Graduation, the day everyone has been looking forward to has come. The book of high school, and childhood, is closing. Soon the West Valley seniors will be turning pages in the book of college and new adulthood. Half our life and time is spent waiting for the perfect sign to lead us to the perfect path. But more times than not, it never appears. These are moments where you find yourself at a crossroad, nervous, a little disoriented, and entirely without a map. How you handle it could define the rest of your life.
When Dutch, who was not late for graduation, met up with his friends he had a moment of clarity. "One day you're seventeen, sitting in the basement with a beer in your hand, and you're planning for someday. Then one day you wake up, and like a smack to the head, someday is here. And you didn't even notice it, yesterday."
Bobby just looked at him and said "Wow Man. That's deep shit."
"I know. Tell me about," Dutch told him. Then he began looking around. "Now, who can I talk to about canceling my free subscription to adulthood?"
Chuckling, Bobby nudged Jimmy. "That sounds more like him." Jimmy gave him a smile of agreement.
All of their families are here for the ceremony. For Johnny, this includes a robust extended family, which is something he's never had. Ava's grandparents from Savannah, Waylon, and Anna Beth, flew in a few days ago. They're staying at her parent's house. That coupled with her mother's two sisters, her father's other brother, and all of their own families made the house full to the brim.
One of the first things everyone wanted to do is see where Ava lives. So she and Johnny invited them all over for dinner Wednesday night. The stress of graduation alone was enough pressure, not wanting to feel stressed over dinner too, Ava ordered a family BBQ meal from the restaurant in their sweet town. As is her usual thing, she did make dessert from scratch. She baked three different cakes, a hummingbird cake (which her grandfather loves), a sour cream pound cake, and a death by chocolate cake.
Johnny kept sneaking tastes of the icing for the chocolate one. Ava smacked his hand away, but it didn't deter him. Once the cake had cooled, and the frosting was put on it, he cut a slice off. When she saw what he had done, well let's just say she sent him out grocery shopping. If he stayed near her, it would not have been a pretty sound. Although she did let a few words escape. "You are just like Tommy sometimes," she stated with narrowed hazel eyes. The look he gave her was a cross between appalled and shocked.
Despite the missing piece of cake, dinner and dessert were fine. Everyone loved their house, especially the outdoor entertaining area and the covered dock. Ava's grandmama, however, adored the kitchen. "It's so big," she kept saying. "Just think of all the meals you can cook in here and all the space for gadgets. I don't know what I would do with one so big."
Then there was her grandfather. His eyes were drawn to a golf club in a display case, in the living room. "Would you look at that? Now you've got one all your own," he mentioned to Ava. Naturally, she had told him all about her golf season, the par of sixty-five, the outstanding player award, and meeting Mr. Palmer. "Ava I'm so proud of you and all you've accomplished. But to be clear, even if none of those things had happened I'd still be proud of you. You've got a big heart and a sensible head on your shoulders. You're going to do great things in your life."
She beamed under her grandfather's praise. Then he praised Johnny too, which was not expected, but he thanked him for it all the same. And now here the two of them are sitting side-by-side in chairs, listening to the class valedictorian speak. They've held hands ever since sitting down. The whole thing is surreal to both of them, for different but similar reasons.
For Ava, she never expected to be graduating as anything other than her maiden name Green. So when she lined up for the processional, in front of Johnny, it was unusual. But not bad. Different can be very good. For Johnny, just being in the line to graduate is good enough. He knew he'd never be an honors graduate, much less valedictorian. When Ava stood in front of him though something clicked inside. Having her there in front of him gave him a sense of pride, that he's voiced but never let sink in.
Out of all the accomplishments in high school, having her as his wife is the best one. It's something people take for granted every day and he's guilty of that too. What you do matters. How you do it matters. But who you do it with matters more. Everything in his life has led to this. Every choice, good or bad, has led him to right where he is now.
Never one for eternal optimism, thanks to life kicking him in the balls one too many times, there's a certain spark that's ignited in him. Negative past voices flooded his mind. He's been labeled a loser, a geek, an idiot, a piece of shit, good for nothing, a trouble maker, a hothead, a bad boy, not good enough, and a degenerate just to name a few. Labels are one thing. People will always label you. Overcoming them and not letting them define you is another entirely.
Through it all, something inside him kept yearning for a better life, a better way. He didn't let the hero inside him perish in frustration. He kept it alive. And looking at his wedding ring, the world he desired is real. It exists. It's his. There's a fine line between being proud and being prideful. It's not vain pride he feels. No. It's being proud of pushing through, not giving up, fighting for what he wants, and taking it. And he's fought tooth and nail for everything he's got.
But right here beside him, is his wife. Living life, doing life, with her is what matters. Labels or love? Be defined by labels, or be defined by love? It's like his mom told him, on one of his darkest days, "The world is full of magic Baby. You just have to believe in it. So, make a wish in your heart of hearts. And believe in it, that it will come true." He didn't believe it then, but he does now.
