her, before walking over and sitting on the edge of the bed.
"Want to go into the pool with Hadie and Rosie?" He asked as he stroked her head with his finger.
"Not in the slightest," she said, making him laugh.
"Come on," he whined as he started to shake her body. "I can teach you how to swim."
"I would rather go shopping with Audrey," she said as she turned to look at him. "But you can go."
"Okay," he said as he nodded his head. "I'll come and get you when dinner is ready so neither one of our moms has to."
"You got it," she told him with a thumbs up before pulling his blanket over her head.
Ben had let Mal sleep for about an hour and a half, before he, Hadie, and Rosie were told that dinner was almost ready. Ben got out of the pool and quickly dried off, before he went back up to his room. He closed the door behind him, and turned to see Mal was still asleep, and curled into one of his pillows. He smiled, and went to change, before he was going to wake her up. When he came out he saw his yearbook, sitting on the edge of his bed. He picked it up and started to look through all of the things people wrote, but stopped when he saw the very pretty handwriting in purple ink.
I turned out liking you a lot more than I originally planned. Thank you for reminding me what butterflies feel like. I never thought anyone would ever make me smile, laugh, and capture my heart as fast as you have. You found parts of me I didn't know existed and in you, I found a love I no longer believed was real. I know the distance is going to suck and I hate waiting. But if waiting means being able to be with you, I'll wait for as long as forever to be with you. Loving you was one of the best decisions of my life.
Love you forever, Mal
He had to hold back his tears after reading what Mal had written in his yearbook. He knew the distance was going to suck. He never wanted their relationship to end, but he also knew that it could end up being a possibility. But he also knew that if they did end up breaking up, that they would still be close. He pushed the bad thought away, not even wanting to think about it, before he walked over to Mal and started to give her small kisses on her face.
"It has only been 3 minutes," she groaned as she turned to face away from him.
"It's been over an hour and a half," he said as he pulled her into his lap. "Your mom said dinner was almost ready, and our dads managed not to burn anything today."
She groaned again, before stretching her arms and laying back down on his bed.
"Come on," he said as he started to shake her thigh. "I'll even carry you down."
"Deal," she said as she threw herself over his shoulder, making him laugh.
"This was not what I had itailed, but if it gets you downstairs it's fine," he said as he stood up with Mal over his shoulder, and walked out of his room.
"I'll see you tomorrow," Mal said as she threw her backpack over her shoulder and put her yearbook in the bag with her cap, gown, and cords.
"Okay," Ben said as he leaned down and gave her a kiss on her lips. "I'll pick you up, usual time, and then we can enjoy the last day of finals before senior ditch day," as he threw air quotes up around 'ditch day'.
"Can't wait," she said with a laugh.
She went to reach for the doorknob, but Ben took her face into his hands. He kissed her fiercely, pinning her to the door. After about a minute, they broke apart and Mal chuckled.
"I'm seeing you tomorrow," she said as he brushed his nose against hers.
"I know," he said as he smiled down at her. "But I can still miss you."
"You're a dork," she said as she laughed.
"Your dork."
"Always," she said as she gave him a quick kiss and left to go home.
She walked home with her parents, and when she was ready for bed, she took her yearbook out to read what everyone wrote in it so far. She got into bed and started to go through what people had written, until she saw Ben's handwriting on the first page.
Your beauty attracted me, but I admire you for the person you are and the joy you've brought to my life. I don't know who I was before I met you, and for once in my life, I don't have to try to be happy. When I'm with you, it just happens. You are so beautiful, thanks for being a part of my life. Even though you are never getting rid of me. I'm not sure what life could bring you. Or where life will take the both of us, but there is one thing I need you to know. I'm not sure if dreams do come true. I'm not sure what love can do. But I'm sure about one thing. I love you. I will always love you.
Love, Ben
She closed the book, and held it to her chest before falling asleep with a smile on her face. She didn't know what was going to happen in the future, but she did know that she never wanted to lose Ben, even if they weren't a couple.
Ben honked his horn as he waited for Mal and Hadie. It was getting late, and Hadie was going to be late if they didn't leave soon.
"Come on, Hadie!" Mal said as she started to pull Hadie out of the house. "You have to go to school!"
"No!" He said back as he struggled against her. "You're not going, so I don't want to go either."
"It's my senior ditch day," she argued back as Ben got out of the car.
"Hadie! I'll give you 20 bucks to get into the car," Ben said, making Hadie look at him with wide eyes.
"30," Hadie said, trying to negotiate.
