GRADUATION!

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| All this happened, more or less. |

【 THIRD PERSON's POINT OF VIEW 】

All the graduating students are there, as well as lots of their families and friends, and the principal, the guidance counselors, and most of the teachers too. There may be a few guest speakers. All graduating students wear graduation caps and gowns and are seated in unalphabetic order.

Adam Cole, dressed up in a graduation gown and hat, looked to the left, there he saw a huge crowd sitting on the bleachers. It was hard to spot his parents, at first, but after squinting his eyes and telling one of his classmates to move their noggin, He found them.

They were on the fifth row. His dad had binoculars in on hand and a blow horn in the other while his mom ate popcorn as if she was at a baseball game. Adam shook his head, smiling at the scene.

Senior academic lecturers and staff walk into the stage to deliver an academic procession.

"Today is a big day...."

Bianca Belair roamed her eyes around on the graduand as she didn't pay attention to the guest speakers. Her eyes widen in surprise when her vision caught someone she didn't expect to see in the ceremony.

"Let's call all the graduates.....Keith Lee...Kayden Carter...."

The crowd proudly clapped their hands, as the students walk up to the stage one by one. Murmurs of students filled the arena when Kay Lee Ray has been called up.

After long minutes of calling up the graduates, Big E grabbed the microphone to announce the Valedictorian.

"Who do you think is the Valedictorian of this year?" Big E asked the crowd and the 'who' questions filled the air.

"Gosh! I think that's me!" Kyle O'Reilly proudly assumed, making Taynara Conti rolls her eyes.

"It's obviously me." Bobby Fish said. Tegan Nox and Roderick Strong shook their heads in disagreeing.

"I bet this is you, Johnny boy," Tommaso whispered to his friend in which Johnny showed a weak smile.

"Give a drum roll, please..." The emcee ordered and the sound effect goes on.

"Say it! It's Adam Cole BAYBAY!" Adam shouted in the background.

"DUN DUN DUN DUNNNN! PEOPLE, GIVE A BIG ROUND OF APPLAUSE FOR .....TONI STORM!"

"It's not you?" Tommaso asked disbelievingly.

"Oh, l say, give others a chance." Johnny let out a chuckle. Although he knew to himself that he couldn't focus on his studies lately.

Cheers and yells boomed on the arena as Toni reached the stage to deliver a speech.

"I don't know whether to feel happy or sad today, knowing that this is the last time we will all be together as NXT students. Who could ever forget the failures and disappointments we encountered along the way, the loves lost and found, the classes and teachers worth remembering, the ridiculous adventures that brought wrinkles to our beloved janitor, the pranks we played on each other..."

"Stop making Dream cry, Toni." Velveteen Dream emotionally commented on his seat, wiping his invisible tears coming down on his cheeks.

"As much as we would like to stay in the safety and comfort of our alma mater, we must now begin another journey in our life. As we bid farewell, allow me to share some of my thoughts..."

The parents and some students couldn't help from being emotional at Toni's speech.

"Everyone knew me for being a reckless student, a gangster, a rockstar, or simply as the skateboard girl. I would like to apologize to the people I 'accidentally' hurt...that'll be the last time, guys..." She smiled at her victims as she glanced at their beloved Janitor Jinder, Johnny Gargano, Jordan Devlin, and his girls and more.

"DAMN RIGHT!" Jordan Devlin shouted in the background. They spotted Jinder crying in the corner.

"Let me share a story with you to illustrate. It happened before, I was so frustrated at my family for not giving me the freedom to go out and hang out with my friends. Then there was one time, I took my brother's motorcycle without permission. I don't even have a license, to begin with, and I just recklessly drive the vehicle. I was so scared when a car hit the motorcycle and the driver had the audacity to complain. The driver threatened to put me in jail but my family is the first one who immediately solved the problem. I got scolded nonstop and even grounded. And what's worst was, it caused me a broken leg and arm. I was admitted to the hospital and stay there for weeks. It was a very sad story."

