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Gabriella cleared her throat nervously as Taylor sat beside her during the speeches that were scheduled to be done before Gabriella had to give her valedictorian speech in front of not only her peers but their family and friends. Taylor saw the look on Gabriella's face and discreetly reached over to hold her best friend's hand in hers while she gave her a reassuring smile. Gabriella looked over at her best friend and smiled her gratitude, knowing she needed all the support she could get to make it through her speech intact.
After a few moments, Gabriella heard her introduction by Principal Matsui. "And now, I am proud to present East High's valedictorian, Gabriella Montez!"
She heard applause somewhere off in the distance as Gabriella got up and straightened her red graduation gown before she moved over to the podium. Gabriella took a few moments to unfold her notes and look around the crowd, first to her mother, then to some of the gang, and finally on Troy, who gave her a supportive smile accompanied by a wink that made her smile.
"Good afternoon, East High administration, staff, loving family members, supportive friends, and especially the East High graduating class of 2008. I stand before you not as an individual who was deemed the smartest of the class by the staff, as I feel that I am not anywhere close to that, but as a representative of a class full of life and memories that we as seniors have spent the last four years creating. Anyone who knows me knows that I transferred to East High a year and a half ago after attending several other high schools, not knowing if East High would be my final high school destination or not. I'm glad it was though because I've never been to another school with as much Wildcat spirit as there is in these halls. Despite all the large problems that loom outside of East High's walls, from the War on Terrorism to the senseless killings at other schools, the students and staff of East High have always tried to keep this place a haven for us to turn to. The class of 2008 is made of not only the jocks who led this school to certain victory on the basketball court, the baseball field, and on the track, but also the thespians who kept us entertained with their dedicated hard work on the stage, the musicians who fill these halls with melodies that take us to other places, the skaters who entertain us all with their gravity defying moves, the dancers who find their own beat in this world, the brainiacs whose life it is to study and who have won Nationals of the Scholastic Decathlon competition, and everyone else in between. My point is, we are a senior class like no other for we have gone beyond these categorical boundaries and have become friends with one another.
"When I first started at East High, all these amazing groups of students existed but something wasn't quite right. The musicians and the skaters never talked, the jocks and the brainiacs never thought of each other in a good light, there were so many stereotypical cliques that I had to laugh at it all. But, with some time, everyone started to see each other for the multitalented people they are, skaters who are also musicians, jocks who are amazing bakers, brainiacs who are also dancers. The list continues on and on, and that is something that I believe our class has discovered and benefited from learning. Since the middle of our junior year, the class of 2008 has been the strongest and truly the most gifted class of all the years here at East High because we have come to accept all of our individual talents. We have shared the good times and the bad, but most of all, we have been through it all together.
"Through the last four years, from the moment we started as Freshman through today, we have each grown up and learned different hard lessons from life. Whether it was that we don't always get what we want, when we want it, to knowing the true meaning of friendship and love, to many, many more, these lessons have solidified the foundation of our childhood and teenage years combined, making us ready to face the unknown as young adults who are still growing up to become full adults. And even though some of us may think we have already made it, we still have some time and distance to go. So, on that note, East High Class of 2008, I stand here to remind you of where we have been and what we have learned as we stand together on the edge of the end of our high school careers. Whether we are off to college or following our own path in life, cherish these memories and hold them dear, for we will never get another chance to live these moments ever again.
"Wildcats of the graduating class of 2008, our class may not be the most drama free of them all, but we had the most fun while doing our best and showcasing our talents for what they are so stand tall and proud as we go forth towards our bright futures, and never let go of these special moments, for they are what make us who we are. Congratulations class of 2008 and thank you."
Applause erupted from everyone in the gym as Gabriella blushed and smiled before she folded up her notes and took her seat again next to Taylor, who hugged her in congratulations. Gabriella looked out into the crowd and saw her mother beaming at her and Troy grinning just as he had before she spoke. 'This is what matters, these people in my life,' she thought as she accepted a handshake from one of the administrators she was sitting next to.
The graduation ceremony continued, starting with the handing of the diplomas out. After all the students with a last name that started with A were called, Zeke and Troy were the first from the gang to be called.
"Zeke Baylor," called Principal Matsui, Zeke giving a thumb up sign to his family with a grin after getting his diploma.
"Troy Bolton." Troy stepped up to the stage confidently, throwing Gabriella a wink before firmly shaking hands with Principal Matsui and giving the peace sign.
Next, Martha and Jason stepped up to the side of the stage, anxiously awaiting their diplomas.
"Martha Cox." She strode up the steps of the stage, shook hands, and did a quick little dance in her spot that earned her some good-natured laughter and applause before Martha left the stage.
"Jason Cross." Jason was quick to shake the principal's hand and quickly opened the folder to make sure there was a real diploma in it before giving his friends and family a goofy grin.
