Hello there!

Wow, it's been kinda long time since I updated, oops…

Hope you all forgive/forgave me and enjoy this new chapter.

It's actually my favorite one so far, even though it's only a filler. I just love everyone's attitudes and the whole characteristics of the characters.

So yeah, hope you like :)

Chapter 4

Squeezing the index cards in my hands, I peeked behind the curtain again. The whole auditorium was filled with tearful parents and in-coming seniors. Closing the thick, red curtain, I closed my eyes and tapped my foot beneath my blue graduation gown.

Calm down Max, you can do this. It's no big deal.

Pretend it's just your parents… and classmates… and other parents… and your whole senior class.

No biggie. No problemo. Nothing at all…

What am I talking about? I can't do this! What were you thinking Maximum?

"Max?" I turned and saw my English teacher, Mr. Welsh. I gave a small, pathetic smile, not at all proving that I was fine. His face was dubious as he studied mine.

"Max, what's wrong?" He came and stood by me, studying my most likely pale face.

"Nothing, just, erm, it's really hot." I fanned my face suddenly and rolled my eyes. He chuckled and put a comforting arm around my shoulders.

"Max, you need to calm down. Seriously, you're going to pass out. Just breathe and pretend you're back in my class, having a debate with your friends. You've done this plenty of times, just relax."

Why did he have to be so understanding? What he should say is to not sweat it and not give the speech. But nooo, he has to be confident and give me a little pep talk. Just great.

I nodded my head as he walked away, meeting with the principal down the little hall. I could hear the murmurs and laughter from behind the curtain, no doubt everyone having a dandy time. While I was back here about to freak and puke out my lunch.

Then I heard the microphone crackle and our principal's voice quiet the audience. She greeted the parents and family members, and then the graduating class of 2012.

Our principal gave a little speech and turned the attention to the projector screen, since the school's cabinet had made a slide show. I crept to the side of the stage and watched the huge screen.

There were pictures of all of us, from freshman year to last weeks Prom. Tessa Fields as Homecoming Queen.

A picture of Bryce Daniels, our Varsity Football Quarter-back.

A group photo of the cheerleaders at one of the basketball games.

And one of me, positioned on a block getting ready to jump at our last swim meet. My legs are bent, arms tense and ready for action.

Suddenly I smile and forget about everything else. I actually look… pretty in that picture. Like a confident, smart and athletic girl. I feel so proud.

Then the picture changes and there's Alexa and Conrad at Prom. I smile even wider as the movie comes to a close.

I step back and have a sudden urge of confidence overwhelm me. I feel just as if I'm at a swim meet, preparing to dive off the block and race.

I can do this.

As I'm thinking, the vice principal makes a stand, followed by some of the senior teachers.

"Max, you're up right after Mrs. Jamero." Mr. Welsh nods to me and gives a thumbs up. I can hear the applause for Mrs. Jamero, before the principal steps up once more and introduces me, the 2012 Valedictorian. I take in a deep breath…

"And now, my pleasure to introduce this year's Valedictorian, Maximum Ride!"

I exhale and step forward, splitting the curtain and revealing myself to everyone. The clapping and whistling are all I hear, my eyes suddenly focusing on my mom in the front row, with a video camera.

Of course.

I quickly scan my class, and spot Peter and Alexa in the middle; they both are smiling and waving. Next, my eyes land on Dylan, his big turquoise eyes gleaming and sparkling, proud of me. I smile at my friends and lay the index cards on the podium in front of me.

I adjust the microphone and fix my hat, probably looking like a dork. I look over the auditorium once more and realize just how many people there are. And my heart almost stops.

I look down at my cards and suddenly think my whole speech sounds ridiculous, but it's too late for that now.

It's show time.

"Hello parents and classmates, thank you for joining me and my class on this special day."

Looking down at the cards again, I read the next sentence in my head and realize it is cheesy. And lame. And just plain ol' corny. So I hope for the best, and I wing it.

Grabbing the microphone from its holder, I step around the podium and stand in the front.

"It amazes me that we are here, right now, graduating from high school. These past four years have gone incredibly fast, almost like a dream. In fact, I still remember our first day as freshmen here at Stanton College Prep."

I look at my class and see everyone nodding their heads and whispering to their neighbor.

"I can remember the look on my mother's face when I stepped out of the car with my new back-pack, feeling like an adult. Walking in through the main gate and seeing everyone looking excited, frantic, confused, maybe even scared. And I can remember my first thought; 'So this is it. High school.' I am sure we all remember, it was, it is probably the greatest feeling in the world."

I look at my mom and see her face streamed with tears, but her hands still steady with the video camera.

"I am sure that throughout this long journey, we all had our ups and downs. Acing your first test, failing that science project. But hey, we got through it."

Everyone laughed with me, and I began to move to the right, making eye-contact with everyone everyone.

"High school, you can say was — pardon my language — hell. I know it was for me. But high school was also the best times for, I'm sure, every single one of us. I met so many people that I never knew even existed."

I looked at Alexa and smiled just for her.

