Taken

Chapter 1: Graduation

For makeup, I put on some glittery body gel on the side of my face beside my eyes. I put eyeliner and mascara on, and added a coat of light pink lip gloss. I checked my reflection in the mirror. I turned my head, the light catching the glitter, causing my face to sparkle. I smiled, and picked my phone up to check the time. It was 7:10.

I cursed loudly, and grabbed my graduation gown. I slipped my arms into the sleeves, and picked up my hat where it lay on the edge of my bed. I ran out the door, and climbed onto the stair rail. I slid down the rail, and jumped off before I reached the end.

"Where are you going?" My mom asked. She was dressed, but had no makeup on, and held an earring in between her fingers.

"My graduation!" I said, moving towards the door.

"Well, let us finish getting ready, and we'll drive you."

"I can't! It's 7:10. I was supposed to be there already!" I rushed over to the key hook, and grabbed the key to my motorbike, or as most people call them 'crotch rockets.' It's Kentucky Blue and Black.

"Helmet!" My mom shouted to me as she walked back into the bathroom. I ran outside, pulling the door shut behind me. I dug my helmet out of the truck of my mom's car. Quickly, but carefully, I stuffed it on my bed. I swung my leg over the seat, removed the kickstand, and put the key in the ignition, turning it over. My bike roared to life, and I maneuvered it out of the driveway.

I drove as fast as I could without getting pulled over. Oh, who am I kidding? I took the backstreets, and I wasn't even close to the speed limit. If my mom saw me, she'd take my keys and I'd be grounded for sure. I pulled into a parking spot, and took my helmet off, securing it to the seat before grabbing my keys and rushing up the gym steps, my gown billowing out behind me.

I was supposed to go through the back entrance, but I didn't have time. I raced across the gym floor, earning a few good natured head shakes and eye rolls from my teachers. My principle stood on the stage, jumping up and down, pointing the other direction. I put my arms up, shrugging as I ran through the doors that led to the hallway we were lining up in. I stopped at the doorway, shooting him an apologetic smile. He face palmed, which earned a few laughs from the audience and my classmates.

"There you are!" My friend Beth said, as I went to go stand beside her. Her last name was Grady. Right behind my Grace.

"Yeah. I'm here."

"You're late!" She said. I rolled my eyes at her. As if I didn't already know that, and I just ran across the gym for fun. She had a bad habit of stating the obvious. "What happened?"

"The Breakfast Club and Family Guy." I turned my head to grin at her over my shoulder. She only rolled her eyes.

"I honestly thought you weren't coming." She said. I scoffed.

"As if. I wouldn't miss this for the world." The music started, and I put my cap on hastily as I began following my classmates to the slow march. It took everything I had to refrain from pushing people out of the way, and yelling at them to hurry their slow arses up.

We marched around the gym, and to our seat. The music stopped. And the National Anthem began. When that was over, the principle asked us to be seated, and he proceeded in giving the welcome.

"And now, it's time for our valedictorian to speak." I stood up, and made my way to the stage. I removed the note cards from the pocket on my gown, and lay them down on the podium. I didn't need them. I knew this speech like the back of my hand. I knew this speech like I knew Niall. I took a deep breath before raising my head and beginning to speak.

"Three years ago, I left my home in Mullingar, Ireland, and moved here. I was 15. Most 15 year old's would love to get the chance to move somewhere new. Nut not me. For me, leaving Westmeath was the worst. My best friend has left to be on X-factor, and it felt like I had lost a part of myself. Moving from the place I had met him, was like losing him a second time.