AN ONCE AGAIN WE OFFER OUR CONGRATULATIONS TO SOUTH CITY HIGH SCHOOL
CLASS OF 2017

The auditorium expoldes with loud cheer and excitement. A flurry of navy blue graduation caps are flung into the air as everyone stands up and starts hugging everyone. All of the staff is standing and clapping along with the parents, who are wiping tears out of their eyes. A loud air horn goes off somewhere in the back in celebration. A banner unfolds down the balcony saying Proud Patriot Parents The student counselors start dismissing the students to the back behind the stage and escorts them to there apporiate changing rooms. "I hope you all have a fun summer!"

Benjamin gets to his locker and unzips the Navy Blue gown and hangs it up. He is wearing black pants and a black suit with a Plan B skate tie. He hold his diploma in his hands and just stares at the cover of it. This is it! This is what we all worked for. The men are still cheering and celebrating. Someone comes along and slaps Benny on the back and wishes him well. He's glad he graduated and can't wait to see his father, but this trip is all he's thinking about. More people have said they want to come than he has room for in his Impala. Where can he find a second vehicle on such sort notice? He picks up his duffle bag with all of this clothes and basic needs. He also picks up his back pack with his skateboard attached to the back and straps it on. Benny heads down to the hall where everyone is gathering and stops to take a pictures and selfies with people. always sticking his tongue out or throwing up the peace sign. He gets out of the large crowd and finally finds his father who is wearing a South City Patriots hat. He gives his father a huge bear hug and pats him on the back as his father does the same. "I'm Proud of you boy!" Benny didn't know he wanted to hear this but he can't help but smile and choke down this feeling. "Thanks dad! I worked for this! How is Eileen?"He asked about his step mother but he didn't really care. He just wanted this day to go good. "She's good at home sleeping..". Benny nods and looks around. "Well old man! I Love you but the road is calling my name and I got to go and find everyone who signed up for this trip." He gives his father one last hug and places his diploma in his father's hand. Benny starts to look around for anybody he might know. He looks back at his father and yells "I call you when I get there!" He puts his skateboard on the ground and skates his way to the Impala.

Many people found graduation ceremonies boring, tedious, and way too cheesy. And although, they definitely were boring and tedious, cheese is something Zac can't help but love. The throwing of the caps, the celebrating, the selfies and writing in each others year books. As soon as the graduates get out and get changed, Zac goes around mingling. Though he didn't have many close friends, everyone seemed eager to share kind words and promises of keeping in touch. He knew that less than ten percent of those promises would be kept, but he didn't really mind all that much. He just made sure the selfies were taken on their phones, not his.

He eventually pushes through the crowds to find his family. His parents and two younger brothers. He gathers them all in a family group hug among choruses of proud exclamations. "Thanks guys, wouldn't be here without you." He says with a heartfelt smile.
"We're so proud of you, son. And to show that..." His father pauses, taking a small box out of his jacket pocket and handing it to him. "We're giving you this."
Zac eyes the box curiously, opening it to see a key-chain. "Are you serious right now?? You're giving me the van??" He exclaims looking in between the key and his father with an ecstatic look on his face.
"Yep, it's all yours. All your stuff is already packed in it, ready for your trip."
"Oh my god, thank you so much!" He wraps his arms around his father tightly, a tear or two running down his cheek. He takes a step back, his eyes moving in between each member of his family. "I'm really gonna miss you guys. Now, I'm gonna get going before we all start crying and I don't end up leaving. I love you all, I'll call you every night!"

One last group hug, and he's off, jogging to what is now his van, which conveniently, is parked only a few spaces away from Benny's impala. He smirks when he sees Benny, the one organizing the big road trip to LA. "Yo, Benny! Check it out! Dad gave me his van!" He calls out, excitedly brandishing the keys. "So if there's not enough room in your car, I can take another one or two with me!"

