Friday June 12, 1987
Chevonne and Randy hurried into the back of the stadium to line up for graduation. Their friends were already there getting ready.
"What took you two so long?" Cody asked.
"My mom is taking a million pictures and she and Mama Judi are like the official criers of this graduation. Mom has cried all day." Randy sighed.
"And I had a hard time hiding my cap from everyone. They wanted to see it and I wanted to surprise them with it during graduation." Chevonne said.
"Dean and Seth are with my family. They wore suits, I nearly fainted." Roman hugged her quickly.
"Kristin, let me see your cap." Chevonne said.
Kristin turned around and showed she had decorated her cap to say 'Next Stop UGA'. Chevonne hugged her.
"That is beautiful. You are going to make a fantastic nurse." She said. "Help me with my gown and cap. You got a mirror?"
"I do." Brandi said.
"I got some extra pins to help it stay on your head." Naomi said.
Chevonne hurried and put her gown on. Kristin helped her put her cap on and pin it to her head, making sure her hair still looked nice. Chevonne had decorated her cap to say 'Thank U Mama & The Orton's'.
"Oh great, mom and Mama Judi are gonna cry and drown dad." Randy said.
"It looks great." Brandi hugged her.
"Thanks. You girls look great too. Can't believe this is it." She smiled.
"Don't get all sappy and start crying. Do one of your group hugs and get it over with." Jey sighed.
The girls chuckled and hugged each other. They all stood dressed in their caps and gowns. The guys in black and the girls in red; the Chieftain's colors. Chevonne, Ted, Jimmy, Jey, Kristin and Naomi wore honor chords as well.
"Can you believe Bray Wyatt didn't even shave for graduation?" Brandi asked as Bray walked by.
"Neither did Erick Rowan, I saw him earlier." Cody rolled his eyes.
"We better get to our spots before we get yelled at." Jimmy said. "See you all out there."
As they began hurrying to get in line, Randy grabbed Chevonne's hand.
"Just wanted to hug my sister before we go out there." Randy hugged her. She knew what he was really saying.
"Love you too. It is great to get to graduate with my brother." She smiled. "Now go on before I start crying."
They got in line. Ted was behind Chevonne. Kristin, Jimmy and Jey were near them too. Peeking out into the stadium they could see the place was decorated with banners, balloons, and streamers. The stadium was packed with people: parents, families, teachers and community members.
Mr. Jericho started the band playing 'Pomp and Circumstance'. The marshals led the graduates out onto the field where runners had been laid out of them to walk on. The parents were all standing and taking pictures. The kids smiled at their parents as they walked in and Dean and Seth could be heard rooting for Roman. They all stood in front of their seats until their marshals told them to be seated. Mr. Flair walked up to the podium.
"I would like to welcome everyone to the 1987 James Earl Carter High School graduation. It is truly an honor and a privilege to get to send these wonderful graduates out into the world. This is indeed a celebration of achievement, hard work, success, the fulfillment of dreams and the beginning of new dreams. I now invite everyone to stand and gentlemen please remove your hats for the invocation to be delivered by Ted DiBiase."
Everyone rose to their feet as the male graduates removed their caps. Ted stepped up to the podium.
"Father, we thank you so much for our time here together. For all the friends we have made. For all the days of laughter and fun. And for bringing us through the trying times and sorrow. And for all the times of great discovery and learning. We thank you for all who have given of their energy and skill, so that we can graduate today. Our teachers and mentors and coaches. Our family and loved ones. We thank you for them and give them all to you in prayer. And remember and hold close in our hearts those that have joined you too soon." Ted led the prayer. "As this chapter on our lives closes, so a new one begins. We present ourselves like an open book before you. Come and write your words of life into our lives -Fill our minds with your thoughts. Fill our bodies with your strength. Fill our hearts with your dreams. That we might eternally love and serve you this day and every day. We ask all this in the glorious name of Jesus, Who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit. Amen."
The stadium returned to their seats as Ted sat back in his place. Chevonne winked at him to show how much she enjoyed his prayer. Mr. Flair once again stood at the podium.
"In the many years I have been in education, it never ceases to amaze me what I can learn from students. In my brief time at Carter High School, these amazing graduates you see today have taught me the true meaning of strength and the ability to overcome. They have endured the loss of their Principal Dwayne Johnson, whom I am sure is smiling down proudly upon these beautiful kids today. And they endured the loss of two of their classmates. But they have risen up to support each other, encourage each other and achieve success in the face of great obstacles. I commend these graduates today for the great character they have shown me. And I want to tell them…kids you have been a blessing and I am truly proud that I have been able to spend these past few months with you." Mr. Flair said as the stadium broke into applause.
