Chapter 5

Time of Your Life

(Kyle POV)

The even rhythm of the rain beating on the house and the claps of thunder lulled me to sleep. That was until about 2am when Brice's cries brought me out of my deep sleep and into consciousness. I flung the blankets off my legs and climbed out of bed. Stumbling over to his crib I embraced him in my arms. His cries became muffled as he burrowed into my shoulder.

"Its okay buddy." I cooed "You're alright Daddy's here."

I rubbed small soothing circles on his back, and paced around the room. I checked to see if he needed to be changed but that wasn't it. I thought he might be hungry but it wasn't that either. Then there was a flash of lighting followed by a loud clap of thunder causing Brice burrowed closer to my chest and I realized he was afraid of thunder.

I chuckled "Aw Bri, its okay." I told him.

I sat back down on my bed, laying him on my chest and every time there was a boom of thunder he clutched my finger with his tiny hand. I began to tell him stories to distract him from the storm. Eventually his cries became whimpers until they just stopped all together. I glanced down and noticed he had fallen back asleep.

For a while I watched him sleep. He looked so peaceful when he slept. He still had a grip on my finger so I stroked the back of his hand with my thumb. I couldn't help but think about how much he was growing everyday. He just started walking and already I felt like I wanted to keep him my little guy forever.

Eventually I realized what time it was and decided to go back to bed. Tomorrow was graduation and Nicole was planning on having a family breakfast as well as going out for dinner to celebrate after the ceremony.

I awoke to the aroma of homemade blueberry pancakes making their way to my room.

"Good morning!" Only Stephen and Nicole seemed to notice. Lori and Josh were engrossed in their banter.

"Good morning Kyle, how'd you sleep?" Stephen asked looking up from his paper at the breakfast table.

"Pretty good I guess, I found out Brice, here is afraid of thunder." I said tickling Brice's stomach as I placed him in his high chair and I took my place at the table across from Lori.

"Alright guys dig in!" Nicole announced setting a plate stacked high with pancakes on the table.

As everyone filled their plates and contributed to the conversation I took note that Nicole was rather quiet. She seemed to be savoring every moment. Lori picked up on it as well but neither of us pushed the subject.

We finished breakfast and everyone fell into their own routine. The girls went to get their hair done at some fancy salon, and us guys hung out at home until about a half an hour before the girls would be home.

We scrambled to get ready in time. We each took shifts in the shower, getting dressed, and keeping an eye on Brice. Since he had begun to walk he was getting into everything.

I was getting dressed and Brice was playing with his toys on the floor. I stood in front of the mirror trying unsuccessfully to tie my tie.

"Here Kyle, let me help you with that." Stephen offered and I turned to him. "There you go, all set!" He beamed and patted my shoulder.

"Thank you!" I said slipping on my gown and cap "Are the girls here?"

"No, they'll be here soon though." Stephen shoved his hands into his pockets. He seemed nervous like he wanted to say something but he didn't know how.

"Is everything okay?" I asked

"Yeah." He smiled "I can't believe you're graduating, it seems like just yesterday Nicole, had brought you home." He paused "Whose going to watch basketball with me and talk sports?" he chuckled "I'm just… very proud of you." He struggled to find the right word.

"Thank you!" I paused "For everything" I said embracing him in a hug.

Just then there was a knock on my door "Mom, just got home she wants everyone outside in five minutes for pictures." Josh informed us.

"Okay we'll be right there." Stephen replied.

I bent down and took Brice's little hand leading him into the hall and out into the front yard. We took some pictures of Lori and I, then the whole family, and a few pictures of just the kids. The pictures took a little longer then we had planned on so we were running a little late to the ceremony.

We made it to the school in time. I left Brice with Stephen and Nicole. But even though we were on time Lori and I were still running to get in line with the rest of the students. We were all in alphabetical order so I was in front of Lori and a guy named Brent Smith was in front of me.

"Kyle, what if I trip?" Lori asked nervously

"You won't." I simply replied

"But what if I do?" She asked.

"Try not to think about it, mind over matter remember?" I smirked

She took a few deep breaths trying to calm her nerves. The ceremony flew by before we knew it Brent Smith was being called and then it was my turn.

"Kyle Trager!" Mr. Hooper called

I strolled on stage and accepted my diploma and I could hear the Tragers cheering and clapping. Then Lori was called on stage and the Tragers cheered again. The ceremony finally ended with the traditional tossing of the caps.

All the graduates and their families were in the school parking lot congratulating one another and talking with their friends. I had yet to find the Tragers when I saw Amanda in the crowd craning her neck to find her mother.

"Amanda!" I called

She spotted me in the swarm off people and some how we made our way to one another. I scooped her up in my arms lifting her off the ground.

"We did it!" I cheered and she giggled

"We did it!" She agreed when I set her down.

I leaned down and kissed her not caring if Mrs. Bloom were to walk up.

"Congratulations." I whispered

"You too!" She whispered back.

"Amanda!" I could recognize that voice anywhere it was Mrs. Bloom.

I said a quick goodbye to Amanda then left to fined the Tragers.

"Good job Kyle, you made it out of the living hell we call high school." Josh said patting me on the back.

"Thanks Josh." I answered taking Brice from him. "Where are Stephen, and Nicole?"

"Over there talking to Declan's dad." He said pointing over his shoulder

I trailed behind Josh over to Stephen and Nicole. Shortly after Declan and Lori met up with us. After Stephen and Nicole were finished catching up with Declan and his dad Nicole asked them to join us for dinner.

"I would love to take you up on that offer Nicole, but I have to get back to work." Declan's face fell "But Declan, here is more than welcome to join you and your family."

Mr. McDonough turned to Declan "Well done son!" then he hugged him and left.

"Well at least he showed up." Declan shook his head and chuckled sadly.

Lori rode with Declan to the restaurant and we all met up there. The hostess led us to our table and shortly after a waiter arrived and took our orders. While we waited for our food we were all talking about how great it was to finally be done with high school and we also talked about life after high school.

In the Fall Lori would be moving to New York City to go to college there and get a degree related to music.

Declan was also moving to New York City with Lori to go to college as well, but he wanted to earn a degree in sports medicine.

And I was moving to New Hampshire with Brice and Amanda to attend Dartmouth because I wanted to become a doctor.

AN: Okay so this isn't my favorite chapter but I still had fun writing it! Please comment I love reading all your comments and I do my best to reply to them all!