May 2002

I pulled in Matt’s driveway in my brand new Chevy Equinox, which was a graduation present from my brother and Leana. I’m a senior at Huntington Beach High, where I’ll be graduating in a few short hours. I came over to Matt’s so I could get dressed with Lily, who was also graduating. As I turned my car off I could hear the guys playing in the garage and rolled my eyes. I hopped out of the car and walked into the garage. “Hey fellas,” I said giving each of them a kiss on the cheek, “you guys just bullshitting or actually making music?” I joked, knowing that they’ve spent many nights in Matt’s garage making up songs. “Hey Bea, we’re playing. Just killing time until graduation.” My brother said, standing up and kissing my head. “I can’t believe you’re graduating tonight. You’re all grown up Baby Bea” “Oh JimJam don’t get all sissy on me, it’s just a graduation” I said, hugging him. “Besides, I’ve been all grown up for a while now.” “Yeah well, it doesn’t mean we have to like it” Matt spoke up, while Johnny and Zack shook their heads. “Seward why are you even shaking your head? You’re graduating tonight too moron” I joked. “Yeah, well, I’ve seen you grow up a lot in the past few years” he stuttered. I rolled my eyes and sat down next to Brian. I had the biggest crush on my brother’s best friend. Typical, I know, but I used to hate him. A lot. When the band first started he was a total asshole to me. He teased me for pretty much anything that happened. But two years ago I got into a car accident with my parents, and I was the only one who survived. Jimmy and Brian stayed by my side in the hospital until I recovered, and Brian helped me limp around the house without my crutches and named me “Tiny Tim“. Since that day we’ve been extremely close. “What up Tiny, I thought you would be getting ready by now.” He said, wrapping an arm around my shoulder. “I’m about to, that’s why I’m here. Lil and I are getting ready together.” I explained “Ohh girlie talk. I’m gonna listen at the door” Zack said. “Good grief Zee, you’re such a girl sometimes.” I laughed. “BROOKYLN ELIZABETH SULLIVAN I KNOW YOU ARE NOT JUST SITTING IN THE GARAGE WITH THE GOON SQUAD WHEN YOU SHOULD BE GETTING READY FOR GRADUATION!” I heard Lily yell from the top of the stairs. “Shit. That’s my cue. I’ll see you monkeys in a few hours” I said, getting up and rubbing Brian’s head. “Watch the hair Sullivan!” he exclaimed. I laughed as I went and grabbed my stuff out of the car and ran up the stairs. “Sorry Lil, the boys were talking to me. Seward is still an idiot” I explained. “Um, Brook, I hate to break it to you, but he’s always gonna be an idiot.” she said sarcastically. “Okay, you’re right. So what are you gonna wear to the ceremony? I got this killer red dress that I’m gonna wear with some amazing black heels.” I said excitedly. “Ohh let‘s see it!” Lily said excitedly. I pulled the plastic off my dress. It was absolutely gorgeous, One shoulder, satin, and fit like a glove. “Holy shit B. I think Haner might pass out when he sees you in that” she chuckled “And Jimmy is going to have a cow.” “Oh whatever Lil. Show me your dress!” I ordered. She rolled her eyes and walked over to her closet. She pulled out this gorgeous black strapless dress. “Oh man. I’m gonna have to borrow that one day.” I said, “Okay, we have two hours to get ready, we better hurry.” I said, pulling my hair out of its bun and turning on the hot rollers.