"Walk then," Ben said as he got back into his Jeep and started it. "Come on, babe. We got to go."
"Fine," Hadie said as he ran to the Jeep.
Mal shook her head and got into Ben's Jeep. When they had gotten to the school, Hadie held his hand out to Ben, waiting for the 20 dollars.
"I am not paying you to go to school," Ben said, making Mal burst out in laughter. "Now go to school. I have plans with your sister."
Hadie gaped at Ben, before getting out of the car and going to school. He had to admit that Ben tricking him was good, but it was something he was not expecting. They drove away, leaving the school and ready to spend the day together.
"What's on the agenda?" Mal asked as she looked at her boyfriend.
"Well, there is one thing I wanted to do with you before we started officially dating," he said as she stopped at a red light. "Do you remember?"
Mal sat there and thought about it for a minute before her eyes widened and she looked at Ben.
"You want to have a star wars marathon?" She asked.
"Yeah," he said with a nod. "We have the whole house to ourselves," he said as he turned back onto their street. "And my mom is going to give Hadie a ride after school."
Mal smiled as he pulled up to his house. They went up to his room and he had a sheet hanging on one of the walls, and his bed was covered in blankets, pillows, and an assortment of snacks and drinks. When they talked about senior ditch day, she was not expecting this. She was expecting to be with their friends all day, but she had to admit that a day of just watching nerdy movies sounded better than anything else.
"When did you plan all of this?" She asked as he closed the door behind him.
"Well, I wanted to spend a day with you that didn't consist of other people," he said as he jumped on his bed to straighten the projector above his bed. "And I took a page out of your book, and bought a projector."
"You have a giant flat screen," she said as she pointed to the sheet. "I think that would have been fine."
"But where would the esthetic be if I did that?" He asked.
She shocked her head and laughed before she sat on his bed and put her back against his headboard.
"You know that it is going to take more than a day to watch all of them right?" She asked as she pulled a blanket over her legs.
"So," he said as he sat down next to her and put an arm over her shoulder. "We don't have school tomorrow, and you're off work."
"So, you plan to keep me hostage here, until they are all done," she asked as she looked up at him.
"You act like that's a bad thing," he said. "I'm a hoot and a half."
"To you," she said in a teasing voice.
"You know what, Bertha," he said before he started to tickle her sides, making her laugh out loud.
"I give! I give!" She soured, making Ben stop tickling her.
"Thank you," he said, before he pulled her back into his hold. "Now, in order? Or by release?"
"In order," she said with a nod. "If you do it by release, I may have to break up with you," she said with a laugh.
"I think it's funny how you think it's that easy to get out of this relationship," he said as he pressed play on his phone and started the first movie.
The couple started to watch the movies, and went through the first 3 and a half before Hadie and Rosie rushed in and jumped on the bed.
"Thank gods you didn't start the originals yet," Hadie said as he laid across the foot of the bed.
"What are you watching?" Rosie asked as she sat right in between Ben and Mal.
"Hello. Welcome. Sure, you can join us," Ben said as he fixed the blanket that was over him and Mal, to now fit Rosie under.
"Thanks, Bennyboo," Hadie said as he turned around and grabbed the popcorn that was sitting next to Mal.
Mal and Ben shook their heads and laughed. They didn't mind that their siblings came in, but they were just happy that they weren't doing anything that they didn't want them to see. At 12:30am Haden and Adam walked up to Ben's room to find their kids all asleep. Ben, Mal and Rosie were all asleep in the bed. Mal was holding Rosie, and Ben was holding Mal. They looked at the ground and saw Hadie asleep on the floor with one of his legs propped up on the bed and a blanket tangled around his waist. He must have fallen off the bed when he fell asleep, making both of them lightly laughed. Adam told Haden to let them sleep and that they could finish their movie marathon tomorrow if they wanted too. Ben heard the door close, making him wake up. He groggily looked down, saw a head of purple hair, and smiled before wrapping his arm back around Mal's waist. He laid down and buried his face into her hair, letting the smell of lavender and honeysuckle invade his nose. He knew he was going to do anything to make their long distance work, because he was never going to let this love go.
"Mally!" Seph yelled as she tried to get her camera ready. "Are you ready? You can't be late for your own graduation!"
Mal rushed down with her gown over her arm, cap in her hand, and cords around her neck. She was wearing an adorable dark green swiss dot textured pattern romper that falls into a plunging V-neckline, with modesty snaps that go into long bell sleeves with eyelash lace cuffs. It had a smocked waist and fluttering shorts with matching eyelash lace hems. She was wearing a pair of cute black chunky peep toe heels with straps around her ankles.
