5:48 p.m.
I was drifting in my own thoughts, watching the crowd and catching snippets of conversations, when suddenly I was startled by a loud, playful "Boo!" from behind me. I jumped and whipped around to see Jackson grinning at me, wearing a crisp white long-sleeve button-up and tailored trousers—he looked so polished and professional it actually spooked me. Not what I was used to at all.
"Usually, you're dressed like a rebel," I said with a half-smile, thinking about all those times he defied the school dress code with his battered letterman jacket. That jacket was like his second skin, and seeing him like this felt strange, almost like he was trying to be someone else.
Behind him stood Winston, his brother, whom I'd met years ago. I pulled him into a tight hug, the kind that brought back a flood of memories. I remembered how Winston used to come home from New York every few months, and the three of us would hang out, joking and laughing until time flew by. Winston had always been like a brother to me, too—especially during the times when Jesse disappeared and I felt alone. His presence was steady, comforting in a way no one else's was.
Standing there now, wrapped in that hug, I felt that familiar warmth shift through me, a small anchor holding me steady amid everything new and overwhelming. "Max, you look stunning!" he said, stepping back to look at me. "I'm glad this idiot over here," he paused, shaking Jackson in his arms before continuing, "finally stopped being an ass to you."
His comment clearly annoyed Jackson, nudging him. Before we could get into talking, Jesse quickly appeared along with the others. "Winston! It's great to see you, man," he said with a smile before pulling him into a hug. I watched as they both pulled away to shake hands, "Me? Look at you all shiny and famous!" he responded as his eyes roamed around Jesse's outfit. "I see you brought a horde of paparazzi on your way from New York," Winston commented as he looked back, pointing his thumb at the paparazzi outside by the glass door.
As their conversations synced with the murmurs of the crowd, I glanced at Jackson, who looked awfully uncomfortable. "What's the matter? You miss your letterman jacket already?" I asked jokingly, an attempt to lighten him up. He looked back at me, chuckling awkwardly. My eyebrows furrowed, "Oh, do you guys have any plans after this? My mom wants to have dinner, and we can bring friends along."
His eyes lit up, nudging Winston, who already heard my invite, "Hey, you wanna go?" Jackson asked as he crossed his arms. Winston glanced at him, then me. "Of course I wanna go! I'd love to catch up with the Yus!" he answered as he brought Jackson and Jesse into an awkward side hug, which made me laugh a little.
I noticed Jesse pulling away, his smile fading into a more serious expression that I couldn't make out in the moment. "Are you guys sure?" he paused before glancing at Jackson, who didn't have the most welcoming expression on his face. "I mean, we wouldn't wanna pull you away from your plans," he continued as he glanced at Winston, who had an unmistakable 'are you kidding?' look painted on his face, enough to make Jesse nod in defeat. I scrunched my forehead, squinting my eyes at him as if telepathically asking him, "What's up your ass?"
Before we could dive into more conversations, an announcement through the speakers was heard: "Good evening, Agnesians." The vice principal paused, causing a few students to shout out their woos and aahs. "They still use that shite name?" Winston asked, covering his mouth with his fist as if trying not to laugh, which in turn made us chuckle. The announcement continued, "Graduates, please proceed to the auditorium backstage area, where you will be given your robes along with your academic cap. Friends and family, proceed to the auditorium, where you will find your assigned seats. You may accompany your graduate onstage later on. And to the paparazzi, please leave the area immediately. Don't make me call the cops on you," she said with an irritated tone before shutting off the PA microphone.
Quickly, everyone scattered to their families. Winston and Jackson stood by me as they hugged tightly, making me smile at the sight. Suddenly, my entire family sprinted toward me along with their partners and friends. My mom stood right in front of me, showing the biggest smile as she fidgeted with her rings. She cupped my face quickly, giving me long pecks across my face. "I'm so proud of you, my love," she paused, teary-eyed. "I love you so much, my darling girl," she continued as she backed away to give the others time with me.
