40

Sonic

I tugged at the black sleeves of my graduation gown and adjusted the graduation cap on my head, unsure of the boy staring back at me in the mirror. He wasn't the same one I'd looked at when I started this new year. We may have resembled each other and shared some similar traits: the curly hair, the dark eyes, the bad temper, and the smart mouth. But, we were completely different.

The boy from January was angry all the time and sought for the first opportunity to unleash it; whether it be through physical relations with girls or fighting with the first person who pissed him off. That boy was punching his way through life without an idea of where his path was taking him.

This boy was calm and hopeful. He was in love with a beautiful girl, and he had aspirations towards a career and a future family. He wasn't giving up fighting, but he wasn't utilizing it anymore. He promised himself it'd be a hobby rather than a habit; it'd only be used in the octagon – or when someone hopped on his last nerve. This boy, although still just

as hot-headed as the first, was a person I thought I'd rather be. Someone I thought I could be proud of being.

A soft knock on the door broke my thoughts. From the mirror, I saw my mother waltz through the door. She was wearing a simple black sundress that fell to her ankles and black wedges. At the sight of me, her brows creased together and tears threatened to fill her dark eyes. "Oh, mi hijo," she whispered, bringing her hands to her lips.

"Mama," I sighed. "Please don't cry yet. We haven't even gotten to the school yet."

"I know, but mirate," she said as she walked closer to me. She grabbed my hand and turned my body to face her. "You're graduating." A sad smile spread across her face. "I feared I'd never see this day."

I frowned as her eyes fell to my torso, acknowledging the scars from the bullet holes through my clothes. "I'm sorry…for making you worry."

She shook her head. "No, no, you don't need to apologize, mi hijo."

"I do," I insisted. "You have been nothing short of a phenomenal mother, and I'm truly sorry that my actions reflected anything less of that. But, I'm going to make you proud now, mama."

"You've always made me proud, Sonic. Despite that hot head of yours, you've always persevered through your storms." She squeezed my hands. "I'm just sorry that you had to go through most of them alone. I'm sorry for not hearing you when you were blatantly calling for help. But, I'm more in tune now, mi hijo, and I hope you'll talk to me when you're feeling upset."

"I will, mama. I promise."

She smiled at me, pressing her palm against my cheek. "Te amo, Sonic."

I pulled her into a tight hug, my chin resting on her head. "I love you too, mama."

"Aww," Sonia cooed from the doorway. She and Manic were standing there, watching us. Sonia was clad in a simple crop top and skater skirt with sandals while Manic was wearing

a white long sleeved tee with his sleeves rolled up and a pair of jeans. "Isn't that adorable?"

Mama smiled. "Ven aquí," she said to my siblings.

Manic and Sonia obeyed our mother's command. We huddled around her as she wrapped all three of us in her slender arms. "Oh mis niños. Los amo tanto chicos."

"We love you too, mama," Manic said. As we broke out of our group embrace, he handed her the camera she'd been looking for earlier.

"Ah," Mama exclaimed. "Now I can take pictures!"

A scowl twisted on my lips as I glared at my brother. "I hid it on purpose!"

Manic grinned. "I know. Why'd you think I was the one who volunteered to look for it?"

Before I could swing on his annoying ass, my mother grabbed my wrist and dragged

me downstairs.

My siblings followed us, snickering at the annoyed curl of my lips.

I reluctantly smiled for the pictures my mother took.

Sonia and Manic stood behind her and teased me.

"Give us the Blue Steel!" Sonia shouted.

"Cross your arms and smolder in the camera!" Manic exclaimed.

"You've gotta purse your lips, hermano! Like the models!"

"Strike a pose! Look alive!"

The moment Mama turned away to answer the front door, I charged at my siblings, intending to body slam both of them for being annoying. Sonia hopped out of the way, leaving Manic directly in my line of attack. I tackled him to the ground and tried to pin his arms down under my knees so I could slap him. Manic wriggled beneath me, grabbing my wrists and trying to keep my open palms away from his face.

He rolled us over, trying to pin my arms down against my chest with one hand.

I didn't let him get the opportunity to do so, using my legs to flip us back over. I could hear Sonia laughing as we continued rolling around the floor.

"Niños," Mama exclaimed when she re-entered the room. Benny, Marc and Amy followed behind her. "Stop! You're going to get Sonic's gown all dirty!"

