Date: Sun, 30 Oct 2011 16:23:19 -0400 From: Barry Gold Subject: Graduation Day Graduation Day By Gold It was that time of year when young men and ladies got dressed in caps and gowns and celebrated their four completed years of high school. Graduation consisted of purchasing new gowns and suits for the parties that were to be thrown later on in the evening, getting your picture snapped at least a few dozen times by your parents, girlfriends parents or boyfriends parents. It also consisted of getting hugged at least every other second by your parents and having them congratulate you on making it through high school without even being thrown in jail or getting into any kind of trouble. So it was with Sally and Beth. The day had finally arrived when they would walk the halls of their high school one last time with their friends. It was a combination of joyous and solemn times. They remembered Stephanie's friend, Michelle who passed away several months ago but it was also a joyous time because they were about to pass into young adulthood. The girls were walking down the hall to the auditorium for their practice graduation ceremony with the rest of their friends when they bumped into Stephanie. "You girls go ahead and we'll catch up to you shortly." Sally told them. "What's up sis?" Stephanie asked her older sister. "We were on our way to the practice ceremony in the auditorium. What about you?" "I was on my way to English class. The teacher is preparing for the final and I want to keep my grade point average up." "What do you mean keep your grade point average up? You have the highest GPA in your class right now at 4.0! If it gets any higher, you'll be climbing a ladder." Sally said with jest. Stephanie just looked at her older sister, "Just because you had to have help with yours, doesn't mean that I can slack off Sally!" "Yeah, I've heard it all before. Just remember though, Beth helped me at the start but over the last year, I've done it myself with just a little help from Beth and Dad." "I know Sally and I'm actually proud of you if you didn't realize by now!" Sally just looked at her sister with amazement and started to realize that just maybe their arguing days might be over. She walked over to Stephanie and gave her a big hug which surprised Stephanie. Sally backed off and looked into her sisters' eyes and saw something different about her; it was the look of admiration and love. "Stephanie, I didn't think you cared that much?" "Just because we argue a lot, doesn't mean that I don't love you Sally. You're my sister and I will always love you. I might not see eye to eye with you on a number of things but I will always be there for you when you need me." Stephanie came back to her sister and hugged her back. All the while the sisters were talking; Beth was just standing there watching the whole banter between the sisters and remembered when she started tutoring Sally a couple of years ago. Had it been that long ago since they had been going together? A smile slowly crept over her beautiful face as she remembered that encounter long ago; they were up in Sally's room and she had just walked in from her shower. They had walked towards each other, placed their arms around each other and gave each other a very deep soul kiss which still gives her goose bumps to this day. While Beth had been thinking about the past, Sally and Stephanie were ending their conversation. Sally looked over at Beth with what could only be called love and realized that Beth had been thinking about the past again. "Come on tall, red and beautiful. We have a graduation practice to go to!" Sally said laughing as she grabbed Beth's hand. *** Graduation day dawned bright and beautiful; sunny, high stratus clouds with the temperature in the high 70's with a slight breeze. Sally was busy getting ready in her room when a knock sounded on her door. "Come in whoever you are." Sally's mother came walking through the door with a small wrapped box in her hand. "Good morning sweetheart. I see that you're getting ready for one of your most important days of your young life." Sally walked over to her Mom and gave her a big hug. "Thanks Mom. I'm kind of nervous about today. I just hope that when they call my name, I don't trip over my feet!" "Don't worry Sally, you'll do just fine. Here, this box is for you, but you can't open it till after the ceremony today." Her mother said with a smirk on her face. "What is it Mom?" "You will just have to find out after the fact today. Do Not Open it till after the ceremony. Remember that!" Sally just looked at her and shrugged her shoulders. "Okay Mom. Whatever you say." It was at that moment that Stephanie came into the room with a small box in her hand. "Hey there sis, I see that you're almost ready for the day. Here, this is for you. But unlike Mom's gift, you can open this now if you want to." Sally took a long look at her sister and shrugged her shoulders again. "Looks like a little box