Complete 180
"Wow, I can't believe this day is finally here."
"I know dad. Seems like the first 18 years of my life went by so fast."
It was the one day parents always dreaded, but yet were excited for; graduation day. I was getting my gown and cords on while we were talking. For the first time since my mom left him, I saw tears in my father's eyes. He was struggling for words and just slipped out a little 'I love you' to me. I wondered if I would be just as emotional when my very own son was graduating high school.
Eventually I got into my truck and drove off to the high school. The stands were already packed, and we didn't even start the ceremony for another three hours. I parked in my parking spot for the last time and walked inside.
"Ethan!"
"What's up John?"
"Dude, I can't believe today's the day."
"I know bro, I'm excited and nervous at the same time."
"Same here, and a little sad too."
"Yeah, definitely not going to be the same not seeing you guys every day."
"Tell me about it. You gotta come down to Ship sometime and party with us."
"Oh no doubt, I definitely will. I plan on getting you guys some tickets to some Syracuse games in the Carrier Dome."
"Nice. Now, how are the girls in New York?"
"Nicer than the ones here. But Melyssa's coming with me, so I'm not interested in them."
"You're pussy whipped man."
"Nah bro, just think I've found the one."
"Whatever, haha. Hey, Baca's about to talk."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"...Ethan Scott Woy."
I got up from my chair and headed towards the front of the stage to receive my diploma. Flashbulbs started going off as I made my way across the stage. Closing my eyes, flashbacks started appearing in my thoughts...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"WOY! MY OFFICE NOW!"
...
"Listen Ethan. What do you did was wrong; you could have held your anger in. Plus the Bedford Gazette caught the entire fight. What am I going to say to them? That I can't control my team? Bullshit. You're suspended for the finale."
...
Transfer your bitch ass out of Everett. You're nothing special and we'd be much better without you.
...
"You're selfish Woy! Get out of here!"
...
"Woy is so overrated. All-State? Yeah right, he won't touch the ball with me covering him."
...
"And to Ethan Woy, you are a good player, but you're extremely overrated still. Number two receiver in the nation? You have to be paying Rivals to move you up the board! Our corners are all-WPIAL and they'll definitely shut you down. You aren't ready to go against our defense. I don't see number 15 taunting the Steel-High faithful Saturday night. Be ready for a long night and bring some tissues, cause you'll be crying when we're holding that State championship trophy."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I opened my eyes to see the entire crowd standing up, clapping. I felt embrrassed, but yet finally, truly happy. I've been through the lowest of lows, and now after a long climb, I am finally loved by the community again. It's going to be tough adjusting to a new life-style in a few months, but I know one thing - I'm glad I didn't decide to transfer out of Everett and instead stuck it out.
After we threw our caps and marched out as alumni of Everett High School, I was getting a drink in the gym when I was hugged from behind.
"Guess who?"
"The love of my life."
"You're too sweet. Umm...I got some news."
"Shit, you didn't get in at Syracuse? I can always check to see if there are schools nearby..."
"No, no. It's not that silly."
"Oh, good. What is it then?"
"I don't know if you'll be happy or disgusted..."
"Tell me babe."
"Okay...you remember a few weeks ago at your banquet in Harrisburg?"
"Yes?"
"Well, when we were having sex, I completely forgot to take something..."
"You mean?"
"Yeah. I'm pregnant..."
Shocked, I was stumbling for words when I took some time to process my thoughts.
"Oh my God. I'm really sorry, I don't know what to say. I..."
"Ethan, don't be sorry. I'm actually kind of glad. Sure, raising a baby in college will be tough, but we both can do it. We're together in this."
"Of course."
"Unless you want to get an abortion..."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Well I was pregnant..."
...
"Well, where's the baby?"
"Where's the baby? I didn't have the time for a fucking child! I got an abortion and had to work two jobs just to pay off the damn thing! And it's not even completely paid off yet! Now I've lost both of my jobs because I got into very vicious arguments with customers from all the stress that has been put on me, and the last thing I need in my life is you. I've gotten a new boyfriend who actually will support me and be there for me for whatever."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The flashbacks of the situation with Rebecca flew through my mind, causing myself to get a little light-headed.
"You alright Ethan? It seems like something's wrong."
"Oh...we are keeping the baby. I can balance school, football, basketball, and our child."
A smile lit up on Melyssa's face as she hugged me.
"Thank you so much Ethan. I love you more than anything."
"I love you too Melyssa."
As I stood there holding her, thoughts were running through my mind. After the episode with Rebecca last summer, I made a promise to myself that I would never screw up another thing like that again. Now placed in a similar situation, but with the one girl I truly have loved, I decided that despite the stress, I'm not making the same mistake again - I'm ready to be a father. I don't know how to tell my parents, or how Melyssa will tell her parents, but one thing's for certain; my life has spun in a complete 180 again but we're going to get through this...together.