Alright guys this is it the final chapter! Thanks for hanging in there with me through all of it! Even when it got super dark I thank you all!
Jackson groaned at his reflection in the mirror as he got ready for his last day of senior year. He couldn't get over how much he liked and hated the outfit he had on. He didn't know if he wanted to scream at Holt or thank him or call Clair and complain. His normal bright yellow button ups and sweater vests were hidden somewhere by his alter ego and he knew Clair had a hand in the outfit choices since it still had some of Jackson's nerdy and bright yellow in them. A white short sleeved button up with a black vest on top with black jeans and a yellow belt he even had a bright yellow watch on his left wrist. Jackson shook his head debating on taking the belt off, but he kept it on adding a little of his favorite color to the outfit. He left the top few buttons undone since Holt took great care in hiding his bow ties as well…he spent thirty minutes looking for them not finding a single one. He looked at the vanity seeing a note with a necklace on it. It was the white part of a yin yang; he smiled a little at it before putting it on. He read the note…it was Holt's slanted hand writing on it.
A gift for being Valedictorian from Clair.
Jackson chuckled at the note before putting it in his pocket. It was nice that she thought about him and he knew Holt cared even if he never said it. He looked at the half of the yin yang sitting where everyone can see it around his neck. I guess he could live with this style for today. Even if he felt a little ashamed he didn't get Holt anything for making it to graduation, it was truly a big moment for him. He remembered Holt being a little scared about the first day of school and again for senior year. As much as Holt played off his feelings Jackson always knew…He would leave a video asking him to explain a few of the home work questions for him, and Jackson would leave one back with a small smile trying his best to help him. Life did get better…even Holt was surprised on how their life was turning around. After Dylan's trial for murdering his grandfather ended and soon became a distance memory for everyone and the attack that could have happened at Monster High didn't seem to matter anymore. The monster maul was rebuilt with the normal mall attached. Yeah…life has strange ways of working out for the better. Holt had his gigs at parties making a few bucks along the way as Jackson tutored a few people after school or before. They even still did Scream with a few monsters and normies. Holt became the Scream captain after Clawd left making his team one of the best in ten years. Clawd was a little jealous Holt was able to do that, but he congratulated him either way. Giving his reflection one more smile ignoring the fact the scars showed on his arms as he heard his uncle calling for him as Jackson grabbed his bag before heading down stairs. He didn't care about them anymore, they were proof that his life was hard, but he overcame it. Walking into the kitchen he saw Heath eating and his aunt getting his plate ready for Jackson, Heath took one look at Jackson before snickering, "Aw man! Holt really did do it!"
Jackson glared at him smacking the back of his head, "That is for not telling me." He stated as Heath threw a piece of egg at Jackson as his mother smacked him with a wooden spoon.
"Do that again and you will be cleaning the whole kitchen when you get home!" She threatened as Heath sunk in his seat.
Jackson was laughing when she pointed the spoon at him making him silence himself, "I wouldn't laugh if I were you because if you antagonize him one more time you will be helping."
Jackson looked at his plate eating as she went back to cleaning up the dishes. After breakfast Jackson and Heath got into the car for Jackson's last drive to school. Heath still had another year…and Deuce, Clawd, Gill, and Cleo graduated last year. It has been strange not having them around, but it was an easy adjustment. Even with the normies now permanently going to Monster High…or more like New Salem Monster High it was still an amazing thing to see everyone getting along. Only a few hiccups when they first came together…but nothing Head Mistress Bloodgood couldn't handle with the normie Head Master standing behind her the whole way. Even most of the monster and normie parents were more than happy letting their children go to school together saying that it will make the world a little better. Of course Holt made school a lot more interesting for the normies as he and the ghouls threw a large party on Halloween welcoming them fully. Holt was somehow able to get Casta Fierce to sing at the party and he became an insta-star by playing one of his original songs. So every year Jackson had to avoid the new normie students, who would play music just to be able to meet Holt, it didn't help that the older students told them how to meet him. He got used to it making it easier for them by saying Holt will be out at lunch for the first day, but after that he will be out randomly throughout the day. He told them all very sternly saying that they can talk to them him then. After that he didn't have much of a problem with them. Jackson looked at the school as he pulled in as if he was trying to memorize it…the last day….then Graduation! Jackson paled as he thought about the speech he had to give. It wasn't going to be easy when the stage has never been his place…now Holt…he would do perfectly. But Jackson had to suck it up and do it…he has been practicing and so far he only got sick twice and passed out three…Yeah maybe it wasn't so nice being Valedictorian. Heath got out of the car as Jackson just looked at the school. Heath opened his door trying to get his attention before slapping him on the head.
