Great reviews for chapter 5, thank you! I want to especially mention luvluv (who I hope will continue with Ace of Hearts soon!), and GuevaraX5452, who give particularly enthusiastic and detailed reviews. I read everybody's, so please keep reviewing. DarcotycoonKatina - I'm about to read your update and promise to review!
Here is chapter 6 – graduation.
Chapter 6: It's the End of the World as We Know It
As the two o'clock start time for Thursday's graduation ceremony rolled around, Marco was anxiously practicing his valedictory speech for anyone who would listen.
"Marco, you're going to be great, hun, don't worry." Paige reassured, as she checked her new outfit in the mirror.
"Easy for you to say," you're not the one who has to make a speech in front of the whole school and everybody's parents."
As Marco peered out in his cap and gown from behind the curtain, he could see his parents sitting three rows back, right in the centre, beaming. He could imagine their chit chat with the parents beside them as they leafed through the program.
'That's our son, Marco Del Rossi, the valedictorian.'
'Oh yes. Very proud.'
Three rows behind his parents and off to the left he could see the Michalchuk parents and Dylan, also discussing the program. Marco took a deep breath, this was it.
"…So of course, while we all came to Degrassi for the fabulous teachers in English, media, chemistry, biology, shop, it was the spaces between classes, navigating the social world of Degrassi, where we really spent our time becoming who we are. This is a school where a student who was determined she could not be the first person to graduate highschool in her family, became the school vice president,.. where mental illness stopped being a taboo subject, and became a catalyzing force for creativity and friendship,… where there are role models for younger students struggling with issues around sexuality – an openly gay hockey player and a gay school president," Marco smiled up at Dylan, hoping his parents could handle his openness, this was his world after all, "In other words, in the unstructured spaces of Degrassi, we were encouraged to learn the power of self respect. And as we take our biology and English notes away to university or college with us next year, I am sure that it is the deeper lesson of figuring out who we are that has truly prepared us for what is to come. I will miss the world of this school, but I am ready to go…Good luck, graduates, and congratulations."
Marco beamed as the applause got louder and as bit by bit, the audience rose for a standing ovation. First, he saw the Michalchuks and Dylan stand, in their characteristically uninhibited way, followed shortly by his parents, who clapped their hands enthusiastically with tears in their eyes. His friends behind him were all cheering his name. He couldn't stop grinning.
As the ceremony ended, and the graduates made their way down to the field to find their waiting parents and friends, Marco felt a familiar hand on his shoulder.
"Marco, sweetheart, you were just amazing," Mrs. Michalchuk smiled proudly, hugging Marco. "We are so proud of you."
Mr. Michalchuk extended his hand, "The best valedictory speech I've heard."
"We're glad our son has such impressive taste in men," Mrs. Michachuk teased Marco, "we hear from Paige that Dylan's come to his senses and that we'll hopefully be seeing lots more of you this summer…"
Marco definitely knew where Paige got her unabashed but well-intentioned curiosity from. Marco had forgotten how much he loved the Michalchuks – their total support of his relationship with Dylan, that they were so relaxed about it, and that they really made an effort to get to know him. He gave her a big hug, "that may just be the case, Mrs. Michalchuk." He smiled, "Oh, I see my parents. I'll catch you later."
Marco's parents waved and ran towards him. "Oh Marco, we are so proud. Such a beautiful and honest speech," his mother had tears in her eyes, as she kissed her son's face.
"Marco, son, you make me very proud. You teach me a lesson today, and I am grateful," His father grabbed him into a warm hug, as Marco's eyes once again welled up.
"Oh Pa, Ma," He seemed not to have any words.
As they chatted on the lawn, he saw Dylan cautiously walking towards them. Marco motioned for him to hurry up and come over. Dylan moved into a quick jog, finally placing his arm around Marco's shoulder, and extending his hand to his parents.
"Mr. Del Rossi, Mrs. Del Rossi, great to see you," Dylan smiled warmly. Then he turned directly to Marco. "Marco, you were incredible," He drew him into his arms, as Marco warmly hugged him back. Forgetting where he was and caught up in the moment, Dylan held on to Marco, " I was so proud of you, you were so courageous and open," Dylan was overwhelmed as he leaned in and kissed Marco firmly on the mouth. They both took a step back, both of them surprised that they were standing in front of Marco's parents.
Then Marco and Dylan both laughed. "Dylan's a little emotional right now," Marco teased.
"Well that's understandable. We are too Marco," His mother smiled supportively.
"Ahh Ma, don't make start to cry again.." Marco looked lovingly at his mother who was so obviously trying to convey her support for his relationship.
Mr. Del Rossi hadn't said anything, but he hadn't run away either, and he seemed to be managing, as Paige and her parents approached them. "Marco, hunny, we're having a graduation barbecue on our patio. You'll join us, I hope," Mrs. Michalchuk extended.
"Yeah, that'd be great!" Marco enthused, "is it okay, ma, if I go to Paige and Dylan's?"
"It is your graduation, of course it's okay," his father answered with a smile.
Mrs. Michalchuk looked over, "it's nice to finally meet you, I'm Sally Michalchuk," she warmly extended her hand to Marco's parents, "and this is John."
"Sally, John, very nice to meet you," Mrs. Del Rossi replied enthusiastically, glad to finally be a part of her son's social life, "I am Maria, and this is my husband, Franco".
"Well, we're very pleased to meet you. We just adore Marco and it's always nice to meet the parents who are responsible for such a fine young man."
Mr. Del Rossi couldn't resist smiling at the profuse compliment of his son, "Marco is a great boy, and a great son."
Marco and Dylan smiled approvingly and somewhat disbelievingly at each other.
"All right kids, let's get going. The steaks are waiting to be charred," Mr. Michalchuk exclaimed.
Paige, Dylan, and Marco followed their parents to the car. Dylan grabbed Marco's hand as they walked across the field. Marco squeezed his hand tightly, intertwining their fingers. For the first time he could remember, there was no one in the world that was going to make him want to hide from who he was.