"I'm ready," she said as she stopped at the bottom of the stairs.
"Oh," Seph said in a soft and hushed tone when she saw Mal.
"What?"
"You're so grown up," she said as she started to cry.
"Oh, mom," Mal said as she pouted her lip at her.
Mal walked over and wrapped her arm around her. Mal may not be her daughter by blood, but she was her daughter.
"I'm fine," Seph said as she pulled away from Mal and smiled at her. "I am just so proud of you, and I know you are going to do amazing things."
"That she is," Haden said as he walked up and wrapped an arm around Mal's shoulder. "We are proud of you, and the amazing strong woman you have become."
"Thank you, dad," Mal said as she gave her dad a side hug. "Where is Hadie?"
"He ran outside about 45 minutes ago," Seph said. "I don't know what he was doing, but he seemed like he was in a rush."
Mal was confused at first, but then she remembered Hadie joking around saying that he was going to write all over her car in paint. Her eyes widened, before she ran to the door and ran outside. She ran around the corner to see her car covered in yellow, blue, and purple paint. Hadie had written 'CLASS OF 2018', 'CONGRATULATIONS', and other stuff. She was in shock, and was covering her mouth, before she heard laughing coming from behind her. She turned around to see Hadie standing next to Ben, and she squinted her eyes at the both of them.
"In my defense," Ben said as he held his hands up. "I did not do anything. I actually stopped him before he did it to my car."
"Snitch," Hadie said as she crossed his arms over his chest.
"I'm not going to lie to my girlfriend," Ben said. "I know better than to anger a dragon."
"Well, would it make it better if I said that it is washable paint?" He said as he gave his sister an apologizing smile.
"It better be," Mal said as she pointed at her brother.
"Okay. Okay," Haden said as he walked up to the three of them. "Let's go before the both of you are late."
Ben and Mal nodded their heads, before they made their way over to Ben's house. Hadie rode with Ben and Mal, while their parents and Rosie rode together. When they got to the school the parking lot was packed, and it was nearly impossible to find a parking spot. When they had gotten to the football field and to their friends, Seph went crazy taking pictures. She had gotten a bunch, and Haden had to carry her away so they could all line up. They all went to line up in pairs of two, and were in alphabetical order.
"Watch yourself," Ben said before he turned away from Mal and Doug.
"Don't be jealous that I am walking with the valedictorian," Mal said with a grin, making Ben turn to look back at her.
"You know who I was talking to," he said as he pointed at her, making her and Doug laugh.
"Skedaddle, Bennyboy," Doug said as he waved Ben away. "She's not going to fall on my watch."
Ben shook his head and laughed before walking over to Aziz. The Pomp and Circumstance started to play and the graduates started to walk down the football field. The high school band was on the back half of the field playing, while the graduates walked down the field. When everyone was sitting and ready, Harry's dad walked up to the podium.
"Congratulations! The past 10 months have been challenging for all of us and, in particular, for each of you. As your superintendent of the school district I could not be prouder of you all, but importantly I want you to be proud of your own achievements,and more importantly than that, for the compassion, resilienceand success you have accomplished. Over the past four years, you have collectively worked and studied, practiced, played, and grown in many ways. Whatever course your future takes, it is my hope that you will look back on your years at Auradon High School as having prepared you to meet and deal with the challenges that life presents."
All of the graduates looked around and smiled, but Ben kept his eyes on Mal. They had all come so far from where they were at the beginning of the year, and they couldn't have wished anything better.
"I thank the faculty and staff of all theAuradonschools for a job well done in soundly preparing our graduates to continue their journeys as lifelong learners.You are a unique and special group of individuals; your accomplishments have been significant. You have taken your education seriously, which can be evidenced by your commitment scholastically, in extra–curricular activities, and in all of the communities which comprise Auradon.Life is a series of new horizons, new hopes, new days and changes. As you enter the next chapter of yourlives, please consider these three things… Make every day count. Dream it, do it. Remember, the right decisions you make in life may not always be the popular ones. My best wishes with your future plans and the pursuit of your dreams. With that in mind, "Don't wait for your ship to come in – row out to meet it!"
Everyone started to clap and roar as Killian took back his seat. Their class was small, and it wasn't a big school, there were about 50 students graduating today. When everyone started to settle down, Principal Sid took the stage and looked at the seniors standing in front of him.