to me sis!" "Don't be a smartass. Just open the damn thing." Stephanie told her smartly. Sally nervously fingered the small box wondering what was in it. She looked at her sister who looking at her differently today, like she was actually proud of her. She slowly started unwrapping the package, carefully removing the tape on one side of the box working her way around to the other side. As she removed the tape, Sally slowly removed the wrapping revealing a plain brown box. Now she was confused but opened the box anyway. Inside was the most exquisite locket she had ever seen; it was in aaquamarine color with a gold inlay. She nervously opened it and inside were two pictures on either side; Beth on one side, Sally on the other. She couldn't believe Stephanie had done this for her. She continued fingering the locket not realizing that her face was starting to get wet from her tears. "You didn't look on the other side of the locket sis." Sally turned the locket around and noticed an inscription on it: To my loving sister, I love you with all my heart and hope that the future brings you all the happiness in the world. She looked up at her sister with tears streaming down her gorgeous face. Walking over to her sister, she wrapped her arms around Stephanie and hugged her very tightly, "I love you too Stephanie." Sally told her sister with tears still rolling down her face. As they were hugging, Judy looked on with pride at her two daughters and realized that they weren't little arguing sisters anymore but young ladies about to enter a different world. She was also smiling inwards because at the end of the day when Stephanie comes home, she knew there would be a new bed in her room for the coming fall season for Lisa and her. "Okay you two, time to get ready to go and pick Beth and Lisa up, so we can get over to auditorium for the ceremonies." The sisters' gave each other one more hug then broke apart. Sally had to fix her face before they left. They approached Beth's house and before they could stop, the door had opened to the house and out stepped Beth. Sally's breath had always stopped whenever she looked at her girlfriend but today was an exception; Beth was wearing a stunning mid length navy blue skirt with sheer nylons and a modest heel on her black strapless back pumps. Her top was a very light powder blue with a dark blue trim around the neck and the arms. Sally stepped out the car and just stared at her. "Good lord, every time I look at you, you just seem to get more beautiful." Beth just looked at her girlfriend and just beamed. "I guess the same could be said of you gorgeous." The two of them clasped hands and walked towards the car. "Beth, you look extremely lovely today." Judy exclaimed. "Thank you very much Mrs. Krieger. Since today was a special day I figured I would dress up a little bit." Beth said chuckling before she received an elbow in the side from Sally. Their next stop was Lisa's house and again when they pulled up into the driveway, Lisa was walking out of her front door. Stephanie went to go meet her girlfriend. "Hey beautiful, are you ready to go watch my sister and Beth make fools of themselves?" "I wouldn't have it any other way. Let's go." As she grabbed Stephanie's hand and led her back to the minivan. "You look very nice today Lisa. Why are you so dressed up?" Judy asked her quizzically. "Well, I knew what Stephanie was going to wear and I didn't want to dress up as a slob so I decided to dress up a little." She smiled at her girlfriend as they were still holding hands. "Alright ladies, let's get going. The rest of the parents are going to meet us there and since we have reserved seats, we don't have to worry about the seating arrangements." *** They arrived at the school with minutes to spare. As they all piled out of the minivan, Beth's and Lisa's parents both came up at the same time and started snapping pictures of the girls. The girls all posed in different positions with all the parents, when finally Judy spoke up, "Alright everyone, time to get in there and watch these two young ladies graduate." Just as they were walking into the auditorium, Eugene pulled up. Judy noticed him and walked up, "Well sweetheart, was the bed delivered and setup?" "It sure was honey. I think we are going to have two very ecstatic teenage girls on our hands in a couple of hours. Let's get in there." All the parents were seated in the second row with Stephanie and Lisa sitting right behind them. Beth and Sally were seated with the rest of their class up front all dressed in caps and gowns when the Principal of the school walked up to the lectern. "Ladies and gentlemen, alumni, teachers, family and graduates, we welcome you to Graduation 2006. We find ourselves at the end of another school year and Graduating another exceptional class. This past year has been joyous, momentous and solemn. We mourned the loss of a good friend but at the same time we rejoice at these young adults