Leonardo looked at the diploma he had on his hands. He was part of the honor roll. Surely his father wouldn't be angry. Wait, was he even here? He was sure that his mother would be there. She always was a supportive person. He felt a hand on his shoulder and he gave him a thumbs up. They talked for a while as they changed out of their toga and into their formal attire. He was wearing a long sleeved white dress shirt, black pants and a black suit. He had a red necktie. They then headed out and joined in on the photos like the teenagers they are. In fact, Leo even took out his camera to take pictures of his class and others. They were all smiles and some even shed tears of joy.

They passed after all!

He squeezed out of the groups and found his mother there. He quickly headed over and then they hugged. "Congratulations Leo!" She then noticed that he was looking around and she spoke, "Your father couldn't come. Business meeting."

"Should have expected that. At least you're here for me mom, thanks for that." Leo then gave her another hug.

"Here, a letter from your brother." His mother said, giving him a piece of folded paper. It was a letter about congratulating him for finishing high school and how he should enjoy his life. Lester also said that he was proud of him and that he was sure that he would go on to become a successful person. Even after his father technically disowned him, but didn't actually sign any papers, his mother and him would still visit Lester.

"I need to go mom. Time for our little field trip." His mother handed him his bag that was his essentials for the trip and some extra money, even if he had a lot. Leo kissed her on the cheek before saying goodbye after he gave her the suit jacket. He was fine with going around in his semi-casual outfit after all. He then headed over to where the meeting was.

"Yo Ben, Zac! Think fast!" He yelled as he brought the camera up and then snapped a photo of the two, whatever their positions were.

Rowan had no idea how they had gotten through high school. They had to admit, there had been some bad grades the first two years and some fighting among their parents. Apparently, those first years didn't matter at all.
They were never one for celebrations; from holidays to birthday parties. They just didn't really see the necessity of it all. But, it was something that had to be done. Speaking of birthdays, today was theirs.

After caps were thrown in the air and the chaos of being dismissed, Rowan found their dads. They put on a small smile, seeing both of them with tears in their eyes. It made Rowan a little teary.
"Rowan, your dad and I are so proud of seeing you grow up into the young adult you've become. Happy birthday, and congratulations on graduating," Brandon spoke. It was now that Rowan's small smile grew into a larger one.

"Thanks, Papy," was how Rowan could respond. They hadn't exactly spoken to them about the road trip yet.... They grabbed their Polaroid camera from their bag (that they wouldn't leave in their locker) and turned it around to take a selfie of their family.
"Go get your stuff, and we'll head home, Row," Austin, her other dad, now spoke. Rowan bit the corner of their lip, and Austin's shoulders dropped. "What is it now?"

"Actually, I...I'm not coming home just yet." Both of her fathers' faces turned curious.
"What exactly does that mean?" Brandon said tersely. Rowan put their camera away and took their fathers' hands.
"I...I've never known what I want to become in this world. You two both know that. I already know who I am in some sense, but in all others I'm clueless. I'm...I'm going back to California with some of my friends. On a road trip, ya know?"

Austin's face turned to shock, and Brandon's turned sternly. Rowan dropped their hands. "Rowan, that's not going to happen. It's too dangerous; a bunch of barely-even-adults in a car going across the country? It's just not safe. You're coming home with us, where we can discuss your future."
There it was; her father's police officer coming out. They took a deep breath.

"No."
"I'm sorry?"
"No. You can't control me anymore; I'm eighteen now. I'm an adult. I'm on my own."
"Young miss...mist...," Brandon stumbled on his words, taking a deep breath. "You may be an adult, but just so. You were just a child a few hours ago."
"I'm sorry. Dad...Papy...," Rowan looked to the both of them. "I'm going now. I love you." They gave both of them a hug and then walked off.
"Rowan Tal Rylatt, you come back here right now!" they heard their dad called after them.
"Sorry, Dad," they muttered under their breath. They really hated to leave their fathers like that, but that's what it had come to.