His wife is his greatest achievement. Being the kind of man she wants by her side is also an accomplishment because he wasn't that man a year ago. Now he is. When he looks in the mirror, he sees who he's always wanted to be staring back at him, it's mind-blowing. He's a work in progress, but on the right road finally.
As they all stood up to receive their diplomas, he rested one hand on Ava's shoulder and slid the other one into her own. She turned and gave him a radiant smile of cheer and beauty. The smile that ignites the spark in his heart. She brought his hand up to her lips and placed a tender kiss. When she brought it back down, he squeezed it. They stood that way until their names were called. He cheered and clapped for Ava and when he got his own diploma, the cheers didn't matter.
Looking at that piece of paper, and looking up at her, their eyes stayed locked together. He exited the stage and went back to his seat. Her. She matters. And when everyone had received their diplomas, and they threw their caps in the air, he turned to her and said with a quiet voice "I made it work. I really made it all work."
A few tears may have fallen down his face. But she wiped them away and nodded. She kissed him and whispered, "I love you." And he knew she meant them, she always means what she says because it's shown through her actions. He kissed her forehead, then met the eyes of Jimmy who gave a nod of satisfaction.
After graduation came the family lunch and dinners. Before any of that could start, Grandpa Jack took them both aside and spoke to them. Still at the school, close to their cars, he handed Johnny an envelope with both their name's on it. "I told you both that when you graduated some money would be yours. Per our signed agreement. Irene and I want you to know we love you, are proud of you, and believe your best days lie ahead together. I'll see you tonight at the graduation dinner." He turned to leave but stopped. "There may be a little extra in there." He winked and left.
Both Johnny and Ava shared curious looks. He opened the envelope and pulled out a check. Their mouths dropped open in shock. Johnny mumbled, "We have to deposit this immediately." His wife agreed. So they said goodbye to their friends and family and went straight to the bank. They deposited the obscene check. The shock of it didn't wear off until that night when they decided they were sick of food.
The two of them had eaten way too much that day, starting with breakfast. Johnny had suggested going to IHOP, because "Why should you cook on your graduation day?" They met his mom and stepdad for lunch at the country club restaurant. Then dinner at Ava's parent's house, where both sets of grandparents were gathered as well as Johnny's parents. Too much food. They rolled into bed full and content, from both the food and the day.
The next morning dawned, with the weight of graduation over. Ava is relaxed and hoping to sleep in late. It was not meant to be. At half-past eight, her two best friends bombarded her bedroom. "Wake up sleepyhead," Rachel greeted. She began tugging the covers back, while Dawn opened the curtains letting the fresh sunlight in.
Ava put her hand over her eyes and let out a groan. "What in the world? It's Saturday. The day after graduation. I just want to sleep in."
Shaking her head, Dawn addressed her. "No. You can't. So get up, brush your teeth, wash your face, run a brush through your hair, and let's go!" She went to the dresser and began pulling out leggings and a shirt.
With a displeased look, Ava noticed the time on the clock. "It's eight-thirty in the morning. I'm going nowhere but back to bed." She tried to tug her covers up, then she noticed... "Where is Johnny?"
Both of her friends caught each other's eyes and giggled. "Johnny's with his friends at his mom's house," Rachel explained. She continued. "And you're with us. Now get up! You have a wedding to get ready for."
Ava sprung up. "A wedding? Who's getting married? What are you talking about?"
Huge smiles broke out on her friend's faces. "Your wedding silly. We have hair appointments and we need you to get a move on, or else we're going to be late," Dawn told her. "Just so you know, your husband has been working with your mom and his own behind the scenes to pull this off." She began tugging her friend's hand pulling her up.
When Ava was sitting on the edge of the bed, her heart leaped into her throat. "He's been putting everything together for a wedding?" Both girls nodded. "But I don't have a dress or anything."
Rachel gazed at her with a romantic look on her face. "You do. It's at your grandparent's house, which you'll see once our hair, nails, and makeup are done," she promised.
Overwhelmed with excitement and nerves, butterflies took up residence in Ava's stomach. Now all of the weird questions from her mother and her mother-in-law made sense. It also explained why all of her aunts, uncles, and cousins are here. Without hesitation, she jumped to life and did all the things Dawn had told her to do at the start. Once she dressed and asked them if she needed to bring anything (which they told her no), she let the words wedding sink in. They were wrong. She did need to bring something.
On top of her dresser, she opened her jewelry box. Inside sat her bracelet. The one Johnny gave her, belonging to his grandmother. It's the most special piece of jewelry she owns, besides her wedding ring. It's so precious and way too valuable to just wear to school all the time. So she stopped and only wears it for special occasions now. This is definitely a special occasion and it begs to be worn. She also grabbed her bottle of favorite perfume.
With both items tucked safely away, she took her purse and met her friends in the kitchen. They had made her a fruit bowl, to eat on the way. Today they took Dawn's black Chevy Camaro, to the hair salon. Ava's face lit up. Of course, it would be salon Mia Bella. Only Javier would do for her hair. No one else. The minute the girls entered the salon, they were met by her mother, Johnny's mother, and both of her grandmothers. Hugs and kisses all around.
