A Taste of Freedom
It's graduation day at Rockford High in the city and state of Rockford,Washington. I am ecstatic to say that I'm graduating with my two bestfriends Alyssa and Lexi. The football field is shown with the school colors that are red and gold. Streamers and balloons are decorated around the stage and chairs. For the last time our shoes touch the green grass that has been the same for all 4 years and maybe longer. There are about 125 students sat side by side horizontally facing the stage.
The valedictorian stands up to the podium to give their heartfelt speech to the graduating students as if they were giving a speech as the president of the U.S...proud and tall. Many students are seen crying as this prideful speech is being given but not me. I do not give a thought to these words as they are meaningless to me because they are the same words as the last graduating valedictorian and the one after that. They are all used each year but worded differently. Trying to make a difference but in reality they have no impact, just used quotes from famous people.
The real impact is what is being given at the end of these speeches. Finally, I am listening to the names of students that are being called upon so they can go on with there lives not as a student but as a adult. It's quite glorious to walk onto the stage and given your new life in the form of a paper and yet your old life is being taken from you at that very moment by the same exact object that is called a "diploma".Now, that is the real impact and the one thing that changes you. Most people are sentimental about this occasion while for me it's too much of a joyful moment to cry.
The principal calls my name and as I shake his hand I receive my well earned diploma. I can hear Lexi and Alyssa wooing and clapping for me in the background. I sit back down in my chair waiting for the rest of the students to grab their diploma's.
We all get in Lexi's mothers car and she looks at us proudly in the rear view mirror.
She says "I'm so proud of you girls and the fact that you two are driving off to college in two days. It makes me so proud."
Lexi looks at her mom tearing up while "Mom stop your gonna make me cry."
"Thank you so much Mrs. Johnson it means a lot coming from you." I said smiling brightly
"What Moon said Mrs. Johnson we appreciate it a lot." Alyssa says with a soft smile
Lexi's mom smiled and slightly adjusts the rear view mirror.
"It's no problem girls. Now, who is ready for some pizza, hmm?"
We all say synchronized "we are."
We arrived in the parking lot and I looked at the sign stating "Antonio's Pizzeria" which is the best pizza place to go in Rockford. We all went inside and sat down at the table waiting for the delicious cheesy pepperoni and sausage pizza. The waiter came by to give us our pizza and we all stood quiet scarfing down the deliciously tasting pizza. After awhile there was nothing left but a single crumb.
"So I guess it's safe to say that the pizza was really good." Lexi's mom says while laughing.
Lexi started to look around herself and realized that this is the last the last time we will be here.
"Yes so good that I might just miss this place" she says
"Yes this place is one to miss. I hope Alaska has pizza good enough to eat" Alyssa says after exhaling
I say while looking at Alyssa "I'm sure they do."
We throw away the napkins we have and start heading for the car.
They drop Alyssa off first and then starts driving towards my house. I get off of the car and look at Lexi and her mom
"Thank you both I really had an amazing time." I said
Lexi's Mom took one glance at me and started smiling dearly
"Anytime hun’ and please take care of each other while in Alaska."
I start to get emotional and I wipe a single tear that rolled down my cheek.
"I will always take care of them they are both my sisters and I love them."
Lexi gets out of the car and walks me to my door. She gives me a hug and smiles.
"I love you to and I'll see you tomorrow."
"Ok and make sure you get some good rest."
I walk up to my door and inserts the key into the lock and turns it around while opening the door. I walk in my house and go upstairs quietly so I dont wake up Cruella. I walk in my room and lock the door before I change into my pink pajamas and lay down on my bed. It takes me a while to fall asleep and I think about all the fun times I've had with Lexi and Alyssa to help me fall asleep. The next day, around 1 pm I take a shower wondering how life is gonna be when I go to Slovia University.
I hop out the shower and I change into a black t-shirt and some blue jeans and slip on my black slide shoes. I slick my hair into a high ponytail. In a rush, I head downstairs and lock the door and walks out. There's a park about 2 blocks from my house that's called "Atka Park" I walk there and see Alyssa and Lexi sitting on the swings. They have been here for me for so long and I'm always there for them no matter what. I have known Alyssa since 3rd grade and we have been best friends since.
In the 5th grade, there was a new girl who joined our school and who joined our class which was Lexi. Alyssa and I liked her a lot so then we all just became best friends and ever since. I think of them both like sisters. Alyssa and Lexi have been dating since Freshman year. Both of there parents actually took it really well when they came out about their relationship. We were shocked that Alyssa's parents took it well being that they are Catholics.
We were talking about how excited we were to head on the road to the destination we have been waiting for. We will be going to Slovia University which is a college that nobody from our school knows about. I am very happy about that because that school is filled with jocks that think there all that because they have muscles and yet they are too stupid to multiply 0 by 1 and you might think "well maybe they need help." Yes they do need help but, try telling that to a person who thinks that having a toned muscular body and being "good looking" is the answer to every problem. Don't even get me started about the cheerleaders who basically bully everyone but themselves.
I don't care that it takes a long time to get there as long as I'm far away from here. We saved every penny we had and we found every scholarship there was to help pay for it. A few hours passed by and it almost started getting dark. We were walking back from the park just like old times and maybe for the last time.
I am so anxious and excited at the same time I can't help but be overjoyed.
"Ladies in one more day we will be off to college and on with our new lives!" I say
"I know we will be freed from this hell hole that's disguised as a school!" Alyssa said
"You can say that again. I will not miss any of these ugly ass faces especially the ones who think social hierarchy is a solution."