"As we share the joy of a graduation, we want to honor one of our students that would have graduated today but sadly was taken from us too soon. Nikki Bella attended Carter High School for four years. She was active in the French Club and in the Red Cross Blood Drive. She was a member of the junior class homecoming court as well. We are saddened that Nikki is unable to participate in this day she had worked so long for, but Mr. Hart and Mr. Layfield and myself would ask that her sister Brie please come forward and accept this honorary diploma on Nikki's behalf." Mr. Flair said.
The audience broke into applause as Brie walked up on stage and accepted the folder. Mr. Flair, Mr. Layfield and Mr. Hart all shook hands with Brie, then she returned to her seat on the field.
"I now present to you, the senior class president Alex Riley." Mr. Flair said.
Alex stepped up to the podium. "Fellow graduates, families, our teachers….this is a day 13 years in the making…"
Chevonne looked away from Alex into the crowd and noticed Detective Foley sitting among those in the stadium. She wondered what he was doing there, but then shrugged it off. Half of Walkerton was there after all.
"…I speak for my classmates when I say thank you to all who have supported us. And I wish my classmates the best of luck in the future. Thanks for the awesome memories and always remember to carry a piece of Carter High in your hearts." Alex finished.
Chevonne stood up to go sing with the choir. She stood in her spot and looked out into the rows of graduates. She saw Randy smiling at her. She looked over a few seats and saw Roman. Ms. Wright directed the accompanist and the choir began singing 'True Colors'. Chevonne found the song moved her more than she thought it would but she managed to get through it.
She sat down to listen to the next three speakers. She tuned out the class valedictorian, always finding him snobby and overbearing about being intelligent. She looked over the crowd as Damien gave a speech about the 80's being a new frontier.
She clapped politely as Lilian got up to speak. Lilian gave a beautiful speech about the progress of women, the support of men and a bright future with everyone working together. Chevonne hugged her as she sat back down. Mr. Lawler, the district superintendent got up to speak.
"It is a gift to be able to see bright graduates leaving Carter High School every year and going off to conquer the world. I am honored to speak to each group and this group is no exception. I know you will take the wonderful things you have learned with you into the future. I stand here amazed, when I took over as superintendent these kids were just in kindergarten and now here they are graduating. I want each of you to know how proud I am of you. As you step into the world, let me give you one last lesson here at Carter High School. There is no magical formula for success but there are building blocks. Set goals and work to achieve them. You will receive feedback, use it wisely and adjust as you work towards your goals. Maintain a high code of personal conduct. And the best way to live your life is with a balance of your life's pursuits and personal life. Your future will be your own making. I encourage you to set goals and work hard towards them. Always work towards them with personal integrity. And hold your families close to you. They have supported you this far and they will be with you in the future. I wish you all the best. I am proud of you. And offer you my sincerest congratulations." Mr. Lawler said.
Chevonne went to join the choir again. Ms. Wright stood up and motioned to the accompanist. As the choir sang 'Time After Time' Chevonne had to force herself to not look at any of her friends for fear she would break down. After the song she went back to her seat.
"And now the moment you all have been waiting for the presentation of diplomas to the Carter High School Class of 1987." Mr. Flair said as the stadium erupted into applause.
"Our top 10 graduating seniors. Valedictorian Damien Stephen Sandow." Damien received his diploma and crossed the stage. "Salutatorian Lilian Annette Garcia." Lilian received her diploma and crossed the stage.
"Chevonne Elizabeth Williamson." She stood up and walked to receive her diploma. She shook hands with Mr. Lawler and Mr. Flair. She smiled as she walked the rest of the length of the stage, changing the side of her tassel, hearing her family and friends cheering, even Dean and Seth carrying on. She walked down the stairs where she spotted Bob and Sika with cameras, having left their seats. She smiled and then hurried back across the walkway and up the stairs to her seat.
"Theodore Marvin DiBiase, Jr." Ted received his diploma and crossed the stage. Everyone cheered for Ted. When he rejoined the others on stage, Chevonne hugged him. They listened as others were called.
"Jey Samuel Uso." Jey smiled as he received his diploma and crossed the stage.