Then there was Chad, Ryan, and Sharpay after more students were called in between.
"Chad Danforth." Basketball in hand, Chad walked across the stage, shook Principal Matsui's hand, accepted his diploma, and shot the basketball he was carrying right to Troy with a grin, silent acknowledgement of their basketball bond.
"Ryan Evans." He fixed his cap so it was tilting slightly to the right, as he liked all his hats, before Ryan walked up to the principal, shook hands, and accepted his diploma. He then smiled at the photographer at the end of the stage, who was taking pictures of all the students.
"Sharpay Evans." The blonde quickly ran her hands over her hair to make sure everything was in place and then walked up to the principal, kissing him on the cheek instead of shaking his hand, and took her diploma, smiling at the camera with a few poses and then motioning to one of her friends to call her with her free hand.
After some more time, Taylor and Gabriella both stood up and exited the stage to join their classmates in line, with Kelsi brining up the rear, waiting for their names to be called.
"Taylor McKessie, salutatorian." Taylor took her time, savoring the moment as she walked across the stage and shook Principal Matsui's hand before she accepted her diploma from him. She then quickly posed for the camera before she grinned at Chad and her family sitting off to the side.
"Gabriella Montez, valedictorian," announced Principal Matsui after a few more names after Taylor. Gabriella smiled as she walked towards the principal, shaking the offered hands from other administrators on the way, and finally his before she accepted her diploma. "Thank you," she murmured before she had her picture taken and threw a class Gabriella smile towards her mother and the rest of her friends, her eyes lastly connecting with Troy before she walked down the steps and then back up on the other side to take her seat next to Taylor again.
"Kelsi Nielson." Being the shyest of the group, Kelsi walked across the stage and just focused on the smiling principal as she shook his hand and then accepted her diploma, stopping only to smile at her friends and Jason quickly before disappearing down the other side of the stage.
Much later, it was finally the time for Charles's row to stand up, the last row of the East High graduating class.
"Charles Young." Charles grinned as he accepted the diploma from Principal Matsui and shook his hand quickly before holding it up above his head and jumping in the air in excitement, causing his friends and some of the other seniors to laugh at his antics before he left the stage.
After the last names left of the East High senior class were called, and the last diploma was handed out, the graduation ceremony continued, ending with one last speech they would ever hear from Principal Matsui who ended by saying, "Congratulations Wildcats, East High Class of 2008!"
Every single member of the graduated class moved their red and white tassel over on their cap and jumped up in the air in celebration as they cheered and hugged the person next to them in their excitement. The music started up and everyone exited the gym as they had rehearsed earlier on in the week, being led by the administration and teachers first, followed by Gabriella and Taylor, and then by rows.
Once outside, Gabriella and Taylor excitedly grabbed onto each other, hugging each other and at the same time crying a little, realizing their high school years were officially over. Soon, Troy and Chad joined them, each hugging their girlfriend and relishing in the moment when they realized they would never have to walk through the halls of East High and worry about being late to class or trying to cram for a test the next period. The gang gathered in their designated spot they set for themselves, friends, and family to meet up.
The air was full of excitement, dreams, and general happiness as the seniors celebrated this amazing day, a day of real accomplishment for them all. The group was able to share hugs and congratulations among themselves before their families and friends found them, sweeping each new graduate up in hugs with kisses on the cheeks at times while the yelling of excitement continued among the group. Pictures were taken, some more blinded by the flashes than others, and they made sure there was at least one picture of all ten of their friends, one even including Sharpay.
Gabriella was hugged tightly by her mother first and then Audrina before Mrs. Bolton and Mr. Bolton also hugged in her congratulations while her mom did the same with Troy. "That was such a lovely speech you gave, Gabriella," murmured Mrs. Bolton. "Jack and I are very proud of you."
"I agree. You did so much better actually up there than all those times you rehearsed at home," added Ms. Montez.
"Hey, you told me you didn't let anyone see the speech before you gave it today!" exclaimed Troy with a smile upon hearing this.
"All right, so I kind of twisted the truth there. She's my mom though. She has to love me even if I went down burning today," returned Gabriella.
"But you know I'd love you too, no matter what," replied Troy. "No silly speech, failed or success, would convince me otherwise."
Gabriella smiled at Troy, warmed by his words. "I know, but you were also part of my speech so I kind of wanted to surprise you. I love you too, Troy, by the way."
The parents smiled at the two as they shared a tender kiss, Jack clearing his throat after a few moments of the two still being glued together at the lips. "I guess that's one sight I will be missing from the halls of East High," joked Jack, which made Gabriella blush deeper.
Troy just squeezed Gabriella tighter in an attempt to comfort her from her embarrassment and was thanked with a sweet smile. "You honestly did a wonderful job today up there," murmured Troy as he kissed her forehead. "Brilliant actually. Quite a different Gabriella than the one that fainted in front of her church when her first solo came up."
