Chapter 2

As soon as they arrived at the high school, all thoughts of Randy vanished from her mind as Jasina focused solely on Arielle, helping her walk inside with her cap and gown. She smiled at the sight of Gary waiting for them and Arielle instantly ran into his arms, hugging him tightly around the neck, a frown suddenly marring his handsome face. Gary could feel the tension even before he walked up to greet his girlfriend, the expressions on everyone's faces telling him that the mood definitely wasn't cheerful.

"What happened?" He demanded softly, looking up at Jasina for the answer.

Jasina sighed and placed a hand on Arielle's back, watching the anger fill Gary's eyes when Arielle told him about Randy going on vacation instead of being here. The fire in the boy's eyes was enough to actually scare Jasina momentarily. She knew Gary had a temper on him and had only seen it once since he'd returned to town to be with Arielle. However, Jasina knew without a shadow of a doubt that Gary would never hurt her daughter physically or intentionally.

"Seriously?" Gary growled once Arielle walked away from him, needing to get ready for the ceremony. "What an asshole."

Mark kept his mouth shut as he approached with Shayla, agreeing with Gary wholeheartedly and shook the young man's hand with a forced grin. Not that he didn't like Gary because, surprisingly, he did; the boy had definitely grown on him. No, the smile was forced because he really wanted to kick Randy in the balls for being so stupid, for pulling a stunt way too similar to his own and ruining another momentous day for Arielle.

"He'd kick my ass if I tried kicking his, wouldn't he?"

"Eh..." Mark shrugged nonchalantly.

Once Arielle was fitted into her cap and gown, Jasina snapped a few pictures, Mark and Gary involved along with Shayla. Jasina wasn't going to be cruel to the woman, it was good that Mark had moved on and found someone else. Shayla was even kind enough to snap pictures of her and Mark with Arielle, the proud parents. They headed out to take their seats, the warm sun beating down on them and Jasina began snapping pictures with Arielle's camera, promising to use it because it took the best. As the school march began, Jasina couldn't stop a tear from sliding down her cheek as she watched her baby girl walk down the aisle, the yellow sash around her neck signifying her valedictorian crown.

Arielle was bound and determined to NOT let the absence of Randy spoil this for her, a smile plastered on her face as she took her seat for opening ceremony. She had omitted the reference to him in her speech, still unsure if she should leave it out or mention him, it wasn't like he was there to hear it. She noted Toni and her parents, Gary, her Mom and Dad and her friends sitting in the crowd. Mentally groaning when she realized Shayla had a camcorder out, Arielle kept the smile on her face since her mom was snapping pictures.

Mark was going to have a crying jag later on... his little baby was graduating and he couldn't believe how fast time had flown.

Once the opening ceremony was over with -the principal talking along with some of the teachers-, it was time for the announcement of valedictorian. Jasina was all smiles as she kept snapping pictures, trying her best to steady her shaking hands while Shayla continuing videotaping the momentous occasion. Gary sat beside Jasina and couldn't help grinning proudly; remembering when he graduated from school after getting out of juvie, wishing Arielle could've been there to witness his moment in the sun.

"And now, I am pleased to announce this year's valedictorian. She ranked the highest in her class, graduating a year earlier than expected, with an outstanding GPA of four point five. Ladies and gentlemen, please help me in congratulating Arielle Marie Calaway." The principal announced humbly, an applause echoing throughout the graduating class.

"WOOO GO ARIE!" Gary roared while Jasina whistled with her fingers, all of her friends stomping their feet against the bleachers while clapping wildly.

"My baby girl..." With everything Jasina had been through, being here in this moment for her daughter was worth everything and more.

Mark ducked his head in order to brush away tears with his knuckles, listening intently to her speech. He knew Randy had helped her write it because she had told him so when he had offered his dubious expertise. She had also told him he and her Mom weren't allowed to hear it because she wanted it to be a surprise.

Well he was surprised, wondering where this articulate overly-intelligent -he knew damn well she got from her mother, on both counts- young woman came from. Her usually rough accent -that was from him- was clipped and soft, a drawl that by no means ruined the overall intelligence that emanated from her. He found himself reaching around Gary's shoulder in order to place a hand on Jasina's, knowing this was a major moment for her as well.

