Hey you guys! This is it! We have finally gotten here! Before I begin I just want to say that for anyone who has not yet read "Second Chances" you will not understand this story. So I highly advise you to read "Second Chances" first. Anyways, here we go. Finally. After all of your waiting I present to you…

2 words

Breathe, Flora, breathe. In and out, in and out. Do. Not. Pass. Out.

I bit down on my lip, taking a look up at the crowd. My eyes scanned the audience, stopping immediately by a large group. They were perfect. They were amazing. They were mine.

My Dad, Suzan(although I do like to think of her as my mom now) Rose, Katy, my grandparents, my dearest friends, Jamie, Mr and Mrs. Knightly, and, my love.

I smiled as Stella waved at me, and Layla put 2 thumbs up to me.

I brushed the tassel from my graduation cap out of my face, and lightly waved back.

"Now, without further ado, I would like to present to you our valedictorian of our graduating class of 2012, Flora Linphea" The head of administration at Cornell College announced into the loud speaker.

Everyone in the crowd began to clap, but I knew where the most noise was coming from.

"Flora!" Nabu and Riven hooted with their hands cupped around their mouths to make it echo. If I wasn't so nervous I probably would've just started to crack up right there on stage in front of everyone.

I took a breath This is it.

I slowly, but hesitantly stood up from my seat. My crisp white graduation gown clung to my body as I walked up to the podium to recite my speech. I can't believe that, out of thousands of students…I was valedictorian.

I could feel my feet shaking in my white wedges as I slowly reached for the microphone.

I took out my paper containing my speech, and spread it neatly before me. I opened my mouth to speak, but as I looked out into the crowd of people..I froze. It was like no words could come out.

Suddenly, I felt my whole body begin to shake.

I felt my eyes begin to scan the crowd again. Thousands and thousands of eyes peered at me, until suddenly, my eyes locked with a pair of midnight blue eyes. The most beautiful, most caring eyes I've ever seen. They were so familiar to me. They were…they were..his.

"Relax, and talk" Helia mouthed to me, then winked. I felt myself begin to blush. I can't believe that wink still gave me butterflies, even after 4 years of dating!

I smiled at him, suddenly feeling my body relax. Helia always had that reassuring feel to him, that one that always kept me calm even through the hardest of times. I mean, if it weren't for him I probably would have had a heart attack before finals.

"Hello, teachers, parents, friends, my fellow classmates" I began

Everyone quieted down by then, looking at me with knowing looks.

"Someone very close to me once said, never give up without a fight, because if you give up without even trying to succeed then what was the point of even trying at all. You, I, and every single student sitting with me today have proved that statement true. Right before your eyes stand the best and the brightest from all of the country. We, as the class of 2012, have put up a fight. Through 16 years of non-stop learning, none of us have quit." I said

My speech went on for a few more minutes, then the diplomas were passed out.

"So now I, as valedictorian of the graduating class of Cornell College, am proud to present to you," I said, putting my hand on the tassel

"The class of 2012!" I said as all of the graduating students moved their tassel from the left side of their hats to the right

"Wooooo!" The crowd cheered, standing up.

We all threw our hats in the air.

I was overjoyed with happiness!

After I shook hands with some important people and took of my robe, I went out into the crowd to see everyone.

I was wearing a flowy summery dress, with a single black belt going around my waist. My hair was down, with a red flower on the side of my hair. I had on white wedges, and a very light coat of make-up.

"There's our girl!" Brandon called as I came toward them

I laughed as they all crowded around me, hugging me.

"Flora! Congratulations!" Rose said hugging me tight

"Thank you" I said as Suzan handed me a bouquet of flowers, and my Dad had balloons in his hands.

"You did great up there" Musa said

"Thanks, I was seriously about to faint" I said

They all laughed

"But you didn't choke!" Tecna said positively

I nodded, smiling more than I ever have before

"You really did a great job out there" Katy said hugging me

I smiled, hugging her back.

It was great and all that everyone was around me saying how much they loved my speech, but I only had eyes for 1 person. He stood to the side, smiling at me. He knew my eyes were on him, it was so obvious. Hmmm…what is he planning? And why hasn't he said something to me?

Suddenly, a strong breeze came at us, sending shivers at us all.

"It's getting cold out here, let's head back home. We have a good 45 minute drive back" Mrs. Knightly said

Suzan suddenly came up behind me, putting her arm around me.

"And we have a very special party waiting for you when we get back" She sang

I smiled, laughing

"You didn't throw me a party, did you?" I asked, already knowing the answer

"I'd hate to say yes but…YES! Anne helped me plan the whole thing!" Suzan said happily, high fiving Mrs. Knightly

"You're in on it too?" I asked

"Afraid so sweety" Mrs. Knightly said

Over the course of these few years Suzan has lived with us, she and Mrs. Knightly have gotten exceptionally close.