Gabriella laughed. "I still can't believe you remember that whole conversation on New Year's Eve."
"Of course I do. I remember everything you say to me," returned Troy. "Especially all the times you tell me I'm your entire world and that you love me."
She rolled her eyes at this. "Of course you would remember those times especially."
"You know you love me," replied Troy with a grin.
"Sadly, I do," returned Gabriella, ignoring Troy's faked hurt look.
Mrs. Bolton and Ms. Montez both laughed at the young couple, knowing what they would probably see shortly between the two. "Come on, both of you have a graduation party to head to. I don't want you two being late and arriving late together since you are the reason for the party," chided Mrs. Bolton.
"And you know everyone will know what you were doing that caused you two to be late," added Ms. Montez, knowing that would drive the point home for her daughter.
"All right, we got it," said Gabriella. "Come on, Troy. I'll drive us to the restaurant. Keys?"
"Keys? Miss Montez, I believe it is MY truck, at least last time I checked. If you want to drive, you have to do something for me," replied Troy, mischief in his eyes.
Mr. Bolton groaned. "Here, Gabriella, take the spare I have, otherwise you two will never make it to the party."
Gabriella took the offered keys from Troy's dad and gave him a grateful smile. "Thanks, Mr. Bolton. I'll make sure we get there right on time if not early."
"IE, speeding," teased Troy.
"Will not!" returned Gabriella, grabbing his hand and dragging him away to say good-bye to their friends, who agreed to meet up the next day at the Montez household for their own celebration since many of them had their own parties that night.
When they reached Troy's truck, Gabriella took her red graduation gown off to reveal a nice, light blue top and skirt with dark blue flowers on them while Troy took his own off to reveal his slacks and shirt and blue tie. "Looking good over there," called out Troy, who smirked as he saw her delicate blush on her cheeks again. "You know, when you blush like that…"
"Shut up!" yelled a still blushing Gabriella, who placed her now hanging graduation gown back on its hanger and then placed her cap on the backseat after she took the hairpins out. She slid onto the front seat and started the car, adjusting the seat and mirrors while Troy finished shaking out his gown and hanging it up with hers in the back.
When he got in, Gabriella took off and drove out of the East High parking lot, the last time they would ever do so in a number of years. She led the car to the freeway and cruised down at the speed limit to the restaurant they had chosen for their party. Less than two miles away from their exit, Gabriella switched lanes and got into the furthest right, not seeing the flatbed truck that had just merged on from the previous onramp. She slowed down to let it merge, but felt unease traveling behind the flatbed that had cargo similar to the wood on the flatbed that had caused their accident weeks before. Troy felt the truck slow down and looked over at Gabriella in concern as she eyed the steel that was hanging over the flatbed's edge, just as the wood had, while a single tear rolled down her right cheek.
He reached over and soothingly stroked her hair after wiping away the tear, causing Gabriella to smile a little, never taking her eyes off the road or the flatbed. Eventually, they reached their exit and left the freeway and the flatbed to drive the streets to the restaurant. Once there, they got out of the truck, Troy helping Gabriella down. Instead of going in immediately though, Troy held her back, wanting to make sure Gabriella was really okay after that experience.
"You all right? I know that flatbed with its pile scared you but you did just fine," comforted Troy as he held her to his chest.
"I know, it just freaked me out. I was getting these mini flashbacks to the accident, to almost losing you," returned Gabriella. "I don't know if that will ever stop."
"It may not, but you made it today without incident, as you will every other time. I got a bit worried there too but I knew you were a capable driver and that nothing was going to happen to us."
"But what if it did and I lost you this time?"
"But it didn't," argued Troy. "I'm never going to leave you, Gabriella, not if it's within my control. I'll always fight to come back to you, just like I did then."
Gabriella nodded her head and sniffled as she pulled away, Troy glad to see the tears had stopped. He gently wiped away the tears and kissed both of her cheeks, where the tears were, and hugged her to him again. Until her trembling stopped, Troy continued to hold Gabriella, being her support and her rock, as she was always used to him being.
When she was ready, Gabriella pulled back full from Troy and smiled up at him. "Thank you, I needed that."
"I'd be happy to hold you whenever you want," returned Troy with a grin. "Doesn't hurt me one bit."
Gabriella laughed. "All right, we better head in. I promised we'd be on time and we have one minute to make it."
"Ever the punctual teenage girl," murmured Troy with a chuckle. "Let's go then."
Gabriella took Troy's offered hand in hers as they walked into the restaurant and celebrated their high school graduation among their parents, family, and friends who had gathered there to share in their latest accomplishment, neither looking back on the bad memories, just savoring the good ones from the past and present.