Over the next month life slowly returned to a sort of normal for everyone even though they were incredibly busy. Chevonne, Ted, Cody, Brandi and Kristin were seeing counselors, as were the DiBiase and Rhodes families. The kids had all returned to school, and Principal Flair had the gym closed off for the remainder of the year out of respect for the kids and allowing them to heal.
Detective Foley had informed the families that his investigation concluded that Luke Harper had killed Dustin and Brett alone but he could not find a motive. He also was reasonably sure Luke had killed Nikki as well but he could not prove it.
The parents were still keeping closer tabs on the kids. Judi did not allow Chevonne to stay alone overnight, so when she had to work nightshift at her second job, Chevonne stayed with the Orton's. It was only two nights a week, but Judi felt that it was good for Chevonne and Randy both. Bob and Elaine found Randy and Chevonne watching TV together, playing cards, even broke out the board games a time or two.
Both the kids and the parents were preparing for graduation in June. All the kids had ordered their caps and gowns. They were looking forward to a happy time after the recent events. The parents were planning graduation parties and dinners.
Chevonne and Roman had grown closer. Roman had encouraged her to stay with her counseling, often driving her and waiting for her. He made a point to take her out every weekend. Roman and Randy had become better friends and Roman really felt like he had bonded with his girlfriend's 'brother'.
John Cena had begun hanging out with the group a bit. He had been casual friends with Randy but had found they all had the common bond of grief and loss. The kids found John to be a likable guy and privately wondered why he was ever with Nikki.
All of the kids and families had not been sure what to do when the prom pictures came in. Finally Dusty had put the pictures of Brandi and Cody in frames and displayed them stating that Dustin had been proud of the kids and he wouldn't let Luke Harper ruin that. The other parents followed suit and the kids had decided to focus on the fun parts of the night.
(Thursday June 11, 1987)
4pm
The students were on the football field rehearsing for graduation the next night. The school board had moved the ceremony to the field rather than have it in the gymnasium. Principal Flair and a few of the teachers were busy getting the students arranged in the correct seating order while Mr. Jericho tried to get the band situated.
The top ten of the graduating class were seated on the stage, among them were Chevonne (3rd in the class), Ted (4th), Jey (6th), Kristin (7th) and Jimmy (9th). Also on stage with them was Lilian who was the class salutatorian. The other graduates were seated in the first several rows on the field alphabetically.
"Does anyone else feel like the last four years flew by?" Kristin said as they sat on stage waiting for rehearsal to begin, watching everyone find their places.
"I know what you mean. Despite…everything…I am taking some wonderful memories from this place." Chevonne said.
"They could have saved us all a bunch of time if they just put our names on our chairs." Jey said.
"I know what you mean, Mr. Hart looks ready to blow a gasket." Jimmy laughed.
"I suppose we're all gonna be subjected to a million pictures tomorrow." Ted sighed.
"You know it. Mama Elaine has been stocking up on film." Chevonne said. "She keeps telling me I will be the same way when I have kids…then Papa Orton jumps in with 'and that better not be for a long time'."
Kristin chuckled. "Along those lines….how are things with Roman? I mean…you two are so close and everyone can see how crazy about each other you two are."
"Yeah I think everybody in school knows you two are in love." Lilian giggled.
"He is pretty amazing." Chevonne said.
"Do I hear the L word in your voice?" Kristin smiled.
"I don't want to scare him off. You know guys, you say something like that and they freak out." She said.
"Ted didn't freak out." Kristin said.
"You have been with Ted a lot longer." She said.
"Roman wouldn't run. He adores you. Besides, he is a good guy. And aren't you both going to college in Atlanta?" Jey said.
"We'll see what happens." She said.
"Honey I don't know how you have behaved this long. Roman is sexy." Kristin said. Teddy cleared his throat.
"Oh you're sexy too." Chevonne chuckled and kissed his cheek.
"Roman is pretty cute." Lilian agreed.
"This is so not fair, Roman shows up…all the girls drool over him and then he gets the cute single girl that is part of our inner circle." Jey complained.
"Like you wanted Chevonne." Jimmy rolled his eyes.
"Okay kids, let's try a run through of everything. Remember who you are sitting near. Marshals escort them to the back of the stadium so we can practice them walking in." Mr. Flair said from the podium. "Mr. Jericho have the band ready."