"Welcome all, and thank you for coming to celebrate our seniors. A graduation ceremony is always such a special occasion - the culmination of years of hard work; the actualization of goals attained and the acknowledgement of successes achieved. So, it is only fitting that tonight we commemorate the road that we have all traveled together these last few years. It has been a journey that started with tentative steps perhaps, but one that has taken us to remarkable heights. We have encountered some trials and tribulations along the way… soldiered on and come out stronger for them. We have experienced exceptional moments, magical moments and created memories that will be fondly remembered in the years ahead. Henry Ford wisely said, "Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress and working together is success." As we look back over the last few years, certainly there was a beginning, and thankfully there was also progress and yes - undeniably we have been successful! But let's begin where all good stories begin - at the beginning! Who can forget when we all came together for the first time - nervous young students in the ninth graders, proud parents, the Board of Governors and a dedicated staff body. What a commencement ceremony it was, signaling what would be the start of wonderful things to come. Yes, we all came together with a common purpose in mind - to encourage and develop lifelong learning in the young Ladies and Gentlemen who sit before us this evening. Steadfast, resolute and determined we all kept together. Day-by-day we focused on our goal, keeping together and working together. We faced some incredible and memorable moments - moments that we chose to use as stepping stones as we tenaciously pursued our common goals. And what progress we made, as just a few of the following highlights attest to: the football team winning the Championship game, Mrs. Coggs and her cast performed one of the best winter productions this high school has ever performed, Allison leading our school to win the decathlon, Jay and Ben being the first to make the JV team as freshmen since both of their dads were attending here, Evie creating such wonderful costumes for the play this year, Melody winning first in swim, Mal showing her amazing talents in everything she does, and so much more for each and every one of you. I have watched you all from the beginning, and I am so proud of the achievements you have bestowed upon yourselves, and I cannot wait to see what each and every one of you are going to accomplish."
Everyone started to clap as he smiled down at the graduates.
"The end result Ladies and Gentlemen of our coming together, keeping together and working together, in spite of the obstacles that we may have faced along the way... that end result is the Graduating Class of 2018. My, how proud we are of the success that they have made with the opportunities that they were offered. Congratulations, we are inordinately proud of you all! You are ready, willing and more than able to grasp the torch that we bestow upon you- yours is the future and on you the world will come to depend. May your years ahead continue to be characterized by empathy, compassion, objectivity and a willingness to take risks. May you always lead by example and work hard and play straight. May your successes be many and your tribulations be few and far between. We wish you everything that you so richly deserve in the years ahead - it has been an honor and a privilege watching your progress and success!"
Mal peeked at Ben who was looking forward with a bright smile on his face. Her favorite smile. Everyone clapped and cheered again, before Doug stood from his seat.
"Wish me luck," he said as he winked at Mal.
He walked up to the podium to face his classmates.
"Hello, all," he said as he waved to the graduates and then turned to the crowd. "Hi, Mom!" He shouted and waved, making everyone laugh. "When I first sat down to write this speech, I was absolutely clueless about what to do. So, like any other high school student I Googled "valedictorian speeches" and came up with a list of the top 10 phrases NOT to use in a graduation speech. For example, one should NEVER mention that "We'll always look back on these days" or that "This isn't the end, it's a new beginning. And finally the number one most commonly used statement in graduation speeches across the country, "We are the leaders of tomorrow". It's funny though because although each of these statements ARE clichés, there is some truth to them. The fact is… We WILL always look back on these days… those days we had laughing with our friends at lunch… the memories of cheering on the Knights football team… the days when we would go on field trips with our friends… the dances that we all went to… the memories of the teachers we loved… the memories of having heart attacks as we watched Mal dangle from four stories…" he said, making Mal laugh and shake her head. "But most importantly the friends that we have made across the way. Some people mark high school as the best years of your life. But to be honest, these are just the best years of our lives AT THE MOMENT. The great thing about Harrison is that there are so many people with completely different but nonetheless amazing talents. Sure I'm number one in the class, but I am certainly not the only person who is number 1. There are people sitting in the audience right now who are photographers, dancers, singers, and professional athletes. There are others who aspire to go into international relations, become art therapists, entrepreneurs, teachers, the list goes on. No matter what your future endeavors may be, let the ensuing success inflate your happiness level, and never settle for what you are not overjoyed with. It is these experiences that will mark the truly remarkable years of your life."
All of the graduates stood and cheered for Doug as he finished his speech and walked back to his seat.
