Breakout

Chapter 26.

As the weeks flew by, it was already the last day of school. People were screaming, cheering and just going nuts. It felt like a scene from High School Musical. Tonight was our graduation so I was a little nervous.

"As all of you may know, today is the last day of school," the principal announced throughout the school. "And all you seniors, today is your official last day! Your graduation is tonight at six. Don't forget to wear your cap and gown. See you tonight!"

Excitement sprinkled across my homeroom classroom. I continued to draw on my desk, which what I was doing before the announcements came on.

"Oh and will Alex Gaskarth, Rian Dawson, Jack Barakat, Zack Merrick and Marie Chambers please come to the office."

All heads snapped towards me. I sighed and closed my eyes. Not again. I got up from my seat and up to the front desk where my homeroom teacher was sitting. She written me a pass and I walked off towards the office. As I was walking I couldn't help but think what I could have possibly done wrong now. My eyes widened a bit. What if they found out about the Vegas incident? What if they want to expel me. I mean they can't do that since it's the last day of school. All the questions were circling through my mind, I didn't see where I was going and ran into the office door, headfirst. I groaned and rubbed my head. Yeah, that hurt. I could hear snickers coming from the other side of the door. I internally groaned and opened the door. There sat Jack, Zack, Rian and Alex in the waiting room chairs. Jack was laughing, Zack was smiling and Rian was rubbing his temples. But Alex was staring straight ahead, his eyes glued to the wall.

"Alex, Rian, Jack, Zack and Marie, Principal Myers wants to see you all now," the secretary said. All the guys stood up and made their way to the office. I followed them in. There sat the Principal Myers at his desk and Jack and Alex sat down and Rian and Zack stood behind them. I stood beside them as Mr. Myers looked at all of us.

"I'm guessing you all are wondering what you're doing here," Principal Myers said. We all nodded.

"Well, I got informed that you all went to Vegas a few weeks ago, is that correct?"

I gulped. So this is about the Vegas trip. "Yeah," I spoke.

"And someone slipped a packet of marijuana in your van, yes?"

We all nodded once again.

"Well, we found out who slipped the substance."

My eyes widened.

"Who?" Jack asked. Principal Myers' eyes flickered between all of us.

"Bring her in," he called out. I furrowed my eyebrows. What was he talking about? Suddenly, the office door opened and in walked a cop. But not just a cop, Officer Brady holding Jasey in handcuffs.

"Jasey?" Rian asked.

"Yeah, it was me," she said. "Surprise."

"And she was the one who started the pregnancy rumor, Ms. Chambers. So I'm sorry I doubted you," Principal Myers apologized. This was all happening at once.

"Thanks," I said.

"But anyway, Jasey here is going to be arrested for planting a illegal substance in your van. She'll be going to jail for six months," Official Brady said. We all looked around in disbelief. This was all so quick.

"Wait, Marie already knew I was the one who slipped the substance! She was being a good girl and didn't want to get in trouble. Right, Marie?" Jasey teased. All eyes were on me now. I looked down on the ground and gulped.

"Yeah, I knew. When the cops were dragging us to the cars, I saw Jasey in the corner of the bar and I instantly knew she did it," I explained.

"Why didn't you tell us?" Rian asked.

"Because she's a pussy," Jasey smiled.

"Shut up," snapped Jack.

"Yeah, I was scared," I said.

"Ms. Chambers, next time that happens tell someone, okay," Officer Brady warned.

"Honestly I don't think I ever want to be in the situation ever again."

Officer Brady smiled. "Good."

"As for you Jasey, you will not be attending the graduation tonight," Myers said. As he continued talking, I realized that Alex didn't utter a word the whole time. I wanted to ask if he was okay but I didn't want to risk anything. "You may all go back to class now."

Without saying a single word, we all headed out of the overcrowded room.

"Hello and welcome to the 2006 Graduation for our seniors," Myers spoke out into the crowd. I adjusted my cap and let out a deep breath. I looked beside me and looked eyes with my mom across the room. She waved and smiled. That at least made me feel better. "We are now going to be calling our graduating class. The students must come up on stage, receive their diploma, shake my hand and walk off stage." Myers adjusted some papers in his hands and called out the first name.

"Penelope Aaron."

There was a few cheers from the crowd. I watched Penelope walk up to the stage and received her diploma.

"Yvonne Abbey."

"Jackary Agoff."

I zoned out as Myers kept announcing names. I couldn't help but think if Alex graduated. I mean, I wouldn't be surprised if he didn't. Alex is a smart person. At times. But my ears perked up when I heard a familiar name got called.

"Jack Barakat."

