Wednesday was the last day of school for the seniors. Melody was in her seat, waiting patiently for the very last bell. She could not believe it was really over. It had all gone by so quickly, yet so much had happened. Melody had grown up, in more ways than she could have ever imagined. Now, the real world awaited her, and it did not care whether she was ready or not. When the bell finally rang, Melody leapt from her seat and hurried to the front of the classroom.
“Mister Shaddock?” she asked. “Would you sign my yearbook?”
“Of course, Melody. I’d be glad to,” he said, taking the book from her.
As Mister Shaddock wrote on the inside cover, Melody finally told him what she felt he deserved to know. “You’re my favorite teacher, and every year, this was my favorite class.”
Mister Shaddock closed the book and returned it to her. “Thank you. Melody, in my thirty-five years of teaching, I have taught drafting, wood shop, metal shop, auto shop, and even agriculture for the FFA. In all that time, you are the first female student who stuck with me for four years. You are an extraordinary young lady and it was a pleasure to have you in class.”
“Thank you, Mister Shaddock,” Melody smiled.
“What are your plans?” he asked.
“I’m starting off at vocational school,” she answered. “I’m going to get diesel certified.”
“That is a commendable undertaking,” Mister Shaddock said, nodding with approval. “That certification will open many ground level positions for you. After that, why, your opportunities are limitless.” Mister Shaddock stood up. “Good luck, Melody. Whenever you are in town, don’t hesitate to stop by and say hello, I’d love to hear how you are doing.” He then offered his hand.
As was customary for Melody, she ignored the handshake offer and hugged her favorite teacher. Mister Shaddock hugged her back in a fatherly manner and again wished her success. After leaving the automotive classroom for the final time, Melody walked across campus amid celebrating seniors who were throwing papers into the air, emptying lockers, and knocking over garbage cans. Oblivious to it all, Melody made her way through the crowd towards the parking lot. Once behind the wheel of her father’s Aspen, Melody turned her head to the empty passenger seat.
“We did it, Becky,” Melody murmured. “We can go to Florida now.”
***
Early Thursday evening, Melody skateboarded home from work. Tomorrow night, she would attend her graduation ceremony. She was not excited, in fact, she hardly cared. All it meant to her was longer hours of bagging groceries and finding another full time, dead end job. Melody tried to maintain the last fragments of her positive attitude but could no longer deny her feelings as fear rose within her. Melody was no longer sure what she wanted to do. Though she still planned to attend diesel school in January, her heart was no longer in it. Rolling down Prairie Ronde Street, Melody felt like a small twig, with no will of her own, trapped in a strong river current. The rose-colored glasses were off, and reality was crashing down around her. She’d never get out of Michigan, at least not while she was young. She was trapped. Though her plan still had a good chance of succeeding, Melody had not counted on becoming this impatient so soon. She wanted to leave Michigan now.
Melody took some comfort in the fact she had built up an impressive savings account. However, she still needed more money for the car she had in mind. Since her school of choice was in Kalamazoo, she would need something reliable for her daily commute. Buying a lemon would derail her plans and set her Florida timetable back even further. Melody understood that in addition to money, she would also need her father to accompany her to the dealership in December. Melody was not about to let a slick salesman take advantage of her.
As Melody turned the corner onto Florence Avenue, she noticed a fairly new, red pickup truck sitting in front of her house. Melody wondered who was visiting her mother, since her father was not due home until tomorrow. She hurried up the walkway, opened the door, entered the kitchen, and saw her mother, father, Uncle Frank, and Aunt Holly. The sight overjoyed her.
“You’re all here!” Melody cried as she rushed to hug her aunt.
“You didn’t think we’d miss your graduation, did you?” her uncle laughed.
“Uncle Frank!” Melody exclaimed. “Your hair!”
“That’s right. Honey,” Frank beamed. “I am officially retired from the United States Navy after twenty-two years of dedicated service. I’m a fat, happy civilian again.”