"And don't forget everybody else…" Mrs. Knightly sang

I looked at the everyone

"Oh come on! Did you seriously believe we weren't going to throw you a party? Man, for a valedictorian you sure are stupid" Stella said

We all laughed

"Come on Flor, let's go" Rose said, pointing at the blue car in the parking lot that belonged to my parents.

"Yeah, by the time we get back it'll be at least 5! The sun will be setting, we can totally go swimming!" Jamie said

"James! That's a sick idea!" Rose said high fiving her best friend since forever

I nodded, putting my arm around Rose. Just as my hand touched Rose's shoulder, it was suddenly taken by somebody's hands, making me twirl back.

I looked up and saw Helia, who'd taken my hand and twirled me around into his arms.

"Actually, I was wondering if it was alright if I could take Flora with me" Helia asked Rose

I looked at him smiling. Now I get it.

"But of course Romeo" Rose said with a giggle

"Well, I mean, if it's alright with Flora" Helia said, looking down at me.

I'd grown a few inches since high school, but I was still shorter than Helia. Not too short though.

"I'll have to think about it. Let me get back to you" I said, sarcastically

Helia rolled his eyes, then suddenly lifted me up in his arms bridal style.

"As if you had a choice" He said, but only so I could hear him

I laughed as he put me down, and we began to walk across campus toward Helia's car.

"Helia!" I said, lightly pushing him

"Oh come on, is it so wrong for me to want some alone time with my girlfriend?" Helia asked

I smiled

"So, what did you think of my speech?" I asked

"Hmmm let's see. Someone very close to me once said…." Helia asked, raising an eyebrow

"Didn't think you'd remember when you said that to me" I said

"Oh I remember, I just didn't think you'd think up a whole speech on it! Seriously Flora, that was one of the most amazing speeches I've ever heard" Helia said putting his arm around me

"Why thank you" I said, hopping on a bench that we walked passed, and bowing dramatically

Helia and I were laughing hysterically as I jumped off the bench.

As we began to stop laughing, Helia got a text message. He quickly checked it, then looked up at me smiling.

"Sky just texted me. They said I should, and I quote, create some kind of distraction to make sure we come a few minutes later to the party so they can make sure everything's perfect" Helia read off his phone

I smiled

"Oh my, now whatever shall we do to fill this time?" I asked, knowing all well what we'd be doing

"I can think of a few things" Helia said wrapping his arms around my waist and pulling me in. I wrapped my arms around his neck, as our eyes locked. Our lips met, my eyes shutting closed. We started to kiss, until finally we broke.

"Better get to that car of yours" I said

"I don't know, I was starting to think we were having a little party of our own" Helia said

I laughed, turning and running ahead

"Race you there, loser!" I screamed running

"Loser? Now I know you didn't just call me a loser" Helia called

I smiled, running faster

Helia began to run, slowly passing me.

Helia beat me!

"Even with a head start I can still beat your skinny little but!" Helia screamed

"Okay first of all, thank you for calling my but skinny! And second," I said, then slapped him on the arm

Helia shook his head, then unlocked the car.

I walked over to the door, then just as I was about to open the door,

"Uh, uh, uh. I've got to be a gentlemen on your special day" Helia said stepping in front of me and opening the door for me.

"Aw! You do care!" I said sarcastically

I stepped in, Helia getting into the seat next to me.

Helia burst out laughing then started the car.

That's what I love about our relationship. We're not just all kisses and hugs. We know how to have fun! Helia's not only my boyfriend, but he's my best friend.

We started to drive, talking, laughing. It was like back when we used to take those long road trips together.

Helia drove up to my house. There were lots of cars in the driveway and along the streets.

"Where are we going to park?" I asked

Helia stopped the car.

"Well there are 2 possible things for us to do. We can do the responsible thing and park around the block, or we could do something reckless" He said

We looked at each other.
"Reckless" We both said at the same time with a nod.

Helia put the car into drive, backed up, then slammed his foot on the break driving onto the grass. Helia parked smack in the middle of the front yard.

I laughed.

"Smack in the middle!" I said high fiving him

"Now come on graduate, time or you to party" Helia said getting out.

I got out of the car, shutting the door behind me. We walked to the door and knocked, knowing exactly what would be waiting for us.

Bloom came to the door and answered it.

When I walked in, everything was covered in beautiful colors and drapes, and lots of party stuff. There were buffet tables and drink tables. There were lots of people standing and eating and talking. They were all my friends and family members!

"Congratulations Flora!" They all screamed when I walked in

I smiled, laughing, feeling my cheeks go red.

"Suzan! Anne! Thank you so much!" I said when I saw my mom and Mrs. Knightly

I hugged them, giving them kisses on the cheek.

"It's great" I said

"You deserve it, ms. Valedictorian" Suzan said nudging me playfully

Suddenly, Nabu grabbed me from behind.

"Congratulations" He said

"Thanks you guys!" I said as the rest of the boys came and hugged me

"Our turn!" Stella said breaking through the crowd and hugging me

The girls all crowded around me with hugs.