about to pass into young adulthood. This past year has seen our soccer team win the state championship and at the same time we have almost had two young ladies tie for class Valedictorian which would have been a first in our school history. Unfortunately we can only award one with Valedictorian and the other with the class Salutatorian. At this time I would like to bring these two young ladies up and award them their honors. For Salutatorian would Sally Ryder please come up and receive her award." Sally was stunned. She didn't realize that her GPA was that high but she was not about to argue. She stood up and made her way through her classmates who were clapping and hooting very loud for her. Her parents and sister were giving her a standing ovation. Sally walked up the flight of stairs and approached the principal, "Sally, we're all very proud of the job you've done here at St. Francis and hope that you continue through the rest of your life." "Thank you Principal Kelban. I didn't realize that my grades were that high but I would like to thank you and all of the teachers I had for their support." Sally walked down the opposite flight of stairs and as she walked back to her seat, she noticed Beth with the widest smile on her face she had ever seen. At this moment in time she couldn't swallow because of the lump in her throat for the love she had for Beth. "At this time I would like to bring up the class Valedictorian. Before I mention her name, I just want everyone to know that this young lady was instrumental in the soccer team winning the state championship plus she also has highest grade point average in the history of our esteemed school. Would Elizabeth Marie Wilson please come up and receive her award." At the mention of Beth's name, the whole graduating class stood up along with the rest of the auditorium and gave Beth a thunderous ovation. Sally was standing there with the rest of the class but she was the only one crying. But this time there were tears of joy for her girlfriend. She knew how hard Beth worked for this honor. There were some nights when all Beth and Sally did was study; they didn't even make love for several nights in a row because of their studies. But it all paid off. She watched her love walk up the flight of stairs to receive her award. William and Liz were watching their little girl walk up to receive her award. They realized that she was now a young lady and beamed with pride as all parents do at their children. They were so proud of her accomplishments in her young life so far; a black belt in the martial arts, a soccer championship at school, her hobby for magic and now the class valedictorian. Beth walked up to receive her award from the principal and glanced over at her parents; she saw them standing with the rest of the crowd but the look they gave her, warmed her heart. She held her hand out and received the award from Principal Kelban, "Thank you principal Kelban. I would like to thank you, my teachers and my parents for their support. As I address the graduating class today, I would like to say that life is too short to take anything or anyone for granted. Cherish life as if tomorrow may never come, love people and life. Do what you can to make society better and in turn you will receive benefits that you never dreamed possible. Thank you for this honor." As the short speech ended, the whole auditorium erupted with applause. Even though the speech was one of the shortest in memory, it was one of the most moving they had ever heard. Even the Principal and the teachers were moved by it. Beth joined her classmates as the Principal started reading off the names of the graduates. Each and every one of them crossed the stage and received their piece of paper from the principal. About 30 minutes later, the last of the graduates finished crossing and walked down the stairs. "Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to introduce you to the Class of 2006." And with that, all of the graduates stood up and tossed their hats into the air. After hugging all of their friends and wishing them luck, Sally and Beth went looking for their families. They found them waiting outside in the parking lot. Judy walked up to her eldest, looked into her eyes and immediately hugged her. She stepped back and took another long look at her with a proud parents eye, "I am so proud of you sweetheart. You graduated without getting into any serious trouble." Judy said laughing. "By the way honey, I'm sure you're dying to find out what's in the box I gave you by now!" "As a matter of fact Mom, I am. Can I open it now?" "I would say that now would be the perfect time to open it." Judy said with a conspiratorial look at Eugene. Beth came over to her as she was unwrapping the box. She started removing the tape from one end and worked off the tape from the other end. She was starting to get a little nervous because the box was just plain brown one. As she opened it, her