Chapter 112: Graduation Day III
{This story is ready to read on my P-a-t-r-e-o-n. If you wish to read ahead then the link is https://www.p-a-t-r-e-o-n.com/easyread. Be sure to remove the dashes. I hope to see plenty of you there and enjoying this novel.}
~~~(POV: Ulysses Kennedy)~~~
~~~(Date: May 10th, 2026)~~~
~~~(Location: Holden Convention Center, Holden, Oregon)~~~
~~~(Time: 10:30 AM)~~~
Everyone from the graduating class of 2026 is here and wearing their caps and gowns. My heart and head are heavy from thoughts of my friends that aren't here with me today. My team died in that crash... I was lucky enough to take off with Hannah in her vehicle...
If I hadn't done that, I'd be dead and in heaven with my mom and dad... I take much solace in the fact there is heaven. And I know that my teammates are there now. Watching me from above.
Probably cursing at me for keeping my system and abilities a secret. In a brotherly way. We're all waiting in our chairs and looking toward the principal. Hannah is next to me, and her hand is in mine.
You're supposed to take graduation photos with another person. It's cheaper for the school if it's not done individually. What's funny is there are people from the NBA here watching the graduation. Luckily, the school isn't letting any media in.
"Are you nervous?"
Hannah's whisper pulls me from my thoughts, and I turn to look at her. Our height difference makes my movement obvious to everyone. I stick out even when sitting down.
"Yeah... I am... There is something that I want to do when I get called up for my diploma..."
The principal has already spoken about the tragedy that took my team on that road... But I also want to speak some words on behalf of them... I knew them... And I don't want today to end without speaking about them in front of their loved ones.
"No matter what, believe in yourself, Ulysses... You can do so many wonderful things on a basketball court... But I know that it can be hard when you're off it... Your mom, me, and everyone's parents on that bus support you... I had a feeling you would want to speak... Just say what's on your heart."
I haven't told anyone about my plans to speak on behalf of my team... Hannah knows me... I shouldn't be surprised, but I still am... Sometimes, I don't think I deserve her... And that's for many reasons.
"Thank you..."
That's all I can say in response... She squeezes my hand and shines a bright smile my way. It eases my nerves.
~~~(Time: 10:52 AM)~~~
"Ulysses Scott!"
The principal announces my name, and I stand up. Making my way to the stage and I shake the man's hand and take my diploma. Instead of going to the exit stairs of the ramp, I make my way to the podium and take the microphone.
"Umm... No one knows that I've decided to speak today. And I promise I won't take long."
I look at the principal with comical worry, but she just smiles and nods her head. Some people laugh at my current state. Not in a rude way, of course.
"There are some things I want to say about my teammates... They can't be here today... And I know all the parents of the kids that died that night... I can see you in the stands now..."
Some of the mothers start to tear up and use tissues. I see Hannah looking at me with a smile and tears running down her face.
"They were my best friends... Naming them would mean a lot to me... but hurt the parents here far more... So I'll refrain from doing that..."
The principal has already done the announcement of my teammates' names... And I don't want to make the parents cry any more than they have.
"I'm standing here today from dumb luck... Coach Rodgers gave me permission to ride home with my girlfriend, Hannah... If he didn't do that... I'd be with them too... Sometimes, I can see them playing on the courts here in town... Waving at me..."
It's fucking hurts to talk about this, and I decide to do something I've never done in public before. I shed a tear.
A single tear.
"I promise to my fallen brothers and their families that I'll carry on the dreams and hopes that were snuffed out that night. When I go to the NBA, it won't just be for me. It'll be for every single one of my brothers and the people that are still here loving them."
Ellie is crying up a storm... Her makeup is smearing, and I look to see Hannah. She's doing the same thing. The mothers in the stands are in the same state. Parents of the deceased or not. Fathers are holding the pain in.
"There won't be a day that goes by when I won't think about them."
I look up to the ceiling.
"And I know you guys are watching from up there. You guys know me... When I make a promise, I keep it."
As I step away, applause fills the convention center.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone