Chapter 4 – The Summer Before College

Ami stood at the podium at her high school graduation. She stared out at the audience. She had just delivered her valedictorian speech. It amazed Ami that she was able to speak in front of an audience. A few years ago, she wouldn't have been able to. She saw her mom, Rei, Michiru, Haruka, Setsuna, and Hotaru clapping and cheering. Ami smiled and went to sit back down.

Makoto turned in her seat in front of Ami and whispered, "You were amazing."

"Thank you," Ami whispered back smiling.

The names were called. Minako was the first of the girls to walk across the stage. She was followed by Makoto, Ami, and Usagi. Usagi's family cheered loudly as she got her diploma. Some people were amazed that she actually graduated, much less get into college. She was smarter than people thought. It wasn't the college Usagi wanted, but it was college. Ami graduated top of the class.

After graduation, the girls met near the stage to take pictures. That was where Rei caught up with them.

"Ami, you were amazing, so articulate," Rei said, giving Ami a hug.

"I think we all can agree that Ami is the brains of the group," Minako said. "I just never realized that she was the talented speaker of the group as well."

Usagi gave Ami a hug and said, "I am so proud of you. I know you were nervous."

Ami blushed with all the attention she was given and said in a soft voice, "Thank you."

"I have to get going," Minako said, "My family is waiting for me. We're going out to eat at my favorite restaurant."

"I have to go too. Mamoru is taking me out tonight." Usagi said.

"Makoto, my mom and I are having a simple dinner at home. Would you like to join us?" Ami asked.

"No, thank you; Rei and I are going out. You enjoy this time with your mom. I know the two of you don't get to spend as much time together as you like." Makoto replied.

The girls headed their own directions.

Rei and Makoto were sitting in Rei's bedroom having a sleep over.

"It's really hard, during events like this is when I miss them more." Makoto told Rei. Out of all the girls, Rei understood the most. Rei had lost her mother. However, she still had her grandfather and absentee father.

"I can't imagine how it feels to not have any family there. But you still have us." Rei replied.

"I know," Makoto said, "but…"

"It's not the same." Makoto and Rei finished the statement together.

"What would your parents have done there?" Rei asked.

"My mom would have cried and shouted 'that's my baby.' And my dad would have taken more pictures than you could have counted." Makoto answered.

"They would have been proud of you," Rei replied.

"I know," Makoto replied, "But enough of this solemn talk. I just graduated. What movie did you rent?"

Just as Rei was about to reply, both girls' communication devices beeped. Makoto quickly looked through her stuff to find the device and Rei jumped up to grab it from her nightstand. Rei got to hers first.

"Yah," Rei and Makoto said into the device together.

Ami's, Minako's, and Usagi's faces appeared in the screen.

"What's up?" Minako asked.

"What's the emergency?" Ami asked.

"I have amazing news," Usagi yelled into the device.

"Lower your voice, Odango," Rei said, "You're making my ears ring."

"Mamoru asked me to marry him," Usagi screeched.

Rei, Makoto, and Ami all moved the devices away from them as Minako screamed so loud and high that only dogs could hear it.

"Congratulations, Usagi," Ami said with a smile after Minako's scream stopped.

"It's about time," Makoto said.

"Well, Odango, I can't believe he finally asked you," Rei replied with a smile.

Ami asked, "Have you set a date?"

Makoto added, "Have you told your parents?"

"This is going to mess up our plans for next year," Minako added.

"My parents are excited. We plan to marry after Mamoru graduates, which is next spring. That way we can still live together for our first year of school." Usagi said.

"Go, celebrate with your fiancé," Ami said as she hung up the device.

"Enjoy your evening," Rei and Makoto added as they too hung up.

Minako added the last words with, "Don't do anything I wouldn't do."

About a week later, Ami and Minako were boarding a plane. They were backpacking across Europe together. The first destination was London. Then, they would go to Paris. Who knows where else they were going. Only the first two stops were planned. Ami was excited for her first spontaneous trip. Every time Ami and her mother traveled, every thing was planned.

