A Changed Life (43 page)

Later that evening, I had a long discussion with my father. He advised me to speak from the heart, since he knew and understood that would be the only way I know how. He gave me a strong squeeze to my shoulders, and said how very proud he was of me. Not only because of my accomplishments, but being his son and the man I had become. I hugged my father with all of my strength and love I felt for him. If it wasn’t for the unconditional love and support my parents and my brothers had given me, I honestly don’t think I would have made it. I had my best friends, and even Nicolette’s parents kept in touch with me.

I locked myself in my room, and began writing my graduation speech. I must have gone through ten drafts before getting it right. I still was unsure on what I had written, but it was done. I was told to speak from my heart, and this is exactly what I planned to do.

I checked my phone before going to bed. I saw countless voice mails from Bailey and Sam. I was too tired to listen to them now, and I figured I would see them tomorrow at school for the ceremony.

“You look very handsome, son.” My mother was beaming with pride and joy.

“Thank you mom and thank you for my new jacket.”

“Anytime, honey. Just to see you wearing something other than board shorts makes me happy.” I laughed at my mom’s comment. “Hey if I could, I would wear my shorts.”

“Simon, thank you so much for staying in your old room while your brothers are here. I missed having my baby under my roof.”

“I was happy to be here too. Please understand mom why I moved to the beach house.”

“I understand more than you know, Simon.”

“I love you so much mom. Thank you for everything.” I wanted to say more to my mother, but got interrupted by three giants I call my brothers.

My brother’s all barreled in, and shouted. “Let’s go baby brother…time for you to make mommy cry with your speech.” Andrew teased me, and earning a slap from Jacob and a now a stop it look from mom. Andrew mumbled sorry, and we left for the ceremony.

Forgetting that I had shut my phone off, I looked to see my inbox full with messages. As I started to listen to the first one, I was interrupted by Jacob. My brothers were proud of me today, and were secretly hoping that I had changed my mind about Northwestern. My heart was here in California, and I knew what I wanted to do with my life.

“Wow, your guy is going to lose his mind when he sees you today.” My father complimented me on my new dress, courtesy of mom. “Thank you daddy, but let’s not get a head of ourselves. First, I don’t know if I even have a guy anymore, and second, I need to talk with Simon above anything else today.”

“Well we need to get you graduated first, Miss Number 2 in her class.” My mother has never been more proud of me. I was only a mere few points shy from Simon, but I didn’t care. I was proud of him, and I was happy he was chosen to lead our class. I had spoken to Bailey and Sam this morning, but they weren’t able to reach Simon. Sam had begged me to call Simon before the graduation today. Sam felt he deserved to know that I was back in town, and planning on being here today at the graduation.

Sam was being protective of his best friend, telling me how much he suffered in my absence over the past couple of months. Everyone was worried for Simon. He finally has come up for air, and as much as Sam wanted us to reunite, he needed to have Simon’s back. I totally respected Sam for this. I promised Sam, that if Simon did not want to speak with me, I would walk away, and not bother him again. He was satisfied with my answer.

I had texted Bailey to let her know I was here. She met me near the quad, and we hugged each other. I missed her so much. Alexis joined us along with Jimmy, Sam, and Jameson.

“You look marvelous darling.” Jameson had beamed at me. “Why thank you, Jameson.” I needed to say something to my friends right now, and it couldn’t wait.

They all gave me their full attention, and I tried not to cry. “I need you all to know how much I love each and every one of you. You are all so special to me. I know I have been a terrible example for a friend. I should have been here with you this year, enjoying what should have come natural for me. Attending parties, and dancing at my prom. All of these experiences, I have missed when I should have been sharing them with Simon, and all of you. I am truly sorry. I am proud to call you my best friends, and I love you all. I can’t begin to show you how much I appreciate all your friendships, support, and understanding you have shown me.”

“Bring on the water works,” cried Bailey. My friends pulled me into a group hug, and I didn’t want to let them go. Before we made our way through the auditorium, I had asked about Simon. Sam just said that he tried to get in touch with him, but to no avail. I glanced around the room, thinking he should be on stage by now. I crossed my fingers and hoped for a happy reunion today with Simon.

As I took my seat, I noticed my parents along with Uncle Jack and Aunt Sara were seated with the Paulson’s, and my heart filled with joy. This felt like a good sign, seeing them all together. My last name beginning with V placed me almost in the back row of our graduating class. I could barely see the stage, so thank goodness for the big screens that hung above us. As the camera span over the stage, I caught a glimpse of Simon. He looked so beautiful, and his skin was a deep tan. His hair looked multi highlighted from the sun. I just wanted to charge the crowd, and run into his arms.

I had to blink, and focus on what I thought I was seeing. Were my eyes playing tricks on me? I could have sworn I saw Nicolette. I just shook my head at my thoughts. As far as I knew, Nicolette was still in Switzerland.

