Disclaimer: I love the Stephanie Plum series, but I don't own them and I don't make anything off of them.

Warning: There will be no 'cupcake' in this story. This will be a Babe HEA. This is my third FanFiction attempt, completely different from my first and I Promise to complete it. I am having a lot of fun with the story so far. Thank you in advance for reading and please let me know what you think.

Fame and Fortune

(Ten years ago)

"Parent and honored guests, I give you this year's valedictorian, Stephanie Plum." introduced the principle. There was a round of applause and chants for 'Steph, Steph, Steph' along with wolf whistles and cheers.

"Thank you. Class of 2001, it has been my honor these last four years to attend school with all of you. We have all had our fair share of good times and bad, some more than others, but we have always been there for each other. If anyone had told me four years ago that I would be standing here giving this speech I would have thought they were crazy, but here I am. So see, this is proof that anything can happen when you set your mind on what you want. You all know that I'm not the most conventional person and I have my own way of doing things, but no matter what I get them done. Well, I have a little advice for all of you as we move on to the next step in our journeys." I pause and take a deep breathe before continuing, looking straight at my classmates.

"Never give up your dreams. Never let anyone tell you that you can't do something, stick to your guns and don't listen to the nay sayers, spread your wings and fly. Never let anyone force you to be who you aren't, be true to yourself, because that is who you have to live with for the rest of your life, not anyone else, You! Just because you live in a certain area don't let that dictate who you become the rest of your life. If you have dreams go out and seek them out, make them happen, because if you don't you will always regret it. When you look back at your last four years here at school, make sure that you remember all that we have accomplished and all that we have dreamed to do in our future. Never forget the people next to you and know that they will be there to support you no matter what. Accept those around you for who they are and what they want, don't allow the influence of others to change the way you look at your friends. Only then will you be not only true to yourself, but also live with no regret."

"Acceptance is something that we all strive for, but at what cost? Are we willing to sacrifice what we want and believe in for the sake of others? I'm not, and neither should you. As we take this next step into this next stage of lives always remember who you are, because that is what will truly make you happy. And if you aren't happy, then what type of life are we truly living? Never give up your dreams, and remember to dream big. Congratulations Class of 2001." I concluded my speech and the whole graduating class screams their approval. I look out into the crowd and see my father and grandmother giving me a standing ovation, and I see my mothers retreating form walking out the door.

As the principle brings the ceremony to an end I find myself getting more and more excited for this day to be over. Tomorrow I will be leaving and starting the next faze of my life. California here I come.

XXXXXXXXX

"Pumpkin, you were wonderful up there. I don't think that I've ever been more proud of you. You've accomplished so much, but are you sure that you want to leave tomorrow? Can't you wait a few more days?" Dad asks. "I'm really going to miss you, you know." giving me a tight hug.

"I'll miss you too daddy, but I can't stay here and have her cut me down any more. Mary Lou is going to drive out there with me and we'll have a bit of fun before I start looking for a job. I have enough money to survive for a while that I saved up from working the last year. Since I'll be staying with Uncle Mike, thanks to you, I don't have to worry about finding a place to live until school starts in September. But I plan to start auditioning for commercials and other roles as soon as Mary Lou comes home. I want to get started." I say to him.

"I understand. I'm sorry about your mother, I don't know what her problem is." He says sadly.

"I do, she doesn't understand and accept me, but that's her problem, not mine." I say to him.

"Pumpkin, I still wish you had chosen to go to school in New York instead of California, I would've been able to see you more often, but I can understand." Dad says even more sadly. "Maybe the distance between the two of you will help her understand what she's losing."

"I doubt it daddy, but what ever happens I'm okay with it. I have a full ride scholarship to USC and I only have two years to finish my bachelor's degree because of the community college classes that I took. It could be less depending on the amount of classes that I can take at a time." I tell him.

"Don't work yourself into the ground. Enjoy yourself Pumpkin, you only get to live your first year at college once. Don't forget that." He reminds me.

"I will. I may have been busy with school here to, but I still had a lot of fun. Thank you for everything daddy, the new car will be a big help and I won't have to worry about breaking down on the way to California." I say to him.

"Alright, well have fun tonight and stay safe. I'll see you in the morning before you leave. I love you Pumpkin, no matter what." He says.

"Thanks daddy. I will always love you too." I give him a hug and head for the door.

So what do you think? Interesting enough to see where it goes?