Second Chances. (WATTY AWARDS 2013)

Chapter 92: Little Drummer Girl is All Grown Up.

Chapter 92: Little Drummer Girl is All Grown Up.

I sat in the front row of the auditorium with my hands folded in front of me, watching as Peasnie’s graduation was perfect. I had tears in my eyes by seeing this sight, she wore her robe and cap with pride and honor. I knew she made Valid Victorian but I didn’t know how her speech was going to go. The entire family was here. But I wasn’t going to let anything ruin the pride and happiness I had for Peasnie. I’m so proud that she’s bettering herself; she’s taking revenge on all those who made fun of her. She’s going to London; she’s got a good job, and living a happy life; just like I’ve wanted for her, her entire life.

I smiled at the recent memory of Matt waking her up this morning after she came in from a long night of partying. He tickled the bottom of her foot, just like I used too. And she gave him the same reaction she used to give me. The lingering memories made me feel lonely but not alone. I looked at Bailey and Kier and Alfie, they all were here. Bailey’s hand was tied in mine. This reminds me of when she graduated from kindergarten.

I sat amongst all the parents at the elementary school. It’s the last day of school before summer. And it’s Peasnie’s kindergarten graduation. I couldn’t be more proud. We’re going up to the cabin today after the ceremony for the grade eight farewells and the kindergarten graduating to first grade. Jesus Christ she’s going to be in first grade in the fall, my heart broke in my chest as my eyes looked up to see the kindergarten classes come into the gymnasium with proud smiles. My sadness of Peasnie growing up was soon overwhelmed by pride as she came into the gym wearing a pair of black jeans and a white dress shirt with the school tie. She had her hair in a high pony tail and it still came past her shoulders. She wore a large smile when her eyes caught me. I smiled back and waved at her even though we were told not too. She’s my damn child I will wave to her if I damn well please. I disapproved the fact that she was wearing a little bit of makeup, but I had faith in the girls to not make my daughter look like a hooker. I was surprised by the fact that I could only see the lip gloss she wore, her cheeks were dusted with blush but I think that’s just from the guys cheering her on. We took up the first two rows. She looked back at her friend, Lucas I believe. She looked so proud of herself. Peasnie had to wear reading glasses unlike me I have to wear glasses all the time. I can’t wait to tell Peasnie that she’s coming to the cabin with us to help us write the next album. She’ll get to play the drums and go swimming in the lake. She’s going to be really excited about going with us.

The past two months have been stressful for all of us with Bailey still MIA and the new album needing to be done fairly soon. I’ve had little time to be with Peasnie and make sure she’s okay. She doesn’t really understand why Bailey left. And we never actually told her why. How the hell do you explain this to a five year old? I told her that Bailey needs time to think and she never questioned it since.

The eighth grade farewell dragged on painfully, it was rather annoying because some of us were only here to see the kindergarten graduation. But like a good adult I clapped at the eighth graders as they accepted the sports awards and art awards as well. I found it rather mean that they’d do that. Some kids are artistic or sporty and they see these popular kids getting an award and they probably feel shitty about themselves. But finally the kindergarten classes came to the stands and they sang their songs which was incredibly adorable. I couldn’t help but wear a proud smile as Peasnie sang her tiny heart out.  As soon as the certificates of acceptance were handed out the guys were at the ready to completely embarrass Peasnie; that made me smile. They’re treating her like every other parent does their child. The kindergarten teacher smiled as she handed the kids their certificates and badges.

“Our next certificate goes to the very ebullient, Peasnie Sullivan.” The teacher announced happily. Peasnie’s smile was so wide and proud it looked painful, but her face was glowing with shear joy and pride. I couldn’t help but whistle to her along with the guys. They took off the day of school since they technically didn’t need to be there. Gena, Michelle and Val were here too along with my parents and Brian’s parents. Like I said, we took up two rows of seats. My heart swelled when Peasnie accepted the certificate and badge and shook her teachers’ hands before going back to her place on the stands.  As soon as that was over the art and sports awards were being handed out along with the courage, bravery, independence and overcoming obstacle awards. I was rather anxious because I know that Peasnie is one of the lesser intelligent students in her class even though she’s really smart. She comes from an idiot father and a dead beat mother and a metal band that is her family that takes care of her. Dan and Phil are one of the poorer kids in class and they’re made fun of so imagine Peasnie. Some of these kids act more adult than I do, yet again. I am me.