Kay Lee Ray was caught yawning as she listens to Toni. Rhea Ripley started sobbing, then Adam Cole lends her a handkerchief. Rhea was hesitant at first, to accept it but she did.

"Do not worry about being number one, but worry about not giving your best. Every day is an opportunity to improve yourself. If you live by this virtue, the top-ranking will take care of itself." Toni shared as she took a glimpse of Johnny.

"Allow me to thank a few people who have, in one way or another, inspired and helped me become an inspiration to others.

"To my long-suffering, income sacrificing parents, whose only luxury is sending me and to my brother, who's alumni to this school, thank you very much from the bottom of my heart. I doubt if I would have been able to face the challenges if it were not for you. If the road to success is filled with parents pushing their children along, my parents would be at the finish line encouraging and waiting for me to cross it. Today, I pay tribute to them for being my pillars of strength, for always believing in me when others did not, for indoctrinating me with the virtue that excellence is a habit and not a goal. All I can tell them today is, Dad, Mom, I need a raise in my allowance. To all the dads and moms who have given me a ride, who have welcomed me into their homes, by choice or by force, who have allowed their children to be in my company, and who have given me words of advice and encouragement, thank you. You have enriched my life in more ways than one. To all the parents present today, if you see more sense of self-worth in your children today, you know it was worth every sacrifice to send your children to NXT University. Congratulations to you all."

Tommaso massaged his head as Johnny concernedly asked him, "What's wrong, bud?"

"I'm already starving. When will her speech end?" Tommaso pouted but Johnny just laughed at him.

"Here, I brought some snacks," Candice announced to the both of them.

"To my mentors, my sincerest gratitude for helping me become the person I never thought I could be. We just don't become competent individuals without a lot of different investments from a lot of people in the school community. The great teachers of this school have taught us how to be self-motivated active learners and productive analytical thinkers. I would like to mention all my past teachers but I know everyone wants me to finish my speech as quickly as possible. Nevertheless, indulge me as I mention a few: Mister Orton, Coach E, Teacher Ohno, Professor Eva, thank you for believing in my skills and talent and for giving me that little push every time I seemed to give up."

"OMG! I knew it! She likes Mister Orton as well!" Dakota frustratingly yelled as she stood up. Tegan pulled her down back on her seat.

"He's fifteen years older than you." Matt Riddle pointed out.

"To my friends, thank you for inspiring me to work harder. Let me share a secret with you... competition is such a great motivator. Kidding aside, I salute you all for your achievements. If I could only call up onstage Rhea, Matt, Dream, Mia, Keith, and Bianca to share this moment with me, I would gladly do so. I feel that I have no greater knowledge than what you have, but what I may have over you today perhaps is bragging rights which may last one or two hours, All awardees deserved to be here with me, and yes, like me, you deserve an increase in your allowance, too. To my other friends, you made high school life a lot more bearable. For those who will graduate without the benefit of one of the many awards given out today, be assured that the absence of these graduation ornaments will not disqualify you from the real race of life."

"What time will her speech end? I want to take a pee." Damian Priest complained.

"It's fine to go out for a bit." Cameron Grimes stated as Damian walks away.

"Success is not measured in awards... it is in knowing that you have gone out of your comfort zone, took the risks, and conquered and opened new paths. Every time you know you have defied the odds, you know you have been immensely rewarded. And for this, you all deserve an increase in allowance, too. I hope our parents have not fallen asleep and heard me. Lastly, I would like to give glory to my Almighty Creator for without His blessings and guidance, everything would not be possible. I will not miss the opportunities He has presented me. I pray that He would allow me to continue my journey and let me see the purpose of all these accolades and be able to magnify Him."

And everyone cheered when Toni Storm ended her low melodramatic speech. Bianca immediately approached Kay Lee Ray to ask everyone's question.

"You don't even go here. You're supposed to be held back for a year."

Kay Lee Ray just smiled at her, "Everyone envies me for passing the last exam."

Toni was surprised to see a hand helping her to walk down the stage.

"Hey, Toni. Sorry for what I did last time."