breath caught in her throat. Beth peeked over Sally's shoulder and her breath stopped also. Inside the box was a set of car keys. Sally did a double-take inside the box and the keys were still inside. She took the keys out of the box and looked at her parents. Judy and Eugene both took Sally into their arms and hugged her. "If you're wondering what car the keys go to, just look over there." Eugene was pointing to a very light blue metallic 2006 Toyota Corolla LE. Sally almost fainted at the sight of this gorgeous auto. She had received her driver's license last year and had driven the minivan several times but she never told her parents that she ever wanted a car. Tears of joy started rolling down her beautiful face as Beth came up behind her and wrapped her arms around her lover and best friend. "Hey gorgeous, how about giving me a lift to your house so we can party?" Sally turned around in Beth's arms and smiled. "Anytime babe. I think we should ask my sister and Lisa if they want a ride also. Hey you two, you want a ride back home?" Lisa and Stephanie were standing by the new car when Sally asked them, "We would love a ride back home sis." Before they got to the car, Beth's parents pulled her over. "Honey, we are so proud of you; black belt in the martial arts, your magic, soccer championship MVP and now Valedictorian of your class. This is for you." Her father handed her an envelope. "Wait a minute Sally. I want to open this before we go." Sally walked over to see Beth's gift from her parents. As Beth opened the envelope, she gasped at what was inside of it. Inside the envelope was a $20,000.00 check along with reservations for the Four Seasons hotel downtown for a weekend for two. Sally also gasped when she saw the check but when she saw the reservations, her mind started thinking what she and Beth could do all weekend. Beth looked up at her parents with tears streaking down her face, "Mom, Dad what can I say except thank you and I love you very much." And with that, she hurled herself into her parents' arms. "No, thank you sweetheart, for being the best daughter in the world. We couldn't have asked for a better daughter." Liz said with tears coming down her face. After the tears subsided, all the parents piled into theirs cars and went over to Judy and Eugene's for the graduation party. The girls followed in Sally's new car. *** The parents had made it back before the girls did which really wasn't a surprise. Sally decided to take the long way home savoring her first drive in her automobile. All the girls loved it; it rode beautifully. It had a six speaker sound system along with a 6 CD changer; it had a sunroof to go along with the wind deflector that was sitting in the back seat. As they approached the house, Beth was thinking that this would be the perfect time to ask about the weekend. "Hey Sally, now that you have this beautiful car, you can drive us downtown to the Four Seasons this weekend." Sally smiled, "Actually Elizabeth Marie Wilson, I was thinking the same thing. I guess all great minds do think alike!" Sally said with a very wide grin on her face. As they pulled up to the house, Stephanie was wondering what her and Lisa would be doing this weekend while Sally and Beth were romping down at the Four Seasons. Lisa looked over at her and knew about the bed but nothing about the Tidewater Inn that Eugene and Judy had reserved for them. Unbeknownst to the two young girls in the back seat, it wasn't just Judy and Eugene that had planned the coming weekend for them. It was also partly planned by Lisa's parents also and they had convinced Stephanie's parents to move the reservations up to this coming weekend. The girls piled out the car, stepped up to the front door and before Sally could open it, Eugene was there opening it for them. "Welcome to our two graduates. Come on in and enjoy the party." Inside the house, there were not just all of the parents but quite a number of their friends; Mary was there with Amber, Carmen had shown up with her parents plus a new friend she met about a week ago, Sylvia. The party was just getting started when Judy walked over to Stephanie and Lisa who were talking to some of their friends. "Hey honey, I see that you and Lisa are enjoying the party." "Yes Mom, we are. What's up?" "I just wanted to find out if you've been up to your room yet? There's something that I want you see up there." Judy was telling her youngest as she eyed Lisa's parents. "Mom, what did you do to my room?" "Let's just go up and take a look, okay?" With that Stephanie started walking towards her room holding Lisa's hand. She didn't notice that Lisa's parents were also following them along with her parents. As Stephanie opened the door to her room, she thought she walked into a different bedroom. What she saw made her blink three times because she didn't trust her eyes. In place of her small twin bed was a queen size bed now. She thought she was dreaming. Lisa had a small