This is the moment I've been waiting months to write! I hope it lives up to your expectations! :)-Amanda
Graduation day continued
"And now we'll hear from our Valedictorians" the principle said into the microphone as Philby and Willa made their way to the podium.
"Let's give them the best damn speech they'll ever hear" Philby whispered, taking Willa by surprise. He chuckled knowing he was getting one of those looks from her.
"Graduation: wow, we made it" Philby started, still slightly chuckling at Willa's astonished face.
"We've all had our ups and downs getting here" Willa continued, "Whether it's with grade, scholarships, sports, or getting into the college of our dreams…"Philby noticed Willa getting nervous and figured he'd step in before he was suppose too.
"Or with relationship. We're human; we make mistakes, that's what we were made to do. If there's anything I've learned through the years and being a Kingdom Keeper, no matter how tough life gets, you can always count on your friends to pick you up when you're down" Philby paused when he noticed Willa was ready to continue.
"High school is filled with good memories we'll cherish, like prom" she smiled "and graduation. But there comes a time when you have to let it all go and eventually say goodbye." Willa saw out of the corner of her eye Philby getting choked up. She took his hand in hers and squeezed it. "You may feel like you don't want to let go of it all, but is a part of growing up. It's doesn't mean you need to forget all the memories you've shared together.
Unbeknownst to the valedictorians, even though they were in plain view, Finn grabbed Amanda's hand, determined to keep it there till the last possible second. Finn heard a sniffle and gave his girlfriend a sympathetic smile and kissed her cheek.
"So, class of 2011, here we go. Off into the real world, wherever it takes you" Philby said, squeezing Willa's hand hoping she'd get the hidden message he'd sneaked into the speech.
"Good luck everybody and Congratulations!" Willa finished as everyone cheered and they sat back down in the front with the rest of the Keepers.
"Well, I'd say they're ready for their diplomas" their teacher said "front row ready? Dell Philby." Philby let go of Willa's hand walk up and receive his diploma. "He will be attending Stanford University in California." Willa noticed a sad look when Stanford was mentioned. She knew his mind was about to be blown.
"Isabella Angelo" Willa walked up the stairs carefully one at a time in determination not to trip. She made sure her eyes were locked with Philby's. "She will also be attending Stanford University" and with those words, Philby almost lost it. The look on his face was a mix of shock and utter stupidity as if he'd just been handed a million dollars and he didn't know what to do with it.
Without thinking, Willa ran full force at Philby and lunged at him with her legs wrapped around his waist and her mouth on his. There was a ray of laughter spreading across the gym mixed with Maybeck's whooping.
"Finally" Charlene sighed as she received looks from Maybeck, Jess, Amanda and Finn.
"What? Oh come on, you thought I was going to tell you guys? Psh" everyone joined in with the laughter at her comment.
Willa decided to let poor Philby take in some oxygen, "Surprise."
"All this time…babe I'm SO sorry…" Philby said.
"Don't even" Willa shushed him, "It's my fault. It's behind us now, this" she held up her diploma, "is our future." Philby smiled and set her down so their teacher could continue.
"Well" the teacher laughed, "Charlene Turner will be attending Florida University and has been accepted on the cheerleading squad." Charlene smiled and winked at Maybeck.
"Terrance Maybeck has received a football scholarship to Florida University. Woo Go Gators!" the teacher exclaimed than blushed at her sudden outburst.
"Jessica Lockhart" Jess practically ran up the stairs "will be attending The Art Institute of New York City."
"Here we go" Finn whispered to Amanda.
"Amanda Lockhart" Finn released her hand after giving it a reassuring squeeze "has been offered an internship at Disney's California Adventure" Amanda smiled a smile that Finn knew wasn't for show. It was real and he knew she was exited about the internship. He realized he'd done the right thing in letting her go, just like Philby and Willa had said in their speech.
He was knocked out of his daze when he heard "Finn Whitman" he breathed a sigh of relief that his teacher didn't use his real name "he will be attending the local community college part time while working for Hollywood Studios in the technology department in charge of special effects."
Finn counted to three in his head before glancing over at the shocked Keepers.
"What? I had to have a secret of my own" Amanda slapped him once he sat back down. "In my defense, I just found out last week" he grinned.
"Oh, I'm sorry" Amanda said as she rubbed his arm where she was sure there'd be a bruise later from her slap.
"It's fine. So, Willa…" Finn grinned as the he and the rest of the Keepers stared her down.
She blushed and smiled " I love you guys!" she exclaimed.
"And I love you" Philby said, still holding her hand with no intention of ever letting go.
I'm thinking 2-3 more chapters left. Comment please! This is one of my favorite things I've ever written!