"It's fine, Tyler Bate," Toni reassures him.

"Friends?"

"Sure."

Kassius Ohno approached Taynara and said, "If it wasn't for you, Kyle wouldn't pass the examination."

"Thank you, Sir." Taynara proudly stated. Kyle heard their conversation and approached them.

"I would like to express my gratitude." The bald head confidently smiled.

"You should be. O'Honey." Taynara smirked.

"If you excuse me, I have something important to do." Kassius walked away, embarrassed by his students' actions.

Shayna Baszler smirked, confidently slapped the hell out of Jordan Devlin. The fangirls freaked out as Shayna glared at them.

"This is for me!" *another slap* "And this is for me again!"

"Hey, sweetheart, that's enough." Her girlfriend Shotzi Blackheart stopped her.

"There's one last person I would like to slap."

She approached the Undisputed Bullies and immediately slapped Adam Cole's left cheek. Adam held his targeted cheek right away.

"Why did you slapped me?"

"That was for when you rejected me."

Shayna was about to hit him again when the rest of Undisputed Bullies stopped her.

"Isn't that enough?" Bobby complained.

"NO, THAT'S NOT ENOUGH!"

She was about to do it again when Marina dragged her away from them.

"That's my girlfriend." Roderick proudly stated as he clapped his hands.

"Hey, Adam. Can I talk to you?" Rhea suddenly showed up next to him.

"You startled me!"

"Can we talk privately?" Her Australian accent is so thick.

"Sure...hey Roddy, Bobby, go to your girlfriends or whatever..." The leader ordered. The two walked out of the scene without a second thought.

"So about our relationship, I hope you already accepted and move on," Rhea said straight to the point.

"I just have one question, Rhea."

"Go on,"

"When we're dating each other, is there a part of you that loved me?"

Rhea just stared at him as Adam patiently waited for her response. Rhea deeply sighed as she patted his gorgeous hair.

"Of course. Even if we spend a short period together, I did fell for you."

Adam just smiled at her.

"Have you seen your friend Kyle? I have something to tell him." Tegan asked Bobby.

"I saw him with Taynara in there," Bobby answered, pointing in a certain direction.

"Care to accompany me?"

When they found Kyle O'Reilly, Tegan immediately blurted out, "I'm still sorry for what happened to your hair, Kyle."

"It's fine, Tegan. I should be the one thanking you, because if it wasn't for this..." Kyle pointed at his bald head, "Taynara wouldn't fell for my charm!"

"Is that so? Then you're welcome."

"TEGANNNNNNNN! NOOOOOOO!" They were surprised when Dakota's voice echoed in the arena.

"What's wrong? Why are you screaming?" Tegan worriedly asked, comforting her.

Dakota immediately wiped her tears as she hugged her best friend, "Mister Orton.....Mister Orton has......he has a wife......"

The people around them laughed at her exaggeration.

"It's obvious that Sir already has a wife," Bobby commented.

"Besides, he wouldn't fall for you if he's single," Kyle added.

Dakota's fuming mad as she immediately ran after the two Undisputed bullies.

"Go on, Matthew. Make us proud." Rhea smiled.

"Give her that. I'm sure she'll love it." Dream giggled.

"We're cheering for you!" Mia and Bianca spread positive vibes.

"HEY DAKOTA!" Matt Riddle shouted, causing everyone to stare at him,

Dakota halted from chasing the two idiots as she turned her attention to the annoying Matt Riddle.

"What do you want?"

"Will you go out with me?" Matt giggles at his statement as he showed her a bouquet.

Everyone freaked out at the sudden confession in Graduation. Dakota slowly accepts the bouquet as Matt's grin widen, as he anticipates her answer.

"Aww, you're so cute. But no, 'Bro'"

Everyone freaked out at the sudden rejection.

"Two times! Dakota Kai rejected you two times!" Dream yelled.

"As if he'll give up from that." Mia scoffed.

"YEAH RIGHT, BRO! I'LL CHASE HER UNTIL SHE SAY YES!"