"Earth to nerd! We need to go!" He said as Jackson rubbed his head glaring at Heath.
"I really hate you sometimes." Jackson mumbled out as Heath pulled him out of the car and placed his arm around his shoulders.
"But you deep, deep down love me!" He teased as Jackson made a noise.
"Yeah really deep down….because right now I love you like a hole in the head."
Heath made a mock offended face, "Aw Cuz you hurt me!"
Walking into the building Jackson saw their small group of friends sitting in their normal spot in the lunch room. Frankie and Jackson have long gotten over their break up and Holt was finally being nice to her even if he was still wounded by it. Neightan was finally accepted by their friends as well and was sitting with them laughing after a few awkward moments with Holt a year ago. Clawdeen was talking about her scholarship Holt helped her get when he wrote a song for her fashion show. She was leaving a day after graduation to go study in Scairs. Frankie was putting her last touches on her speech since she was the inspirational speaker for their graduation. Lagoona was helping Frankie out telling her she would do great as long as she said what she truly believed. It made Jackson feel better to see someone else nervous about their speech they had to give. Ghoulia was sitting with them a little disappointed that Jackson beat her to Valedictorian, but she smiled at him either way. They have been fighting back and forth for the past few years. They helped each other, sometimes Holt would skip Jackson's classes just because he was doing other things and forget, but she would give him the notes she took for the day and he would help her when she didn't fully understand something. It didn't happen very often, but every little bit of help counts.
Jackson moved over to the table with Heath rushing ahead as he saw his ghoulfriend smiling at him as she joined the table. He slides over to her putting his arm around her as he smiled his normal grin.
"Hey baby what's up?" He asked flaming up a bit.
Abbey took his hand off her shoulder, "I do not understand this 'what's up'…" She looked at the ceiling, "there is the ceiling…and lights."
Heath rubbed his face, "We went over this before." He tried to explain to her as she rolled her eyes.
"I still do not care, why can't we just say hello, how are you and be done." She said as the table laughed a little at Heath's predicament.
Jackson sat down next to Ghoulia shaking his head at Heath, who groaned out a hello. "So how is your speech coming?" Frankie asked looking over her paper before giving Jackson a pleading look.
"It is coming along fine…I am just worried about the giving part." He said looking at his hands.
"Oh come on Jackson it is like talking." Clawdeen said rolling her eyes.
"Yeah with hundreds of people watching you." He mumbled out.
"It is just like Scream though." Frankie said as Jackson just shook his head.
"I can't see them." He stated as Frankie giggled.
"That doesn't mean anything." She tried to reason with him as he sighed.
"Yeah…I guess you're right." He looked at Ghoulia who was nodding at him in encouragement.
"So have you been able to find the college you want to go to?" He asked her trying to move away from the speeches.
She moaned out with a smile showing Jackson the barouche. He took it and looked it over; it was a university of science, his face brightened at looking at it. "This is where I am going!" He told her as she smiled wider.
She moaned again making Jackson laugh a little, "You might be able to if someone else doesn't beat us."
"So if you are going to college what is Holt going to do?" Neightan asked blushing a little as Jackson shrugged not noticing his new found friend's embarrassment for questioning him on his alter ego's life.
"He didn't want to college, plus it will be super hard for us to go to two different colleges at the same time." He rolled his eyes rubbing his temple in thought of if Holt did go to college, "Anyway I might be nursing off my fair share of headaches just at a college of science with him, because we all know he will find a party somehow and I would be scared to know what he could get into with a normal party college."
They agreed laughing at the thought of Holt giving Jackson a few problems in college. "So what if they kick Holt out?" Heath asked as Jackson gave him a nervous look.