"Kristin Tynes." Kristin proudly smiled as she received her diploma and crossed the stage.
"James Solofa Uso." Jimmy accepted his diploma and crossed the stage. Fatu had joined Sika in taking pictures. As the top ten finished their walk across stage and remained standing, the marshals moved to the students on the field.
"And now the rest of the class of 1987 in alphabetical order." Mr. Flair announced.
The kids on stage waited anxiously for their friends to be called, waiting as the top of the alphabet was called.
"Naomi Trinity Knight." Naomi hurried up the stairs to get her diploma. She smiled and waved to her friends as she crossed the stage. They waited for their next friend to be called.
"Randall Keith Orton." Randy walked up on stage. Chevonne found herself tearing up to see Randy getting his diploma. He crossed the stage and down the stairs where Bob was waiting with a camera.
"Brandi Alexis Reed." Brandi received her diploma and crossed the stage. Everyone cheered and clapped, truly celebrating the graduation.
"Roman Leati Reigns." Roman walked up on stage to receive his diploma. Chevonne blew a kiss at him as he walked by and had to laugh at Seth and Dean cheering and carrying on.
"Cody Garret Rhodes." Cody walked on stage and received his diploma which he clutched to his chest and pointed towards the heavens. He crossed the stage where Dusty was waiting with a camera. Chevonne began to wonder why it was all the dads taking pictures.
Everyone clapped and cheered as the remaining students were called. Finally all the graduates were standing at their seats.
"Ladies and gentlemen I give to you the James Earl Carter High School Class of 1987." Mr. Flair announced as the stadium erupted into applause.
As the applause died down, Xavier Woods went to the podium to give the benediction. "Please stand and gentlemen remove your hats for the benediction…. So now we leave to go our separate ways, we cherish all the things that we have learned; we treasure all the friends that we have made; we thank our teachers, and we thank the staff. We pray that God will take us in His hand, and hold us tightly in the years ahead. And as we seek to find our fondest dreams, we pray that He will guide us all the way. In Jesus' holy name we pray, Amen."
The band began playing 'Don't You Forget About Me'. The graduates followed their marshals to the 50 yard line. Many parents were taking pictures, everyone was happy and smiling. The band finished the song as the last of the graduates arrived huddled in the center of the stadium. Most of the graduates tossed their caps in the air. Chevonne chose to leave hers on as it was pinned to her head but cheered along with the rest of the class.
The graduates began hugging each other and offering congratulations. Chevonne and her friends found each other and all of them hugged each other, several group hugs going on amongst them.
"You looked so beautiful up there singing." Roman kissed her.
"Thank you." She kissed him again.
"Easy before dad catches you two and kills Roman." Randy laughed.
"This has been a wonderful day. So glad we're all together for it." Jey hugged them.
"Yeah, and we got you guys' party tonight!" Naomi joined in the hug.
The parents began making their way over to the graduates and graduates moved out to find their families. Many of the teachers and staff help take photos of family and other parents taking pictures.
"There are our families. I see them making their way over." Kristin said.
Soon the parents were there hugging their kids and other kids. The group had been friends so long that the kids felt a special bond with all the parents.
"There is our kids. I am so proud of you two." Judi hugged both Randy and Chevonne.
"And your cap…that was so special." Elaine hugged them.
"And Roman looks so handsome in his cap and gown." Judi said. She stood back and held Chevonne's hands. "I am so proud of you. I know how hard things have been for you over the years, but you worked hard and graduated with honors."
"Thanks mama. Couldn't have done it without you." She hugged her mom.
"There is my girl." Bob walked over. "You and Randy have made me so proud."
"Thank you. It is great to graduate with him." She hugged him.
"I have something for you. I wanted to give it to you on graduation day." Bob handed her a small blue box.
Chevonne opened the box. Inside was a golden locket inscribed 'Daddy's Girl'. She opened it and saw a picture of her and Bob years ago on Christmas. She looked back up at Bob.
"You're my daughter. Don't ever let anyone tell you any different. And you going off to college won't change that." Bob told her.
"Papa….thank you. I love it." She hugged him.
"I gave Randy his grandfather's pocket watch this morning. And I wanted my daughter to have something special too." He told her.
"Hey Mr. Orton." Roman walked over to them. "Chevonne, when you get a minute my mom wants pictures."
"Oh Elaine and Judi do too." Bob chuckled.
"Guess we might as well get to it." Chevonne smiled.
