Chapter 21

The time has finally come, its graduation day for Jason and his friends, Jason and Casper are helping each other with their caps, while Rosco and the rest are doing some last minute grooming.

"Holy shit, I didn't know that I would ever see the day where I actually graduate Highschool, It all happened so fast, one moment I am sitting under the bridge in winter about to off myself and here comes you Jason, seeing me and noticing that I needed help, you saved me this is all thanks to you." Casper says.

"I know what you mean, I didn't think that I would ever see graduation either, Years ago I was in an orphanage with my younger brother then Jojo and Haida both just walk into my life and make such a difference, I know most people say that having gay parents can't raise a kid because it's wrong, but I wouldn't change a thing, I wouldn't have any other parents."

Two hours pass and it is finally time for graduation, as the auditorium begins to fill with parents and loved ones, Desoto and the gang begin to get nervous and anxious, before going out to take their seats Jason walks up to Desoto and places their foreheads together.

"Hey Desoto, even after this promise you will keep in touch, you guys have been such a blessing and I dont want to lose friends like you, I want to stay together just as long as my parents and Tadano them been together." Jason whispers, Desoto lets out a soft grunt agreeing with Jason. They all take turns pressing their foreheads together and giving a soft speech. The guys take a deep breath and nod before walking onto the stage. and taking their seats. When all the students were present the principle approaches the podium.

"I Principle Gordo want to thank you to all the family...friends... and loved ones that are able to celebrate this amazing today with us, before the two students who are graduating today with honors give their speeches, I would like to bring the person up who so graciously donated the money for us, our very own Mr. Tadano, the auditorium uproars with applauds as Tadano smiles on goes onto the stage.

"Well...I wasn't expecting to give a speech so ummm. well me, Jojo, and Haida wanted to do something in good gesture for the school who helped, not only Haida's adopted son, but also the friends and students who have put their time and tears into coming this far, this is the least I can do, I hope you all enjoy the event as well as please stay for the pot luck after if you are able to." Tadano takes a slight bow before waving and walking off the stage.

The principle walks back up onto the stage and clears his voice before speaking into the microphone, "Thank you , now for the two people who will be giving their speeches,mind you this is going to be a suprise so no student will know who it will be. First up will be Jason Kekona McDodd," the principle announces as everyone in the auditorium is quite for a few seconds before a loud uproar of applauds can be heard, Casper and the gang as well as Tadano and the family all stand up and applaud and cheering.

Jason walks up to the microphone and takes a deep breath," H..hey everyone, I REALLY was not expecting this, so first off I would like to thank my 2 dads, Jojo and Haida who if it were not for them I wouldnt be here standing before you all today, this is all just too much for me at the moment, and I am at a lost for words, a Few years ago I was sitting in a room at an orphanage, wondering if I would ever find a family, hell I wasn't sure if I would ever be able to make something of myself because I spent my whole life in a orphanage, that I began to doubt my self worth. Along came Haida and Jojo to adopt my younger brother, and then to my suprise they said they were gonna adopt me as well. I tried to put up an act but the moment I had my stuff and went outside, there stood my brother and both Jojo and Haida opened arms. I broke down crying and well thanks to them I feel like a normal person and I hope to continue making them proud.. so dad I want to do something as a way to show my thanks to you," Jason steps away from the mike cups his hands over his mouth and lets out a loud chee hoo (hawaiian style cheer) before raising up two shakas. Jojo being proud stands up and his hawaiian came out. "YEA DAS MY BOI, DAS MY SON I STEH SO PROUD OF YOU SON YOU GOIN MAKE SUMTIN OF YASELF ONE DEH(day) JUST KNOW SON BLOOD MAKES YOU RELATED BUT LOYALTY MAKES YAH FAMILEH(family)." Jojo shouts, Haida just sighs and grabs Jojo by the shirt and yanking him down.

The next student that was picked to give the speech was Casper. Casper was just as shocked as Jason but he was way to nervous so he just said thank you and went back to his seat. Once the ceremony was over and everyone went outside to the potluck Jason them noticed that over on a stage was their band equipment. The friends all look at each other in confusion as Tadano walks over to them.

Tadano places a hand on Jason's shoulder,"Oh yeah I thought your band can play a few songs for the potluck."

Jason smiles as his band end up going up on stage and noticed there is an extra guitar. Jason knowing who it is for looks at Casper and nudges his head telling the bear to get on stage.

Jason clears his throat and speaks into the microphone while everyone else is checking their equipment.

"Before we begin to play a few songs, I Did write a poem for my dads and I would like to share it while my band gets their gear set up."

I always wanted a family, somewhere to belong
I wanted someone to listen to my heartfelt song
I never have to question where I will sleep or when my next meal will be
For my dad's saw potential deep within me
They found the key to break the chains that bound my heart
There love for me was unconditional right from the start
The elements of fire wind water and stone.
a smile sincere for I am finally home.
not 1 but 2 wonderful dads
was the greatest gift I ever had
from the bottom of my heart deep within my soul I shout it loud
until the moon no longer shines I will make my dads proud.

