Josephine appeared back in the living room, holding a sheet of paper in the air. “Okay, gang!” she exclaimed. “I’m ready to graduate!”
***
The gym was packed and stuffy, the summer air battling with the AC as the gym doors stood open. Denise fanned herself with the program. “Goodness, I hope we don’t all get heat stroke before the ceremony even starts,” she muttered.
“Tell me about it,” Adrienne agreed. Ghost leaned over to Adrienne.
“It’ll just give us plenty of reason to jump in the shower together as soon as we get out of here,” he whispered in her ear. She giggled and swatted him with the program.
“Don’t you start,” she said, giving him a faux glare. He chuckled and turned his attention to the older man moving up to the podium.
“Will everyone please stand to welcome the class of 2016,” he said. Music blared out of the speakers on the floor as the graduates strolled into the gym. Ghost’s heart swelled with pride as he watched his sister enter the gym. Throughout everything she’d been through, she still managed to get past it and excel in her studies. She never allowed anything to keep her down for too long. Even though she still occasionally had nightmares about what happened in Paris, she now wasn’t afraid to go out and have fun with her friends. She was excited about starting college and was looking forward to her future. If he knew one thing, he knew that the Richardsons were strong and could overcome anything. He glanced over at his smiling mom, a small grin forming on his lips. She was living proof of that.
After the National Anthem, the principal gave a short opening speech and then cleared his throat. “And now we’ll have the valedictory speech by our valedictorian, Josephine Richardson.”
The gym fills with applause as she makes her way on stage and to the podium. She waits until the gym is quiet again before taking a deep breath and looking out at the crowd.
“Each and every one of us had to start somewhere,” she started. “We all started as freshman walking the halls of this school and now we’re all sitting here, prepare to enter the next phase of our lives. Some of us may be going off to college or going straight into the work force, but no matter the path, as long as you have a goal and a plan to reach it, you’re bound for success, no matter your circumstances.” She paused for a brief moment. “People look at me and think I have it all together. I got good grades, had a lot of friends, and was very active in school. I had my own demons to battle. At a young age, I was separated from my mother as she battled with drug addiction and as a result, I was sent to live with my older brother. Had I let my circumstances drive me, I wouldn’t be standing here as your valedictorian today.”
Ghost looked over at his mother, noticing the sadness and guilt etched into her features. He reached over and gave her hand a gentle squeeze. She looked at him with wet eyes, returning his small smile and squeezing his hand back.
“Instead of letting that situation deter me from my goals and aspirations, I used that as fuel. They always say what doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger, and I refused to be a victim of my circumstances. Just because you grew up in a bad part of town, it doesn’t mean you aren’t destined to be great. Coming from a split home doesn’t make you any less than a person who had both of your parents. No matter where we come from or what we’ve been through, we’re all here today because we share a common goal: the desire for a successful future.” She stopped again and cleared her throat. “At this time, I’d like my brother Myles to stand please.”
Ghost looked around as Adrienne and Denise looked at him. “She wants you to stand,” Adrienne whispered.
“But do I really have to?” he whined. She gave him a light jab in the ribs with her elbow. He sighed and stood to his feet. Josephine scanned the audience in the bleachers, a small smile on her lips when her eyes found him.
“Another reason why I’m able to stand here today is because of my big brother,” she said. Ghost’s heart hammered in his chest in anticipation of what she’d say. “Since I’ve been under his care, he’s taught me so many things. He taught me discipline, compassion, responsibility, trust, courage, and loyalty. I was one of those little sisters that just thought my brother was being over-protective until his over-protective nature saved my life.” She released a shaky breath. “During our spring trip in Paris, myself along with another student were kidnapped to be sold in a sex trafficking ring. Without my brother’s quick thinking and courage, I wouldn’t be standing before you today. Myles, I wanted to thank you for everything you’ve ever done and what you’ve done for me during my recovery over the last couple of months. I wouldn’t be the person I am today if I didn’t have you in my life. I love you and thank you,” she said, looking up from her paper. The gym burst into applause, everyone suddenly standing and looking toward him. The people near him patted him on the shoulder to praise him for what he’d done. He met Josephine’s gaze and smiled at her, seeing that she smiled back at him. Once everyone calmed down, she continued.
“As we start this new journey in our lives, know that it’s okay to make mistakes as long as you learn from them. We aren’t perfect; all you can do is do your best. Remember to cherish the people close to you and never forget how to laugh. Appreciate the small things and remain humble when great things come your way. Take advantage of your good days and reflect when you’re feeling low. Most of all, remain true to yourself and your values. No matter where you are or how far you go, we’ll always be together as one. Now it’s time to move on to a new chapter in life; class of 2016, our job here is done. Thank you.”
Everyone stood and clapped as she walked off the stage. Just when he didn’t think he could feel anymore proud of his sister, she goes and surprises him again. As the rest of the graduation ceremony went on, he looked around him. A few months ago, he didn’t believe that he’d have the woman of his dreams on his arm and he didn’t expect his mother to be sober and at the graduation. He had everything he could ever want and for the first time in a while, he finally felt like he could relax a little.
“You okay?” Adrienne whispered, rubbing his back. He leaned over and placed a soft kiss on her lips.
“Never better,” he whispered back. She smiled at him and rested her head on his shoulder, lacing their fingers together. A smile settled on his lips as he watched his sister walked across the stage to receive her diploma. There were multiple times in the years that Josephine had been with him when he thought he wasn’t a good enough guardian. He’d go to bed multiple nights second-guessing a punishment he’d given her after they’d have an argument or just wondering if he wasn’t cut out to be in charge of another human. But seeing her walk across the stage made him feel that he at least did something right. Hearing her tell him all the things he’d taught her in her speech showed that his lectures and lessons weren’t in vain. He didn’t know what the future held, but nothing was impossible to achieve with his woman, little sister, and mother by his side.
And he couldn’t think of any better team to have.
Special Forces: Operation Alpha: Going Ghost (Kindle Worlds Novella) (SEALed Brotherhood Book 2) Page 15