I try to keep my focus on Robert, but it only makes the pain that I feel, worse. It’s a song about learning who you are, facing adversities, and growing into a stronger and more determined person because of it. It had become my anthem for this year, giving me power when I felt the weakest.
Finally, it’s time to walk the stage and receive our diplomas. Principal Stewart hands me mine, and I stand along with the other faculty congratulating the other students as they receive their diplomas.
Robert is the last to graduate, and as he makes his way to me, he stops, kisses me on my cheek and whispers, “Tag, you’re mine,” in my ear before making his way off stage. He is all smiles as he makes his way back to his seat; my heart beats rapidly in my chest.
Does he remember? Is that what he’s trying to let me know?
Coach makes my introduction and it’s finally time to deliver my speech.
“Thank you, Principal Stewart, esteemed faculty, parents, and my fellow students. How do you define high school? Each of you I asked gave me a different definition of what those two little words meant. For some of you it’s drama and fights, laughter and tears, rushing to grow-up and then wishing time would slow down. For others, it’s growing up and meeting new people. It’s getting stronger, becoming independent, and realizing you have the whole world at your feet. For some, it’s first loves, and big heartaches, it’s finding a best friend, and surrounding yourself with a tribe. It’s knowing who has your back, and who would rather watch you fail than succeed.
“Seven hundred and twenty days. That’s all the time we’re given to prove to ourselves, our parents, and our teachers, we are ready to take the next step in life on our own. In life we do so many things. Some we wish we had never done, and some we can't wait to do again, but they make us who we are, and at the end of the day, they shape every detail about us. If we were to reverse any of them, we wouldn’t be the people we are today.
“Those of you that know me best, know that I am an Alex Gilmore fan, and I believe she said it best, “There is a universal truth we all have to face whether we want to or not. Everything eventually ends. As much as I’ve looked forward to this day, I’ve always disliked endings. The last day of summer, the final chapter of a great book, parting ways with a close friend. But endings are inevitable. Leaves fall, we close the book, we say goodbye. And today, is one of those days for us.
“Today, we say goodbye to the end of everything comfortable, we’re moving on. But just because we’re leaving and that hurts, some people are so much a part of us, they’ll be with us no matter what. They are our North Star, our solid ground, and the small clear voices in our hearts that will always be around.
“I was once told that age doesn’t make you an adult, it’s the choices you make, and the lessons you learn along the way that make you one. So, my fellow students, I invite you to turn your tassels with me. Welcome to the first day of the rest of your life. Congratulations. We did it!”
And with that, graduation is over. We’re no longer high school students, but young adults getting ready to venture out, alone, into the world.
Liv and Trey are going road-tripping this summer to decide what college they want to finally commit to.
Marcus has decided to enlist in the marines and leaves next month for boot camp.
Robert will soon be leaving to join the Rangers’ minor league team, and for me, the future is so unclear.
As I head out the double doors of the school one last time, I look back fondly at the outdated brown brick building with fire engine red trim. It was here I built friendships I know will last a lifetime, where I found the love of my life again only to lose him and find him once again, but also the place where I discovered I’m stronger than I ever thought I was.
“Hey! Presley!” Robert calls out to me as he jogs over from the field house.
“What you said in there.”
“You mean the whole Tag, you’re mine?”
“Yea, that.” His smile stretches wide across his face. “Please tell me that means something to you.”
“Princess, it means more than you know.” I jump into his arms, tears pouring down my cheeks as I burry my face in his neck. “I remember Presley. I remember so much of our past. A few moments are still hazy, but I’ll get there. Just give me a little bit longer and I’ll get there.” I cry harder as he sets me down, wiping the tears streaming down my cheeks, legs splayed as he looks me eye to eye. “What are you doing a week from today?”
I stop crying and dry my tears. “I don’t think anything. Why?”
“I need to be in Arizona in nine days. I want you to move with me Presley. We made all these plans and I want to start making them come true. Come with me Presley, I don’t want to do this without you.”