I sighed, feeling the tears forming. "Guys, I still have a few minutes before I actually graduate. Stop acting like I'm dying," I laughed. Next stood Micaela, Diane, and Jesse. They all paused before talking over each other. "I'm so proud of you, Maxie. Thank the lords you're out of this hellhole!" Mica commented as she pulled me into a hug, followed by the other two, who were, if I'm not mistaken, literally crying already. I laughed at the sight before almost tumbling from carrying their weight.
"I'm the proudest, I truly am! My baby, baby sister, is getting old! But with the help of our genes, I'm sure you'll be fine. No wrinkles," Jesse commented, his voice cracking a few times, which made me laugh. Somewhere in our messy pile of crying Davidsons, or Yus—Ha ha, nice, Winston—was Diane, the shortest of us four. "I'm so sorry about what I said," she said between very, very loud sobs, "You're not trouble." She paused before somehow getting out of the pile, which ultimately broke the hug. "Neither of you is trouble," she continued as she gave Jesse a side hug. I looked at each of them, smiling.
The last time we were all together was when our parents split up, around 7 years ago.
Before we let go of each other, I quickly pulled them into another big hug, squeezing them all tightly. I peeked to find Leonardo, who was standing between Mom and Jeorg, quickly waving him into a big hug, which he then followed by squeezing in between all of us, making us all laugh.
I stood there as they each let go, moving aside as the next few people approached me: Edward and Kai, who were a little teary-eyed as well, given that they knew how fucked up our family is. I smiled at both of them before quickly hugging them, both returning the hug tightly. "Glad I went to New York to meet you two losers," I said, smiling. "We're glad Jesse ditched us that night," Kai followed before pulling away, along with Edward, who was surprisingly crying. He sniffled and sobbed loudly into Kai's arm, "I'm just so grateful to have witnessed this reunion," he explained, making us all laugh.
Then came Chase, Beatrice, and, oddly enough, Jeorg, who was being pushed by my mom and Leonardo. "I'm not gonna cry, because I haven't shed a tear since Micaela asked me to be her boyfriend," he paused before sniffling, then pulling me into a hug, our height difference making me chuckle. "But, I'm so proud of you, Em. So proud! Like a brother-in-law," he continued, whispering the last bit like a secret, which made me pull away and look at him before he quickly shushed me and pulled me back in, "I love you, kiddo. You're like a sister to me," he said, making me completely shut my eyes before I ruined my makeup.
Beatrice then smiled at me, reaching out her hand, which made me laugh, and I grabbed it, then pulled her into a side hug. "Welcome to the family, Beatrice," I said before smiling at her and stepping away. Lastly was Jeorg, who made everyone go quiet.
"Hi, Max—Maxine, sorry," he paused, scratching his palm. "Congratulations. I apologize for our first few interactions. I could have handled it better," he said before raising his hand out, unsure of where to put it, but eventually it landed on my shoulder. He patted it awkwardly, then quickly pulled away like a scared dog. I laughed, "It's alright, I was meaner, anyway. Welcome to the family," I responded before looking around, realizing we were the only ones left.
"Oh, shit. I'll see you guys in a bit," I said as I ran along the path. "I love you all!" I shouted before disappearing around a corner.
Winston sniffled beside them, making them all jump. "You are a beautiful family, truly," he said happily before patting Jackson's back, whom I hadn't realized I had left behind.
Soon enough, he caught up to me. "Damn, what a sob fest," he stated as he walked beside me. "You had Winston crying," he commented as our vice principal waved at us, signaling us to hurry. We parted ways as he ran to the alternate route by the sidelines, and I continued to run along the path.
I quickly found myself in the backstage room, the dresser quickly wrapping my robe around me, then placing my cap on my head along with my 'Salutatorian' sash before I could even react. "Same seating arrangement as yesterday," she said, guiding me to the group of students I walked the same halls with. My eyes lit up as I saw Camila sitting there, and I quickly sat myself next to her. "Hi," I greeted, unable to hide my happiness as I sniffled.