Slovia University was quite diffcult to get into but we all managed some how to be accepted. No matter what we always stick together. They are like my family, the sisters I never had.
"I'm just happy that we all were able to be approved for Slovia University. It's really hard to get in there and we did it."
"Yep we made it girls and who knows we might join a sorority," Alyssa said excitedly
Lexi's left eye started to twitch and it's all because she's really overprotective of Alyssa. People would assume that Alyssa is the one that wears the pants in the relationship just because of her tomboy style but boy are they wrong.
"I don't think so, I don't want you kissing anyone but me!"
" Yeah, and I also don't feel like getting Chlamydia as well," I said with sass
"Honey you know you're the only one I want to kiss." Alyssa said lovingly trying to claw her way out of the ditch she made with Lexi.
Lexi's eyes look like daggers heading for Alyssa's throat.
"Good." Lexi retorted
I love their relationship...It's been nothing but 4 years of love. When I think about love I always have a perfect example infront of me. They aren't perfect but they always know how to work it out.
"You girls make me sick. Pleghhh you two and your perfect relationship." I say jokingly
Alyssa laughs and folds her arms with attitude.
"Who knows Moon you might meet someone in college. I mean hell you might even lose your virginity"
"Ok let's not talk about my virginity, let's talk about something else."
"Ok, Moon stop trying to hide the fact that it could be a possibility and it's okay just make sure you use protection," Lexi said while giggling
"Okay there is a one percent possibility but I'm not worried about it. All I care about is my education."
Alyssa looks at me and puts her arm on my shoulder.
"Honey you need to live a little take a break from the books for a quick second because that's all you ever do."
I sighed knowing she's absolutely right I mean I do need to but I just want to get my education and my life going. I don't have time for partying if I want to get my Masters degree.
"I know you're right I mean I guess I should celebrate since we are going to college and getting our lives started."
"See that's more like it. I mean there's nothing wrong with having some fun." Lexi said
I honestly just told them what they wanted to hear I mean I want to focus very hard on my schooling. Since this school is difficult I want to give it all I got. I want to try and prove to everyone that I'm successful and that I can live on my own and be independent.
"So you girls watching any new shows?"
"I'm watching this new show called shameful," Alyssa replied
"How is it, is it funny?"
"Ahh it's alright I guess."
I've been trying to get over the fact that I haven't lost my virginity and I feel like my friends tease me for it. I'm just not focused on that right now.
Meanwhile, when I go back home I get to hear her. The person who made my life miserable ever since she had custody of me. Ever since my parents got in that car crash and passed away.
I wish my mom was here caressing my hair while laying on her lap or my dad watching football while my mom and I cook. I miss when my mom used to hug me tight and give me kisses on my forehead. I wish that I could still smell the cologne that my dad used to wear and whenever I would hug him. I miss bear-hugging my dad whenever he would drop me off at school.
I miss seeing them both equally happy and deeply in love and soul bonded with each other. All that is gone and now all I have my mom's sister, Aunt Sara the one who doesn't care if I'm knocked up or dead on the street. All she cares about is getting my parents money and spending it on new clothes. I really don't know how my mom lived with her as a child because she is the worst.
I arrive to my house thinking in my head that there is just one night left with this horrible being. I mean she could be a demon disguised as a human and I wouldn't doubt it with the way she treats me.
I walk in the living room and I see Aunt Sara in the kitchen then she walks into the living room and sees me. She folds her arms and yet she thinks she can intimidate me.
"Finally you leave after all these years of you being a little brat. I get to sit here and finally relax and not have to worry if you're going to die in the streets because of your stupidity and recklessness!"
"I'm so tired of you always bullying me!! And for what nothing..... I MEAN DO YOU HATE ME THAT BAD THAT YOU HAVE TO CALL ME STUPID. WELL HERES SOME NEWS FOR YOU AUNT SARA YOU NEVER WENT TO COLLEGE AND I AM SO WHOSE THE STUPID ONE NOW!"
But of course...I actually never say what's on my mind so I blanked out.
"Hello!! Dumb girl are you listening to me or are you so stupid you can't even understand me."
"What did you say?"
"I said clean the kitchen then go upstairs."
"I already cleaned before I left."
"Well then just go upstairs because I don't want to see your face after supper!"
I can't wait to leave tomorrow so I don't have to see her anymore for the rest of my life. She is so rude and talks to me as if I'm an idiot. After I was done eating I went up to my room and changed into some pajamas.
My phone starts to ring and it's a text message from Alyssa.
"Hey, girl how are you?"
"i'm ok ."
"No your not your aunt is still being a beyotch huh.!?"
"Unfortunately yes."
"Don't worry about her you only have one night left with that woman.I mean you dealt with her for 4-5 years I'm sure you can handle one more night."
"I know I just want to hurry up and leave because she is so FRUSTRATING!"
"I know that will all happen tomorrow. Your wishes will come true hun’."
"Uh...Okay fairy godmother."
"Lol get some rest your going to need it."
"Ok see you in the morning."
As I lay in bed dwelling about my freedom. I wonder what could be ahead of me. Is it a success, a job, and or love. I'm only trying to think about the good things right now. Honestly, this is a dream come true for me. Deep down inside this has always been my fantasy. Escaping from this place of what was happiness and now what is pain.
I grab the picture frame of my mom and dad
"Tomorrow is my new life and I wish you two were here to see it."
Tears start to consecutively roll down from my eyes. My eyes become heavy from the crying and doze off into a deep sleep.