"And show off them diplomas! We been waiting a long time on this day!" Elaine yelled.
The parents began snapping off pictures. The kids with their parents. Couples together, family's together, siblings together. Chevonne chuckled watching Seth and Dean get pictures taken with Roman. Elaine and Judi must've taken a dozen of her and Randy with their diplomas. Sika took a bunch of Roman with his cousins, Chevonne and his friends. The parents then lined up all the kids with their diplomas for a few pictures.
"The photo mat in town is going to hate us." Brandi laughed as they stood for pictures.
"Are you kidding? They are gonna make a bundle. I think this is my mom's third roll." Cody laughed.
"I don't even want to know how many my mom has taken." Randy said.
"I am starting to feel like a model at a photo shoot." Naomi said.
"You know when we are 40 years old we will treasure these pictures." Kristin said.
"When we are 40 years old, we'll probably be putting our own kids through this." Jey said.
As the parents finished taking photos, the kids all hugged, still celebrating. The parents were thrilled to see the kids celebrating so much and enjoying themselves after everything that had happened.
"Let's all get to the Uso's. Their party starts at 9pm." Brandi yelled.
"Yes, it is gonna be great." Kristin agreed.
"I just can't wait to get into comfortable clothes." Roman laughed.
(9pm)
The twins' graduation party was in full swing. Family and friends were at the Uso home, celebrating with the boys. Mrs. Uso had a full buffet table set out and had bought the boys a huge cake. The twins were making the rounds to greet the guests.
The girls were on the back deck enjoying a drink, waiting for the guys to join them.
"I am so glad this night went off great. I admit after prom I was nervous something would go wrong." Kristin said.
"Hey, this is a celebration. No bad thoughts tonight." Naomi told her.
"Besides, that is all behind us. Its graduation and bright things are ahead of us." Brandi said.
"Speaking of things ahead of us….Chevonne….you and Roman seem very in love." Naomi wrapped an arm around her.
"Yes, honey you glow over that man." Kristin chuckled.
"God, he is so sexy. I just want to kiss him all the time." Chevonne said.
"Does that mean you two may…you know…soon?" Brandi asked.
"I don't know. But I have been thinking about it more lately." She said.
"Really? Oh that is wonderful. He is such a good guy. Not the type to just screw you over." Kristin hugged her.
"He is wonderful. He has been so great since we started dating. And this past month….he has been the most amazing boyfriend. He has been supportive, understanding, thoughtful and we have spent so much time together." She said.
"He is a good one. And he is very sexy. I can understand wanting to kiss him all the time." Naomi said.
"Yeah, this family really knows how to grow them." Chevonne laughed.
"There is our beautiful ladies." Ted said from the doorway.
"Yes the four most beautiful ladies at the party." Cody appeared beside him.
The guys walked out onto the deck with the ladies. They sat down in the patio chairs on the deck and Chevonne and Roman sat down together in the swing.
"I brought you some food. I figured you were getting hungry." Roman handed her a plate.
"Thank you. I was getting hungry." She smiled and accepted the plate.
"And it's the lovebirds!" Seth yelled as he and Dean sat down on the deck near the swing.
"Where have you two been?' Roman asked.
"Meeting a few of the guests." Seth said.
"Roman, your girl is a triple threat. Looks, brains and she can sing." Dean said.
"I am not sure how to take that." She laughed.
"Ignore them, they aren't housebroken yet." Roman laughed.
"Did anyone else notice Detective Foley was at graduation tonight?" Chevonne asked.
"I thought I saw him in the crowd. Does he have any relatives graduating tonight? A niece or cousin or something?" Brandi asked.
"Even if he doesn't he probably just wanted to come tonight to support us. So many people showed up tonight to support the school after….well you know." Randy said.
John Cena walked out on the deck and joined them.
"Hi John. Glad you could make it." Kristin said.
"It is a nice party." He smiled.
"I never realized how big this family is. It is crazy." Brandi said.
"Roman, do you need to be greeting the family with the twins?" Cody asked.
"I will make the rounds in a bit. This is their party. Let them have the spotlight." Roman said.
"Well I can't wait for Randy and Chevonne's party tomorrow." Ted said.
"John, you are more than welcome to come. We would love to have you join us." Chevonne said.
Author's Note- I got the ideas for the graduation prayers/speeches from various sites. I also used combinations of the characters real and stage names in case there was any confusion. Hope everyone enjoyed the chapter. Leave some feedback.