"Come here Flor" My dad said, hugging me as well

I smiled

"You don't know how proud I am of you Flora" my Dad said

"Thanks Dad" I said hugging him tighter

"I'm sure mom would be proud of you too" He whispered

I smiled

"That means a lot" I said

When he released me, Rose walked toward me with a cup of water

"Hey, I figured you'd probably need this" She said handing it to me

"Thanks" I said taking it and drinking it

"Well, I'm gonna go part-ay with Jamie. You have fun" She said with a smile

I partied for a while with the everyone, and talked..LOTS. I hadn't seen Helia the whole time though. He was probably with the guys.

I stood talking with Helia's Grandmother for a bit.

"So what are you majoring now?" She asked

"I'm going to be a teacher for 1st through 5th grade. I haven't found a job yet, but I applied for a job at Rose and Jamie's school. They haven't responded yet though" I explained

"You'll probably get in with your beautiful grades. You and Helia sure are a great match you know." She said

I giggled

"Thank you" I said

"I always knew Helia would find a great women. I'm so proud of him. He's a doctor now, he's with a wonderful girl" She said

I smiled

Helia had graduated from medical school last year. He was now working at a near by hospital as a sergeant.

Suddenly I felt a comforting hand on my shoulder. It was warm, and made me feel good.

"Meet me upstairs in 5 minutes" Helia whispered in my ear, sending shivers down my back. They were good shivers.

I nodded

I finished talking with his grandmother, then I made my way toward the stairs.

"Hey" Katy said walking up to me

"Hey" I said

We hugged, then kissed each other's cheek

"Well the crowds pretty much died out. It's mostly close friends and family members now, so I think it's safe to say you can move your car now" Katy said

We laughed

"I'll move it, but right now I have to go do something" I told her

"No prob. In fact, just give me the keys, I'll do it" She said

I handed her the keys

"Thanks" I said

I continued up the stairs, looking around for Helia.

"Helia?" I called

"I'm in here" He called from inside my room

I walked in my room, and I found him sitting by the edge of my window

"Hey. What's up?" I asked

"Come up to the roof with me" he said putting his legs out the window

I narrowed my eyes confused, but agreed.

I kicked of my wedges then stepped out bear foot.

Helia hopped up on the roof then took my hands and lifted me up.

It was getting late, so the sky was starting o get this orangish color. There was a slight breeze.

I walked out toward the edge of the roof looking out over the horizon.

"Do you remember what happened here?" He asked me

A smile played at my lips.

I turned around and looked at him, then looked out over the horizon again.

"Our first kiss" I said

The breeze made my hair fly back, along with my dress.

There was a long silence. It wasn't awkward though..it was comfortable.

"Do you remember what you told me?" I asked, still not looking

No answer

"Helia? Do you remem-" I said turning around and suddenly gasping

I froze, my eyes growing wide.

Helia was kneeling on one knee, holding out a box.

"Of course I remember. I told you that I loved you. I remember it so dearly, because the feeling hasn't worn off, and it never will. Flora Linphea I love you with everything I have. I am willing to do anything for you, no matter how hard it is. We've been through everything together. Highschool, our insane road trips, thanksgiving, college. You have such a bright future ahead of you, and I would do anything if you could spend that time with me. Forever" He said

I covered my mouth with my hands

"Yes!" I said

I jumped into his arms, making him laugh.

"You didn't even let me ask you yet!" Helia said with a laugh

I looked up at him with a smile, kneeling down next to him.

He looked at me.

"Flora Linphea, will you marry me?" he asked

"I think you know the answer" I said

We both laughed as Helia took the ring out of the box and placed it on my finger.

"Helia" I said

Just as I said it, he kissed me.

We sat there, embracing each other and kissing as we never had before.

When we broke, Helia took my hands and lifted me up.

"I love you so much" Helia said

"I love you too" I said, then gave him a quick kiss on his lips

"Now come on wife, let's go tell the family" He said

"Wow, we're actually getting married. This cant be for real" I said jumping down onto my window sill

"Believe it, cause it's happening" Helia said kissing my forehead

I smiled, then examined my ring. It was a beautiful ring.

Helia and I walked out of my room, going toward the stairs.

We stopped at the top of the stairs, holding hands.

"Everybody!" Helia called

Everyone stopped talking looking up at us. Suddenly, I felt my face go red.

"Flora and I have a very important announcement to make" Helia said

Everyone looked up intrigued.

I smiled.

"Helia and I are..getting married…" I said

"EEEEEEEPPPPP! OMG!OMG!OMG!"

Rose and Jamie squealed running toward the stairs and scurrying up as fast as they could

Rose actually kind of tripped on the last step, but got up running toward us.

They totally pried the ring of my finger, as everybody made their way up the stairs to see it.

"Holy crap! It's gorgeous!" Stella screamed yanking it out of Rose's hands

Helia and I looked at each other laughing. Then, kind of ignoring everything that was going on around us, we kissed.

It was pure bliss.

There you go! I hope you all liked it! I have lots of romance in store for you all!