“Most of us have known one another our entire lives. Some people might find it odd to attend a school so small that you know everyone in your senior class. I don’t. I’m grateful that I’ve been fortunate enough to experience this journey with people who feel more like family to me than strangers. To call East Texas High School and Willow Springs my home. The heart of Texas rings true. I believe we are the lucky ones.” My gaze found Mama, as tears streamed down her pretty face and I took a minute to swallow the lump in my throat.
“Some people think of graduation as an ending or a finality, but I believe this is just the beginning. And we don’t have to have everything all figured out. We don’t have to know exactly who we are or what we’re going to do with our lives after today. We just have to believe that whatever we set our minds to, whatever we dare to dream—that we have the capability to achieve it.” I reached for my water bottle and took a sip to calm my racing heart as I screwed the lid back into place. The auditorium was quieter than I’d ever heard it before.
“When I was pondering my own future and apprehensive about which path to take, the words of Nelson Mandela helped me to find an inner strength that I’d been afraid to unleash for so long. He said, ‘There is no passion to be found in playing small, in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.’” My eyes found my father, and his smile was so wide that my chest squeezed with pride.
“I’ve learned that we don’t have to live life perfectly. It’s okay to unravel a bit. My greatest journey happened when I allowed myself to fray. And to grow. And to find my own way.” I run my fingers over the rope bracelet on my wrist. “So, go out there and live your life to the fullest. Whether you choose to attend college, enlist in the military, go to trade school, become a homemaker, or backpack through Europe in need of finding yourself.” I paused as the audience laughed. “Do it with pride. Do it with purpose. And most importantly, do it because you want to do it.” Cheers erupted in the crowded auditorium, and it was difficult to see the words written in front of me through my teary eyes.
“We’ve been given the tools to achieve our greatest dreams. And as you look around this room today, it is evident that we have the support of our friends and families as they’ve all gathered here to celebrate us. So, in finality, I’d like to close with the words that rang out at our kindergarten graduation ceremony when Principal Douglas sent us on to first grade.” More laughter.
“In the words of Dr. Seuss: ‘Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.’ Thank you.”
Applause filled the space around me, and I made my way back to my seat for a few final words before we all moved our tassels at the same time. Everyone cheered and the room was chaotic. Jett found his way to me and tugged me against him.
“Damn good, Ace.” His mouth covered mine, and I tangled my fingers in his hair.
“You killed it, girl,” Coco said, as she moved beside me, and I reluctantly pulled away from Jett.
“Thanks. I’m relieved it’s over.”
Maura, Gigi, and Ivy hurried over, and we all hugged, as Jett talked with Shaw and Jax. Ty walked over and wrapped his arms around Ivy’s middle with Alec right behind him in his wheelchair. Karina stood beside him as they made their way to me. Her gaze locked with mine and she smiled. It wasn’t a full-blown happy-to-see-you smile, but it was progress.
“Just wanted to tell you that your speech kicked ass, Addy,” Alec said, and everyone remained quiet around us.
“Thank you. I’m glad you’re here today.” I nodded.
“Yep. I think it’s the first step toward getting my shit together.”
“Well, it’s about time,” Coco snarled, and everyone laughed, including Alec and Karina.
“All right, we’ll talk soon. I need to go find my parents,” he said.
I waved as they turned to leave, and Gigi’s brother Cade and his best friend Gray walked over. “You did it, G-money,” Gray shouted and picked her up off the ground and spun her around before putting her down. Everyone burst out in laughter.
Except for Gigi.
She scowled and adjusted her gown as her cheeks pinked. “Can I not have one day without the ridiculous name?”
“He just likes giving you shit,” Cade said, pulling his sister in for a hug. “Proud of you.”
“Thanks.”
“I can’t believe we’re all going to be at the same school. Think of all the fun we’ll have,” Gray said, looking from Jett and me to Gigi. Cade turned to talk to Shaw and Jax about football, but Gray never took his gaze from Gigi.
“Yeah. Lucky me,” she said, trying to hide her smile. We all found her hatred for Gray hilarious.
“I think you picked TU because you knew I was there.” He winked at her.
Jett and Coco were talking, but I kept glancing over at Gigi and her nemesis because they were very entertaining.
“Of course, you’d think that, you pompous ass.”
“You sure seem to bring my ass up a lot, G,” he said, running a hand through his longer in the front, shorter in the back hair.
“Bite me, Gray,” she hissed. I’d never seen Gigi so tough with anyone but Gray. He brought something out in her that was definitely out of character.
“If only.” He smirked before leaning over and rumpling the top of her head with his hand before walking away.
“I can’t stand that guy sometimes,” she huffed when her gaze locked with mine and I laughed even though I wasn’t sure if what she said was true.
Coco turned to face us as Maura and Ivy walked over. “We did it, girls.”
“We sure did,” I said, as Jett came up behind me and reached for my hand.
“Are you guys ready to head to my house?” I asked as we all made our way out of the auditorium.
My parents were having a graduation party for all of us.
“Let’s do it,” Maura said. “I’m going to ride with my parents, I’ll meet you there.”
Gigi left with her brother and Gray, and I heard Gray teasing her as they walked away. Coco said she’d drive over with Shaw, and we told Jett’s mom and Gram we’d meet them at my house.
We walked toward my family and they went on and on about my speech. Clem said I was paving the way for women everywhere.
“Really proud of you,” Mama said before she pulled me in for a hug.
“Thank you. Are you ready to head home?” I asked, knowing we had people on the way.
“Are you going to ride with your family? Should I meet you over there?” Jett asked.