Prompt: Jen Lindley - "You say that I've changed, and you're right but I mean I went kicking and screaming. And if you think if anything, of any value in this world, comes at an easier price, you're wrong." - 'Dawson's Creek'

Head held up high, I walked the hallways of McKinley. It was the first day of my senior year and I was determined that it was going to be my best year. The turmoil of the year before was in the past and I wasn't going to let it taint this year.

Stopping at my locker I put in the combination, and opened it.

"You're looking quite happy despite summer being over and being back in school," Mike commented from his locker a few over.

I shrugged my shoulders. "It's the beginning of our senior year," I replied, as if that reply would answer everything.

"Exactly," Mike said, pushing his locker door shut. "We've got college deadlines coming up. This year could affect our futures. Come May we'll be expected to start out on our own. Frankly I'm nervous about that prospect and yet here you come walking down the hallway with more confidence than I've ever seen from you. Care to share your secret?"

I pushed my locker door shut and glanced over at him. "It's no great secret, I'm just determined to make my senior year the best year ever."

"Well, I hope you get just that. Me, I'm just hoping to make it through and get into a school my dad will be happy about," Mike replied, as we started down the hallway toward our home room. "You know Kurt, you've seemed different since you've gotten back from Dalton. More grown-up and in control than the rest of us."

"We've all changed Mike, just at different times and to different degrees."

"I don't feel like I have," Mike admitted. "I still feel like I'm living someone else's life. I'd be quite content to remain in high school for a few more years and duck the responsibility that graduation will bring whereas I think you would be ready to tackle your dreams today if you could."

I thought about Mike's words. I was looking forward to Spring with anticipation. I was ready to set out and leave McKinley and everything I have gone through here behind. "I am anxious to find out what's beyond these walls," I admitted. "And at some point, everyone will feel that way, even you. It's not a point I got to by conscious decision. Considering everything that happened last year, I got here kicking and screaming and finally decided I wasn't going to fight things any longer. Nothing of any value in life comes easy, and the trials we face make us stronger so whatever this year has in store for me, I know it's going to help me prepare for what lies beyond graduation."

Mike resting a hand on my shoulder. "Then I say we both set out to make this the best senior year ever."

I looked over at him and nodded in agreement. I missed the people at Dalton but it was good to be back at McKinley.