Mamoru had driven Ami and Minako to the airport with Usagi and Rei. Makoto had to work at her new job at Kongo Restaurant. She was very excited about it. They had promised that besides serving, Makoto would be trained in the kitchen. Further more, if Makoto could avoid going to the airport, she did.

Usagi and Rei stood by the ticket counter watching as their friends disappeared from sight. Rei felt like she was being left behind this summer. Ami and Minako were going on a great adventure. Usagi was getting married and planning her wedding. Makoto had a full time job and was working toward her dream. All Rei had was her grandfather and the shrine.

Sage stood at the podium at his high school graduation looking out at his family and friends. They looked so proud. Even though Rowen was top of their class, he declined speaking at graduation. Sage was second in the class and enjoyed public speaking, so he was the graduation speaker.

Sage returned to his seat and waited for his name to be called. He was ready for the future and the move to Tokyo. He glanced over to his friends.

Rowen was smiling. His father actually made it to the ceremony. Rowen thought his father would forget. Rowen's mother hadn't made it in though, however she would be here tomorrow. Her flight from Atlanta was delayed because of the rains in most of the southern US.

Ryo was also smiling, but the smile didn't reach his eyes. His grandparents were here, but his father wasn't. Ryo had sent a message to him, but no one has heard anything, and that worried everyone.

Kento had a big grin on his face. His whole family was here, including members who flew in from around the world to see him graduate. Later, they would gather at the restaurant and celebrate. Kento was very lucky to have such a huge and loving family.

Cye had a concerned look on his face. His mother was sick; however, she still took the train to Toyoma to see Cye's graduation. His sister and brother-in-law were also here.

The principle started reading the names of the graduates. Rowen, Sage, and Cye all graduated with honors. It was a happy occasion. There were no more occurrences of monsters, the netherworld was in check, and the gang was moving together to Tokyo. It was going to be great.

Ryo was hurrying to the meeting with the guys at Kento's family's restaurant. He had exciting news, two piece actually.

First, Ryo had finally heard from his father. He was in Africa and the message didn't reach him for several weeks. All the worry was for nothing. His father was okay.

The second was Ryo was going to spend the summer at a wild animal refuge in Kenya to study big cats. He had gotten the phone call today. His father offered to pay for the trip. In two days, Ryo was leaving for Kenya.

Ryo was late, but he wasn't the last one there. Rowen still hadn't arrived.

"Where's Rowen?" Ryo asked as he sat down at the table.

"I don't know. I'll call him." Sage answered.

Just as he stood up to make the call, Rowen entered the restaurant. It looked like he had run the whole way there.

"Sorry, I'm late," Rowen huffed. "But, I have great news."

"Me first," Ryo said, "You catch your breath."

"What is your news, Ryo?" Kento said as he grabbed his glass of soda.

"First, my dad called, he's okay. Second, I got a call from Kenya. Remember that internship I applied. Well, I got it. My dad is going to pay for it. I'm leaving in two days." Ryo said excitedly.

"Wow that totally trumps my news. Congratulations." Rowen replied.

"We have to party before you go." Kento said.

"Well, you have to count me out," Rowen said.

"Why?" Cye asked.

"Because of my news. I got a job, in Tokyo. I leave tomorrow." Rowen replied.

"Everyone's having an exciting summer, except me," Sage replied.

"I'm not leaving you, bro," Kento replied.

"I will be," Cye said, "My mom isn't getting any better, and I want to spend time with her."

"We understand," Sage replied, "spend time with your mom."

"Man Sage, it's really going to be just the two of us," Kento said.

"I have a competition in Hawaii in June, so for those two weeks, you'll be by yourself." Sage replied.

"You're going to Hawaii?" Rowen asked.

"Yeah," Sage replied.

"I've always wanted to go to Hawaii. You are so lucky." Rowen said.

"Do want to join me?" Sage asked.

"Yeah, let me see if I can afford it and get the time off." Rowen replied.

"Man, now I'm going to be the only not doing anything." Kento said.

"I have a surfing competition in Australia in July," Cye replied, "I wanted to cancel, but my mom wouldn't let me. I would love to have you come with me."

"Australia here I come," Kento replied.

"Sounds like everyone is going to have a great summer before college starts." Ryo said.