The day finally arrived.

I’m graduating high school, and from this awful podunk town. I know once I walk this stage, and shake the principals hand receiving my diploma, I am free. I forced myself to get through four years of High school.

AND I DID IT!

I made sure to get good grades and stayed out of trouble, regardless of my unfortunate situations. I feel thankful and tell myself nobody at this point in my life is going to make me feel worthless anymore.

I peek out into the audience below and notice father showed up to watch me take the stage. I’m actually pleasantly surprised. I really didn’t think he would since he never showed any interest in me before. Of course mother wouldn’t be attending so I have no hope that she ever really cared about me. That almost could be the worst feeling in the world if I cared enough about how she felt, but how could I?

After the ceremony there is a reception party for the whole senior class. I decide to go for a while and see what the fuss is about although I have no interest in going. The party is for the seniors and our families. The festivities are pretty hype I must admit. Everyone seems happy, all smiles and laughs while dancing to whatever the DJ is playing. The mood overall is helpful considering I’ve been so down and depressed after receiving that awful text from mother. I haven't let father know she left me with all this crazy money. I swear she really is off her rocker, and I wonder why she gave it to me. That’s not a realistic thing from someone to do, it’s unreal but I decided to put that money for good use.

I find an empty table to sit at by myself. Every table has giant umbrellas over the tables with dangling white crystal lights. Something about the glow of the lights make it feel so magical. The whole reception area is white tiki themed, white lays, white Hawaiian hair flowers and lots of white glow sticks everywhere. Seems bland but the stars in the night sky made it that much more miraculous. The party planning committee did such a wonderful job on the decorations as well as the food choices.

I people watch for a good half hour while enjoying everyone having the time of their lives laughing and dancing. I say hi to a few people I know as they walk past to stop by for small chit chat. Tonight really is refreshing. Father shows up to my surprise just as I feel a bit relaxed finally. He has this strange look on his face and it sort of has me slightly worried.

He grabs a chair and flips it around only to sit down with a blank expression that soon breaks the ice.

“So are you excited to be graduated?” He asks while sipping some sparkling cider.

“I guess, I mean life gets harder after this right? Becoming an adult isn’t easy. I have to get a job, go to school and pay bills. That sounds boring.” I roll my eyes with sarcasm.

“Yeah, just don’t make the same mistakes as your mother and I.” He says looking downward.

“Right, mentally noted to not become a raging sadistic alcoholic asshole.”

“You are right you know. Look I know things have not been easy, but I hope you at least have plans for yourself. I don’t want you staying here anymore. I don’t trust myself and I don’t trust your mother. I started therapy and wont be around much anyways. I really have to get better. For me, and for you.” He says with conviction in his voice. That was something I didn’t expect. He never once made choices based off of me.

“I’m leaving.” I blurt out as sharp as a knife. I see his eyes widen.

“Really?”

“I’m moving to LA.” I’m cautious with my words as I say them.

“Good, get out, enjoy your life. Do something you want to do. I wont stop you because I know its for your own good.” I start to ponder this moment because I never in a million years thought I’d hear anything like this come out of his mouth. I’m shocked.

“Once I’m gone, I may loose contact with you and obviously mother since she wants nothing to do with me. I mean, I don’t know why i’m surprised. She’s always treated me like shit. You’re no better. I hate her. And I don’t know how I feel about you. Just get your shit together.” I say taking a gulp of my soda. I take another glance at him and notice that he’s cleaned up a bit and doesn’t look so worn out.

I’m glad he at least shaved and wore nice clothes. I’ve never seen him like this before. I wonder what mother would say.

“I’m going to head home but enjoy the rest of your party. Everyone seems to be enjoying themselves and I feel like you need more of this around you.” He says as he starts to get up and push his chair back around normal.

“I’ll see you at home okay?”

“Yeah, I’m going to stay here for a while longer, bye.”

He starts walking away and I become emotional suddenly again. Tears start to well up all over again realizing the dismal hospital scene in my head again.

Relax, he’s leaving, just enjoy yourself. You deserve it.

I force myself to hold back the rest of the tears and enjoy the night because I have plans to move within the next month.

To finally leave this place and start new.