"He will have to switch me out so we can explain…but if he gets me kicked out…oh I don't know what I would do." Jackson said a little angrily as Holt laughed a little in his head.
'Eh…gettin' yah kicked out ain't really my style.'
Jackson closed his eyes for a moment, 'now isn't the time Holt.' He said in his mind as Holt disappeared getting the hint, but Jackson didn't get to live that moment of peace long. As soon as he opened his eyes he heard Clair's voice yell out to someone as music filled the air.
"All Right! 'bout time someone freed me today!" He shouted out as a few normie girls giggled holding the radio they used to get Holt out. Holt moved over to them kissing one of the hand making her blush deeply.
"Why thank you fine little lady," He told her as she giggled. He looked up again seeing Clair shaking her head at Holt's behavior.
"Hey sweet heart." He said pulling her over to the table. They both sat down as Clair glared at the other normies girls making them back away in a rush. Holt chuckled, "I am not even datin' yah and you scare off girls for me."
Clair blushed a little, "Shut up…I just don't like them drooling over you…I mean you are still a normal person."
"Just with awesome good looks and a hell a lot of talent!" He said smiling his normal grin at her as she rolled her eyes.
"Before this conversation ends awkwardly I have something for you." She said pulling out a small box handing it to Holt. He looked at confused, "What is this for?"
"It is for making it to graduation," she said smiling at him as he looked at the box and hugged her.
"Thank you." He said to her hugging her tightly.
Clair patted him on the back as he let go of her, "It was nothing…just a small something."
The others at the table pretended not to notice Holt's little moment with Clair as he opened the box relieving the black side of the yin yang. Holt looked at it smiling a little, "That is where the other half was…I was curious about it."
"I thought it matched your tattoo." She said as Holt just looked at the necklace with a small grin on his face.
"You don't like it?" She asked with true hurt in her voice.
Holt looked at her kissing her on the forehead, "I love it sweet heart, thank you." He placed it on letting it rest right above his black and white under shirt. Holding onto it just a few seconds longer before letting is go taking a deep breath jumping a little as a southern accented voice drew his attention from his mind.
"Hey sweet pea, you excited about tonight?" Operetta asked as Holt turned around grinning up at her.
"Now why would I be excited 'bout somethin' borin' like graduation? When there is a rockin' party afterwards that you and I will be hostin'."
Operetta rolled her eyes handing a piece of paper to Holt, "There is my number, call me and we can work out the rest of them details." She blew a kiss at Holt before taking her leave. Holt smiled watching her walk away.
"Ahh…man I will miss seein' her every day."
Clair smiled at little sadly at Holt who missed it as he looked over the paper. "Jackie will have to pick some things up for me." He showed the paper to Clair who he knew would want to see it.
"You can get these…I mean you finally got your licensee and Jackson kind of trusts you with his car." She said looking at him with one eyebrow raised as Holt gave her a little ashamed look.
"Holt…" She said in a warning tone making Holt chuckle a bit. "You remember when I told you I didn't get caught stealin'?"
She raised her other eyebrow folding her arms across her chest, "Yeah I remember why?"
"Well I kinda did…and now I can't go back to that store." He said as Heath was laughing as Abbey glared at him as Clair smacked Holt.
"Damnit Holt you had one job and that was not to get into trouble!" She scolded as Heath really started laughing.
"Awe cuz you are in trouble now."
Abbey glared at Heath, "You knew? Or did you help?" She asked as Heath sunk a little.
"I didn't do anything." He mumbled out as Clair gave Heath a dark look and Holt himself started laughing, "Come on fire…you were there! You are just a horrible look out."
Heath's face turned red as Abbey folded her arms glaring at Heath. "You have no idea what could have happened. Listening to Holt is not good idea."
Holt made a face as Abbey continued to scold Heath, "I am not that bad of an influence." He said as Clair went to go say something to scold him, but the bell rung making Holt grab his headphones, "Well that is my queue to leave….so bye Clair." She went to stop him but it was too late and Jackson was smiling at her.
She made a face but then smiled back at Jackson kissing him on the cheek. He blushed at the sudden kiss, "Hey Clair."
"Hey I see you got my gift," She said as Jackson placed his hand on his necklace.