"Oh, hi!" she paused, examining my reddened eyes and puffy nose. "What's wrong?" she asked with a worried look plastered on her face. "Nothing, I just got a bit emotional. My entire family and friends are here," I explained, making her smile. "That's so sweet, Max," she said with a light laugh. "My grandparents are on their way, too."
"That's great!" I exclaimed, reaching out and grabbing her hand, resting it gently on my lap without even noticing. She looked down at our hands, smiled softly, then turned her attention back toward the curtains where the MC was preparing to call the next student.
6:38 p.m.
The energy backstage grew quieter as one by one, students were summoned. When Camila's name was called, she stood smoothly, gave me a quick, encouraging smile, and walked toward the stage with a grace that made my heart flutter. Just then, I realized what I had done earlier with her hand, making me sink into my chair before a staff member guided me toward the exit.
"Curtis, Camila Carrie Ramirez." The MC paused, letting Camila walk up to the stage and meet with her parents and brother in the center. "Four-year member and captain of the Warriors Archery team, with honors," he continued, "recognized as this year's top student in creative arts, A-level mathematics, and physics, and accepted into the engineering program at MIT," he concluded, applause queued as a few people screamed.
I clapped quietly as I was led to the stairs of the stage, preparing myself for the last time I'll ever walk across the stage. I watched as they quickly got off the stage, time seemingly slowing down as I watched the MC bring the mic closer to his lips. "Davidson, Maxine Jordan Yu," he read as I walked up the stairs, politely smiling at him, then glancing at my family walking up the other side, of course, making several people scream and clap loudly. We quickly met at the center, my mom sneaking a peck on my cheek before the MC continued, "Six-year member and Vice President of the Warriors Debate Team, high honors." He paused as I was given my diploma along with a few medals and some honor cords, which were each hung around my neck by each of my siblings, Leonardo, my mother, and Jeorg. "Recommended to attend New York University, class of 2020 Salutatorian," he concluded, cueing applause yet again as we walked down the stairs together.
As the program continued, we rushed toward the exit, quickly being stopped by the principal as the rest of the group continued walking, "Congratulations, Miss Davidson."
I sighed, "Thank you, miss." She smiled as I responded, "I hope you soon find the path awaiting you, dear," she continued, tightly gripping my hand. I smiled back, squeezing her hand as a sign of gratefulness. "I hope you're not planning on leaving yet. Stay for the valedictorian speech; she's in your class after all."
I laughed. Honestly, Stacey and I have been in the same class for the past 2 or 3 years, and we were high-key competing except, of course, she had the upper hand, and I truly didn't care about getting the role of the valedictorian and giving a speech. I wanted out of this place as soon as possible.
"Of course, I'll stay," I paused, leveling with her as she gave me a look that prompted me to turn back into the auditorium. Sighing, I walked through the rows of seats, eyeing the rest of my class, who were seated by the wooden bleachers.
As I sat down next to Camila, who had been talking to another student, I heard Jackson's name being announced, hearing a few people commenting, "He probably paid the school to graduate," one even responding, "With what money?" causing me to roll my eyes in disbelief. I mean, jeez. We're never going to see each other again, and all they have to say is negative shit?
"Wright, Jackson Lively, co-captain of the Warriors Football Team," the MC announced before pausing as Jackson was joined at the center by his brother, the vice principal, and the football coach. "Achieving excellence in A-levels History, along with Philosophy, with honors." The MC concluded with another wave of applause from the crowd.
After all of the students were recognized, it was finally time for the Valedictorian speech. A few students cheered, "Stacey, Stacey, she's the best!" A group of girls shouted, rhyming almost melodically, "Top of the class, she passed every test!" I glanced at Camila and a few other students who were laughing at the girls as they concluded their cheer, "Number one, smart and true, Congratulations, Stacey, we're proud of you!"
Camila furrowed her eyebrows, mockingly dancing to their cheer, "Now that's who paid her way up," she stated, making some people laugh, while others didn't quite find it amusing. "You're just mad your girlfriend got second place!" A few girls shouted, making both of us laugh despite the awkwardness, "Oh, please, be quiet before I spread my lesbian disease to you." Camila quickly shut them up right before the speech began.
