26
ALL EYES ON ME
CLAUDIA
We got in our designated rows and took our seats. In another section, I caught sight of John; he hadn’t taken his eyes off me. Our brief encounter with Mr. Cortez had caused concern.
Speeches started. The valedictorian spoke about the futures our lives would take. A few honor students gave their own discourses. I had opted not to give a speech; they were far from my thing.
But as we heard the last discourse, the key announcer revealed, “And now we will be spotlighting Milton’s honor students …”
I pursed my lips. Michael’s eyes were diverted towards me. He was on stage but still managed to find me among the group of students. Joseph was not in attendance on stage, there was an empty spot where he should have been. John was also looking over; we would both be
