word in her own defense, she walked past him and headed toward her car. She got in, drove away, and never looked back.
As Alec turned and walked back into the house, he never realized Jarrod had been standing directly above him and Morgan the entire time, listening through the open window of his bedroom. Strangely, he wasn’t absurdly troubled by what he had just heard. Rather, he felt a strong sense of amazement mixed with respect stemming from Alec’s fervid defense of him. It suddenly dawned on him that he did have somebody he could turn to when he needed to talk or share his thoughts. He smiled as he became conscious of the fact that for the past sixteen years, Alec had been his truest friend-in-training.
Chapter Eleven
G raduation day arrived and Jarrod was unable to attend the commencement ceremony. Although he was feeling stronger every day, his energy level diminished greatly after short periods of activity. He was able to attend doctor’s appointments, as well as engage in his physical therapy sessions, but usually after those commitments, he would be physically drained and needed to rest.
Brendon and Joey had returned to school two weeks prior and were able to don their caps and gowns and receive their diplomas with the rest of the graduating class of 2012. Fortunately, Jarrod had completed the necessary school requirements to graduate while being tutored at home; therefore, he would be able to receive his diploma as well. Mr. Ortiz, the high school principal, had called the family the week before and suggested Alec be Jarrod’s proxy during the ceremony. The family discussed it over dinner that night, and Alec agreed to do it when Jarrod conveyed to him that it would mean a lot if he did. In reality Alec was not too pleased to play the role of a stand-in, but he felt Jarrod had already been through enough and it was the least he could do for him. Although nothing had been mentioned, he knew his brother was feeling a little bummed over missing the senior prom and now graduation.
Commencement was being held on the football field directly behind the high school. Seating arrangements were set up so that family and friends would assemble on the metal bleachers that faced out toward the makeshift stage that included a podium centered on it. Wooden folding chairs were set up in seven horizontal rows to the left and to the right of the stage. This is where the students would sit while awaiting the announcement of their names and where they would return to as graduates of Cliffside Park High School.
The day was perfect for an outdoor ceremony. By late afternoon the sun had already begun its move toward settling in the west, leaving behind a cool penumbra over the field.
The graduating students made their processional entrance onto the field while the school band coarsely played the “Pomp and Circumstance March.” The boys wore black caps and gowns, while the girls all wore red. The ceremony began with a welcome introduction given by Mr. Ortiz. The national anthem played while everyone stood in silence. After everyone was seated, Mr. Ortiz stood at the podium and paused a moment before speaking.
“As many of you already know, our town and school were recently devastated by the tragic loss of one of our most endeared students, Dante Malone. Dante would have been a member of today’s graduating class and was a bright, well-liked student and a good friend to many. He was taken from us much too young, and we will forever mourn his loss. His life should be celebrated, and we should be thankful for the special moments he left us. He will not be forgotten, for he was an amazing young man who touched us all and will continue to live on in our hearts and minds.”
“What is it that we remember the most when we think of Dante? I think we would all agree it was his sense of humor. He always knew how to make us laugh. I would like to take this moment to reiterate to his family how very sorry and saddened we are for
As Alec turned and walked back into the house, he never realized Jarrod had been standing directly above him and Morgan the entire time, listening through the open window of his bedroom. Strangely, he wasn’t absurdly troubled by what he had just heard. Rather, he felt a strong sense of amazement mixed with respect stemming from Alec’s fervid defense of him. It suddenly dawned on him that he did have somebody he could turn to when he needed to talk or share his thoughts. He smiled as he became conscious of the fact that for the past sixteen years, Alec had been his truest friend-in-training.
Chapter Eleven
G raduation day arrived and Jarrod was unable to attend the commencement ceremony. Although he was feeling stronger every day, his energy level diminished greatly after short periods of activity. He was able to attend doctor’s appointments, as well as engage in his physical therapy sessions, but usually after those commitments, he would be physically drained and needed to rest.
Brendon and Joey had returned to school two weeks prior and were able to don their caps and gowns and receive their diplomas with the rest of the graduating class of 2012. Fortunately, Jarrod had completed the necessary school requirements to graduate while being tutored at home; therefore, he would be able to receive his diploma as well. Mr. Ortiz, the high school principal, had called the family the week before and suggested Alec be Jarrod’s proxy during the ceremony. The family discussed it over dinner that night, and Alec agreed to do it when Jarrod conveyed to him that it would mean a lot if he did. In reality Alec was not too pleased to play the role of a stand-in, but he felt Jarrod had already been through enough and it was the least he could do for him. Although nothing had been mentioned, he knew his brother was feeling a little bummed over missing the senior prom and now graduation.
Commencement was being held on the football field directly behind the high school. Seating arrangements were set up so that family and friends would assemble on the metal bleachers that faced out toward the makeshift stage that included a podium centered on it. Wooden folding chairs were set up in seven horizontal rows to the left and to the right of the stage. This is where the students would sit while awaiting the announcement of their names and where they would return to as graduates of Cliffside Park High School.
The day was perfect for an outdoor ceremony. By late afternoon the sun had already begun its move toward settling in the west, leaving behind a cool penumbra over the field.
The graduating students made their processional entrance onto the field while the school band coarsely played the “Pomp and Circumstance March.” The boys wore black caps and gowns, while the girls all wore red. The ceremony began with a welcome introduction given by Mr. Ortiz. The national anthem played while everyone stood in silence. After everyone was seated, Mr. Ortiz stood at the podium and paused a moment before speaking.
“As many of you already know, our town and school were recently devastated by the tragic loss of one of our most endeared students, Dante Malone. Dante would have been a member of today’s graduating class and was a bright, well-liked student and a good friend to many. He was taken from us much too young, and we will forever mourn his loss. His life should be celebrated, and we should be thankful for the special moments he left us. He will not be forgotten, for he was an amazing young man who touched us all and will continue to live on in our hearts and minds.”
“What is it that we remember the most when we think of Dante? I think we would all agree it was his sense of humor. He always knew how to make us laugh. I would like to take this moment to reiterate to his family how very sorry and saddened we are for
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