Very short chapter this time around. I wanted to do something with Mallory and talk about her time at Riverbend so this was what I came up with lol. Enjoy the chapter!
Mallory Pike nervously shuffled her paperwork on her desk trying to make out what she wrote. Her practiced speech echoing in her mind. In the bed across from her she saw Smita turn in her sleep. This speech had to be perfect as it was something the entire school would hear. Visiting parents and family would be gathered at Riverbend Hall Boarding School. Including her big family in the first row behind the graduates.
"Mal what time did you get up?" asked her roommate yawning as the alarm went off to the sound of a Britney Spears song.
"I never went to bed," she said grumbling. "I need coffee. Want some?"
"Yes, but we're graduating in two hours," said Smita sitting up straight. "Did you really practice your valedictorian speech all last night?"
"Yep," said Mallory popping the p. "I also finished packing, sent out e-mail reminders for my party, and started making a packing list for Mount Holyoke. I'm nervous! Who would think I, Mallory Pike, would be nervous about being valedictorian?"
"That'll rattle anyone," said Smita rubbing her shoulder comfortingly, "but you need sleep."
"It's okay I'm going to get a lot tonight. By the way I ironed your dress and mine."
Her roommate rolled her dark eyes but smiled at her before the two headed toward the cafeteria. Jen, Sarah, and two other friends saved them. In two more hours, she would be giving her speech as Mallory stuffed more food in her mouth.
It was hard to believe that she was graduating and moving out for college. Her adult life, or rather post high school graduation life, was going to start in a matter of a few hours. This was going to be the last time she was going to be at boarding school. Then home until about mid-August when she moved into her first college dorm.
The thought nearly made Mallory cry remembering the day she first moved in, everything from Alexis and getting to know everyone. She found some of her best friends at Riverbend in those first few years and figuring out who she was. The other girls showing her how to do her hair, switching clothes, and the gossip. Oh all of that would end today.
Not only that but the time she spent here was great. She had wonderful grades and teachers that supported her. From being president of the computer club and putting on an original play written by her. Then those dances and staying up all night on exam days just to be prepared. Her archery and horseback riding trophies gently packed up reminded her of her growing confidence. No longer was she just one of the Pike kids.
"Hey Mal it's time to get ready, everyone is going to head to the bathrooms, and I grabbed my flat iron," said Jen. "It'll help ease your mind. If it helps, I think your speech will be great and your family will be proud."
"Thanks Jen, I'll be down in just a minute."
She looked at her scrap book and smiled at it before slipping it in her suitcase. Her time here was going to be fondly remembered and then remember her parents in the audience. Childhood friends in the form of Kristy Thomas, Mary Anne Spier, and Claudia Kishi were going to be there as well. Mallory was going to make them proud.
