This chapter is dedicated to all my readers who have been accompanying me on Rena's journey so far. I couldn't have done it without you.

Epilogue – It's All About Choices

Rena's POV

"Noah, hurry up. Gogi will be here any minute."

In response, drool from the cracker he is munching runs down his chin. With big wide eyes, he regards me calmly, probably thinking that I am crazy for expecting an eighteen month old to pack his bags.

I gaze out the window where the sun is mocking me high up in the sky. Usually, I don't mind the heat, but today, I will sweat like a pig under my gown. I am nervous as it is without having to fear a heat stroke.

The doorbell rings.

"I'll get it," my dad calls out.

I randomly toss another couple of shirts into the bag. That should be enough. With puckered lips, I scan the room to make sure I didn't forget anything.

"Nervous?"

I spin around to find Charlotte casually leaning in the doorway. Noah stretches his arms out with a squeal, but is ignored for the moment when she strolls over to me. With expert fingers, she tucks a loose strand of my hair into the bun.

"You look very pretty in that dress. Your mom would have been proud."

I swallow the building lump in my throat. "How was Brent's graduation?"

"He didn't go. Since he graduated early, he still had to complete summer school. They wouldn't have given him his diploma, so Ryan felt it was pointless."

Another thing she missed out on as a mother because of her husband. "Well, I'm really glad you could come."

"I wouldn't have missed it for the world."

Noah must have felt ignored when a protesting whimper originates from his mouth.

Charlotte finally focuses her full attention on him. "And how is my little honey bear today? All set for your weekend with Gogi?"

More drool spills from his mouth as she picks him up. Some of it stains her dress a little, but she doesn't seem to mind. Cooing at him with funny faces, his gaze is fixed on her lips. I can't help but laugh. They make the funniest team.

My dad pokes his head in. "Ready?" He is a couple of shades paler than usual. When I don't move, his whole body appears in the door frame. His tie is all crooked and his hair disheveled. Chewing his lips, he looks like a terrified boy on the way to the principal's office.

"Here, let me get that for you, Frank," Charlotte says. The twisted knot of the tie is replaced with a meticulous one in under a minute. "And comb your hair. There'll be pictures and you don't want to remember your only daughter's high school graduation with you looking a mess."

"Yes, Ma'am."

His response gets her to snicker. They have gotten closer in the three months since the hearing. Having both lost the love of their lives, my dad has helped Charlotte to come to terms with Tivon Goldstein's death. I still can't believe that she carried on an affair with her lawyer right under everyone's noses for close to a year. It was the last thing I expected and I still hold a grudge against Kade for not telling me.

My father checks his watch. "We should go." Hopping from foot to foot, he gazes at us expectantly.

"Relax, we still have plenty of time." I check myself one more time in the mirror. For most kids, today marks the end of their carefree lives, but for me, it's one step closer to getting off probation. Just a little over two years to go and I might even try college. With therapy and all that community service coming up, it seems like an unachievable goal at the moment.

My father finally gets his wish when he practically pushes us out the door. The bright sun is blinding me. I gasp when my eyes fall on a long stretch limousine which is parked by the curb – it must be some hallucination. My father would never go for this type of luxury.

"It's part of your graduation present," Charlotte says. Her teeth tuck at her lip as she watches me with expectant eyes.

I hug her, lost for words. When my probation officer didn't allow me to go to the prom, I was upset that I didn't get to ride in the limo Kade had rented. They must have conspired to make it up to me.

The limousine is air-conditioned which helps with the heat but not my racing heartbeat. I play with the index cards in my pocket absentmindedly, picturing the faces of my classmates. Even though I still didn't make a lot of friends, some had actually turned out to be quite nice. There was a lot of support after I missed the three weeks of school earlier this year to keep me at my number one spot in the class which I really appreciated.

"Say cheese," Alex shouts when I slide out of the car. Kade's face is partially hidden by the camera as he shoots the pictures. The wedding band on his hand still looks foreign to me. They tied the knot rather hastily a couple of weeks ago when they found out that Alex is pregnant. At the end of the summer, he will move to Quantico since she can't get a transfer to Chicago. I will miss him dearly.

"Is Sam coming?" he asks as he walks me towards the library.

I shrug. "I invited him, but he might have to work."

"How did the first date go?"

"Okay, I guess." My eyes are glued to the path in front of me. A disaster would have been a better term to describe our night out. During dinner, Sam shot a bunch of questions at me to keep the conversation going which I mostly answered with two word replies. After an hour, he gave up and the rest of the meal was spent in silence before he took me home.

He sighs. "That bad, huh?"

I stop abruptly. "It's hard, Kade. I'm scared he just puts up a front, and as soon as I let my guards down, he'll strike. I don't think I'm ready to date yet."

He grimaces. "He's a good guy, Rena, and you should give him a chance. I know it's hard to trust a man again after what happened to you, but not everyone is like Brent and that guy Connor. Most of us out there don't turn into monsters."

