Chapter 242

“I can’t believe Justin’s parents apologized to me,” Amy said as we prepared for our graduation ceremony in a school bathroom.

“From the angry look in Mrs. Brown’s eyes while they were walking over to us, I thought I was in trouble,” Amy giggled. Instead, she said, ‘For Justin’s sake, I’d like to start our relationship over.’”

“I'm glad the Browns decided to listen to Alex and be nice to you.” I straightened my cap over my hair. “You didn’t need any stress from them at your birthday ball. Meeting your biological father was enough drama on top of your first shift.”

“It’s weird. I don’t think of Andrew Archer as my father,” Amy told me as we pulled on our caps and gowns in a school bathroom. “I mean, I have his genes and everything, but Elliot Gray will always be my real father.”

“Good. Mr. Gray has always been a wonderful father to you. But do you have any feelings for Andrew Archer?”

Amy pulled on her graduation gown over her dress. “I need to get to know him, and we’ll see what happens.”

“I want to know what happened to Deirdre,” she added. “I wonder if she’s still alive somewhere. Do you want to go with me to visit Andy next week?”

“Sure. I’d like to hear more about Deirdre.” I checked my makeup in the mirror over the sink. “It's strange how she just vanished.”

Miss Grant popped her head in the door.“Girls, it’s time to take your seats on the stage. Hurry. The speeches will begin at any moment.”

We hurried through the hallway and to the auditorium. We waved at William, who was looking handsome in his cap and gown, as we took our seats across the aisle from him.

“Sorry I missed your party, Amy,” he said. “I was at my first football practice and stayed the night in Hayburg.”

The squealing of the podium microphone got our attention, and we sat back to listen.

Principal Jones spoke first. “It has been my honor to watch you grow into young adults. I hope your time at this school has prepared you for whatever you wish to accomplish.”

She relinquished the podium to the valedictorian, Heather Woodward. Heather was the first Beta valedictorian of our school. She applied to three Ivy League universities and was waiting for answers.

Her speech touched on diversity, persistence, and the rewards of hard work. After she was finished speaking, Amy and I initiated a standing ovation.

Next, Principal Jones introduced the guest speaker, Alex Wilson.

As Alex walked onto the stage, everyone stood and applauded. It was the first time that most of the class had ever seen the leader of The United Association of Alphas in person.

“Good afternoon,” he began. “I’m here today because I believe you, your generation, will be the individuals who make the biggest difference in our world. When you see injustice, you demand change. When you see a problem, you suggest a solution.”

“I am in awe of the strength and resourcefulness I’ve seen in many of you. It gives me peace of mind to know that when my generation is gone, you will be here to make our society even better than I left it.”

Alex’s speech received deafening applause. He remained onstage to hand out the diplomas, and the procession of students began.

Each row of students took turns going to the front of the stage to shake Alex’s hand and receive their diploma from Principal Jones.

The moment it was my turn to shake Alex’s hand brought tears to both our eyes.

“Congratulations, Daisy,” he said. “I’m proud of you, dearest.”

I nodded and blinked back happy tears before accepting my diploma.

After returning to our seats, Amy and I watched the others and waited until everyone was seated again. I snuck in a wave at Victor, sitting in the audience with Mr. Gray. He gave me a big grin and a thumbs-up.

Principal Jones congratulated us again, and we realized our school days were over. It was time to move on to the rest of our lives.

We stood and joyfully tossed our caps into the air. “We did it!” echoed throughout the auditorium. Then we hugged and said our goodbyes before leaving the school for the last time.

“William, you’re coming to the mansion for the graduation party, right?” I asked. Alex offered to throw a party for me and all my friends and their families.

“Sure,” he said. “Mom and Dad have other plans, but I’ll be there.”

“How do your parents like Penny?” I asked.

“They don’t,” he replied. “But Mom and Dad know better than to try to run my life anymore. I love and respect them, but my life is mine.”

“Good for you,” I said. “See you at the party.” I walked away to find Victor and Alex. I spotted Alex first, talking to Miss Grant.

“You’re welcome to come to the party, Cassidy,” he told her. “Do you know where I live?” It was weird to hear my dad call my werewolf history teacher by her first name.

“Yes,” I’ve seen your home from the road. “I would love to come if Daisy doesn’t mind.”

“Not at all,” I said. “Alex adores talking about history. You’ll keep him from getting bored.”

“Then it’s settled.” He smiled at her. “We will see you there.”

Amy promised to meet me at the mansion for the graduation party Alex was hosting for us. She walked off the stage to where Mr. Gray was waiting while Victor approached me.

He picked me up and swung me in a circle. “Congratulations,” he said and punctuated it with a kiss.

The three of us rode home in the limo. We arrived a few minutes before the guests and were waiting to greet them in the foyer.

We were using the ballroom again. But this time, the music was the latest hits, and the dances were much different from a Waltz.

A buffet of burgers, pizza, and tacos and a juice bar was set up on the patio, and chairs were set up for the guests' comfort both on the patio and inside the ballroom.

Victor and I were talking with Amy and Justin when Andy walked into the room. He saw us and froze. The scared look on his face made me think he was contemplating turning around and leaving, but Mr. Gray hurried to his side and greeted him warmly.

“I don’t mean to intrude,” he told Mr. Gray. “I just wanted to give Amy a graduation gift. Or you can give it to her for me.” He held out a wrapped box.

“Nonsense,” Mr. Gray said. “Come in and give it to her yourself. You are welcome to spend time with her. There is no need to feel awkward. Amy has enough love for both of us.”

“That is due to you,” Andy insisted. “You’ve raised her well. Thank you, Mr. Gray.”

Mr. Gray patted his shoulder. “Please, call me Elliot, and I’ll call you Andy. Come on, Amy is right over here.”

I watched him hand Amy the gift. She thanked him and opened it, her face full of joy at finding a framed photo of a beautiful young woman and a diamond and moonstone ring.

“That was your mother when she was your age,” Andy said. “I bought the ring for her after our marking ceremony.”

Amy looked at the ring in amazement. “It's beautiful.”

“She loved that ring and always wore it,” Andy said. “She had me put it in my pocket at the hospital when she was giving birth to you. I didn’t have a chance to return it to her before she vanished.”

“Thank you. I’ll always cherish it.” Amy threw her arms around Andy’s neck, making him smile.

Alex walked over to us with William. “It appears to be time for the gifts.” He handed a box to William. “Congratulations, William.”

William opened the box and found an antique gold pocket watch.

Alex grinned. “You told me once that you hate wearing a watch, yet you’re always asking others what time it is.”

“Thank you, Alex,” William said. “It’s fantastic. I’ll treasure it.”

“And for the girls.” He handed Amy and me similar boxes.

“Did we all get pocket watches?” I asked.

“Open it and see,” Alex said.

Curious, I opened the box and discovered a white satin blindfold. Amy had one, too. “What’s this?”

“You and Amy must put the blindfolds on and let Victor and Justin lead you to your gifts,” Alex explained.

Amy and I giggled and did as he asked. We were led through the mansion in circles until we were confused, and then I felt fresh air on my face.

“Okay, take the blindfolds off,” Alex said.

I pulled the satin from my eyes, and Amy and I both screamed with delight.

“I can’t believe it!” I cried.