"I am sure that each and every one of us are actually going to miss high school. Miss that annoying alarm clock at six in the morning; finishing your math homework in car with your mom scolding you for not finishing it the night before. Heck, even the teachers droning on about some French dude that we can't even pronounce his name in history class."

There were chuckles coming from everyone, even from my history teacher.

"But, honestly, what I think we are going to remember the most, are the last few times we are kids. Kids who ask for money for dumb things, kids who sometimes whine about essays, kids who sleep until two in the afternoon, kids who need their parents. And these next few years for us, well, we are going to be known as adults."

Everyone was now quiet, all watching me intently as I returned to the podium in the center of the stage.

"I wish we could have cherished every single second here at Stanton College Prep High School. But now, it's time for us to follow our dreams, make our parents proud and live our life."

The whole senior class stood and clapped, the sea of blue and white gowns applauding and whistling for me. I think Peter, Alexa and Dylan's were the loudest.

"And with that, I just want to say Congratulations Class of 2012!"

This time the parents stood, a roar of clapping and yelling and whistling enveloping all of us. I bowed and gave the microphone to the principal who winked at me. She finished off our graduation as I headed to my seat with the rest of my class.

"And with that ladies and gentlemen, I give you The Class of 2012!" We all stood and threw our caps into the air; that cliché scene like in every movie. And let me tell you, it was freaking awesome!

Once we all stood and cried – and hugged and cried, I finally met my mom outside. She hugged me tightly, tears surfacing in her glossy eyes.

"How'd I do?" I asked, pulling back.

"Max, I couldn't be more proud, you did amazing. Best damn speech I've ever heard." We both laughed, and I even started getting choked up.

"Oh mom, that's what you're supposed to say." We hugged again, and then I went off to go find my friends.

I found Alexa with Peter, and then Dylan made his way through the crowd. We all had a huge bear hug, close to tears.

"So, this is it guys, we finally made it!" Alexa sounded so happy but also sad, we all knew we would miss high school.

"I know, we need to promise to stay in touch during college, I could not imagine a life without you guys." We all agreed and had another group hug.

Just then my mother came and pointed her camera in our direction and smiled. All four of us lined up, our arms linked and smiled for the camera. My mom murmured something about 'Her little babies' and walked off smiling to herself, meeting up with Alexa's parents.

I knew that was going to make a great picture.

"Well, uh, guys hate to break up this whole mushy scene, but I've heard that we are all going down to the beach for a party."

I looked at Dylan, then at Peter and Alexa. I knew the guys wanted to go, but I really wasn't in the mood…

"Yeah, we're in!"

I stared at Alexa who gave me a genuine grin.

"What the hell, I'm in too!"

We all laughed and parted, finding our parents again. Once I found my mom we headed to her car. I got in and leaned on the seat, sighing loudly. "What's wrong Max?"

I looked at my mom and smiled.

"I finished high school. This is it, time for the real world."

She chuckled as we pulled out of the parking lot. "You make it sound like it's a bad thing. Don't worry, you'll survive. Hopefully." She teased, and I laughed, fake punching her arm.

Once we got home, I told my mom about the party down at the beach. She said it was fine, but to not be home too late.

I packed a duffle bag with my swim suit (not a bikini, a tank-ini), my glasses, sunscreen and a towel.

Jumping into my car, I drove down to the beach, already hearing music and laughter from a mile away. I parked and got out, immediately seeing Alexa.

She came running to me, already in her bikini and covered in tanning oil. "Come on Max, get dressed! Hurry, almost the whole class is already here!" We both ran to the changing rooms, Alexa waiting outside while I changed.

When I opened my duffle bag, I pulled out my bathing suit, and almost yelled in horror.

It was not my bathing suit! It was a flipping bikini!

It was red, with ruffles on the top and a little bottom that barely covered my butt cheeks.

ALEXA!

I opened the changing room door a crack and saw that Alexa had gone back to the party, probably knowing she had won. I wanted to cry and throw a fit and bang on the walls screaming. But does Maximum Ride do that?

No.

So, instead I put on the bikini and walked out with the little bit of dignity that I had left.

I used my bag to cover my stomach and most of the front, but it was no use. As I walked to the party, some guys who just got in from surfing, watched after me.

Like I was a piece of meat.

One even had the guts to do that flirty whistle. What's it called? A sheep whistle? Wait, it's a wolf whistle, never mind.

Ugh, I felt horrible. I sure hope Alexa has more than nine lives.

When I finally reached our party, everyone was just staring at me, terrific. "Max! You finally made it!" I turned and saw Dylan, suddenly feeling better.

I hugged him tightly, not wanting to let him go. For he was covering most of my exposed, barely covered body.

"Never thought I'd live to see the day Max wearing a bikini." I pulled away and saw Peter smiling down at me; he was only wearing swim shorts and sunglasses, holding a red cup in hands.

"Ha ha ha, well, you lived to see the day." I mocked, slapping his shoulder. Then Alexa appeared from behind, a worried grin on her slim face.

I zeroed in on her, my eyes narrowing to slits.