Principal Davies began his speech to our fellow teachers, and graduating class; the man could talk and drag on. For once he kept his speech short, and was anxious to get the commencement under way. Awards and honors were given out to many graduates, including myself.

I received honors for my athletic accomplishments. I just wanted to get my speech over with. My heart ached for Nicolette, and she flooded my mind. I wanted her here with me today, not thousands of miles away.

Finally my moment arrived and it was my turn to deliver the Class of 2009 commencement speech to the faculty, my fellow students, and of course, my proud family.

You could hear my brothers hollering from the stand, and witnessing my mom elbowing the triplets to be quiet. I couldn’t help but laugh. They are who they are, three brawny guys from Colorado, and my brothers. Principal Davies stood up to speak before introducing me to the class. He spoke very highly of me, and I was almost embarrassed by his praise.

“Before I introduce the Class of 2009 Valedictorian to you, I want to take a few minutes to tell you about this incredibly inspiring young man. Simon Paulson has only been a student of our school, and community for two years now. Upon arriving from Colorado, he made his mark here at our school the very first day. Simon has been involved with many academic programs held here at our school. He has shown us his athletic abilities on the track, and for those of you who might have missed it, he along with his teammates brought home a victory for our Track and Field Team this year, and breaking our ten year losing streak! The crowd erupted with applause. I thought,
please god, let him stop talking now.
I wanted to give my speech, and get through it as quickly as possible.

Without further ado, please rise and give your applause to Mr. Simon Paulson, this year’s class Valedictorian.”

I actually felt my cheeks heating up, and I have never blushed before. Well that’s not true, the only one that could make me do that was Nicolette. My heart began to ache again, but I just needed to get through this. I stood at the podium, and I thanked Principal Davies for his kind words, and then went on to thank our teachers, and graduating class.

My speech began with this…“When I found out that I had been chosen as your class Valedictorian, I was surprised if you want to know the truth. I had thought someone else was going to be awarded this honor. I have never been one to want to stand out from anyone else. I just wanted to blend in like most kids do. I guess being over six feet in height didn’t really help my cause. I could hear my brothers laugh when I spoke about my height. I wasn’t sure I wanted to give a speech today, but my advisor, and of course, Principal Davies talked me into it. Delivering a commencement speech was a tradition, so I have been told. I had made it clear what I wanted to say, and would deliver my speech to you, and not by the usual standards. I can’t be the one who stands before you, and tells you all to follow your dreams, to make successes out of yourselves, and make your parents proud. I can only speak about me. I owed it to my parents to be here today, as well as my friends, and all who have been a constant in my life. I have broken my speech down in two parts, please bear with me.”

“The good part of my two years being here at this amazing school, was being accepted. I was the new kid from Colorado, and I represented the total opposite of you. My first day here, I walked right into Coach Johnson’s office, and asked if I could try out for his track team. He took one look at me, and laughed, almost falling off his chair. I remained where I stood, and I asked him to give me a shot.” Coach laughed and nodded at the memory.

“He encouraged me to try out for football, which would have made my dad and brothers very happy. I wanted to run, I was fast, and I knew I could bring our team the wins they needed. I guess you can say I was confident, maybe even a bit conceited about it. I just needed to convince the coach of what I could do.”

I looked at the crowd and continued, “Later that week, I was given my try-out, and I ran up against the fiercest competitor I know, Jimmy Taylor. I looked down at my friend, and he saluted me while the crowd again erupted. I leaped through the hurdles, and beat him only by a few seconds. Right then, I knew I got it. Coach Johnson gave me a chance, and from the bottom of my heart, I can’t thank him enough for the opportunity to run for this school.”

“Thank you Jimmy, and the rest of our team. You are like brothers to me, and I will always hold you guys in my heart. Thank you for accepting, and letting me be your captain. A captain is one, who leads his team, and I couldn’t have done that without you, so again, I thank you.”

Applause erupted throughout the large room. Simon had taken a sip of water before continuing with his speech. I kept wiping my tears falling from my eyes. How could I have ever walked away from Simon? He is the most amazing person I know. I need to show him how sorry I am for hurting him, and all I want to do is to love him for the rest of my life. Simon took a deep breath, and began again.

“Thank you to my family. I couldn’t have become the man you see standing here in front of you today without the love my parents have given me all of my nineteen years here on this earth. They are amazing people who believe in education. They only want the best for their four sons, and have always put my brothers and me first above anything else. Thank you mom and dad, I love you. I’m sorry mom if I made you cry, this thank you was long overdue.” I see my mom as she blows me a kiss through the crowd. I raise my hand to catch it. I had put them through a lot, and I shut them out when I shouldn’t have. My family deserved this moment to be happy, and I’m happy I can do this for them.