Jasina never took her eyes from Arielle for even a second, placing her hand over Mark's, giving it a gentle squeeze as tears slid down her face. The speech was beautifully written and the fact that Arielle acknowledged her in it lifted Jasina's heart in a way that was indescribable. She knew Mark felt the same way, both of them sharing this moment and watching something neither would forget, not even on their deathbed.

When her speech ended, Jasina stood up and applauded loudly while snapping pictures, along with everyone in the audience, even the classmates because they all enjoyed it. The rest of the graduation followed suit, though when Arielle's name was mentioned to receive her diploma, the biggest roar sounded from the audience from all of her friends, family and the love of her life. Steve and Trish were even there applauding, Trish looking beautiful and ready to pop the kid out any day now.

When the ceremony ended, the family went to greet Arielle and snapped pictures, exchanging loving embraces. Even Jasina hugged Mark and snapped a picture with him at Arielle's request, smiling brightly all because their baby girl had finally graduated high school and was grown up. The fact that their daughter would be moving in with her boyfriend in just a few days didn't bother Mark as much as he thought it would because he knew Gary was a good man, who would take care of Arielle and protect her with his life.

Not even realizing his arm was still around Jasina, Mark pulled Arielle into them with his other one, crushing both of them against him. "We are so damn proud of ya, Arie." He whispered in her ear, letting go when she let out a muffled 'thanks' and then crushed Jasina against him without thinking twice, then set her back on her feet releasing his grip. "Can ya believe she's graduated? Seems like just yesterday she was lockin' us up." He chuckled good-naturedly.

Shayla was a little surprised when Arielle gave her a hug, having been watching Mark and Jasina, though she did return it awkwardly. "I filmed everything." She said with a smile. "I'll have copies made off for everyone."

Gary groaned, really not wanting to relive that experience again, though he was relieved to see the amusement in Mark's eyes, smiling when Arielle instantly came to him. "You have no idea how proud I am of you right now, baby doll and how much I love you." He murmured softly, smiling when she simply kissed him on the lips.

"I know and now she's in love with the same boy who helped her lock us up." The irony caused both parents to laugh jubilantly; the hug from Mark definitely needed and appreciated. "It seems like only yesterday she was no bigger than your forearm and now...look at her. You did a great job, Mark. She's absolutely perfect, smart as hell and beautiful." Jasina sniffled, letting the emotions get the better of her as a few tears fell.

"Well...the smart and most of the perfection she gets from you, I just wiped her ass and kissed her scraped knees."

"Daddy..."

"There were a lot of them too..."

"Scraped knees?" Gary grinned, keeping his arm around Arielle's waist as they turned to her parents.

"Dirty diapers."

"Quit embarrassin' her Mark, she's turning red!"

Arielle took a deep breath and shook her head, letting out a shriek when Toni all but tackled her.

Jasina laughed and smacked Mark gently on the arm, shaking her head. "Behave." She ordered amusedly, knowing he would have plenty of time at the party to embarrass her.

They all headed down the sidewalk after Jasina snapped a few pictures of the trio and then of just Arielle with Toni, not believing how fast time flew by. Jasina wasn't surprised when Arielle asked if she could ride with Toni and Gary, nodding and slipped into her own car, taking a moment to check her phone. No messages from Randy, not even a voicemail. Sighing, Jasina tossed her phone on the passenger seat and took off to the restaurant.

"So, is everything alright now?" Shayla asked once her and Mark were alone again.

"Yeah, everythin's fine." Mark assured his girlfriend. 'For now.' He mentally added, knowing Jasina was keeping it together for their daughter's sake.

"So, how does it feel to be graduated?" Toni demanded, glancing across the seat at Arielle before quickly turning her eyes back onto the road.

"Freedom!" Arielle squealed out, grinning, Randy the furthest from her mind.

The party was underway and Jasina instantly decided she was drinking tonight, having a glass of wine to celebrate Arielle's big day. Gary was already planning on moving Arielle in the apartment during the next few days and Mark didn't look too happy about it, but a deal was a deal. She sat alone in the far corner and just watched as her daughter mingled with all of the friends and family who were invited.

