“That sounds great, thank you so much for being supportive. I know this kind of sucks,” she said, still looking apologetic.
“No, this is great,” I told her, lying through my teeth. It was great; for her, but for us, yeah it really sucked.
Classes were slowly coming to an end and I was relieved. I couldn’t wait to be out of high school. It had only gotten worse since I started dating Mickey. Gert had done everything in her power to make me miserable but it was useless when I had Mickey on my arm to look at and share my bed with at night. She was worth all the torture and more. The guys mostly ignored me now and so did anyone who had once acted like my friend. They were all posers, just because Gert had decided Mickey would never be cool and would always be an outcast, my dating her was taboo and I was too now labelled an outcast, much as I had been before. It was actually nice in a way. I didn’t have to worry about what I wore, or how I did my hair and how I looked. I didn’t have to worry about not being up to their standard and trying to fit in. I could be myself again and the people that I actually enjoyed spending my time with were happy with what they saw. Cody was picking on Brent again, teasing him about being a lame Trekkie, when really, he was into Star Wars.
“Cody leave him alone,” I said angry. Not only because I used to be good friends with Brent but because I hated Cody and couldn’t believe he couldn’t distinguish a Star Wars fan and a Star Trek fan.
“You joining all the losers now, Kirk?” he grinned cruelly.
“No, I actually just left them,” I replied. It took him a minute to get it and when he did, he scowled.
“You never fit in with us, you’re where you belong now,” he spat.
“Finally, something we can agree on,” I nodded, my eyes piercing his. Cody muttered something under his breath and walked away annoyed.
“So, you really are back to being the old you,” Brent said in shock.
“Yeah, the rumors are true this time,” I told him, moving closer. He actually smiled at me, a first in years.
“Good. You turned into a real dick for awhile,” he said honestly, making me laugh.
“Yeah, I did. Sorry about that.” I apologized genuinely. I felt horrible about ruining our friendship.
“It’s okay, I’m just happy you’ve left the dark side,” he joked, making me laugh. After that, Brent stopped avoiding me or looking through me and actually began to talk to me again, it wasn’t quite like it had been but it was a good start.
Michaela
It was finally graduation day! Dad had flown back to be here for it and I was so happy to have him there, he had even driven to Gran’s and picked her up so that she could be there too. They sat together, watching me with big proud smiles on their faces, the Kirks seated with them. Alyssa sat a few aisles away with Reggie and Paix, none of whom looked too thrilled when they called my name, only Paix bothered to clap. I smiled back at the people who cared about me as I walked off the stage, diploma in hand. I suddenly felt a lot lighter and more accomplished. I’d done it, I’d officially graduated high school, now all we had was prom and then I was done and moving to Paris. All the pieces were coming together, one at a time.
“Congratulations!” everyone shouted at James and I when we came to meet them at the end.
“Thanks.” I smiled happily. I felt so relieved to have this off my shoulders, one less thing to do.
“Ice cream?” dad asked me with a knowing smile.
“Yes!” I exclaimed. Who didn’t want to celebrate with ice cream? We all went to the ice cream parlour together, everyone in a good mood and smiling.
“Are you excited for prom?” June asked me, I had a feeling she was more excited than me. She was doing my hair and makeup and helping me get ready and couldn’t wait.
“Yes!” I gushed, ready for it and wishing it was here, instead of two days away.
“How could you not be with a dress like that!” Gran exclaimed. I’d brought the dress on one of my sleep overs to show her and she agreed it was perfect and couldn’t wait to get pictures of James and I. She especially loved the fact that it was a wedding dress.
“I can’t wait to see you in this dress I keep hearing about.” James smiled lovingly at me.
“Me too,” dad chimed in.
“You’ll still be here?” I asked him, hopeful.
“Of course, honey. I wouldn’t miss it for the world.” He smiled and I felt so happy to hear this. I was even more excited for prom now. I never wore dresses so I wondered what he and James would think.
It was finally prom. June came over in the afternoon to help me get ready in my room, while Reggie, Alyssa, and Paix, all worked to get Gert ready. Dad stayed in his office while we all worked on beautifying ourselves. June had decided to do my hair in an updo, to show off the open back of my dress, I trusted her to work her magic, knowing she could do far better than me. And boy, did she impress me, I hadn’t quite known what my hair would end up looking like but it was better than I had ever expected.
“Oh my God, June!” I marvelled, “This looks amazing! How did you do this?” I asked