After getting to their locker, they quickly unzipped their gown and put it away. They didn't ever want to see it again. Underneath, Rowan wore a black skirt and a red tank top, sleeves torn, with the anarchy symbol in black. They put on their jean vest with patches and headed outside. There, they could see Benny, Zachary, and Leo with Ben's Impala and some van. They took a deep breath and walked up to them.

"Hey, ya guys!" They had never spoken much, but Rowan definitely knew more about the three of them than they knew about Rowan; combined.

Ben gets to his car and kicked his skate board up to his hand. He opens his large trunk and places his duffle bag in the very back and places his skateboard on top of it. He unstraps his backpack and unzips it. He takes out some old worn out blue jeans and shirt that has the California flag on it. Yes he had been waiting for this moment to put it on. He starts by taking off his shoes and then unbuttons his pants and starts taking them off when he hears.
"Yo, Benny! Check it out! Dad gave me his van!". Ben is standing there wearing Pink boxers and his suit and tie looks at Zac when he says"So if there's not enough room in your car, I can take another one or two with me!..." He quickly puts on his jeans. "That's Awesome!! I was worried we wouldn't have enough seats for butts.". He laughs and takes off his tie and his suit when all of a sudden he hears
"Yo Ben, Zac! Think fast!" Ben was pulling off his shirt so the picture so you can see everything but his head. Ben just keeps laughing knowing the picture will be shown to everybody and puts his shirt on."Nice one Leo!" Finally he places all of his formal clothes back in the backpack when he hears
"Hey, ya guys!". He smiles knowing that's Rowan.

Despite her hatred for remaining confined in crowded areas, Claire remained in the auditorium until most members of her newly graduated class had exited with their families. Unlike most of her classmates, the young debater was not greeted with family as her parents were busy working while her siblings were finishing exams, partying, or working themselves. The truth of the matter is that she had no idea what her sisters or brother were actually doing nor did she care very much. She was almost positive that they would have not come even if she had invited them and she didn't much care for their company anyway. The girl felt little need for support outside of the school's debate team, her tiny fanbase, cats, and dogs with really fluffy tails.

Speaking of the debate team, she almost smiled when she saw a crowd of underclassmen approaching her. Almost.

Most of the debate team had been graduating seniors who had already run off themselves, but there was still a junior, a freshman, and three sophomores that would carry on the legacy. She had hoped that they would find more members next year, but she was confident that these five could stand on their own if needed. Especially if they were led by Landon who was the junior that came rolling up to Claire in his wheelchair with a smile on his face. "Congratulations, Claire!"

This sentiment was quickly echoed by Rachel, Ashley, Neil, and the youngest of the bunch, Eddie.

"Thank you, everyone. I don't even think that I would be here right now if it wasn't for the team." Most of the extracurricular activities at South City High School required that students had passing grades in order to remain on them. Considering her laziness and lack of ambition, Claire wouldn't be surprised if she hadn't been kicked out of school if it weren't for her love of debate.

"I also appreciate your support since I'd rather have you all here over my family anyway." That definitely wasn't a lie. "And I also want to thank Landon for bringing my bags as well." That also wasn't a lie as well seeing as there was an extra bag hanging off of the back of the junior's wheelchair.

"Oh! I almost forgot. . you're supposed to leave for that road trip like, right now, right?" A question from Landon as he spun in a circle allowing Claire to take her bag off of the back of his wheelchair. "You'll send some pictures to the group chat and tell us about the people you're traveling with, right?"

A shrug from Claire. "Sure, if you're interested in hearing about them."

Rachel clasped her hands with an starstruck expression. "Ohmygod, please! I can't believe that you're traveling with someone that will be competing in the X-Games. That's like. . almost a celebrity!" She let out a dreamy sigh. "I wish I could go. I've never been to the west coast before."

"I'll bring you guys back souvenirs." A comment from the senior of the group as she begins to head for the front doors of the school with her former entourage in tow. "And I'll send you gossip and pictures through the group chat if you really want it."

