Chapter 3

My alarm went off all to soon. Getting out of be, I made my way downstairs and made breakfast for the family before making a start on the household chores. Once I had done the chores, I went back upstairs to get ready for today's graduation ceremony. I gathered my hair up, putting it into a fancy up do. Once I had finished my hair and make up, I pulled on my black slacks and white blouse, along with my shoes before quickly putting my black and gold graduation cap and gown on. Once I was dressed, I made my way out of my bedroom and headed downstairs to join my family. It wasn't long before the four of us were making our way out of the house and over to my fathers black Escalade so that we could head to the school. We got into the car and headed off to attend mine and Scott's graduation.

When we arrived at the school, my father parked his car in the school parking lot which was packed.  There were a large group of students gathered around in their caps and gowns talking excitedly. I smiled at Scott right before we got out of the car with our parents. Our parents each had big smiles upon their faces. It was obvious they were proud of us. 

We all made our way into the auditorium which was so packed we could barely move. Our class representatives were lining the students up as soon as they entered the building. It didn't feel like much time had passed before the schools band began to play our schools graduation melody. Teachers were doing their best to keep the students who were about to graduate quiet, while others were getting the soon to be graduates lined up in alphabetical order. We all stood in line waiting to be called on stage to be seated for the ceremony, after which we would receive our diplomas. 

Suddenly it was time for the graduating students to make our way on to the stage to take our seats, and listen to the principle give his speech, before we would receive our diplomas and recognition. I stood where I was waiting until it was my turn to make my way on to the stage. Finally it was my turn to walk onto the stage and take my seat. As I made my way towards the stage, I was hoping that I didn't end up tripping over and falling flat on my face in front of all of these people. I guess I could thank god that I didn't fall flat on my face. When I had gotten onto the stage, like the other students who had entered before me, I still had to remain standing until all the other students who were graduating had finished walking in to take their seats. 

Our school Principle, Mr Anderson, was standing at the microphone after having just brought all the students up onto stage. 

"Students you may all be seated," his voice rang out throughout the auditorium. "Today is a great day. A day which you all achieved by perseverance and determination. A day you students can take pride in, and a day of pure joy for your loved ones who have supported you all these years. Because today is the day your future awaits you. When you leave here today, you will no longer be students of this school. You will be young adults who are destined for great things. Today is a day that you will always cherish. A day that you will remember for years to come, the day you graduated from high school."

His voice was an odd pitch for a mans voice. To me his voice had honestly always sounded kind of girly. He stood there in his expensive suit. It was a black suit, and he had a dark blue tie, and a white button up shirt paired with it. His black hair had silver highlights through it. As I stood there listening to him, I realized that today would be the last time I would ever see Principle Anderson. 

After all the class speeches had been given, and we had all shared our laughs and tears through the reminiscing of those giving their speeches, Principle Anderson began to call each student up to receive their diplomas. When it was finally my turn, I stood there with butterflies in my tummy while I waited for him to call my name. 

"Lara Westhaven," his voice rang out though the loudspeakers, enunciating every word. A cheer could be heard from the audience, people were shouting, and clapping enthusiastically. The pit of my stomach felt like I was on a roller coaster. This was my moment to shine. I carefully made my way over to Principle Anderson, shaking his hand while he handed me my diploma which he held in his other hand. His grip was light, as it was widely known that he was a gentle soul. When he released my hand, he took my tassel on my graduation cap and shifted it over to the left side of my cap. I grinned at him, thanking him without words. I slowly and carefully walked off stage not wanting to fall down now that I was so close to being done with the ceremony, and waited with everybody else for the rest of the graduates to receive their diplomas. As the final student walked across the stage the auditorium began to come alive once more. People who had once been waiting patiently started to murmur with excitement. Principle Anderson once again took the attention of the room as his voice filled the air. 

"Congratulations graduating class!" his voice announced enthusiastically. 

The students all took their hats off, throwing them in the air. I followed suit, flinging it high in the air, and looking at my classmates faces lighting up with pure joy. We had done it! All the hard work had finally paid off! All the late night study sessions and stressing over exams, it was all over! This was our reward, we had finally made it! I couldn't believe we were finished high school!

People began making their way out of the auditorium and laughing and joking around as the ceremony was now complete. The students all began gathering up their thrown caps, before making their way outside to their families. I was handed my cap and I placed it on my head once more. This cap and gown meant so much to me, today I was a queen, and my cap was my crown!

Scott and I made our way outside to find our parents, and when I saw them with my aunt and uncle and my cousin Haven, I was so excited! Haven and I, while being cousins, were also best friends! Seeing me, Haven ran over and threw her arms around me, giving me a big hug, while she screamed excitedly. When she let me go, my aunt and uncle each gave me a hug and congratulated me on my graduation. We all made our way over to my fathers Escalade, while my aunt and uncle and Haven got into their SUV. A moment later we were we driving to the restaurant where we had booked a table to have lunch so we could celebrate mine and Scott's accomplishment.