Manic kicked me off of him. "He started it," he said.

I flipped him off.

Manic narrowed his eyes. "Wait until graduation is over, you little shit."

I rose to my feet. "You aren't gonna do shit."

"You wanna bet?"

Sonia raised her hand. "I do! Ten bucks Manic beats your ass!"

I glared at her. "Shut up before you get fucked up too."

Sonia rolled her eyes. "Whatever. Just be ready to give me my ten bucks later."

Mama shook her head, muttering in Spanish under her breath.

Benny approached me, slapping my hand and pulling me into a hug. "Congratulations, Sonic," he said. "I'm really proud of you."

I smiled. "Thanks, Benny."

Amy slowly came to my side as our parents immersed themselves in conversation. . She was dressed in a purple sundress that hugged her torso and flared out into a soft skirt. Her di- colored curls were pulled in a half down, half up style with her edges tacked down around her forehead. She looked up at me with a small smile.

My arm slithered around her waist, pulling her close against me. I dipped my lips to her ear. "Don't act shy now, mamas," I whispered. "You weren't acting shy last night."

She punched my arm. "Shut up," she said. She turned her face, catching my lips in a soft kiss. "Congrats on your big day." She held up a card in a blue envelope. "My fathers and I got this for you."

"Thanks." I accepted the card from her hands and gently tossed it on the coffee table. I'd put it in my room later.

"Look at the time," Mama said. "We should probably get going. Sonic, are you going to drive or…?"

"Yes!" I exclaimed. I grabbed Amy's hand and tugged her towards the front door. "¡Adiós!"

"Wait!" Sonia exclaimed. Throwing her purse over her shoulders, she hurried after us. "I'm riding with you guys!"

I scowled at her over my shoulder. "Why can't you ride with mama and Manic?"

"And let you make out with my best friend for a good half hour? Yeah right."

The three of us piled into my car. I shrugged off my graduation cap and gown before starting the car. June had delivered clear blue skies and high temperatures to the city. It was too damn hot to be sitting with those extra clothes on - especially since I was already wearing a button up.

The cool breeze from the open windows whipped through my short hair as we cruised down the road towards the high school. My sister sat quietly in the back seat, her manicured fingers moving rapidly across the screen. I didn't doubt she was texting Noah. They've been damn near inseparable over the past few weeks. She hasn't confirmed if they were officially a couple or not, but I wouldn't be surprised if they were. I was just grateful she'd found herself a good guy after the shit that Shadow put her through. As annoying as she may be, she had a kind heart, and she deserved someone who'd take care of it.

I glanced at Amy sitting in my passenger seat. She held one of my hands in her lap as she watched the neighborhood storefronts and local pedestrians pass by. Sunlight poured over her glowing brown skin, highlighting the golden undertones of her complexion. Stray curls whirled around her face from the wind.

She turned her eyes towards me, her light green eyes sparkling like gems beneath the yellow sun rays. A smile graced her glossed lips, illuminating her sweet face.

I nearly ran a red light from staring at her.

She giggled at my near-error, giving my hand a soft squeeze.

When we finally arrived at the school, I left the girls to join Silver inside of the gym. He was standing near the edge of the milling crowds of our graduating class, scrolling idly through his phone. He glanced up at my approaching figure and smiled at me.

I slapped his extended hand, returning his smile. "Can you believe we'll finally be free of this place in a few hours?" I asked.

"Nah. It feels so surreal. It feels like our first day was just yesterday - back when you slammed that one dude through a desk during the third period." He chuckled. "I bet his back still hurts from that shit."

I laughed. "Yeah, it really doesn't seem like that happened over four years ago."

"Before we know it, we'll have careers and wives and babies."

I raised an eyebrow. "Who said I'm having babies?"

He met my gaze with a raised brow of his own. "Now you and I both know that when you and Amy walk down the aisle, at least two bad ass kids are coming right after."

"Hey, hey, who says they're gonna be bad?"

"Because they'll have half of your crazy ass genes."

I rolled my eyes. "And they'll be right at your house on the weekends playing with their godfather."

He scoffed. "Shit, you better pass them onto Manic. He's the expert in watching bad ass kids."

"Now you know Manic would have them back on my doorstep after an hour."

"And you know I'd have them back after twenty-minutes. You and Amy better savor that hour."

We continued talking and cracking jokes for the next few minutes until Principal Miller started yelling for all of the graduates to start lining up.