The students all stood up and followed their marshals to their designated area in the back of the stadium.
"Did you decorate your cap to say anything?" Kristin asked.
"Yes, I finished it last night." Chevonne said.
"I did mine too." She answered.
"Okay Mr. Jericho, start the band." Mr. Flair said from the podium.
The band began playing 'Pomp and Circumstance' and the marshals led the graduates back into the stadium. They filed to their designated seats and sat down.
"Okay kids, after the processional, I will offer the welcome to everyone. Then Ted DiBiase will offering the invocation. After the prayer I will say a few words and then the teachers will present the honorary diploma for Nikki Bella." Mr. Flair went through the rehearsal. "Then the senior class president Alex Riley will speak. And kids make sure I have copies of all your speeches before you leave today. Then the school choir will sing. Ms. Wright, please come forward and run through with the choir."
Chevonne stood up to go with the other choir members. She was one of four seniors in the choir. She stood with the sopranos as the accompanist began playing the piano and Ms. Wright directed their singing. The seniors had chosen 'True Colors' for their first song feeling that it was appropriate considering all they had been through yet looking forward to a great future.
When the choir had finished their first song, the seniors returned to their seats while the underclass members stayed on the choir risers.
"Then we will have speeches from our class valedictorian Damien Sandow and salutatorian Lilian Garcia. Then the district superintendent Mr. Lawler will give his commencement address. Then the choir will sing again. Ms. Wright go ahead." Mr. Flair said.
"Why did I sit down? I could've stayed over there." Chevonne chuckled as she walked back to the choir.
The seniors had chosen 'Time After Time' for their second song. The seniors wanted to express that they would never forget the times they shared at Carter High and that they would hold onto the bonds they had made. Ms. Wright led them through the song. Chevonne was worried she would cry at graduation the next day. After the song ended, the choir exited the stage and the seniors once again returned to their seats.
"At this point we will have the presentations of the diplomas. We will call you up, you will walk up the stairs, shake hands with myself and Mr. Lawler, receive your diploma and pause for a photo. You will then walk across the stage flipping your tassel from right to left. Exit down the stairs and return to your seat but remain standing until all graduates have crossed the stage, I will then present the graduates." Mr. Flair said.
The students then practiced graduating. Their names were called and they walked, shook hands and returned to their seats.
"We will then have our closing prayer from Xavier Woods. Reminder, males remove graduation caps during both prayers. Then we will have the processional in which all graduates will follow their marshals out to the 50 yard line for the cap toss." Mr. Flair said.
"I can't believe we graduate tomorrow." Ted whispered.
"Now a few reminders. Be on time to line up. You must be appropriately dressed, no being naked under your gowns. And boys, no shorts under your gowns, you must wear pants. And no shenanigans when you cross the stage. No crude gestures and crude remarks." Mr. Flair said. "Now we will practice the processional. Mr. Jericho, when you're ready. Marshals lead your groups."
The band began playing an instrumental version of 'Don't You Forget About Me' as the graduates were led to the 50 yard line. Once all 130 graduates were there the band stopped. This would be when they tossed their caps.
"You are all free to go. Be here tomorrow at 5pm sharp." Mr. Flair announced.
"I am glad that is over. I am ready for something to eat." Randy said.
"I am surprised our folks aren't here with cameras." Cody said.
"Come on, let's get out of here." Roman wrapped an arm around Chevonne.
"I think it is nice they are doing something for Nikki, even if she was a nightmare." Naomi said as they walked out of the stadium.
"Let's be nice. This is a happy occasion." Brandi told her.
"I know, I'll try." Naomi said.
The kids headed across the parking lot to get in their cars. Suddenly two boys tackled Roman, nearly knocking him to the ground. Chevonne jumped back startled.
"What the hell?" Randy yelled.
Jimmy and Jey ran over ready to fight.
Roman looked up. "Seth? Dean? What the hell? Guys easy…I know them."
"Like we were gonna miss your ugly ass graduating. We decided to fly out and surprise you." Dean said.
"Flew into Atlanta and drove up. You parents have known all along." Seth said.
"This is THE Dean and Seth?" Chevonne asked.
"Damn…this has got to be Chevonne. Roman, you were right she is gorgeous." Seth said.
