Hey everyone! Sorry this took so long. I had the worst writer's block ever and then I was out of town for awhile. I hope you really love this chapter.

Chapter 7: Graduation and More

Graduation. A momentous occasion in life. One met with exciting, anxious, and heck, let's admit it, down right frightening feelings. A day some have been waiting for their entire school careers, while other's have chosen to regard as an impossibility, whether because of grades or because of not wanting to leave. But everyone has to move on eventually. Lizzie would be put in the don't want to leave category. Miranda, however, couldn't wait to be independent. She wanted to see the world and she wanted to see it now. Gordo was different though. At the beginning of the year, graduation was something he couldn't wait for. He needed college, he yearned for college. But then Lizzie came along. Her suddenly becoming a romantic figure in his life made things complicated. He still wanted to go to college and all that, but that meant leaving her. He couldn't even think about the end of the year anymore. It just made him think of Lizzie. He knew that college meant separation and that separation would eventually tear them apart. He knew the college would open Lizzie up to a whole new world, with all new people. He knew that that would only lead to her finding a guy much better than him. It broke his heart but there was nothing he could do. Graduation was here. In only a few short hours they would no longer be high school students, they would be adults going into a new life. But before that, he first had to get through his speech. Yes, Gordo was valedictorian with Tudgeman just half of a thousand away from him in GPA. Boy, that made Larry mad. Gordo had finally beat him. It was that lousy A- in P.E. that did it. Anyway, Gordo had written a speech so heartfelt and emotional that he wasn't sure he'd be able to get through it. No, he wasn't declaring his undying love for Lizzie or making some huge announcement, he just said what high school meant to him and what moving on means. In some ways it could be labeled as the same old graduation speech that everyone gives, but Gordo put himself in it making it completely original. As the three amigos plus one sat in the auditorium waiting for this awful day to just get over with already, a sense of satisfaction and contentment swept through everyone. The class chosen speaker did a wonderful job capturing the essence of their class. Gordo and Tudgeman gave wonderful speeches about what life really means. The whole thing as truly a celebration of who they were and it touched each and everyone person in that room. Not one girl had dry eyes. It was unfortunate though. Miranda and Jon got to sit next to each other as they were in alphabetical order, but Gordo and Lizzie were separated by a whole row and this was definitely an occasion where they needed each other. This just reminded them that they were growing up which to both of them meant growing apart because of the coming separation. But this day too would end and all would go on.

That night the entire graduating class as gathered in the auditorium now converted into a dance. Once again Lizzie and Miranda's band was playing, much to the audience's delight. They had been filling their set with fast songs to keep the mood up, but then came their break. Lizzie went to Gordo immediately.

L: I can't believe this is really it. I feel like I'll wake up tomorrow and go to school like normal. It's weird and so sad. I feel like I'm losing everyone.

G: You're not losing anyone too important. You know you'll still have the band and Miranda and especially me. Come on, you'll still be living next door to me and across the street from Miranda for a few months more and then we'll only be six hours away from each other and only three hours from home. And you'll be rooming with Miranda don't forget. It'll all be fine, I promise.

L: You can't promise something like that. But for now I'll believe you because it makes me feel better. I really have to go to the bathroom though, and I only have a few more minutes before I have to be back onstage.

G:

While Lizzie was in the bathroom, Gordo jumped onstage. He gathered the rest of the band together and whispered something to them. They all nodded, grabbed their instruments and starting playing. Meanwhile back in the bathroom, Lizzie was just drying her hands when she heard music.

LT: What the heck, is that the band starting without me?

She walked out of the bathroom and headed for the auditorium. She had barely walked through the doorway when Gordo began to sing.

So lately
Been wondering
Who will be there to take my place?
When I'm gone
You'll need love
To light the shadows on your face
If a great wave shall fall and fall upon us all
Then between the sand and stone
Could you make it on your own?

LT: OH MY GOD! That is so cute. I thought he couldn't sing, but I guess a lot has changed since freshman year.

Lizzie slowly walked to the front of the auditorium with everyone watching her until she was right up against the stage. She just stood there gazing at Gordo with him gazing right back.

If I could
Then I would
I'll go wherever you will go
Way up high
Or down low
I'll go wherever you will go

And maybe
I'll find out
A way to make it back someday
To watch you
To guide you
Through the darkest of your days
If a great wave shall fall and fall upon us all
Then I hope there's someone out there
Who can bring me back to you

If I could
Then I would
I'll go wherever you will go
Way up high
Or down low
I'll go wherever you will go

Run away with my heart
Run away with my hope
Run away with my love

I know now
Just quite how
My life and love might still go on
In your heart
In your mind
I'll stay with you for all of time

If I could
Then I would
I'll go wherever you will go
Way up high
Or down low
I'll go wherever you will go

If I could turn back time
I'll go wherever you will go
If I could make you mine
I'll go wherever you will go
I'll go wherever you will go

When the song ended the entire class began screaming and clapping for him. They couldn't believe it. They all knew about Lizzie and Gordo, but none of them could believe that he had actually sang for her. He was not the singing type, although he had the voice for it. Lizzie couldn't get over it either. She and Gordo still had their eyes locked on each other as the rest of the audience freaked out. Just as the enthusiasm was dying down, Gordo walked to the end of the stage and jumped off landing right next to Lizzie. He grabbed her face and kissed her with everything he had. Their classmates erupted in applause once again. They all knew that if any couple in their class survived it would be them. Everyone had fallen in love with Lizzie and Gordo's love affair. The rest of the evening went as planned, the band played, the people danced, everyone had a good time.

It was 12:15, the last of the students were slowly leaving, the band was onstage packing up, when a man walked up. They had seen this man before, he could usually be found standing in the back at most of their gigs. He walked up to the stage clearly wanting to speak to the band. Gordo jumped down off the stage again to speak to the man.

G: Hi, I'm David Gordon and I unofficially represent this band. Can I help you with something.

Man: Ahh, yes. My name is Joseph Farnsworth and I have been following your band for quite awhile now.

M: Yeah, I thought I recognized you. You always stand in the back and look disinterested.

Joseph: Yes. Well, I'm a representative from Crush Records and I would like to sign your band for a record deal.

There ya go! Please REVIEW! That is what keeps me going so if you wanna know what happens review. Suggestions are welcome. Thanks! Oh, and the song was Wherever You Will Go by the Calling.