Silver and I searched for our place in our designated line, standing between one of the football players and the debate club president.

We all followed the principal and guidance counselors' commands, leading us out of the gym and onto our school's large football field. A metal stage had been set up on the turf with an array of chairs lined up in front of it. Speakers on either side of the stage blasted the formal graduation instrumental. From the bleachers, family members cheered and applauded.

Silver and I poked fun at some of the teachers sitting on stage while the speeches took place. From the shimmering bald spot of our math teacher to the sliding wig of our English teacher, we came at each one of our teachers' necks. We had to constantly stifle our laughter, trying not to get in trouble during the last time we'd ever be on this cursed property.

Walking across the stage to receive my diploma was absolutely surreal. I could hear the cheers of my family and friends from the bleachers - and Silver 's loud ass mouth whooping from the steps of the stage behind me. Principal Miller squeezed my hand tightly as she shook it, probably thanking God I was finally out of her hair. Mr. Connors watched me with a proud smile from his spot alongside the other guidance counselors, his eyes moist with joyful tears. A genuine smile spread across my lips from the pride exuding from my loved ones. After all these years, I'd finally done some good.

After the boring ceremony ended, Silver and I reluctantly separated. We both had to find our families within the packed crowds of the field. But, it wasn't a firm goodbye for us. We'd see each other tomorrow for our plans to go to Six Flags Great America in celebration of earning our diplomas.

It took me a few minutes to find my family among all of the people. They were still standing near the bleachers, conversing with one another. I noticed Tails 's shorter head beside Amy and my sister. His mother was chatting with mine, both of them laughing softly.

Tails caught sight of me first, yelling my name as he jogged up to me.

I smiled as his skinny arms wrapped around my torso. "Hey, Tails ! I'm glad you came," I said.

"Your mom invited us to the graduation dinner she's having for you. Is it okay if we come?"

"Of course - what kind of question is that?" I ruffled his hair. "Do you wanna ride back with me?"

"Duh - what kind of question is that?" He mocked me. Chuckling, he dodged my attempt to put his little ass in a headlock. "Let me go ask my mom."

I took a step to follow him towards our families, but my attention was taken by the sound of Mr. Connors' voice calling my name. I looked over my shoulder to see him walking towards me, a glossy red gift bag in his hands. Smiling, I met him halfway. "I did it," I said, waving the little blue book that would soon hold my diploma.

He nodded. "Yes, you did. I'm very proud of you."

"Thanks." I paused, thinking over my next words. "I need to thank you…for everything you've done for me all these years. I know I've been a huge pain in the ass, but you've never given up on me. You've always pushed me to be better, and you saw my potential when no one else did. Without you, I wouldn't have made it this far. I just want you to know that I'm very grateful for your support and guidance over these past four years. So…yeah, thank you." As much as I hate to admit it, your encouragement is a part of the reason I've made it this far. Without you, I probably would be going down a different path right now. I just wanted you to know how thankful, and grateful, I am for your support and your guidance. I really appreciate all you've done for me. You didn't have to stick with me the way you did, but I'm really glad you did. So, thank you."

He blinked, surprised by my kind words. He smiled as his eyes threatened to become moist again. ""You're welcome, Sonic. I'll always be here whenever you need me." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a piece of paper. "Here's my number; don't hesitate to use it. If I don't hear from you, I will pop up and check on you."

I chuckled. "Alright, Mr. C. I'll plug it in right now."

He watched me type his number into my phone and save it under a new contact.

I quickly sent him a text so he could have my number as well. When I looked up, he was holding up the red bag to me.

"I brought you something," he explained when I raised an eyebrow.

"You didn't need to get me anything, Mr. C."

"I wanted to. Go on and look inside."

I dug my hand into the gift bag and retrieved a velvet black box. Inside the box lay a gold chain with a thick cross-shaped pendant engraved with an intricate design of swirls and tiny diamonds encrusted between them.

"I remember you used to wear a Silver cross all the time during freshman year," Mr. Connors explained. "You probably don't remember, but in one of your rants, you told me that your father had gotten it for you. Not too long after that, you stopped wearing it, and I…I don't know. I thought you'd like a new one."

"This is…this is great." I stepped towards him, hesitantly wrapping my arms around him in a tight hug. "Thank you."

His burly arms came over my shoulders as his large hand patted my back. "You're welcome, Sonic."

