Okay, I'm just going to finish this. Just got to type the Epilogue after this and I'm through! W00T!

Chapter 15:

Riley's Declaration of Independence

"Alexis!" Chloe shouted. "Alexis wake up! We've got a huge problem!"

Alexis moaned and rolled over . "What, Chloe?"

Chloe was on the graduation committee for their class. "It's our speaker! He's sick! We don't a replacement!"

Alexis yawned.

"And the ceremony is tomorrow! This is horrible!"

"Hey, Chloe, chill." Alexis said. "I'll call Ben and ask if he'll fill in."

Chloe looked gratefully at Alexis. "I don't know what I'd do without you, girlfriend!"

"Of course I'll speak. It will be my pleasure."

"Oh, thanks, Ben!" Alexis said with relief. "You're a lifesaver!"

"Chloe, good news!" Alexis shouted as she hung up the phone. "Ben agreed to speak!"

Chloe breathed a sigh of relief. "Great! For a moment there I was afraid we'd be the first class in the history of GWU to not have a speaker at graduation!"

"I think you're over-exaggerating. I'm sure we're not the first." Alexis said.

The crowd watched as speeches were given by the chairman and president of the college. Then, they began handing out the college diplomas. The audience politely clapped as students with names like Sarah Bosley and Chris Carmendoza received their diplomas. Then, others like Cindy Hodges and Matthew Jareod were called.

The stage announcer then called "Chloe Leland."

"Just a few more." Alexis thought. She was a little disappointed that her parents couldn't attend, but they had been tied up in Texas. She saw Riley, Abigail, and Ben sitting on the front row. Riley waved at her and she smiled and waved back.

Then she heard, "Alexis Lowell, earning a degree in American History." Alexis rose and walked to the woman at the podium and accepted her diploma. She smiled when she heard a wolf-call that could only have come from Riley. The rest of the crowd cheered as well. Now that her name had been linked with Benjamin Gates, Riley Poole, and Abigail Chase, she had become an instant celebrity.

Ben rose as the last graduate walked back to his seat. He took the podium after the crowd applauded the recipients. They quieted down when Ben began to speak.

"The class of 2005. What a great year."

The students cheered.

"Wow. You know, I have had the pleasure of meeting some of the students from this class. And I know that you all are just as amazing as they are. Intelligent, kind, willing, and driven. That's what today's graduates really need. You're about to embark on the journey that will be the rest of your life. And you will find that those traits will be what will help you through it. Remember to be yourselves, it's the best thing you, or anyone con do for this world. And, as I personally know, never give up on your dreams, no matter how far-fetched they are."

Several people laughed.

"As you start life, maybe start a family, or any other path you choose, remember that hope should always be in abundance. If there is no hope in your life, you will see the world as hopeless when it really isn't. Keep up your hope, and nothing can bring you down. Thank you."

Everyone clapped. He waved his hand for silence. "And now, I'd like to invite a good friend of mine, Dr. Abigail Chase to say a few words to the ladies."

Alexis knew something was up. Abigail looked completely surprised. Ben hadn't planed this. Abigail reluctantly left her seat and ascended the stage to the podium.

"Wow, this wasn't planed." She said. This got several laughs. "I don't know exactly what to say except you all live in a wonderful time where women can be whatever they want. Take advantage of that and never give up."

The audience clapped again.

"I have one more thing." Ben said as Abigail watched him. They were standing next to each other at the podium. He turned to her. "Abigail Anne Chase, with all of these people as witnesses, I would like to ask you, the love of my life, a simple question." He pulled a small box from his suit pocket and opened it. "Will you marry me?"

Abigail was stunned. She blushed and answered yes happily. This time, the audience cheered louder than it had all day.

Ben kissed her as he slipped the ring on her finger. Then he turned to the students. "You see, guys? That's how it's done!"

The woman who had handed out the diplomas looked at the students. "I now present to you George Washington University's class of 2005!"

As she announced this, Alexis and her classmates excitedly threw their caps in the air amid a roar of applause.

The four friends walked back to Ben's car. Alexis would be driving herself home, but since Riley couldn't drive, he would be going with Ben and Abigail.

"So, are you still planning on working at the Archives?" Abigail asked Alexis.

"For now." Alexis answered playfully.

"As long as Riley's there?" Ben asked pryingly.

"Hey, speaking of that, when do you start?" Alexis asked Riley.

"As soon as I can." He answered.

"This is really weird." Ben remarked. "You've come a long way from the college graduate I rescued from a windowless cubicle! Pretty soon, you won't need me any more!"

Riley rolled his eyes. "Ben, you're sounding like my dad again. But you're right, I'm on my own."

"You're independent." Alexis said.

"Riley's Declaration of Independence, dated June second, 2005." Ben said teasingly.

They all laughed, but in a way, they knew he was right.

"Speaking of the Declaration, I believe you said I would get to make the call on the finder's fee on the next treasure we found." Riley reminded Ben.

"We'll see." Ben said. "But if your medical bills are over one hundred thousand, you can forget it."