97The Presentation and A Happy Ending
"Ok class, settle down." Mr. Lancer yelled at his students when the first bell rang.
It was the Monday after the school dance, and things had gone back to normal between Sam and me.
Well, minus being an official couple.
When we walked into school holding hands, it was like the entire student body and faculty had frozen in place. Then, after a moment of silence, someone screamed "finally" and everyone erupted in cheer and applause. People I'd never met came up to us to say congratulations. I also saw people exchanging money and rumors about a betting pool that Tucker started based on when Sam and I would start dating.
Tucker is still recovering from Sam's steel combat boot kicking him in the shin.
Now we were in first period, and Lancer was discussing the article projects.
"Would anyone like to earn extra credit by presenting their articles?" Lancer glanced at Sam. "How about you and Kyle?"
"Over by dead body." Kyle mumbled.
"I'd rather spend the afternoon stabbing needles in my eyes while Paulina gives me a makeover." Sam abruptly stated.
To say that Sam and Kyle were no longer friends was an understatement. We spotted him before class. Before Tucker and I could reach him, Sam had already run ahead of us and pinned him into a locker. He was shocked that such a little lady could hold him down.
"If you ever come near me again, I will rip off you balls and force feed them down your throat." Sam had growled before releasing him and returning to Tucker and I.
Tucker and I had stared at her, stunned, for about three minutes. When she noticed she just gave us an innocent smile and asked what the problem was.
"Sam, remind me never to get on your bad side." Tucker stated as he slightly limped beside her, due to her kicking him earlier.
"Yea well, you already got a taste of my built up rage this morning." Sam had reminded him.
I then grabbed her hand and squeezed it, getting her attention.
"What?" she had asked.
"I just, I really love you Sam." I gave her a sheepish smile.
"Never forget your anniversary dude, or there will be hell to pay." Tucker had said, causing Sam to laugh.
"Never." I had promised.
"Ok?" Mr. Lancer looked around the classroom for volunteers. "Anyone else?"
I raised my hand. "I would like to go."
I walked to the front of the class and turned around to see Valerie giving me a confused look before joining me.
"I didn't know we were presenting." She whispered to me with irritation.
"You don't have to share, but I want to." I gave her a smile before turning to the class. "This is Valerie Gray. She's sixteen years old and has lived in Amity Park all her life. Her favorite subject is math and her favorite color is orange. She's been through tough times, but through them she learned who her true friends were. She regrets nothing, because everything she's done and everything that has happened to her has made her the strong independent woman she is today."
I glanced over at her before continuing. "She is amazing." I could feel her staring at me. "She's one of the best people I know, and I'm so glad that she's in my life. I only know a handful of incredible people, and she's one of them. She's beautiful, kind, smart, brave, and deserves the best. And I hope that she finds someone who can't stand to be apart from her. I am proud to call Valerie my friend."
Everyone clapped, and I saw Tucker and Sam giving me nods of approval.
Valerie was in shock, and I could almost make out tears in the corner of her eyes.
"Ms. Gray, would you like to share?"
She looked hesitantly at me before responding.
"Um, sure." She looked at her paper, then at our peers. She made a determined face and folded her article in half before starting. "Daniel Fenton. He's lived in Amity Park his entire life and is sixteen years old. His favorite pet is a dog and his favorite color is amethyst. His parents are professional ghost hunters. And while they might embarrass him sometimes, he loves his family."
Valerie closed her eyes and took a deep breath before continuing. "Danny has the kindest heart on the planet. He can do no wrong. He considers everyone's feelings and protects the ones he loves. And when Danny loves, he loves hard. I'm sure some people in the room can vouch for that."
Everyone laughed and looked towards a blushing Sam.
"Danny is a great guy and deserves the world. Well, he's got his world now and I'm very happy for him. I am proud to call Danny my friend."
The classroom applauded and Valerie gave me a short hug.
"Thank you." She whispered into my ear.
"Anytime." I replied and released her. "Why didn't you read the article you wrote?"
She just shrugged. "It wasn't enough."
"So, movie at my house?" Sam asked me and Tucker as we walked out of Casper High, her hand firmly in mine.
"Sure, but nothing mushy and lovely. I know that you guys just became a couple and you're on your honeymoon stage, but I'd prefer not to see you guys make out in the theater." Tucker teased.
Sam made a face of disgust. "Tucker, have you met me? We are defiantly watching Trinity of Doom."
"Horror movie, now Tucker will be the one cuddling in between us because he's scared." I joked and Sam and I laughed, annoying Tucker.
"Whatever lovebirds, let's go." Tucker stomped ahead of us, and we followed behind.
There was a pause before Sam spoke.
"I heard Elliot transferred schools."
"Really?" I smirked, "smart man."
Sam just rolled her eyes and smiled. "That's another thing we don't have to worry about."
"Hey, Sam?"
She looked up at me. "Yea?"
"I'm really happy."
She gave me a genuine smile and kissed me on the cheek. "Me too."
As we walked hand and hand to her house, I realized that this was my life. Hanging out with my best friend and girlfriend and having movie nights on a weekday. Falling in love and teasing each other. Not having any regrets.
I also realized that I wasn't the only one who was afraid, but Sam was too. We were both afraid to be with each other.
But now, looking at her and knowing that she was mine and mine alone, my heart speed up and little. She was beautiful and she was mine.
We were both fearless now.
It's finally over! Short and sweet ending. Please review. Thank you for everyone who stuck with this story, even when I took forever to update sometimes. I'll see you guys next time!