"Yes I did, thank you." He kissed her as Clawdeen giggled a little taking in Jackson's outfit for the first time.
"Whoa who knew you could actually know a good style."
Jackson blushed as everyone was now looking at him taking in his different look. "I really didn't do it…" He mumbled out as Heath chuckled in the back ground trying not to get noticed by his now distracted ghoulfriend. Noticing that people were leaving for classes Clawdeen elbowed Heath nodding to the others, "Go Heath you will be late for class."
Heath made a face in frustration, "I can't wait til I am a senior." As Jackson chuckled seeing him get up and leave kissing Abbey on the cheek as she tried to hide her smile from him.
"I will see you later right?" She asked Heath as his hair ignited as he nodded trying to act smooth as he tripped out the door landing at Twyla's feet who shook her head walking away with Howleen who was chuckling at him.
"I hope he does not get into trouble with us gone." Abbey said looking at Jackson who shrugged.
"More and likely yes…but with Holt gone…he might be able to stay out of trouble a little more." Jackson answered looking through his bag as Clair watched him.
Sighing he rubbed his head, "Really Holt…all you had to do was leave my things in my school bag." Jackson mumbled out as Frankie looked at him confused.
"Something happen?"
"Yes it did and Holt is an ass." Jackson said in a frustrated tone as Clair looked through the bag giggling.
"Well I have to say…it was a good spot to hide them." She said as Jackson laid his head on the table.
"What is in there?" Frankie asked getting the other's attention as well.
Clair pulled out a blue bow tie with a smile on her face, "So how long did you spend looking for them?"
"Thirty minutes." Jackson moaned out hearing Holt's laughter in his mind.
Frankie giggled, "Do you not check your bag before you leave?"
Rolling his eyes he answered, "No because I am the one that packs it the night before…I seriously hate him though…he took out my speech."
"Good thing you have most of it memorized," Clair said patting Jackson on the back as the others laughed a little at Jackson's normal predicaments his alter ego puts him into. Seeing Head-Mistress Bloodgood walking into the lunch room they all grew silent as she had all the seniors' line up for one last practice before the actual graduation for tonight. Jackson smiled at Clair as he followed her kissing her on the cheek before taking his spot he listened to Bloodgood talk. Looking around at all of his fellow students he couldn't believe he was here! After twelve years of school…moving to so many…he finally found his place that he was proud to graduate from. Yeah…this speech is going to go just fine…if he doesn't trip over his own feet walking to the mike.
Graduation:
Tapping his hand on his knee he waited until she ended her speech. It was beautiful…He really didn't want to go up next. Frankie really made everyone laugh and cry at the same time. How was he going to top that? Jackson closed his eyes trying to focus on what he wrote.
'Just let it flow through yah,' Holt whispered as Jackson jumped at the sudden voice.
'I don't know how to do that…' Jackson answered back.
'Take deep breaths…and listen.'
'Listen to who? You?' Jackson stated grumpily back making Jackson feel Holt's slight frustration.
"Up next is our Valedictorian Jackson Jekyll," Head Mistress announced making Jackson jump up and trip on his way to the mike making a few people laugh. Blushing deep red he cleared his throat ignoring the distance laughter in his head.
"W-w- welcome all students, graduates, faculty, and parents…." He started feeling his heart beat in his ears as he looked around. Wiping his hands on his black robe he started again, "We are here to see our final moments a-as students here at New Salem Monster High…" He looked at his hands…this didn't feel right. He looked at Ghoulia who gave him a thumbs up smiling at him. Taking another breath he took a moment making Head Mistress call his name asking if he was okay.
Nodding at her he looked back up seeing his aunt and uncle looking at him with a little worry even Heath was motioning him to continue. He felt the room spinning he closed his eyes, 'Come on Jackie you got this,' Holt encouraged him, 'but if you can't I will be happy to show your ass up,' He threatened. He smiled shaking his head at Holt who in his own way was trying to be nice he opened his eyes again finding Clair who was looking even more concerned than his aunt and uncle.
"Sorry about that…" He said clearing his throat again, "The voice in my head needed to give me a slight push to continue on," He got a few chuckles from the people who knew him.
