The Optimist

forty five

THE LAST CHAPTER!

This is a final "Enjoy!" from me, Mo. Keeping in mind that this is real graduating class and J couldn't think of any other years. I feel like Coldplay's "A Sky Full of Stars is the best song to play while you read.

Nadia

. . .

"When I stared at my refletion in the mirror this morning, I couldn't help but reminisce how far I've gotten. Prom Queen, Valedictorian, and voted Best Couple in the Peak Hill '18-'19 yearbook. These are just a few accomplishments I've made in a matter of five months.

Back then I could, but now, I can't imagine not living the life I live alongside my boyfriend Jacob, best friend Emma, gay brother Nathan, orphaned sister Lucille, and my beautiful parents. I couldn't help but to accept all of their changes as they'd accepted mine.

And how can I forget what they, in return, have grown to love? My changes. I am now a better teenager thanks to Jacob. I'm not pessimistic and negative about things, instead I'm more social and happier. I'm still learning to apprecate the little things in life, but I know I can master it, eventually.

Jacob taught me how. Can you please come up?"

From the crowd of purple and golden caps and gowns, one emerges. He rocks an oversized Afro and a cheeky grin. Jacob. He eases up the podium steps quickly, almost immediately at my side. I walk to him, slinging an arm over his shoulder.

"This boy right here, Jacob Perez, formerly known as the optimist of the school, saved me. I can't thank him enough for all of the support, enthusiasm and dedication with my foolishness that he has given me. He made me change the way I think of life. Wind, he says, isn't just wind. It's like someone's last breath, and they're giving it to you. That's how I've been learning to think.

He helped me struggle through the changes of a gay brother, orphaned little sister and hospitalized Dad. Without his pushiness, I would not have been able to stand here, speaking in front of the Class of 2019 and all of the teachers, parents and gradates' siblings.

Then, I wouldn't lift my head from not one book. The day we met, or the day he came to my lunch table, he wouldn't give me my book back until I accepted his hand in prom. I had to agree. It took some time for everyone in my family to grow to like him, but in the end, he's already considered my husband according to Mom.

Laughter.

Now, I want to thank Nathan. *sigh* How can I start? The night he told me he was gay, he broke down and couldn't even look me straight in the eyes. I helped and encouraged him like any good sister, and I didn't know it was because of Jacob. What I didn't expect, though, was to get a miracle in return. He brought me the sense of fashion and taught me to accept the things I can not change. Of course, though, I'll never change Nathan, or anyone else in my family, including Lucille, Emma, Teresa and Christina."

Laughter. Silence, but laughter on the funny parts. I can do this.

"Believe it or not, Principal Berkley is another one of the main reasons I stand before you today. When I finally gained enough courage from Jacob to ask him about making valedictorian in a matter of months, he wasn't too sure at first. I think he even sat in his office overnight that night wondering why some crazy, unknown school girl wanted to try to become valedictorian, even with my grades dropping as we spoke. But he simply gave me a stack of books, arranged hardcore studying sessions and got me extra help from teachers. My head, once again, was stuck in books."

Laughter.

I look down at my paper, sighing as I come to a closing end. "The studying, however, has paid off in the best way possible. I made it. I made it to the top. The top of my class, the top of my school, the top of the district. I've grown smarter and more confident everyday and you can do the same. Anything is possible. We have made it."

I feel that heavy feeling in my throat.

"I love you all, and saying thank you will never be enough to show my gratitude toward each and eveyone of you. From me to the community, I want to say I love you. I know that high school was not easy and college will be the same, but with the love of my life by my side and a few more significant others in my life, I know I can make it. Thank you for your time, ladies and gentlemen, my name is Nadia Crestfield and this is the Class of 2019!" I scream in the silence, tugging off my cap from the remaining curls.

I toss it up in the air.

A wave of caps fly into the air moments after, a mix of purple and gold. The square hats aimlessly cascade back to unoriginal owners. I catch a gold cap that flies askew and see 'Nathan' beddazled on the top in gold glitter, perfectly combining with the purple cap. I smile, hugging it to my chest.

"Class of 2019, wooh!"

"We did it!" I turn to Jacob, still watching the class hug, cry and converse sadly yet happily with other graduates and parents.

"No, you did it." Jacob smiles. He picks me up, spinning me in a circle as he drowns me in kisses. "Hey, you still want that book back?" He asks through the kiss.

. . .

THE END.

Summary of chapter: This is mostly Nadia's valedictorian speech. Take note, I'm only in the eight grade so I don't what a valedictorian speech is or how one is written, so if it's weird and definately not what you say during graduation... well, oops, I tried. Anyways, Jacob graduated fifth in his class and Nathan eighteenth. It was Jacob who was Nadia's favorite friend, and she was so moved by his optimism that she ended up nicknaming him "The Optimist" after graduating.