Daughter of My Heart, Chapter Thirty-Nine
Daniel's head was reeling from everything he'd been told over the last few days. His wife-to-be was pregnant, which was both amazing and terrifying all at once, and their daughter, their smart, beautiful, nearly adult daughter, had been gifted with an intergalactic assignment in diplomacy and historiography by her dying grandfather. Not to mention the decease of said grandfather, whom Daniel had long considered a friend and valued ally.
It all seemed a bit much as he, Sam, Jack and Janet all found seats together in the high school auditorium, expectantly awaiting the graduation of their shared daughter. Daniel was fairly certain they were all more anxious than the teen herself, who sat with her peers as composed and perfect as Daniel had ever seen her.
One by one the students were called, until at last it was Cassandra's turn to receive her diploma. She beamed out at them, easily picking them out as they stood proudly, cameras flashing and Jack clapping and whistling as loudly as he could. Sam burst into tears as their daughter gingerly accepted the rolled paper, shaking the presenter's hand before making her way back off-stage, back toward her peers.
The rest of the students were called up in what could only be described as a hazy blur, from Daniel's perspective, before Cassie once again made her way to the stage.
"And now, a few words from this year's Valedictorian!," the announcer said proudly. Daniel recognized her as one of Cassie's former teachers, a woman who had very high hopes for their daughter, indeed.
Cassie cleared her throat.
"I stand here today, not as the top student, or top athlete, but as our class voice, ready to be heard. For four years, our job has been to listen, to remember, and to learn. But today, today we earn the right to speak.
As we move forward in our lives, we will no longer be defined simply as teenagers, or students. We are adults, graduates, people of distinction. For the first time, we're the ones who will be tasked with making a difference.
Whatever path we chose, whether electrician or lawyer, carpenter or teacher, we will be the ones shaping the lives of those around us. Our plans will raise new cities, our thoughts will move new generations.
I ask that all the graduates here today stand, and look around.
Although we may not have seen eye to eye these last four years, we are all responsible for building a better future. Someone we've overlooked as a classmate may become the next president, or change the world with a breakthrough cure. And the person we relied on to survive math may invent the next big thing in computers. But whatever comes, remember these faces. Remember, and be proud. Because if one of us can succeed, then we all can.
A wise man once taught me that it is better to walk a path all your own, than follow the ideas of others. So be true to yourselves, and your talents, and never let anyone tell you what you're made of. Only you can determine that for yourselves.
And if we all do our best, give our everything to whatever path we choose, then the future really will be bright.
Thank you."
By the end of her speech, Sam was not the only one with tears in her eyes. Janet surreptitiously handed Daniel a tissue, with which he moped his own streaming face.
Maybe Jacob was right. Maybe Cassie was ready for something bigger.
Sam leaned into him, resting her head on his shoulders. "That's our girl," she said tearfully, her voice full of pride. He squeezed her tight in response, not at all trusting his own voice to say anything further.
"Cassie, wait up!," Dominic called, weaving his way through the hallway down which they were to return their caps and gowns.
She turned, frowning slightly as he approached.
"That was quite the speech you gave," he grinned.
"Thanks," she said softly, not quite meeting his eye.
"Look," he sighed, drawing her further away from the throngs of teenagers bent on leaving the stuffiness of school and graduation far, far behind, "We need to talk."
Now it was Cassie's turn to sigh. "Dominic," she said, briefly meeting his eyes. "It's not just about the schools anymore."
"What?," he asked frowning.
She glanced up again, this time holding his gaze. "My grandfather died last week," she said softly, "but before he did, he left me something."
"Like an inheritance?," Dominic asked, confused.
"More like a life plan," she replied with a wry smile.
"Cass, if it's not what you want, I'm sure you don't have to do it," he hastened to reassure.
"It's not that," she said, shaking her head. "He wanted me to write a book about his life, his history," she said.
"That...sounds like something you'd enjoy," he answered cautiously. She nodded.
"It does. It is," she corrected quickly. "But the research for it could take me all over the place," she added.
"Cass, I still think we could make this work, long-distance or not."
Cassie smiled, genuinely touched by the sincerity in his voice. "I know," she said, nodding. "But I think...I think it might be best if we just keep in touch. As friends," she clarified.
"Cass..."
Cassie smiled. "My parents are getting married," she announced happily. Dominic blinked, confused. Cassie nudged his shoulder. "They're proof positive that if something is meant to be, no matter how long it takes, it'll somehow work out in the end."
"So, you're saying we'll be friends, but maybe someday..."
"If our paths cross again, we'll be more."
He considered that a moment, his face curiously serious. Then he nodded. "I can live with that," he said at last.
"Good," Cassie beamed, kissing his cheek. "In that case, do you think you'd like to be my date for Mom and Dad's wedding?"
He grinned. "As long as I'm in town..."
"They're keeping it small and simple, sometime before the end of summer."
"I'll be there," he promised, taking her hand.
"Good," she smiled, holding it tight.
And then, together, they made their way down the hall, after which... the sky was the limit.