"So, I guess I'll see you around then," I said as I pulled out the hug.

Mr. Connors nodded. "I'll see you around."

I spared him one last smile before walking over to my girlfriend, sister, and mentee. I noticed Tails had rotated his heart shaped eyes towards my sister, and I popped in the back of the head for it.

We all climbed back into my car and enjoyed the short ride home.

When we entered my house, the aroma of spicy meats and sweet pastries wafted through our noses. Our parents' chatter echoed from the kitchen.

I briefly departed the group as they headed into the kitchen to run upstairs to my room. I stripped out of my formal button down and slacks into a tee shirt and basketball shorts. I fastened the chain Mr. Connors gifted me around my neck, layering it with the chain Amy gave me for my birthday.

I followed the voices of my family and friends to the kitchen when I came back downstairs. All of them were huddled around the small kitchen table with plates of food. Trays and containers of empanadas, fried chicken, rice, tamales, mac and cheese, and the like were lined up on the counters and stove. My graduation cake, decorated with black and blue frosting, sat aside on the counter by itself.

I made myself a plate and sat between Amy and Tails . I was content with the mundane conversation while I scarfed down two plates of food and a slice of cake. But, quickly after that, I became bored of the small talk.

I nudged Tails in the ribs as I stood up. "You wanna cause some mayhem with me?" I asked with a mischievous smirk.

A smile spread across my mentees lips. "Absolutely."

He followed me upstairs to my room. His eyes wandered over the posters graffiti art plastered around my wall while he waited for me to sift through my drawers.

I quickly found my loot of water guns and boxes of water balloons. I always kept a few on hand for the summer in case I wanted to get on my siblings - or Amy's - last nerve.

Tails peeked over my shoulder at the stash and grinned. He helped me carry some of the water guns downstairs and out to our small backyard.

We huddled near the hose, filling the our weapons with ice cold water.

Benny, who was standing near the kitchen window, heard our chuckles and whispers. He poked his head out the window and looked to us with a raised brow. "What are you two doing?" He asked.

"Nothing," Tails and I said in unison.

Benny shook his head. "Just keep all that mess outside. Aleena will kill you if you make a mess in this house."

"Will do," I promised.

We spent a good twenty five minutes filling up our guns and creating a few hefty stacks of water balloons. We snuck around the backyard, hiding some of the guns and balloons in easily accessible places. Once we were finished, we headed to the back door of the house with our weapons hidden behind our backs.

"Hey guys," I yelled at my siblings and girlfriend who were still sitting at the kitchen table. "What are you still doing inside? The weather's great out here!"

Sonia raised an eyebrow. "You're smiling," she commented. "This can't be good."

I waved his hand. "Come on outside. Catch some rays with us."

Manic got up from his seat. "To some miracle, Sonic is actually right. It is a beautiful day today."

My grin grew. "See! Manic is down! Now you girls have to come too!"

Sonia and Amy exchanged a raised brow, clearly suspicious that I was up to no good. Sighing, they rose from their seats.

Tails and I took a few steps back as they joined us on the grass.

As soon as they were more than a few steps away from the house, I aimed my water gun at my brother. "Fire!" I exclaimed, pulling the trigger and drenching Manic in the ice cold water.

His arms instinctively rose, trying to shield himself from the cold blast. "You little shit!" He yelled.

The girls' screams followed as Tails sprayed them with his gun.

I laughed as Manic charged towards me. He snagged one of the free water guns from off the ground and sprayed my back.

Amy and Sonia joined in on the fun, grabbing their own guns and double-teaming Tails .

We all chased each other around, squirting anyone in sight. When our water guns ran out of fluids, we turned to the balloons. The colorful jugs of water flew in almost every direction around the yard as we threw them around at each other. Our laughter and yells of surprise echoed through the summer air.

By the time we ran out of water balloons, we were all completely soaked. Our clothes stuck to our bodies, water dripping off the fabric as if we'd taken a dive in the ocean. We all lay out on the grass on our backs, absorbing the sun's warm rays as it burned our cheeks and dried our wet clothes.

Amy's hand curled around mine, and I looked over at her. She offered me a sweet smile, struggling to catch her breath as her chest unevenly rose and fell. The golden light illuminated the topaz orbs in her green eyes, glowing with glee.

Returning her smile, I came to the content realization that maybe…just maybe…we were going to be alright.

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