My alarm is ringing. Saint John's roses roars across the room and I quickly turn off my alarm. Oops ..... My sound was too loud again. My father comes in the room, still in his pajamas, "What kind of noise is that? It is 6 am!" Haha, did I forget to say my alarm was a little early?

I put on my clothes, which consists of a formal black dress with a square black hat. I take my phone and put it in the well-hidden pocket on the inside of my dress. There is a knock on the door. "Come in!" I call to the door. My father opens the door. While he looks at my clothes he raises his nose as a sign that he does not like my outfit. "Your mom and I bought this for you." He throws the box on my bed and doesn't even bother giving it to me. My family never comes to my room. As if it is contagious to enter. I mumble thanks and my father leaves again.

The box contains black shoes. I'm surprised they give me anything at all. They've never done that. I put on the shoes and look in the mirror. Not quite perfect but I can get on with it.

When I come downstairs it is quiet. Everyone eats their food in silence, avoiding arguments. I make a sandwich with jam and sit next to Anastasia. "Good morning." Evangeline says. I look at her. No one here has ever said that nicely. There is always an angry or sarcastic tone. "Good morning." I answer stiffly. "Do you fancy the graduation ceremony?" Anastasia asks. I freeze. That's what it's about. The twins are happy because I am leaving today. I cook inside. I press my lips together and don't answer.

My mother gives me a warning look, but says nothing. "Yes" I mumble then. Anastasia and Evangeline smile innocently at my parents, who immediately smile back. Ughhhh.

"Bye everyone!" I shout over my shoulder while looking at my phone. Half past eleven, in 10 minutes I'll be at the park where Max, together with his motorcycle, is waiting for me.
"Oh Joseline, before you go you should know that we can't come to your graduation. The twins have to go to school and your father and I have to work." I freeze again and turn around. I take a deep breath. My hands tremble with anger. How dare they!

After I get myself under control again I say it's okay. "I'm sure it's going to be OK." Evangeline says. I can just hear the grin thats on her stupid face.

When I'm with Max at the park my hands still shake. Max knows me very well and knows immediately that something is going on. "What happened?" He asks. "My parents don't even have the respect to come to my graduation ceremony." I say icy calm. Max hugs me tightly. "Don't worry, my parents aren't coming either."

Everyone who has passed is in the front row of the stands. In the middle of the gym, which is just in front of the gallery, are all the teachers who have taught this year's students. The families of the successful children are on the second, third and fourth rows. With the exception of mine and Max's family. I sit next to Max and hold his hand. He is wearing black pants and a black T-shirt. On his head is the same square hat as mine, and every other one that has passed.
"Max Matthew Peter. Come on up." Says the director. Max gets up and walks over to her. He gives a short speech and the director gives him his diploma.

"Joseline Jacqueline Jones. Come forward." Max squeezes my hand encouragingly and then lets go. I walk down the stairs and look back to look at Max. When he sees me looking, he smiles, which also makes me smile. I step forward with new courage.

The director gives me the microphone and I start my speech.
"Hi everyone. Most of you know me as Jo or JJ. Or don't know me at all." Laughter is heard from the stands. "But I just wanted to say that it was my pleasure to sit in class with you and it was a very nice year." A few people scream in agreement.
"And then of course there are the teachers. Also for you, I thought it was a fantastic year. Thank you for that." The students, teachers and all families clap. I return the microphone to the director. "Congratulations!" She has to scream to rise above the noise. I take the diploma and shake her hand. "Thanks!"

Extra long chapter. 816 words. Hopefully you liked it and .....
Yeah guys, I keep saying it, or actually typing,
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Mandy