"Thank you all for that enthusiastic welcome, ladies," Stacey began, slightly forced laughter slipping through her words. "It's truly an honor to stand here as your valedictorian, though I'm sure some of you have your theories about how I got here."
A few students chuckled, and someone from the back whispered, "Yeah, about that..."
"I remember when we first started this journey together," Stacey continued, voice wavering just a bit. "We all had dreams and big plans. Of course, some of us were better at following lab safety rules than others." She glanced at a few faces in the crowd. "Like when Jackson Wright blew up that experiment during our chemistry project, and we all got terrible marks." A few students laughed outright, including Camila, who nudged me, her eyes twinkling.
"And let's not forget the unforgettable moment when some of the 'not-so-studious' students were caught by yours truly in the lower years' bathroom," Stacey said with a smirk, pointing playfully to a few kids sitting nearby. "Good times, right?"
Some people laughed while others rolled their eyes. I caught Camila's knowing glance and a shake of her head. I watched as an idea immediately popped into her mind, "Weren't you once a part of those not-so-studious students?" she shouted, loud enough for the MC to hear, which made him cover his mouth in shock as a few students and parents gasped.
"Thank you, Camila! Don't know what you said, but anyway. We've all had our ups and downs," Stacey pressed on, regaining her composure. "But through it all, we made it here together. I hope you'll remember that even if things got messy—whether from chemistry explosions or unexpected... detours—that it's the lessons we learned that matter."
A voice from the crowd broke the polite silence, "Easy to say when you came out on top."
Stacey's smile faltered, but she kept going. "As we step into the future, armed with knowledge, connections, and, well, perhaps some stories we'd rather forget... I wish you all the best."
She ended with a somewhat forced, "Congratulations to the class of 2020," before stepping down to scattered applause mixed with a few snickers.
Camila leaned over, whispering, "Not exactly Churchill, huh?"
I laughed softly, "More like a mix of student council president and reality TV star."
The event came to a close with the entire auditorium rising to sing the school hymn—a familiar melody that filled the room with a bittersweet energy. As the final notes faded, everyone moved their tassels from one side to the other, a symbolic gesture marking the end of an era.
Then, with a collective cheer, caps were thrown high into the air, spinning and glittering as confetti burst out from the gallery above, showering us in a cascade of color and celebration.
I didn't waste a second. Grabbing Camila and Jackson by the arms, we bolted out of the auditorium together, weaving and dodging through the crowd. Along the way, we slipped past teachers we'd never really liked—dodging awkward hugs and forced congratulations—and narrowly avoided a sobbing family huddled near the exit. We came to a stop near the lobby entrance, where our families were waiting. Jackson leaned against the wall, catching his breath from their hurried exit.
"That speech," he muttered, shaking his head with a wry grin. "Stacey actually mentioned my little chemistry lab accident. Didn't think I'd see that making the valedictorian's highlight reel."
I chuckled, nudging him lightly. "Guess you're famous now—for all the right and wrong reasons."
He shrugged, a mix of embarrassment and amusement in his eyes. "Yeah, well, if blowing stuff up is the ticket to fame, I'll take it." Camila laughed loud enough for them to notice us around the corner. "Oh, yeah. You'll do anything to get a ticket to fame, alright," she commented, making both Jackson and me turn to her. While I looked a little confused, I turned and saw Jackson's face, which seemed to be guilty.
I began to think Jesse didn't wanna hug him, even after seemingly forgiving him the other night. Camila had warned me that he was snooping around my old house, and I even remember seeing Kai and Edward glaring at Jackson earlier during the sobfest. What the hell are they not telling me?
JESUS, THIS IS LONG. LOVED WRITING IT THOOOO :3 also im gonna start referring to leo as one of her siblings guys i have such good plots for this kid (but maybe in a different book a-wink a-wink)
word count is 3173.