"Yes jackass, this is Chevonne. These are my cousins I told you about Jimmy and Jey. Jimmy's girlfriend Naomi. And those are my friends Cody, Brandi, Ted, Kristin and Randy. Everyone this is Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose, friends of mine from California." Roman introduced everyone.
"How did you know where to find him?" Chevonne asked.
"We arrived at his house. Sika told us he was here for rehearsal so we came down to surprise him." Dean answered.
"We were just going to get some pizza, would you guys like to join us?" Jimmy asked.
"That'd be great. Come on Chevonne, you can tell us everything Roman has been up to." Dean threw her over his shoulder.
"Oh! Roman!" she was startled.
"You gonna let them carry her off?" Randy asked.
"Trust me, she is safe with them. They are like my brothers." Roman chuckled watching as Dean and Seth carried Chevonne to the parking lot.
"Guys, I can walk. You know if you weren't Roman's friends I would have my brother beat the hell out of you two." Chevonne protested. "If you touch my ass I am telling Roman."
"We wouldn't do that. Roman would kill us. He is crazy about you." Dean said.
"Besides, we are thrilled to see him again. We just had to give him a hard time." Seth said.
"Can you put me down now? I am happy you guys are here. He has really missed you two." She said.
Dean set her back on the ground. "Sorry bout that. We didn't hurt you did we?"
"No, just startled me. I….well I know you wouldn't hurt me. Roman has told me all about you." She chuckled. "Just warn me next time."
(Brick Oven)
"I can't believe you two came in for graduation. I am so glad you are here." Roman told Seth and Dean. They were waiting for the others to arrive and Chevonne was in the restroom.
"We wouldn't miss it. Besides, after what happened at prom we wanted to be here for you." Dean said.
"Thanks means a lot to me. Been a rough month." Roman said.
"How is everyone doing? You mentioned everyone had a bad time of it." Seth asked.
"They're healing. Chevonne is in counseling, so are a few of the others. Chevonne is doing better. She is sleeping better and the nightmares have lessened." Roman said.
"She is gorgeous Roman. You tapped that yet?" Seth asked.
"Easy jackass, she is special to me." Roman rolled his eyes.
"That's a no. What is the hold up?" Seth asked.
"Seth, I think what Roman is trying to say is he waiting because she isn't ready. My guess is she is a virgin." Dean said.
"She is, but she wants to wait until….she is sure, whenever that will be. And she has been through hell so obviously I wasn't gonna bring it up at an inappropriate time. So it's cold showers for me. I don't mind, she is…"
"Damn, Rome's in love." Seth chuckled.
"Oh shove it." Roman rolled his eyes. "Here she comes."
"Hey guys, the others should be here soon." She sat down with Roman.
"How was graduation last week?" Roman asked them.
"Great, we brought pictures. You would've won the football award but you moved." Seth said.
"My brother won the baseball award here. We had our senior awards assembly yesterday." Chevonne said.
"Brother? Oh Randy? Roman explained that….well…you had…." Dean tried to find the right words.
"That I had a single mom and the Orton's adopted me." Chevonne smiled.
"And you should've seen the armload of awards my girl won yesterday." Roman kissed her forehead. "Honor Society, Academic Excellence, Choral Award, Literary Award, even got one signed by the president!"
"Hey, Ted, Kristin and the twins got a lot of awards too. And Naomi got the student council award." Chevonne said.
The others arrived and pushed a few tables together to join them.
"Did the choir pick enough Cyndi Lauper songs for graduation?" Randy asked.
"Don't listen to him. I thought they were great choices." Brandi said.
"I thought you guys were gonna bust out into 'Girls Just Wanna Have Fun'." Cody chuckled.
"Oh that would've looked cute. Us girls bouncing around and singing." Chevonne rolled her eyes.
"Did I hear girls bouncing?" Seth piped up.
"Shut up, all these ladies are spoken for." Roman rolled his eyes.
"I can see why Roman came to Georgia, the girls here are cute." Seth said.
"Do we need to worry about him?" Jimmy asked.
"No, he just doesn't know when to shut up." Dean laughed.
"How long you guys staying? We have a ton of parties coming up." Ted asked.
"A week." Seth said.
"Oh good, you'll be able to hit most of the parties with us." Jey said.