Javier greeted her, took her by the arm, and led her to his chair. "Now what shall we do with you?" He began looking over her hair. If her wedding dress is the one she hopes it is, then she knows a general idea of how she wants her hair to look. So she articulated this to Javier. Together they came up with a superb masterpiece.
While Ava was getting shampooed and conditioned, her two best friends were also getting their hair done. Two other top stylists were seeing to them. Both bridesmaids were going with their hair down and styled. Although, Dawn is just getting a little volume since her hair is short. But Rachel's is also being curled.
After Ava's wash and dry, Javier's fingers set to work. First, he curled her hair with the curling iron. Then he mixed the concept of a chignon with a fancy updo. And by fancy, Javier wove a playful, elegant side braid into it. The loose curly texture of her hair added to the enchanting results. All of her special ladies gushed over the bridal hair and Javier beamed. "I know. I know. It's wonderful. Some of my finest work," he said with a touch of pride. A salon assistant took photos of the hair masterpiece. But Ava just admired it in the mirror, too pleased to speak.
After the salon, came nails and makeup at the spa. A special spa room had been set up for the party of women. They got pampered and prettier. Ava noticed both of her friends got light peachy mauve nails. Could it be that the dress she saw, when shopping with her mother, is the one they're going to wear? This made her insides flutter and brought the anticipation for her own dress to the forefront. So when it came time to have her own makeup done, she told the lady "Please use waterproof mascara." The lady smiled and complied.
Before leaving the salon, Laura kissed both of her daughter-in-law's cheeks. "Ava you're already a beautiful girl, but seeing you like this only showcases your true beauty. I can't wait to see your wedding dress. I have to leave you and tend to my son, who I'm sure is nervous and anxious. Even though you're both already married, this is a special day for you both." The two hugged.
The remaining ladies loaded back into the vehicles and drove to Grandma Irene's house. The second they pulled into the drive, different vendor trucks were seen unloading. On the inside of the house, a path laden with tulle, flowers, and other fripperies could be seen heading out to the back gardens. Curious Ava followed it and then raised a hand to cover her mouth, as a gasp of breath left it.
The backyard, with the surrounding gardens, has been transformed into a stunning, charming wedding scene. First over to the side, underneath a gauzy canopy, white lights are strung and hung up. There are four long dark wooden tables. The tables were loaded with baby pink, mauve, and olive green floral arrangements. The arrangements had been coordinated to resemble the table number cards. And the tall candles inside glass surrounds were, along with the place settings, magnificent. It's so much more than Ava could have ever dreamed. It's breathtaking. And there's a dance floor to boot.
Her mom and two grandmothers came to stand beside her. "What do you think Dear?" her mom asked.
She turned around to look at all three of them. Not able to speak, she smiled and felt the tears well up in her eyes. So she took her hand and started to fan her face. And they all three knew exactly how she felt. Grandmama Anna Beth, stated "We're not going to hug you because we'll never stop crying. But we're so glad you like it. We all three contributed, along with your mother-in-law. Who, may I say, is a lovely woman."
Ava nodded her head in agreement. Then Grandma Irene shared "But your husband contributed the most. Johnny got your mom, his mom, myself, and Anna Beth (by speakerphone) to plan this whole thing. He loves you, you know. And of course, how could the four of us say no."
Taking a deep breath, and fanning her eyes more. She hugged all three of them, then hugged her two best friends. Her mom took her hand and led her to the "bridal suite" to get ready. Standing at the door, Rachel told her "Close your eyes." She did. When the door opened, and she was ushered inside, all the ladies said "Open". She did.
There, on a hanger, by the window is her dress. It's just as beautiful as she remembers. Then she saw, also hanging, the peachy blush dress for her bridesmaids. Turning to her mother she pointed at the two blush dresses. The words "How did you do this" left her mouth.
"While you were standing at the front of the store, I told the sales girl about the dress. I told her Rachel and Dawn would be by that week for sizing and ordering. I'm glad you weren't paying attention," her mother admitted.
Then Ava moved to her dress and ran the fabric through her fingers. "And my dress. How did it come to be?"
Dawn spoke then. "That would be Johnny and the two of us. The day after we had gone dress shopping, and found this dress, he spoke to us after school. He told us his idea and we were one hundred percent on board. Then we took him to the store, where he gave us his credit card. We went in and took the dress to the register."
She stopped and Rachel took over the story. "The lady needed confirmation for the card. So we asked her to hide the dress because Johnny's outside. She did and he came in and paid for it. The lady seemed curious about this whole thing because the bride always buys the dress. Well, Johnny explained to her the situation. The lady had sweet tears in her eyes, which made us cry. She said it's the sweetest thing she's heard in a long time. And that's the story of your dress. Plus I'm glad it fits you perfectly otherwise I don't know what we would have done."
It seems the common denominator in all of this is Johnny. If it weren't for him none of this would have happened. As she began getting ready for pictures, she wondered how he was doing.