I raised my eyebrows. Jack? I'm sorry but he actually graduated? I saw him walk up on stage with so much proud and courage. He shook Myers' hand roughly and he bowed as he received his diploma. There was tons of screams from the crowd. I couldn't help it but I clapped. More names got called and there I sat and sat.

"Marie Chambers."

I instantly got up from my seat as I walked up onto the stage. My heart beating in my chest so hard. I shook Mr. Myers' hand and received my diploma. I saw Samantha cheering for me from her seat. I walked off the stage. My heart was still beating as I sat back down in my seat. More names got called and I instantly felt bored.

"Robert Rian Dawson."

I furrowed my eyebrows. Rian's name is Robert? I watched him receive his diploma. His teeth were surprisingly white and shiny. I haven't noticed it before.

"Hannah Gal."

"Greg Gantille."

"Alexander Gaskarth."

I felt my heart stop in my chest. My eyes traveled to my fingers in my lap as I absentmindedly started playing with them. I heard cheers and claps as Alex received his diploma. More names got called and I started to feel bored again. I heard Zack's name get called, Lisa's and more. When Myers finally reached to the Z surnames, he sighed in the microphone.

"That was a handle," he chuckled. "Now here is Alex Gasarth with his graduation speech."

What? Alex never told me he would be doing a speech. I watched him as he walked onstage and up to the microphone. He had a set of note cards in his hands.

"Ladies and gentledudes, I'd like to thank the teachers for giving all of us the time of our lives. Thank you to all the students and to all our friends for making this year memorable. Even though I'm not the brightest light in the dark, I'm honored to be giving this speech. This year has been the most craziest and bumpiest one of all. But I love it anyway. To everyone who has helped with the yearbook, you rock because the yearbook looks fantastic." As Alex was speaking, a big screen appeared beside him and pictures of the seniors started streaming through. Good Riddance by Green Day started playing in the background. I listened to Alex's speech and watched the pictures. Pictures of many of our friends. I silently laughed as a picture of Samantha and I on our first day of school. My hands covering my face as Samantha gave a thumbs up towards the camera with a big smile on her face. I've changed throughout the course of the year. I was different. I didn't want to party or drink or smoke or get high every night. I remember I would always stayed home on Friday and Saturday nights. But all of that changed when I met Alex in April. He basically changed my life. I looked up at him from my seat. He was still speaking. He and I locked eyes.

"This year has been an important one for me. I opened up to people I never thought I would. I got in trouble more than I should," Alex stopped talking for a minute. "And I fell in love with a girl that I never thought I would fall in love with."

I felt my cheeks turn red. Some of the students around me turned to look at me also.

"But anyway, this year has been a great one. Thank you."

Everyone clapped and cheered as Alex finished his speech. I clapped and smiled as Alex got off stage and back to his seat.

"Thank you Mr. Gaskarth for that lovely speech," Mr. Myers said. Suddenly the whole room went silent. I felt my eyes prick of tears. "As Alex said, this year has been a handful but it was memorable." The Graduation Song by Vitamin C started playing. "Ladies and Gentlemen. Please place your tassel on the other side of your head." Everyone did as they were told. Mr. Myers' eyes started getting red. "Parents, teachers and students. Please welcome Class of 2006!"

Everyone took off their hat and threw it up in the air. Tons of screams and squeals filled up the outdoor space. I saw Samantha and I ran up to her and embraced her in a hug. Tears were streaming down her face.

"I love you so much, Marie," She cried. I laughed and felt tears stream down my own face. I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned around and saw my mom with tears running down her face. I pulled away from Samantha and embraced my mother in a hug.

"My little girl is growing up," she whispered. I laughed.

"Um, excuse me," I heard a voice say. Mom and I pulled away and saw Alex standing in front of us. My mom smiled at him. Weird, she didn't yell. I thought she wanted him to stay away from me?

"I'll leave you two alone," Mom said. She winked at me as she walked away.

"Mom," I hissed. "What are you doing?"

"Talk to him."

I turned my face to Alex.

"Hi," I said, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear.

"Hey," he spoke. "What's up?"

"Well, I just graduated. You?"

Alex chuckled. "I did too."

"I'm actually surprised you graduated, even Jack."

Alex placed a hand on his chest. "Ouch, that hurts."

I laughed. I can't believe this is happening. My mother let me talk to a boy I thought she hated and we're actually getting along. A thought came into my brain.

"Hey Alex?" I asked.

"Yeah?"

"When you reading your graduation speech, did you really fall in love with me?"

Alex licked his lips and ran a hand through his hair.

"Yeah."

Before I could answer back, Rian, Kara, Zack and Jack all ran up to us.

"Group hug!" Jack yelled. I got squished up against Kara as we all embraced in a hug.

"We'll talk later," Alex said.