"But how do I know?"

"You have learned so much over the years that you will easily pick up the red flags. If it doesn't feel right, you can still pull out, but otherwise, you need to start trusting your instincts."

In a way, he is right. If I had only listened to my little nagging voice half of the time, a lot of my pain could have been avoided. Maybe Sam does deserve a chance.

The library is full of chatter and it takes me a few minutes to locate the cap and gown reserved for me. While Kade helps me to put it on, I study the faces of my classmates. So much excitement oozes from them that it is almost catching. Yet, the nervousness takes over when my fingers begin to play with the honor cord of my hood.

"I am so not ready," I mumble more to myself.

"Sure you are."

I spin around and my lips twitch at the sight of him. He looks rather handsome in his suit and even shaved for the occasion.

"Are you gonna give me a pep talk, Doc?"

"I wouldn't dream of it. The state doesn't pay me by far enough to keep you happy all the time." There is this grin on his face that tells me he means the opposite. He knows that the mere fact of him being here is already pep talk enough.

"Well, I'm glad you came." I twirl the honor cord around my finger, my other hand playing with the ribbon of my hood.

He takes a step forward and encloses my hands. "You can do this, Rena. There's nothing to be afraid of other than yourself."

I grimace. "I thought no pep talk."

His grip loosens. "That wasn't a pep talk." His gaze is searching. "You have beaten the odds. Most people would have cracked under the pressure, but it seems that the more is tossed at you, the harder you fight. Go out there and be proud. You earned it."

The moistness in my eyes blurs my vision as I nod. "Okay, Doc." My voice is thick and I quickly turn around to fight the tears. One more word from him and I would bawl.

The wait until they call us to the stage is excruciating. In a daze, I sit in a corner, nibbling on my thumb. The laughter and exciting chatter of the others bounces off me like a rubber ball.

"You look really nervous." Sam gazes down at me with a sweet smile.

I lower my eyes when my cheeks prickle from my blush. "I've never been much of a public speaker."

"I gave the speech at my graduation. I was such nervous wreck, I'm still amazed I didn't wet my pants. When it's over, you'll laugh about it." He passes me a little box. "Here, I brought you something?"

I arch an eyebrow. "You are giving me a present?"

"Well, it's customary to give people presents for their graduation." He bites his lip. "I wanted you to have it before your speech. For good luck."

My fingers lift the lid of the box. A golden pin with red Asian looking symbols is resting on the silky bedding.

"It's a Pujok," he explains. "In Korea, it's a symbol for good luck and protection. My grandma gave me one when we moved to America, so I thought I'd get you one, too."

"Oh, Sam, it's beautiful." My eyes cut into him. "Thank you."

He helps me attach it to my gown. "Well, I better go. The ceremony is about to start."

I notice that the rest of my year has already lined up and it waiting for me to join them. I take my place at the end. While the others will sit on lawn chairs on the football field in front of the guests, I would be required to be on stage. How could I have ever agreed to this nonsense?

We march across the campus onto the field where most parents are up on their feet, snapping pictures. My heart is pounding so hard that most of the cheers are blocked out. In a blur, I walk by Kade and Alex before my focus moves to the five steps that will take me onto the stage. All of a sudden, my heels feel gigantic. What if I stumble and make a fool out of myself in front of the entire graduation class?

I focus on my steps and make it up the stairs without issues. Yet, my dress stick to my skin and I can feel the moisture just above my lip. While Principal Heller welcomes the guests, my fingers twist together. There is a good chance that no sound will leave my mouth when it is time. Maybe I should pretend to faint from the heat if that happens.

"Well, I am pleased to announce this year's valedictorian speaker. It's a young lady that has only attended Fairlong High for the last few years, but has excelled in all areas of academics. On top, she has overcome many obstacles that would have been a struggle for most adults. She has proven great strength and courage. Please give a warm welcome to Rena Cooper."

He turns to me and I am still baffled that he is actually talking about me. I am nothing like the person he described.

My knees wobble when I stand and walk over to the podium. Pulling the microphone closer, I suck in a deep breath. My eyes wander over the audience. There is my dad who looks so proud that it drives tears to my eyes next to Charlotte who bounces Noah on her lap. Her expression is similar to that of my dad's.

Over the past few months, she has become maybe the closest thing I have ever had to a mother. She understands when I just want to tear my hair out because Noah doesn't stop crying without judging me – plus the free babysitter comes in handy when I just want to sneak off for a few hours to be an ordinary teenager. Having her around has been good for both Noah and I.

Kade has his arm around Alex's shoulder, looking as relaxed as one can be, while Doc is seated at the edge of his seat, chewing on his lip. So much for a pep talk. The seat next to him is occupied by Sam who is gazing at me with a small smile. I run my fingers over the pin he gave me. Oddly, it gives me strength. I am not alone in this – just as I was not alone at the jail.