“Did you drive here from Virginia in your new truck?” Melody asked.
“No,” her uncle answered. “Your father was kind enough to pick us up from the airport in his new truck.”
“Oh Father, it’s wonderful,” Melody said as she hugged him. “I love the color!”
“Well, I think it’s about time we became a two-vehicle family,” Douglas said. “You’ll be busy and you’re gonna need that Aspen. Don’t you worry about her now, that old war wagon has got a lot of miles left in her.”
“And if anything happens, I can fix her!” Melody said proudly.
“Yes, your father tells us you are thinking of going into mechanics,” Uncle Frank said. “You can’t really go wrong with that. As long as there are vehicles, there’ll be a need for mechanics. It’s good job security and you can work anywhere you want. It’s a great field.”
“I’m hoping I can get a job in a garage while I’m saving up for my own car,” Melody said. “Even a place that just changes oil would be OK.”
The family continued talking throughout dinner, and into the night. Melody was delighted to tell Aunt Holly about her year and everything that had happened. Holly was glad to see Melody had taken charge of her life, even though she sensed a sadness her niece could not hide. When it started to get late, Melody gladly took the couch and let her favorite relatives have her room.
In the morning, Melody rolled over and used the remote to turn on the TV. She was off work today and had nothing to do until 4PM. At that time, she would get herself ready, put on her cap and gown, and attend graduation. As Melody flipped through the channels, melancholy filled her heart as she thought of Becky. She should have been graduating also. They were supposed to have a fun weekend, then leave for Florida first thing Monday morning. How cruel life had been to turn the tables. All her classmates were excited to begin their new lives, while she was stuck at home. By the end of summer, she would be the only one left in town from the graduating class. Melody thought it grossly unfair that of all people to be left behind in Dowagiac, it was her. The thought made her bitter. Knowing it was her own fault, Melody squeezed her eyes shut and shook in anger.
As the night’s event grew closer, Melody put on her white cap and gown and stared into her dresser mirror. She was ready, but unhappy. Melody would try her best to fake it, but even if she smiled her way through the night, her eyes would give her away. Melody planned to spend the weekend working and job hunting. That did not seem like something to celebrate or get excited about. Melody thought of her mother and shuddered. Still staring at her reflection, Melody pondered unforeseen circumstances that would only continue to hold her back, forcing her to stay in this house forever. Depression engulfed her like a black cloud, smothering any happiness she otherwise would have had. Melody purposely wore little makeup, knowing the tears would come. She was already crying inside.
***
The school’s auditorium was at full capacity with standing room only. The graduates lined up outside and waited to march, just as they had rehearsed on Tuesday. Melody looked around and waved to Claire, another teammate, and others whom she had shared classes with over the years. Despite her smile, she knew she was the saddest girl in attendance. The music began and the graduates faced forward. When they received their cue, they entered the building and marched down the aisle. One by one, the graduates’ names were called as they received their diploma. Melody smiled meekly when she saw her uncle taking her picture. Upon reaching the stage, she heard her name announced over the loudspeaker. Melody took her diploma, shook the principal’s hand, and walked off the stage toward her seat, remembering only at the last moment to cross her tassel onto the other side of her cap.
Melody sat silently with her head bowed as she heard name after name being read off alphabetically. With her eyes closed, she listened as Michael Upton’s name was called, followed by Karen Walker. Melody’s lips trembled as thoughts of Becky overwhelmed her. Becky’s name should have been called after Michael’s, but she was long forgotten. Tears formed as Melody released a sob she could no longer hold back. Instead of looking back with pride on her own accomplishments, Melody thought only of Becky, lying in a nameless grave on the other side of Michigan. As the first speaker approached the podium, Melody put her hands to her face and lowered her elbows onto her knees. She did not want to hear anyone speak and didn’t care about the valedictorian. She just wanted to go home. Melody tried her best to remain silent and not draw attention to herself, but as she wept, she felt strange eyes bearing down on her. Suddenly, Melody felt a light tap on her shoulder. When she turned, Melody saw the distorted, watery image of Clark Reynolds. He was handing her a handkerchief, most likely his father’s. Melody mouthed the words “thank you” and again hid her face.