smile on her face because she had known about this for over a month now. Following the girls into the bedroom were Stephanie's and Lisa's parents. "Mom, what's going on here?" Stephanie asked with a very perplexed look on her face. "Well sweetheart, we realized that when Sally goes off to college in a few months, you are going to be all by yourself for the first time in your life. With Lisa's parents' approval and of course ours, we came to an agreement of sorts. A couple of nights during the week, you can have Lisa stay over and basically "live" here. Then on the weekends, you can stay over at her house. Her parents purchased her a larger bed also." Stephanie and Lisa both looked stunned because Lisa didn't know about her new bed. She turned around and looked into the smiling faces of her parents. "Yes sweetheart, we decided to get you a larger bed also." Alyssa told her daughter. Both of the girls just looked at each other and just started crying and screaming for joy. They both ran into their parents arms and hugged them very tightly. "Mom, does this mean what I think it does? Lisa and I get to "live" over at each others house several days a week including the weekends?" "I believe it does mean exactly that sweetheart!" Eugene answered this time. "Oh yes, we also have something else for you and Lisa. Here's something that all of us thought of when we knew we were going to get Sally a car for graduation." He removed an envelope that he was hiding in back of him. Lisa accepted the envelope and moved over to Stephanie so the both of them could see what was in it. As they opened it, their hands were shaking. As they pulled the reservation out and started reading, all they could do stare and gape at the piece of paper. They realized that they were about to spend the weekend together at a bed and breakfast called The Tidewater Inn in Madison, Connecticut. All alone with each other for the weekend; Their young minds started thinking of what they could do together but only one thing came to mind; making love. They both looked up at the same time and stared at both sets of parents who again had very large smiles on their faces. The only thing they could think of was to throw themselves into their parents' arms. At the same time, "Thank you Mom, Thank you Dad," came out of both their mouths causing laughter all around. The two girls broke off from their parents and padded towards each other; they looked very briefly into each other's eyes and hugged each other. "I can't wait for this weekend Lisa. I just want to stay in your arms all weekend." "The same goes for me Stephanie." Even with the parents there, both young girls gave each other a very tender loving kiss. "Alright everyone, let's get downstairs and enjoy this graduation party." Walter said with some enthusiasm. And with that, everyone walked back downstairs to enjoy the festivities. *** After the party had broken up and the house had been cleaned, the parents got together to plan this coming weekend. Since all the girls would be away for the entire weekend, the parents planned an adult weekend without their children. First things first though; they had to drop Beth and Sally off at The Four Seasons downtown, then they drove Lisa and Stephanie to Madison, CT for their weekend at The Tidewater Inn. *** After Sally and Beth closed the door to their room, they came together in a bruising but very passionate kiss. "Um baby, that was so good. But let's take our time. We have the whole weekend." Beth told Sally with a wide grin on her face. As the weekend enfolded for them, it was probably the most loving and passionate one they had ever spent together. They stated their love for each other many times that weekend and if they had been old enough, probably would have eloped. *** Over at The Tidewater Inn, Lisa and Stephanie were just finishing up their first of many kisses that weekend. They parted very slowly but neglected to unwind their arms from each other. "Lisa, I love you so much. Why can't we be together all of the time?" "Stephanie, I know what you mean. Every time I leave your house or when you leave my house, my heart just breaks. The way everything seems to be going though, I don't think we'll have anything to worry about. Let's just take our time this weekend. Okay?" "Sounds good to me Lisa. Well, what would you like to do first?" "What do you think I want to do first?" With that exclamation, Lisa threw Stephanie down on the bed and proceeded to ravish her girlfriend. A couple of hours later, they were laying in bed and Lisa was gently stroking Stephanie's hair. They were both thinking that at this moment, everything was perfect. *** The rest of the weekend for all four young ladies was the most passionate, tender, and loving time of their young lives. Thank you for sticking around long enough to see what I would come up with next. Any recommendations or comments please let me know. Bgold49@myway.com Copyright Gold/Donal 2006