"But…I know how much all of you want to see Holt…I don't think giving speeches is his area or at least not encouraging or nice ones." He said laughing a little on his own as he heard a groan in the back of his head. "Now we have all had our ups and downs in this school," He said finally feeling his heart beat slow…he didn't know if he was finally feeling less nervous or Holt took pity on him sharing some of his calm with him.
"But that has never stopped us from living," He looked at Clair who seemed more relaxed as he seemed to be able to talk normal again. "Life is about living through all ups and all downs…there is nothing we can't make happen. No one ever believed monsters and normies could go to school together which we all proved those people who said we couldn't wrong. That only shows that we are more than ready for the world out there. We can teach and show what we learned here at school. That no one can knock us down!" Jackson stood straighter and smiled at the crowd who was feeding him the energy he needed. "As much as many people wanted that to fail it didn't…we are strong and free and nothing can take that from us. Only we can take that from ourselves. You always have to keep looking forward…" Jackson trails off as he looked down, "As much as you want to give up…as much pain life throws at you…you have to face it with your head high." He looked at the crowd taking a moment, "Be true to ourselves…be unique…" Jackson chuckled to himself remembering what Frankie used to say even to the normies who started at Monster High, "Be a monster."
He stepped back from the mike and looked at Bloodgood who smiled warmly at him. Taking his seat he waited for the ceremony to start. He got many pats on the back as he moved to his seat. When it came to Holt's turn to walk Jackson stood up placing the headphones on. Holt walked up winking at the crowd standing like he was going to take the picture like he was told to, but right before the camera snapped the picture he winked making his hand gesture of shooting a gun. Bloodgood sighed letting him keep it as he returned to his seat waiting for Jackson to be called. Grumbling a bit and only being told to be quiet twice he let Jackson back out to take his walk. All too soon it was over and Jackson was walking through the crowd of people as they congratulated him. Even Invisbilly came over wishing him luck in the future saying he will miss his secret rooftop friend. Clair grabbed on to his arm walking with him after she was able to pull him away from pictures with a few friends.
"You better soak this up while you can," Johnny said floating over to him as Clair gave him an angry look.
Jackson rolled his eyes, "Yeah…I know about the party…Holt made sure I remembered."
Johnny made a slight face at the mention of Holt, but fixed his hair, "I- well congratulations friend. I will miss our short talks," He said extending his hand to Jackson as he shook it. Johnny let go of something in his hand making Jackson look up at him in confusion as he disappeared.
Clair was talking to Heath keeping an eye of Johnny the entire time, but missed the small exchange. Quickly looking in his head he saw a key…a key to a car. Looking around he tried to find Johnny. His car finally wheezed out its last breath at the beginning of the year…he was still saving to try to get another one. Clair saw Jackson's confused state and walked over to see what was wrong.
Jackson showed her the key smiling at her, "Johnny gave it to me…and I don't know how to give it back."
Clair took the key, "That would be insulting to him…just accept it I say." Jackson looked a little sadden at the key.
"But it cost him a lot-"
Clair placed her hand over his lips, "Its Johnny…we might as well hope it isn't stolen…but I am curious…when did you both become such good friends?"
Jackson looked at the ground blushing a bit. "It is a long story…for another day." He mumbled out making Clair cross her arms. But it was soon interrupted by her aunt who was asking for pictures and Heath wondering what the car looked like.
Jackson took one more look around before letting Holt out…he needed to soak up of the graduation love. Plus his aunt and uncle wanted pictures of Holt in his cap and gown. Yeah…life truly was an amazing thing when no secrets are kept.
The End
Hey Guys I wanted to leave one more thing... It seemed more appropriate to put my thanks to certain people who helped me finish this story down here instead of the top. The ones that gave me ideas as well as putting up with me talking non-stop through the night about this story. There is two people that gave me those ideas, One is my close friend in real life Babygirl6610 and the other is a follower I had since the beginning of this story. I might not know them in real life, but they did help me with many ideas in the beginning and watched over my rating for me. So thank you miceaholic, even if you didn't know you helped me as much as you did.
So that's it for this story guys! I might re work it later on, but if you enjoyed this one please check out my other story that takes off from this one. Its called 25 years and I thank you all again for reading! I hope to see you again on my other stories I am planning on writing.