"Hey Alexa, I love the bathing suit! Thank you so much!"

Her eyebrows shot up and everyone was now watching us. Great, even more attention.

She stepped from behind Peter, rubbing her arm as she studied me.

"For real? But you hate bikini's."

I smiled even wider, I have to admit, all those boring hours from Theater Class is really paying off.

"Yeah I do, but I love this one. You can finally see my butt." Everyone laughed; I even heard some guys in the back say, "True that!"

"Oh, Max! You see, you should wear those more often!" We both smiled — hers real, and mine fake — and I opened my arms for a hug.

She skipped to me and locked my arms around her.

I motioned for Peter to give me his drink. He gave me a funny look, but handed me his cup. I peered in saw that it was some kind of red slushy.

Perfect.

"So Alexa, next time you mess with my bathing suit. You better run." All I heard from her was a 'Huh?'

And then the slushy was poured on her head. She screeched loudly as I stepped away, admiring my handy work.

"MAXIMUM RIDE!"

And then I was being chased down the beach. By a furious, red dripping Alexa.

And that is how a full on food/drink fight started. You see, I'm the life of the party. What's a party without Maximum Ride?

Well, mostly the guys chased the girls with cups of slushy or hot wings. But it was still fun.

Most girls made it to the water safely, while others were being bombarded with food or were being picked up fireman style and launched into the water.

I got away a couple times, almost being attacked by flying pizza. I could see Alexa being chased (and caught) by a football player and being thrown into the ocean.

I laughed as I continued running, dodging people. Ah, I'd miss high school.

When I thought I was a safe distance away, I stopped and bent over. Trying to catch my breath and fixing my top so my boobs don't come flying out.

I stood up and looked out again, and then I was flying in the air. I screamed out of nowhere, and looked down to see a mess of familiar blondish hair.

"Dylan! Let me go!" I was hanging over his shoulder, my butt bouncing in the air.

"No way Max, you haven't been in the water yet!" I giggled as he ran to the edge of the water; surprised he carried me all the way. He picked me up from the waist and let me dangle over the water.

"Dylan, no! Put me down now!" I couldn't help but feel childish, looking into his bright blue eyes and floppy grin.

"Or else what?" He challenged. But I never had time to finish my comeback. He dropped me.

I landed with a splash and felt the cool water wash over me. I resurfaced and bobbed in the water.

Smiling, I watched the scene before me, my whole class having fun and playing in the water. I swam back to the shore and found Alexa.

I went to her and hugged her from behind; I could still see some red slushy in her hair.

"Max, I can't believe you did that! That was so uncool." Her face was in a pout, arms crossed and waves coming over us.

"But you still love me." I mocked, poking her in the stomach.

"Shut up Max, I do not. I hate you."

And with that she dunked me under. I was so surprised I swallowed a mouthful of salty water. I came up and spat everywhere. That little brat!

I searched the water for her, finally seeing her some waves away. I quickly swam after her; no way she could out swim me. When I was in reaching distance, I grabbed her ankle and yanked her back, seeing her head go under.

I laughed loudly and turned, knowing she was coming after me. A couple yards away I turned back and saw her swimming towards me, fast.

We continued swimming until she got under me and she hoisted me unto her shoulders. "Alexa! You're going to hurt yourself!" She laughed at my worried expression, before she called out,

"Chicken! Who wants to play Chicken?"

Everyone heard and they all came, girls already getting on guys' shoulders.

"Ready Max?" I looked down at Alexa and smirked,

"Let's do this!"

"Kick some senior boo-tay!" she cheered.

Our first opponents came forward, a cheerleader named Jasmin who was sitting on a wrestler named Joey. Let's just say they tried.

Alexa and I went through a couple of rounds, never losing. Until Dylan came with Peter on his shoulders. I'll admit, we gave a good fight, but we went down.

We had all made a circle in the water, all of us taking turns 'fighting'. When the sun started setting, we all got out of the water and changed into regular clothes.

The guys made a huge a bonfire as the girls were setting up chairs and blankets around the fire. We all got settled in, some people on chairs others sharing blankets on the grounds.

And of course we had s'mores. What's a beach party without them?

Everyone just basically sat and watched the flames flicker into the air, the stars clouding over our heads. We were probably remembering some of the best times in high school, those special, random moments.

Prom. Football games. Pep Rally's. Field Trips. All of that now gone, but always with us.

"Well, I say we all had one hell of time in high school." One of the basketball players, Nick, said out loud. We all laughed and nodded.

"So, I say to Stanton High School." He raised a half eaten s'more in the air, waiting for us to follow. I smiled and stood, raising my own s'more.

"To Stanton." Alexa followed me, putting her arm around my waist and raising her s'more.

Then we all stood, raising s'mores that were half eaten, marshmallows dripping and all. "To Stanton High School!"

It sounded so cool to hear all of toast to our high school, like a last memory we will remember.

Something that will connect us all.

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And also, if u read my author's notes, in your review add something about your favorite quote(s).

Quotes are like my obsession right now, and I'm always trying to find new ones.

So gracias, and review! :P