Disclaimer: I do not own Recess!
Spinelli Woods, Esq.: Scandalous, there's no better word to fit this! Keep reading!
A.L. Nowicki: Are you for real? That is TOO weird, both our schools came up with a projection screen idea? What a small world...you'll have to keep reading to find out what happens!
Fantasy3: It's okay, we learned to deal with it! Yes, the party is coming up shortly, I think it's going to be ch. 22 and 23. Keep reading!
Chapter Twenty: Senior Reception
The next Friday was the annual senior reception that the teachers threw for the graduating class–complete with snacks, some speeches of advice, and presentation of Bibles. Not to mention, it was a good oppurtunity to hang out in non-uniform material and get somewhat dressed up.
"This stupid tie is killing me," T.J. groaned as he stepped inside the auditorium with Spinelli.
"At least it's not one of those dorky clip-ons," Spinelli reminded him as they joined the others in the middle of the lobby.
"Hey! I'M wearing one of those!" Gus protested, insulted by the remark.
"Oh, sorry," the Italian girl apologized. "Is everyone already here?"
"I think so," Gretchen told her, taking a glance at everyone. "All the teachers are sitting down in the seats, so I guess we'd better go down there too."
"This reception better be good, after all the junk they've put us through," Vince muttered, crossing his arms. "I still can't believe they have the decency to put one on for us!"
"Who cares, let's take advantage of this unusual kindness they're showing, and get it over with," Spinelli suggested, already dragging T.J. down to the front row with her. Everyone else decided they agreed with her, so they all followed her down there.
Just about every teacher that had taught them during their time at Ronald Reagan High was there, including Mrs. Mitchells, who was still on leave for a few days. T.J. gave her a sympathetic look, thinking she was probably remembering her own son going through this only a couple of years ago. Even Prickly had been brave enough to show up.
When everyone was seated, the "ceremony" began. A few teachers got up and said a few words of wisdom that were probably intended to leave a mark on their brains, but the class was too bored to actually listen to it. The presentation of the Bibles with their names engraved on them in gold lettering was looked forward to more than anything, except maybe the free punch and cake. T.J. couldn't help but imagine that the snacks would have been Mikey's favorite part.
The last speech was given by Mrs. Mitchells, but her speech was different, mainly because she wasn't the one who wrote it.
"I'm sure everyone here remembers my son, Bob," she started off, telling herself not to break down in front of everyone. "About a month ago, I had wrote to him asking him that if he could be here and tell you any kind of advice he could, what would he tell you. Since he obviously can't be here while in Iraq [she paused a second here], he wrote me back telling me what to tell you."
She opened up a folded letter, which looked pretty rough considering that it was written in the middle of some camp in the Middle East, and read: "Class of 2006, I am glad to see that you made it to your graduating year. I'm sure some of you think you know it all and can't wait to hit the party life of college. But be warned, it's not as fun as you think once you realize that you have to study 24-7 in hopes of making at least a C on your homework! Being out here in Iraq, I realized the same thing. I didn't know too much, and I'm twenty years old. Maybe my parents and teachers were trying to tell me something when I wouldn't listen. I sure wish I had now. Just remember–you can never learn too much. Take everything in.
"I suppose the most important thing is to never stop being friends with each other. A good friend is not something you find easily these days. So be a friend to everyone, and you'll get friends in return, because you never know when you'll be in a situation that really calls for a friend's aid.
"The last thing is to have faith. Don't expect to always rise to the top, because you won't. You are going to fail sometimes, but that doesn't mean you should give up. The main difference in those who fall and never try again, and those who DO try again are that they have faith in themselves and in GOD. He can get you through anything, trust me I know, all it takes is prayer and time to let Him work things out. Just remember, whatever is the most important in your life, keep a good grip on it and follow the path you want, without looking back. Good luck in the future. Robert Mitchells, American soldier, Class of 2004."
The whole class was extremely moved by this letter that former King Bob had written. It was one of the most touching things they had heard since the speeches made during Ronald Reagan's funeral procession. T.J. considered the things Bob talked about. He was right about them continuing to be friends with each other. He was also pretty influential in the "faith" section of the letter. Although not much had been going their way this year, perhaps there would be some good things to happen. All they had to do was pray.
Aw, I almost cried writing King Bob's letter! It was actually inspired by a letter that a soldier wrote to my class for our reception. The guy was this dude in my class's brother, and he was over in Afghanistan when he wrote it. Anyways, will anything else "scandalous" happen, or will things go smoothly from now on? Gotta keep reading to find out, and please review!