It was a privilege being here and yet Randy chose to go overseas instead of accepting the invitation. The more Jasina thought about it, the more pissed off she became and the more she drank, consuming nearly a bottle of wine herself within three hours. She wasn't drunk, but felt pretty tipsy and cut herself off since she had to drive home. All she could think about was how stupid she'd been to actually trust Randy with her heart, trying not to sulk at her daughter's party.

"I can't believe you're a graduate..." Trish sniffled, for the third time, catching Arie on her next round of the room, wiping away tears. "You can come to work fulltime!"

"Whoa honey, why don't you let her enjoy being free for a bit?" Steve suggested, smiling at Arielle. "I'm sure she wants to take a break."

"I, uh- Oh look, it's time to do cake and presents! See ya!"

Mark shook his head when he seen Arielle darting away from a laughing Steve and confused looking Trish, not even wanting to know as he stopped Shayla from helping herself to what would be her sixth drink. "Uh-uh, switch to something with less alcohol." He ordered, refusing to let his girlfriend get sloshed at his daughter's graduation party.

"Why?" Shayla demanded, raising an eyebrow up at her boyfriend, folding her arms in front of her chest. "I want another drink, baby. It's a party after all."

"It is my DAUGHTER'S party and if you drink anymore, yer going to get toasted, embarrass us all, and then I will drown you in that glass, we clear?" Mark said coldly.

He liked the woman, really he did, but she reminded him of Steve in the drinking department. Only, unlike Steve, she didn't have the social drinking thing curbed. He had ruined his daughter's birthday party, there would be no coming back from it if his girlfriend ruined her graduation party. Two parties in one year, he'd never live it down.

Shayla stared at him in shock, the anger registering in her blue eyes. "You seriously believe I would ruin your daughter's party?" She was pissed and tossed the napkin in the nearby trashcan, holding her hands up. "I'm leaving then so I DON'T embarrass you. Good night, asshole." She stormed out without another word, slamming the door behind her.

Gary couldn't help laughing at the way Arielle darted away from Trish, not blaming her in the slightest, actually thankful to his boss for allowing him today off. "Baby doll, that wasn't very nice." He chastised playfully, wrapping his arms around her waist, nuzzling her ear.

"I was caught between a rock and a hard place, much like you are now."

Gary growled, smiling when she shivered against him. "I can't wait for you to move in with me."

"I bet you can't." Arielle turned around, wrapping her arms around his neck, staring into his dark eyes. "I can't wait either."

"Arielle, it's time to do presents sweetheart." Jasina interrupted with an apologetic smile, having walked over after Lashonna informed her it was time.

Out of the corner of her eye, Jasina noticed Shayla storm out of the building and didn't even want to know what that was about. She was very tempted to kick the hell out of Mark's girlfriend for trying to cause a scene at her daughter's graduation party, but swallowed it down. It was a good thing Arielle wasn't that attached to Shayla like she had been to Randy or that might've been another terrible blow. Instead, Jasina just handed Arielle presents and kept a smile on her face, luckily not a lot of people noticing Shayla departure.

Gary could see the anger in Mark's eyes and swallowed hard, keeping his eyes on his girlfriend, thankful she was grinning from ear to ear.

That was the last time he ever dated a woman that literally reminded him of Steve with less common sense. The whole 'like Steve, lack of common sense' thing probably should have been the indicator that there was only disaster waiting, but...she had long tanned legs and a curvy ass. Mark moved towards the gift table, effectively shunting Shayla out of mind and focused on his daughter. Wondering if she'd mind the fact that he hadn't bought her anything, Mark instead gave her a gift card to use to furnish her new apartment with Gary. Given the amount of money on that card, she'd probably go into shock or start squealing.

Sure enough, when Arielle opened the card to reveal the amount of ten thousand dollars, she let out the biggest squeal and threw herself at her father, causing everyone to laugh. Gary was stunned when Arielle showed him that it was a Visa gift card, knowing they needed to furnish the apartment and blinked over at Mark, not knowing what to think. Jasina couldn't have been happier, the excitement and elation on her daughter's face enough to make her forget completely about Randy Orton for the time being. She had a feeling Mark was back to square one much like her and couldn't help noticing the irony.