Graduation (Part One)
June 9, 2006
Friday night
They wanted him to go out of a show of goodwill and support. They both asked this of
him from their separate living quarters as a "young man" who just graduated high school
the night before. Why is it that he was expected to attend this ceremony fresh faced and
in his "Sunday best" when he didn't recall his brother in the audience during his
ceremony? Which makes him wonder if the units asked such things of him? Josh
couldn't go to Drake's graduation even if he wanted to he had suitcases to pack. He
had a new life to lead that wasn't in San Diego, California. He was still quite angry and
depressed with himself that he wasn't in the top ten of graduation students at Garfield
High. Mindy was the salutatorian. Her parents were probably livid over that because
second place was never good enough for their daughter.
Josh felt bad that he couldn't recall a single word of her speech. Some clichéd
gobbedly-gook about 'finding your dreams'. She wasn't going out with the basketball
player Seth anymore. Josh felt that Mindy quite enjoyed spitting him out like a diva-lite
when she got tired of going out with him kind of like how Drake was in his pre-Torey
days.
School was over and he never had to see her again. He didn't know where she was
going to college and he didn't care. Just like he didn't have any true concern about his
future education to the dismay of his parents. Audrey and Walter Nichols. Josh gave his
birth mother Josie "points" for not pressuring him on the college issue. She leaned more
towards "the get a job" philosophy rather than "the college prepares you for a rewarding
career" one. Josh was grateful for that. He closed the door to his room and pretended
that no one else was home besides they'd all be going to Belleview to see a "miracle"
take place tonight. Like always who really cared about him? He felt Josie Nichols was
the only one who actually was trying.
"I can't believe it!" Megan doubled over with laughter in the living room when she saw
Drake in the Belleview High dark brick red cap and gown.
"Just shut up and take the picture."
"What was your class ranking?"
"I'm not telling you." Which meant nothing to Megan because she could easily find out
with one swift internet session on the school's administration website.
Drake knew he wasn't the last. He was somewhere in the bottom of the middle category
which at least in the academic world was where he wanted to be. He was quite proud of
Torey for making it in the top ten. She was number seven. Because her mother couldn't
attend her only daughter's graduation due to her work schedule upon Audrey's instance
she asked Walter to pick her up because she knew Drake would never get ready if he
stopped at her house beforehand. Then they were all going to go together. Drake
wondered what was holding his parents back? If they didn't want to get back together
then for the love of God someone should start the legal proceedings and get this whole
marriage over with. This was like watching a horse die a slow and painful death.
"That bad, huh?"
The door opened and Megan clicked a picture of Drake smiling when Torey came
through the door dressed in the golden yellow cap and gown. Hers was decorated with
a sash, awards day medal, and honor society cord on her arm.
"Hey." Drake kissed her on the lips. Drake noticed that Torey was wearing her
engagement ring.
"Congratulations, son," Walter hugged Drake and handed him a money envelope. "I bet
no one is more happy that their school days are over."
"Thanks, Dad."
Josh couldn't help being curious as to the goings-on and came downstairs and hid in a
corner by a large faux palm that Audrey purchased at Pier One Imports.
"Okay you two lovebirds, stand over there by the fireplace and I'll take your picture."
Megan always liked Torey and was happy that her brother (at least the one that counted)
found a real love.
"Let's tell everyone." Drake whispered in Torey's ear when he saw his mother finally
emerge finishing putting on her silver dangle earrings from Daddy Spidey making sure
to only say a quick 'hello' to Walter, but not actually converse with the man.
"Are you sure?" she whispered back
"Yeah. Let's do it."
"Okay, gang, let's get ready. Is J—"
"He's not, Walter." There was no need to ruin Drake's night with the news.
"Before we go," Drake held Torey's hand, his body suddenly nervous just like when he
would go on stage at a new venue and have to perform infront of a strange audience.
"Torey and I have an announcement to make."
Megan had her digital camera ready, how could this not be good?
"What is it? Can it wait, son? You guys have to be at the auditorium before six thirty."
"No, it can't wait, Mom," Drake looked at his fiancee and smiled, "Torey and I are
engaged."
Author's Note: To be continued…