NOTE— The last chapter is kind of short but great, right? If you want me to make it longer, I can. It's no biggie.

CHAPTER 16 (PRESENT DAY) Shine The Light

Three months later it's my middle school graduation. Eighth grade gone; grade nine, high school will begin, for Jay and me, though not for Joe because he's going into grade ten.

I wasn't picked to do a speech, but I asked if I could read mine that I had written, and the principal said yes. I said that I want everyone to hear it. It's not about the memories of middle school and it is kind of short, but it may possibly be good…

"Shine the light towards me; the light in my eyes keeps me believing. That's what I think to myself, because I want my friend to beat the cancer and continue living. I do not want him to die and I do not want him to say goodbye. I want him and everyone to believe. I will as well. ---My life got worse. My girlfriend wanted a break from me, and my parents fought each and everyday, just about some little thing. Although I think my dad started the fights, because when I ran away I found out that he was dating someone else; he was cheating. Oh, yeah, mom did find out, and she wasn't too happy; she was angry with him. ---My life got really worse. I was so depressed that I wanted to end my life. My life was fine. Yes, I was thinking of suicide. I wished this life weren't mine. However my dad said that he and mom didn't want me to die. Even though he and mom fight doesn't mean they don't love me; they actually do. That was the truth. I am glad that I didn't end my life, because if I did, I wouldn't be here to see my three newborn sisters. My parents now have four children to love and care for. If I weren't here, I wouldn't have Kari for a girlfriend again, and I wouldn't see Joseph without Leukemia. He was cured. It took about a year, but we believed and he recovered. That's what helps, your believing. I am glad that I'm here to see what I can see."

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At night, we have family and friends over for a middle school graduation party, and plus for a "You Believed" party, for Joe.

Mom and dad are just separated for a few months, not legally divorced. I think they should spend some time alone. I don't like them fighting all the time. If they keep on fighting when they get back together, they both will agree that it will not worth it and are getting legally divorced. Though I hope it works out. I believe.

-

"Todd, come here, outside!" Joe and Jay say as they wave.

I go outside, and I couldn't believe what I see. "Wow!" It was a limo with a red carpet leading right to it.

"Who got this? Who's it for?" I ask. I still couldn't believe it.

Mom and dad come up to me and say, "We did."

"It's a graduation present for you and your friends." Mom says.

"We rented it for about five days." Dad says.

I get a big smile on my face. "Cool! This is so cool!"

We all get in it and cruised around town and other places. I look at my parents, friends and say, "Thank you, everyone. I'd like to thank myself for not ending my life. What was I thinking? My life was going to all right. It only needed a little longer to be fine." I smile. They smile. I look out the window and see fireworks in the sky, and remembered all the things we did in Midland Middle School.

"You shined the light toward me; the light in my eyes kept me believing."

THE END