When the commencement was finally over, there was a thunderous applause and a great cheer. Melody turned to hug Clark. “Congratulations, Clark. You’re gonna do great at State.”
“Congratulations to you too,” he said, refusing the return of his handkerchief. “Keep it,” he insisted. “I hope you find what you’re looking for, Melody. Please come to our first reunion, I’ll be looking for you.”
Melody kissed him on the cheek and said goodbye. She then dried her eyes as best she could and sought her family who were waiting to go through at least two rolls of film. While her father and uncle smiled heartily and clapped her on the back, Barbara and Aunt Holly merely observed, both knowing full well what was bothering her. It came across in picture after picture, despite Melody’s efforts to conceal her true emotions. She smiled with her lips, but her face was an image of sadness.
“Melody!” a voice called out.
Melody turned to see Claire racing towards her. The two graduates embraced, unable to speak. Holding each other, their tears rolled down their cheeks onto each other’s shoulders. Melody trembled again. This was the final straw; she could take no more. Backing away, Melody held Claire’s shoulders, but could not smile.
“What am I going to do without you?” Claire asked. “You always had my back. I can’t play volleyball without you.”
“You’ll be fine, Claire,” Melody promised. “I’ll be looking for you on TV.”
“Here,” Claire said, handing Melody a sheet of pink stationary. “This is my parents’ address. Write when you can and give them your address so I can write you back. I don’t ever want to lose touch.”
“I will,” Melody said as she tried to keep herself together.
“I wish you were going to State,” Claire sobbed as a thick tear ran down her cheek. “But, I know you’ve got your own path to follow. If anyone can make dreams come true, it’s you. Good luck, Melody.”
Overcome with sadness, Melody gave Claire a quick kiss on the lips, not knowing if she would ever see her again. Before parting ways, Melody and Claire posed together for pictures as both fathers aimed their cameras at them. Though Melody gave a heartfelt smile, her eyes continued to tell a different story. She was upset, frightened, and full of regret. As she exited the auditorium, Melody realized she had made a big mistake in not applying for Michigan State.
***
“Well, this calls for a celebration of the highest order!” Uncle Frank bellowed as the family walked across the parking lot. “Where are we eating, Doug?”
The five of them piled into the Aspen and waited out the traffic. Douglas and Barbara had planned on taking everyone to the Wood Fire Trattoria for dinner. Melody was not especially hungry but did not want to put a damper on the evening. Melody knew this particular Italian restaurant was expensive and that her father would be footing the bill. Wanting to appear sincerely appreciative, Melody tried to calm herself. She attempted to act as merry as the occasion called for, but her act fooled neither her mother nor her aunt. Whether a blessing or a curse, Melody’s heart would forever be on her sleeve. As her father drove off campus, Melody touched the silver charm under her blouse and silently told Becky she was remembered.
After parking in the restaurant’s side lot, the family emerged from the car and headed towards the entrance. Melody wiped her eyes, hoping no one would notice. As they entered the restaurant one at a time, Melody heard her father say ‘Mivshek’ to the hostess. With a gracious smile, the young lady invited the group to follow her. Melody trailed behind everyone as she tried to find the strength to make it through dinner without having a complete breakdown. Melody suddenly wished she had her skateboard. She now wanted nothing more than to run out the door, jump on her board, and race down the center of the street at breakneck speed, all while screaming at the top of her lungs.
The family was led to a round table. As her parents, aunt, and uncle selected their seats, Melody looked up. The sadness in her eyes instantly turned to shock as her body froze in place. There, seated at the table, looking directly at her, was Coach Heucke!
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