A/N: Many thanks to Phish Tacko for beta'ing this!

Ch. 11

Marie Graduates Secondary School

At age sixteen, Marie was the youngest graduate of Hinsdale School, and she ranked highest in her class. Somehow, she'd managed to balance a social life with good grades and had succeeded in both making friends and getting into every university that she'd applied to.

While she was proud of her accomplishments, she felt somewhat nervous. She had only recently chosen her university and accommodations, and she still had a lot to do as far as preparations went. She'd had to write a speech too, because the headmaster had wanted her to say something to her classmates. She could do public speaking well enough, but she never particularly enjoyed it.

And now, there she was, standing off to the side of the stage, waiting to be called up to the microphone.

Marie glanced around, looking for her father, Mycroft, Sierra and Selah. James was still in school, or he would have come along too. Eventually, she found them all sitting near the front. Sherlock had his phone in hand, ready to record the event. Mycroft looked almost tearful and Sierra looked proud. Selah had a massive grin on her face. She was proud of her half-sister, and she'd taken off of work at the salon to be there for the ceremony.

Having found her family, she turned her attention back to the headmaster, who was concluding his speech. She would be up next. She briefly looked herself over as best she could, checking to make sure that her gown and cap were on properly. Selah had straightened Marie's hair specifically so that the cap would fit well and had even done her makeup. Hopefully, it all had stayed in place.

Soon enough, her name was being called.

"…And we'd like to present Miss Marie Holmes, our most top ranking student."

There was applause, and Marie stepped forward.

Perfectly poised, she spoke loudly and clearly enough for everyone to understand. Her speech consisted of some parts nostalgia, some parts hope, and a few lyrics from the song "Everybody's Free to Wear Sunscreen". The song had good advice, after all.

At the end of it, the crowd clapped once again. Marie gracefully stepped down from the podium and another well-known student took her place.

00

Later that evening, Marie stood at home, several friends gathered around her. Mrs. Hudson had stepped in and helped organize a graduation party, and everyone that had been invited had actually shown up. The place was buzzing with activity.

As Marie talked to her friends, a thought ran through her mind. She might not see some of these people next year. The coming summer might be it, for next year came university, and she would be away from home for much of the year.

The thought made her sad, but also a bit excited. University would be a new adventure; she would meet new people, live in a new place and learn new things.

At the same time, she considered how quickly time had passed. It seemed like only recently, she had gone to her first formal with Toni, and now she was graduating secondary school.

Across the room, Sherlock sat quietly with Mycroft, John and Lestrade with the same thought on his mind.