I clear my throat, my heart skipping three beats when I realize that I left the index cards in the limo. I guess I will just have to go by memory.

"Exactly twenty months ago, I got a second chance at life. I had made a questionable choice that could have landed me in prison for a very long time, unable to raise my son and get the education I have today. A judge cut me a break and since then, I have been trying to piece my life back together. It was hard. Just like everyone else, I messed up at times, but with the help of my family and friends, I pulled through. It's really thanks to them that I am standing here today."

The last word tremble slightly as a lump builds in my throat. I close my eyes, thinking of Kade's stupid joke to imagine everyone in their underwear if I got stuck. This might have worked if Mrs. McCardle, our biology teacher, was not seated in the first row. She is someone I don't want to imagine in her underwear.

I cough in my fist to get rid of the lump instead. "Life is like a big network of roads. Everyone walks along the main road until they get to a cross road. That's when they have to make a choice which way to turn. Once the choice is made, they have to continue, they can't turn back. Some roads lead back to the main road, others will take you far out and you will struggle to find your way home."

My eyes wander over the audience and stop on Doc who winks at me. With a small smile on my lips, I continue. "Most of the time, people walk with their friends and family, but sometimes we walk alone. Those are the hardest roads to take. We can get lost, but there is always someone who we can ask to find our way back. The people who really care about us will be there as a guide."

It is advice I had ignored way too many times in my life. Some things are not meant to be done alone. Raising a child is the prime example, but with my dad and Charlotte's help, I have all the support I need.

I clear my throat again when Charlotte wipes a tear away. My voice is still thick when the next words roll of my lips. "Someone ones told me that choices matter. Back then, I didn't have a clue what that meant. I figured that when you do something wrong, it's enough to say sorry and move on. I have since learned that that's not the case. My choices matter and whatever I do, I can never take them back. So, please whatever you do, remember that you have to live with your own choices and try to make them good ones. Good luck to all of you."

I escape under the applause of the audience and return to my seat. Our names are called one by one, but I hardly notice, my whole body still trembling for the adrenaline of speaking in front of a crowd.

"Rena Helena Cooper." I walk up and get handed my diploma before Principal Heller shakes my hand. Someone whistles rather loudly in the audience – I could bet it's either Alex or Kade. They'll be in so much trouble. Since I am the last student to come forward, I am allowed to leave the stage. Stumbling over to my guests, I am beyond relief that the speech is over.

"I'm so proud of you, honey," my dad says.

Charlotte hands him Noah and hugs me. "That was a great speech. We're all very proud."

More hugs come my way, but when it is Sam's turn, he just shakes my hand awkwardly. His cheeks flush when Kade gives him a frown. I find it kind of adorable.

"Let's go for dinner at the 'Tokyo Lounge'. My treat," Charlotte offers.

My stomach growls at the promise of some food. I didn't eat all day, afraid I'd throw up during my speech.

"Wait for me by the car. I just want to quickly call Patrice. She was supposed to come, but maybe got the times mixed up and can meet us at the restaurant."

My dad hands me his phone. "Don't be long now."

I give him this 'I'm officially an adult now' look before dialing her number. She picks up after a long time, just when I'm about to hang up.

"Oh Rena, I'm sorry. I forgot all about your graduation." She sounds like she has been crying.

"Is everything okay?"

"No." A sob drifts through the phone. "My dad beat my mom with a baseball bat really badly. I'm at the hospital. My mom is in a coma. The doctors don't even know if she'll make it."

My appetite is forgotten. "I'll be right there." Those are the times when my choice matters – helping a friend in need. Yet, in that moment, I have no clue that this will also have an impact on the rest of my life.

So this brings Part II of Rena's journey to a conclusion by giving you a little teaser of what is yet to come. There will be a book III called 'Road To Redemption' which will conclude the series and be published in a couple of months. 

In the meantime, I have decided to move forward with the novella 'Patrice's Story'  - the blurb can be found after the cast list. The first chapter has been posted, so head on over and check it out. 

I hope you enjoyed this final chapter and it answered your outstanding questions (at least for the moment - you will get further glimpses of Ryan and what happened to him in book III). Main thing, of course, was that Rena and Charlotte were able to repair their broken relationship with Noah being the ultimate winner since he has both these wonderful ladies now in his life. 

Please share your thoughts and don't forget the little star button in the corner if this chapter deserved it. It has been a wonderful journey for me as an author and thanks to all of you who have been sticking with this story through the revamp and all. I would never have the motivation to continue with my writing without my amazing readers and thanks for all the feedback and words of encouragement. You guys are simply the best.

A special thanks to TheWriterD for her many hours of beta reading to bring you the best quality possible. I am blessed to have you as a friend and trusted adviser :)

See you all around Wattpad and make sure to follow me or PM me to get a notification about the posting date for 'Road to Redemption' and other news on my stories and upcoming projects.