me and my words get choked up.
“You have no right to talk to her like that!” She yells. My mom’s hand whips out and smacks her
before I can see. My eyes go blurry and Ang steps away.
“No, you have no right to talk to me like that!” She hisses. She turns to me and smirks again.
“Goodbye loser. Have fun at school while you’re still there.” She laughs icily and turns back to her room.
Angry, I stalk outside and begin to walk, the tears threatening to overflow. I can hear Ang running
behind me and she reaches me in no time.
“I’m so sorry Caitlin! Don’t listen to her ok?” Ang says. The tears spill over and I start to shake from
the anger.
“I HATE HER!” I yell angrily wiping my eyes. Ang hugs me and pats my head.
“Me too. Me too.” …
“Thompson, Kasey.” The voice calls. I sit straight up in my seat. I’d zoned out to the T’s. I glance
cautiously around me, looking for any hint of my family. Only Ang sits patiently in the audience. I feel the
tears well up and I wave to her. She smiles happily at me. I glance up and notice only three more people are
ahead of me. Two. One.
“VanHaaren, Caitlin.” The principle calls. I can barely hear her I’m so excited. I think I forget how
to stand so Stacey helps me up and I stumble towards the steps. The lady grabs my arm and helps me get on
stage. Finally. Finally. I walk slowly across, relishing in the excitement that I am feeling.
“Come on dear! Let’s go!” I hear the lady holding my arm whisper. I break free and strut confidently
to the stage. I’ve never been more ready for anything. She hands me my diploma and I her Ang burst out
clapping and whistling. I pause for the picture, smiling radiantly. I jump off stage and yell triumphantly as I
run excitedly to my seat. People laugh and I sit up straighter.
“And that’s the end of our graduates! Go class of 2013! Now here’s your class president!” The principle says.
By the time the whole thing is over, my whole body is buzzing. I’m so happy I am crying. Ang hugs
me first and I squeeze her back with all my might.
“I’m so proud of you!” She says in my ear.
“Thank you so much for being the mom I needed Ang!” I say back to her. She pulls away and looks
at my tear stained face in utter happiness. She pulls my cap down and fluffs my curls.
“Thank you for letting me be the