"Now, it's time for our graduates," Principal Sid said as he walked up to the podium. The first row stood up and the teaching faculty stood, waiting for the graduates to walk across the stage. "Aziz Ali, Benjamin Anderson," they could hear Hadie shouting from the stands, making Mal laugh. "Jace Baden, Harley Barden, Tony Barns, Ariana Beau, Audrey Beau, Mary Broch, Adam Bjorgman." The first 10 took their seats as the second row stood and walked toward the stage. "Kristen Bjorgman, Chadwick Charmin, Clay Clayton, Willa Darling, Leon Deux." Mal was next and she could hear Tony and Hadie wooing already. "Mallory Drakos," almost the entire crowd cheered. She wasn't expecting how loud it was, but it made her cheeks turn red. She got her diploma, took her picture with Harry's dad and then walked back to her seat. "Douglas Dwarfson, Uma Eliades, Freda Facilier, Ruby Fitz, Ryder Fitz, Jordan Gene, Ginnifer Goth, Gordon Grump, Grace Hatter, Elizabeth Hearts, Artie Heights, Harrison Hook, Jayden Jabara, Allison Kingsley, Lonnie Li," Ben watched as all of his friends got their diplomas and got really excited for tonight. Sure he and Mal didn't want a party at first, but seeing his friends and Mal ready to celebrate was going to make it all worth it. "Nevaeh Maldonia, Madison Mims, Opal Odie, Jack Pan, TJ Porter, Carina Potts, Gillion Rodgers, Pin Rolfe, Samantha Smee, Megan Strong, Melody Triton, Emma White, Evilyn White, and Neal White."
After Neal walked back to sit with his cousin and sister, principal Sid took the stand again. "Congratulations class of 2018!"
Everyone threw their caps up in the air as fireworks started to burst through the air. Uma Ran over to Mal and almost tackled her to the ground. When they pulled apart, they were both lifted up off the floor by their boyfriends. All of the parents and family members ran onto the field. After Ben put Mal down, Haden picked her up and swung her around.
"Congratulations, Mally," he said as he kissed her cheek.
"Put my daughter down so I can hug her too," Seph said as she tugged on her husband's sleeve.
Once Mal was on her feet, Seph wrapped Mal into a tight hug.
"Congratulations, baby," she said.
"Thank you, mom and dad," she said as she beamed at her parents.
Hadie wrapped his arm around Mal's shoulder and gave her a sloppy kiss on her cheek, making her crush her eyes shut.
"You're gross," she said as she laughed.
"Yeah, but what are brothers for?" He shrugged. "I also think that 'gross' is in the definition of brother."
After everyone congratulated their kids, Ben, Mal, and all of their friends took pictures in front of the school. They had taken about 100 pictures before they had to head back to Ben's house for their graduation party. Dizzy, Celia, and Hadie rode back with Ben and Mal and when they got to the backyard, their mouths hit the floor. Belle and Seph had gone all out for this party. There was a giant balloon archway that led from the front of the house to the back, there were giant round lanterns hanging from the trees, tables with candles and graduation displays, a photo booth next to the pool, and two giant tables full of food and drinks.
"Do you guys like it?" Belle asked as she came in between Ben and Mal.
"It's great," Mal said. "But don't you think it's a little much?" She asked as her mom came up next to her.
"Nope," they Belle and Seph said, making Ben and Mal laugh.
"Thank you," they both said as they turned and hugged their moms.
"You are very welcome," Seph said as she turned to see that their friends had arrived. "Now go and have a good time with your friends."
Ben and Mal turned to see them walking through the giant balloon arch. They nodded their heads before walking to greet their friends.
It had been a couple of hours, and Rosie was sleeping on four chairs that had been pushed together to make a bed. There had been over a hundred people at the party, including Audrey and her family. To everyone's surprise, Audrey was a decent person, and she even apologized to Rosie for all of the mean stuff she said to her. Hadie picked up Rosie and carried her into the house, while Belle, Adam, Seph, and Belle picked up the mess that was on the tables.
Ben, Mal, and all of their friends were sitting around the bonfire that Jay and Ben had set up after the other guest had left.
"So, what now?" Evie asked as she leaned on Doug's chest.
"We enjoy our summer," Ben said before he pressed his lips to the top of Mal's head.
"Do you think we'll stay close?" Lonnie said as she put her chin to her knees.
Mal looked around and smiled before looking up at Ben. She didn't know where life was going to take anyone, and she didn't know if things were going to be the way she wanted or planned it to be. But she knew that these were her people, and she was never going to lose any of them.
"Yeah," she said as she looked back at everyone. "We're going to be friends forever."
Okay! That's it! That is the end of Neighbors, but the first chapter of the sequel is up and ready for reading!
Until next time my lovies! xoxo GM