Chapter 25

I can't believe we are graduating in a couple of weeks. I was also named valedictorian. How cool is that. Ashley was so proud of me. She said I wore a smile on my face for at least three weeks. I stopped smiling about a week ago though cause I found out I have to give a speech at graduation. I hate being in front of people staring at me. Ash told me to picture everyone naked, but I told her that would be gross. I mean could you imagine some of those teachers in there undies. Shivers.

I have been working on my speech for weeks and I still only have two sentences. I'm so in trouble because I don't think I will be able to wing it. I decided to take a break for awhile and see what Ash is up to.

"Hey babe. What are you doing?" I said while sitting down beside her at the computer.

"I'm helping you of course." she said giving me a kiss on the cheek.

"How"

"I'm looking up quotes for you use in your speech"

"Really. Thank you so much. I love you." I pulled her into a bone crushing hug.

"Love you too. Looks at some of the quotes I've found"

Reading them over I realized I love the ones she picked out. They would be great to use. I have also decided that I'm not going use anything like follow your dreams or such. I think everyone always says that in their speeches. I definitely don't want to be like everyone else. I just hope everyone likes it.

Two Weeks later...

It's the day of graduation and I'm so nervous about standing up in front of the entire school. Ashley has been trying to keep my mind occupied. She is actually do a pretty good job at it. I'm pretty sure I'm going to have on hell of a hickey tonight.

"Mmumhm...Ash" I moaned out while her hand worked its way up my shirt.

"Spence babe I want you so bad right now"

That was all it took. I flipped her over on the bed to have my way with her. Yep Ash is a genius. I'm thinking about anything except what I'm about to do to her and that body of hers.

A couple hours later...

I'm so relaxed now it's not right. After that mind blowing sex and multiple orgasms, I am ready for tonight.

Ashley looks so cute in her cap and gown. I even suggested that she wears nothing underneath for later, but she shot down that idea. Bummer. After we finished the final touches on our makeup, we headed out the door.

I had to sit on the stage instead of with my class. I was a little disappointed because I want to be beside Ash and to hold her hand. I did keep my eyes locked with brown ones for the entire time. Finally it was time for my speech. I stood up and walked to the podium and took a deep breath as I begin my speech.

"Dr. Seuss said You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. You are the guy who'll decide where to go.

When I think of my PHS experience, I don't just think of tennis matches, and show choir competitions. I think of people, lots of different people. I think of students so involved in extra-curricular that they need to schedule in time to go to the bathroom. I think of students who go to school full-time and then work 40 hours a week to help support their families. I think of students whose TI-83's are such a permanent fixture in their hands that you often wonder if it's a form of life support, like if you took it away, they'd just keel over or something. I think of students who, in the words of Mr. Oliver, "never met a Cliff's Notes they didn't like." I think of students and teachers with disabilities who come to school everyday with a huge smile on their face, ready to get to work, proving that nothing can crush the human spirit.

But let us take a moment to examine the graduating class. From the moment this class set foot in Palatka High School, we have set the precedent for leadership within the school and community. Who could forget winning the Spirit Float competition as FRESHMEN? The leadership of our senior class has led the Softball team to District Runners-up and the Tennis team all the way to State. Both the marching band and the soccer team had unbelievable seasons this year and a swimmer in our senior class not only placed 2nd in the State.

But ladies and gentlemen, this is nothing compared to what this class may achieve in the upcoming years. Among us, we may have the next Maya Angelou or another Bill Gates. In our midst may sit a future head of the F.B.I. or the first woman president. We may have the next Spielberg, another Jodie Foster, or even a J.F.K. Jr. And if you're that J.F.K. Jr., my number's in the directory. Fellow Panthers, our journey is just beginning. In our years at PHS, we have learned determination, character, ambition, and pride. The newly instituted character education program has served as a constant reminder of the importance of integrity and virtue. PHS's continued achievements in the areas of athletics, the performing arts, and academics prove that as a community, we can perform miracles. Let us continue our vertical voyage, reaching for the stars and never settling for mediocrity. We are each given but one life with which to make a difference. Fellow graduates, what will you do with yours? In a society rife with violence and hate, we are given the opportunity to rise above the stereotype of the apathetic teenager. We have the power to do anything, to achieve everything, and to soar beyond all expectations. We will not settle for ordinary. We will stand for our rights to be ourselves no matter what others may say. We are the graduating class of 2007 - strong, intelligent, and prepared to take the world by storm. In closing I would like to leave you with another quote.

"Never separate the life you live from the words you speak." by Paul Wellstone."

Everyone cheered and applauded.

After everything I found Ashley and pulled her into kiss which we so deepened instantly.

"I loved your speech babe." I wouldn't let her read it before.

"Thanks. I love you too."

The next day...

We finished packing everything we owned. I can't believe we are finally moving into our on apartment together. It took us two months to settle on apartment that we both liked. I think the realtor was really fed up with us. We found a two bedroom not to far from campus. It has a great view of a park. They also allow pets, so Ash and I decided to get a small dog or something once we get settled. I can't wait. I've always wanted a pet.

Tomorrow we leave for our new life together. We where both accepted into the University of North Florida in Jacksonville. I just hope we have a fairy tale ending and live happily ever after. One can only hope right.

The End