An hour and a half later we were finally finished, and putting on our shoes and jewelry when there was a knock at the door. “Girls? It’s me and Leana” Val said. “Hang on a sec Val” Lily said as she got up to open the door. Once they were in the room and saw both of us they gasped. “You two look gorgeous” Val said. “Your brother is going to shit his pants” Leana laughed. “You better back me up Lee!” I said, pointing my finger at her. “Oh don’t you worry” she started “I’ve already threatened him, and I’m pretty sure Brian was already drooling just thinking about it.” Val laughed, “Yeah he and Zee have been bouncing their knees nervously for the past hour” “Oh good grief guys, Brian probably doesn’t even like me” I said, rolling my eyes. “B, you’re an idiot. I’m just gonna say that now. You’ve got to be crazy if you don’t see it” Lily said. “Yeah yeah, come on, let’s get this over with. I’m ready to party” I said, walking out the door. “Wait!” Val said. “Let us get down there first, and then we’ll get the guys together and call you down.” She and Leana ran down the stairs saying “they’re ready!” in a singsong voice. “Okay girls, come on down” Lee shouted up. I looked at Lil and we grabbed each others hands, like we’ve done every time we were nervous together since we were five years old. “Here goes nothing” Lily mumbled as we walked toward the stairs. As soon as we reached the top of the stairs, I heard a few audible gasps, along with a “holy shit” and a “keep it in your pants Baker.” I chuckled and kept my eyes on Leana and Jimmy, who were both grinning from ear to ear. Once we got downstairs I was immediately swept into Jimmy’s arms “Baby Bea you look so beautiful! Your dress is a little short but you still look beautiful!” he rambled, squeezing. “JimJam, I can’t breathe” I laughed. “Oh, sorry sis. I’m having a proud parent moment.” he said happily and I felt tears prick my eyes. “I wish they could be here” I whispered as Jimmy squeezed me once more, “Me too Bea, me too.” He whispered as he kissed my head. “Okay Jim, you’re gonna ruin my hair” I chuckled. He let go and I was immediately in another person’s arms “Tiny Tim you look so beautiful” he said into my hair. “Thanks Bri. It was hard work” I chuckled. “You never have to work hard to look beautiful” he whispered. I smiled to myself and we broke the hug. I smiled at him “Thanks” “Okay, as much as I’d love to stand around and chat, Brook and I have to go graduate, so onward to the vehicles!” Lily shouted. I laughed and got in my car, Lily hopping in the passenger seat. “You’re not riding with Zee?” I asked her, “And miss our last car ride as high school students? I don’t think so lady.” she said with a grin. I started my car, turned up the music and took off toward the high school.

The graduation ceremony was almost over, Lil, Johnny, and I were about to walk up to the stage and get our diplomas. “Liliana Marie Sanders” the principal said as the crowd burst into cheers from our Avenged family. “Jonathan Lewis Seward” everyone was cheering when we heard Jimmy scream “WAY TO GO SHORT SHIT!” The entire student body laughed, while Johnny turned bright red. There were a few people between Johnny and I, and I was waiting patiently for my name to be called. When I was next in line I looked up into the stands, and saw my family standing there, waiting anxiously for my name to be called. Wow, I thought, everyone is here. The Berrys, The Haners, Johnny’s Parents, Lacey. I felt so blessed to have such a huge crowd there supporting me, but my parents weren’t there, and that made me a little sad. “Brooklyn Elizabeth Sullivan” the principal finally called my name and once again, the crowd burst into cheers and yells “I love you Bea! I’m so proud of you!” I could hear Jimmy yell as I walked up to shake the principal’s hand “You’ve got a great support system Brook. Congratulations, I’m proud of you.” he said as he shook my hand and smiled. “Thank you” I smiled back. I walked back to my seat and wiped a small tear that had gathered in the corner of my eye. The principal finished handing out diplomas and made a small speech. Then we threw our hats into the air and once I found mine I made a beeline for Lil and Johnny, grabbing them both in a hug. “We did it!” I shouted into their ears “We are official high school graduates and I am so proud of you guys! I love you two so much” “Damn Brook, I love you too but holy shit you’re busting my ear drums” Johnny said with a laugh. I pulled back from the hug and noticed Lily had tears in her eyes. “Lil! Why are you crying? What‘s wrong?” I questioned “It’s just, it’s all over. We finally graduated. I graduated with my two best friends.” she said wiping her eyes. “Holy hell Lil. It’s not like you’re never gonna see us again, I don’t think you’ll be able to get rid of us that easily” Johnny said, pulling Lily into a hug. “Oh Seward. You’re such a sweetheart.” I chuckled “Now let’s go find the family!”

Once we got to our family I was again swept up into Jimmy’s arms, but I noticed he was crying. “Jim? Are you ok?” “Brook I am so proud of you. Don’t ever think for a second that I don’t love you or that I’m not proud of you, because you have made me the proudest man in the world today. All I wanted was for you to be happy and graduate, and you did both. I am so proud of you.” He said into my hair. I felt myself tearing up. “JimJam, don’t be crazy. I would never think that. You’re my hero big bro, and I know you’re proud of me.” “Good, because I’m not saying it again.” He joked. I had hugged pretty much everyone, except Brian. “Where’s Bri?” I asked Papa Gates, who was currently trying to cover my dress up with my longer graduation gown. “Oh, he’s behind you.” he said with a smile. I turned around and there was Brian, with a boquet of flowers. “Congratulations Tiny, these are for you” he said with a shy smile. “Oh my god, thanks Bri!” I exclaimed as I took the flowers and hugged him. “Are you gonna be at dinner and the party tonight?” I asked him. “Of course I’ll be there, do you think I’d miss your big night?” he asked sarcastically. “Well I didn’t know, I figured you might have had a date with Michelle or something” “Oh no way B, we broke up a few weeks ago. She’s too bitchy for me.” he chuckled. “Oh! Well then let’s go party!” I said, linking my arm with his and walking toward the parking lot.