Once the band is set up they begin to play a few songs, at a table several feet away, Jojo, Haida and the rest are sitting down eating their meals, thats when Tadano overheard some parents talking.

"How could some orphan kid get the right to give a speech when there was many more qualified students? The principle probably just let him because he felt sorry for the orphan, regardless just because he has 2 dads now doesnt change the fact that he will always be an orphan." A lady says giving a snicker. Just then four hands slam onto the table causing the parents to jump in shock. When they look up they see that It is Tadano, Haida, Jojo, and Anai.

Jojo behind gritted teeth speaks loud enough just for the table to hear," Listen here, I know u did not just say that my son will always be an orphan, are you just mad that my kid beat your kid? Do you really believe this whole shit was rigged? You do not nor can your feeble mind comprehened the struggles and trials that my son went through to get to where he is today. He went from an orphanage his whole life where he barely new how to do complicated math. to someone who got honors for graduation. I do not give a flying fuck what you think about my son, because at the end of the day I will always support my son and protect him against anyone, even spiteful parents such as yourself." Jojo says clenching his fist.

Haida just slides Jojo a slice of cake before they head back to their table.

Just then the principle runs up and takes the microphone from the stand, trying to catch his breath.

"I just got news that there was some staff from public and private colleges that was here and they wanted to offer scholarships to the graduating class. Alot of students got scholarships from public colleges. But to the suprise of alot of parents. Here comes the Dean from Samson University walking over to Jason's table.

"Hi there, you are Jason correct?" the dean asks. Jason just stands up and fixes his outfit before extending his hand.

"Y..yes sir my name is Jason, what can I do for you?"

"Well your principle as well as some other staff members sent us some documents, and clips of how your work ethic has been during these school years." the Dean states as he opens up an envelope and pulls out 4 pieces of paper.

"So I want to offer Jason Mcdodd, Desoto smith, Rosco Hill, And Casper...Full scholarships to Samson University on the music program." The Dean says smiling. The shock caused Casper to fall out of his chair, Desoto running around the table to check up on the bear. The parent from the other table that was leaving the rude remarks stands up and shouts.

"WTF IS THIS, WHAT DID TADANO PAY FOR YOU GUYS TO COME AND OFFER THEM SCHOLARSHIPS?! WHAT JUST BECAUSE TADANO HAS HIS OWN COMPANY HE FEELS LIKE HE CAN DO AS HE PLEASES, I MEAN JASON IS A FUCKING ORPHAN FOR CRYING OUT LOUD" the Lady snaps. Her outburst causes Jojo them to stand up again. But then the Dean cleans his glasses before putting them back on.

"For your information madam, Tadano hasn't paid for anything, second of all I don't know a Tadano, another thing I wasnt an orphan but I was bounced from 10 different foster homes. I wanted a future for myself so I put my nose to the grindstone, had to miss out on some events with friends, just to get to where I am today, and my final statement, your kid HAD a scholarship to Samson University as well."

Quickly the mom's tone changes, "You mean HAS a scholarship right?"

"No HAD a scholarship, I was about to make my way to your table but after your little outburst and crued and such disrespectful comments I feel like your kid does not deserve a scholarship to my university." The dean says and just as he is about to rip the paper Jason speaks up.

"Wait Mr. Dean sir, You shouldn't fault the kid for how his parents act, he deserves this scholarship just as much as us, because we would order pizza's and have study sessions at each others houses, and Tadano, Anai, and my dads helped us in subjects that we struggled in. And no disrespect to you sir, but if you rip his scholarship, I will rip mine, because a Dean who disregards the workmanship of a student based on the parents I do not feel that going to a university like that would be beneficial for the students, nor that the university wouldn't be biased based on the social standing of a student's family." Jason says before clearing his throat and sitting back down looking at his food.

"So will we," Rosco, Desoto, and Casper say in unison.

The Dean smiles. "Such wisdom and compassion for others. I knew giving you guys full scholarships would be a good idea. I expect to see all five of you at the orientation in a few months." The dean walks past the parent who had the outburst and doesnt even bother looking at her just says, "you should be thankful, those kids that you just bad mouthed just saved your son, you should learn to be more humble." He then just tosses the envelope onto her table before walking away.

Months have passed and it is now August 1st. Jason Casper Desoto and Rosco are all standing in the parking lot with their bags by their feet, the friends turn around and smile at each other before kneeling.

"Thank you...your majesty's, we are grateful for the sacrifices you all made just to pave the way for our futures." Before standing up and cracking a smile.

Haida and Jojo begin to tear up. Jason reassures his parents that they can come home for breaks and the weekends. Each college kid begins to hug Tadano and the others, before turning around and picking up their bags. They all take a deep breath and narrow their eyes.

"For our kingdom," the friends say as they let out a laugh and begin to walk towards the university.