Choose - Season 1 - Episode 82

Episode 4 years ago

Choose - Season 1 - Episode 82

Hesitantly, I stand up and follow him out.

“May, our valedictorian is unable to make it here due to a family emergency in Perth. And since you have the second highest grade point average in the grade, you will be delivering the valedictorian speech.” He says.

My eyes widen. “What? No! I can’t. I have nothing prepared. Ask someone else! I can’t I-”

“She’d love to.” Someone says as they put their arm around my shoulders.
The voice I know anywhere. I turn and look up at him.

“Michael?” My voice croaks.
“Hey baby sister.” He smiles at me.
Tears immediately brim my eyes as I engulf him in a hug.

“I thought you weren’t coming.” I almost whisper.

“Nothing was going to stop me from seeing you graduate.” He says as we pull away from the hug.

We stand in silence holding each other by the arms before I speak.

“I’ve missed you so much, Mikey.”
He smiles and let’s out a breath. “Me too, May. And so does Cora. She sends her congrats by the way. We’re both really excited for you to come to America in a few days.”

I notice his facial expression alter as he realizes that me moving to America also means Luke moving to England.
“I’m sorry I shouldn’t have brought it up I was ju-”

“Excuse me, i’m sorry to interrupt what seems to be a lovely sibling reunion but there are hundreds of people in the gym waiting for someone to deliver the valediction speech.” Principal Andrews says.

I had almost forgot he was even standing there. I really don’t know how he expects me to just get up on stage and say a speech to a bunch of strangers when I have nothing prepared and barely even talked to anyone in my grade since i’ve been at this school.
“May, you have to do it. I’m begging you.” The principal says.

“You’re begging me? Just like I begged you to let Luke stay at prom and yet you still threw him out?” I spit.
“May, come on. I came all the way from America. I’d love to see my sister say a speech. Please? For me?” Michael says, knowing that i’d do just about anything for him.

I huff as I nod and mutter a ‘fine’ before walking back into the gym and taking my seat.
Michael exchanges hellos and hugs with Luke, Calum, Ashton and our father while Principal Andrews walks onto stage…….

“Good evening Ladies, Gentlemen, and Graduates. My apologies for the delay in ceremony. It appears that our valedictorian had an emergency and is unable to make it however, it is my honour to present your new valedictorian,…..

…. May Clifford.” He says as he gestures me on stage.

The audience welcomes me on stage with loud claps and faint whistles, who I assume are from Luke, Michael, my friends and my dad. I approach the podium on stage and adjust the microphone. The clapping fades and I stand in silence, with no thoughts or words coming to my head. I look at Luke and see him mouth the words ‘you got this’ and a smile immediately comes to my face. I clear my throat before I begin talking……
—————