Dakota marched towards where Sir Orton's sitting at the moment. Tegan noticed her best friend as she called her out, "DAKOTA!!" But the latter ignored her.

Mister Orton noticed his student and raised an eyebrow at her.

"Sir Orton....I....I...." Dakota trailed off when a beautiful woman suddenly called Mister Orton.

"There you are. One of your students calling you to take a picture with him."

"I see." Mister Orton nodded. His wife noticed Dakota in front of them.

"Do you like to take a picture with him as well?"

Dakota doesn't know what to say as Tegan holds her best friend's arm.

"What are you doing?" She whispered.

"It's alright, Tegan. I can handle this." Dakota took a very deep breath and faced her teacher. "Hey, Mister Orton...I would like to return this to you."

Orton gave her confused look as Dakota handed him his handkerchief.

"You can keep it." Orton smiled as he patted Dakota's head. After that, they went to Walter, who's patiently waiting for his favorite teacher.

"Are you alright?" Tegan worried asked.

"No matter what anyone says, he's my first love." Dakota sobs.

-

Damian Priest returned from the venue after taking a pee. He noticed a yawning Kay Lee Ray sitting on the bench by herself.

Damian sat next to her which make the Scottish red-haired startled.

"What are you doing here?"

"Why are you by yourself? Where're your boyfriends?"

Kay Lee Ray rolls her eyes and ignores him. Damian realized that he still have KLR's list of targets on his pocket as he chuckled.

Kay Lee Ray caught his attention and scratched her head.

"Seriously go bother someone else."

"I think this is yours." Damian showed a small notebook.

Kay Lee Ray's eyes widened in realization after she saw a familiar notebook. She grabbed it immediately and accused Damian, "You stole it, you thief!"

Damian sarcastically laughed at her, "No I don't."

"Then why do you have this? I've been looking for this EVERYWHERE!"

"Then you didn't try your best."

"Why do you have this anyway?" Kay Lee asked curiously.

Damian just shrugged and stood up, started to walk away, leaving Kay Lee Ray hanging but then again, he went back to her.

"I just have one question." Damian started. "Why am I not listed on that list?"

"I picked names randomly."

"Even those, most of your classmates listed in there."

"There's no point lying with you, you're such a smartass."

"Back then in middle school days, I'm not used to be a strong girl and always get bullied by my classmates. There's only one person who stood up with me and I'll never forget his name even though we're not friends. Imagine your defending someone...a stranger...what a weird boy. Isn't it?"

"I don't get it."

"I don't care if you don't get it. I already explained. Oh, by the way, thank you for the last time on the pool and for giving this back to me. Goodbye." Kay Lee Ray walked away, leaving Damian alone.

"Hey Damian, you know Kay Lee Ray on middle school days?" Cameron Grimes suddenly asked, standing next to Damian.

"What are you doing there?"

"I was just passing by...."

"I don\t remember that we attended the same middle school."

Cameron chuckled. "Aren't you the one who helps her then? Based on her story, I think it's you."

"Who knows?"

-

"Hey, Candice...I guess this is it. The time has now come." Johnny started.

"What do you mean?"

"Have you remembered the time when we talk in the parking lot? I told you before that, when the right time comes, I'll tell you my answer."

"Then, what's your answer?" Candice excitedly waited.

"Will you stand next to me?"

Candice blushed at the sudden proposal. Johnny hugged her as Tommaso also joined the hug.

"You're still here?" Johnny asked as he couldn't believe it.

"Don't leave me, guys."

Candice smiled, "Of course we won't." 

end of chapter eighty

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a / n : I wrote 3000 words! This might be the longest chapter so far! also, boys and girls, only four chapters to go to reach the epilogue!!! i'm so happy and sad at the same time that this book will end up soon ♥

 the next four chapters will be focus on two cast (find out who is it going to be! i'm sure AmbrolleignsGirl20 will love to see it!) particularly on their college days.   

soooo see yaaaa ♥ muaaaah!

don't forget to vote and comment!

toodles! ♥