"I'm with Rachel." Neil smiles. "Tell us how the west coast is. Oh, and the people that you're traveling with since. . you don't really know them all that well, do you?" Claire shakes her head in response. No, she hadn't known any of them too well outside of rumors, interactions between the entire class as a whole, and having a few classes with some of them. "Well, that'll make the trip even better, right?"

Maybe.

"I should get going. They're probably waiting for me." Claire quickly found herself nervously tugging on the strap of her backpack. "I'll send you guys a message once we're on the road. Make sure that the state doesn't burn down in the meantime."

"We'll try, but no promises." Landon smirks. "Safe travels! And don't forget to look in your bag later - we all left you a little farewell gift!"

"Bye-bye, Claire!"

"See you later!"

"You better keep us updated on all of the drama from the golden coast!"

And with a wave, Claire entered the school's parking lot and began to search around for those that she would be traveling with. She wanted to find them quickly so she could rip this robe off and look inside her bag. She would be lying if she said that she wasn't slightly curious what Landon and the others had put into her bag. Hopefully, whatever it was, it wasn't explosive.

An uncomfortable laugh escaped Zac as he caught the skater in his boxers, looking away with a smirk. "Dammit man, put some clothes on!" He joked as he went around to the back of his van. Not before hearing "Yo Ben, Zac! Think fast!" And think fast he did, raising the metal horns for the photo, and bursting into laughter again at Ben getting caught with his shirt around his head.

As the others started arriving, Zac got into the back of his van to change out of his formal clothes. He pulled on a pair of khaki shorts, and blink-182 band shirt. With his skate shoes on too, he looked like he came straight out of the late 90's. He rummaged around the van, checking to make sure he had everything. Clothes, check. Guitars, check. Laptop, check. Music equipment, check. He even brought his skateboard with him too so he could skate with Benny.

As he got back out of his van, he saw that the carpark was starting to fill up. Not long now. "Hey!" He replied to Rowan with a wave. He looked around at those who had gathered, Ben, Leo and Rowan. He knew a little bit about each of them, but for the most part, they were still just acquaintances. He was looking forward to getting to know them more, and anyone else who was joining them.

Leo grinned as he brought the camera down, "You would have been so dead Ben." He sounded like he was regretting ever warning the guy that he was going to take a shot. Though, he wasn't exactly looking for embarrassing poses; he had another time for that. He then fixed the strap of his camera bag, which was separate from his other bag that contains his essentials. "So, how are we assigning the seats? 'Cause I call window seat... or shotgun." He continued with a little laugh. He was a little bit too excited for this field trip. He's never been out of town without his parents.

Then a familiar voice greeted them. He turned around to see 'them'. Leo had learned that Rowan didn't refer to themselves as a 'her' or 'him'. It was difficult to get used to, since he would often fall on the group that calls Rowan a 'her' but after a while, he finally got the hang of it. Even so, he didn't know a lot about Rowan aside from their name, the fact that they were gender neutral, and that they were a schoolmate. Not that unfamiliarity was a barrier for him. "Heya Rowan! Glad you're here with us bud." Honestly, he was glad that he was going with the group. There were people he didn't know there, not much anyway, so this was a great chance to finally interact with them.

It became glaringly obvious that Leo wasn't going to change out of his long sleeved button up shirt, dress pants and sneakers. He was used to dressing like this when outside anyhow, and it wasn't particularly hot for him. He was pretty sure that he had a ton of button up shirts in his bag. He adjusted the cuffs of his shirt as he waited for the others. He looked around the parking lot to see if anyone else came up. He remembered who was on the list and he practically knew everyone in the school by name and face. If you were practically the professional photographer of the school, you were bound to know everyone's names by the time you graduate. It was also the reason why he was part of the school newspaper.

He spotted the black haired debater looking around the parking lot, looking for them. Leo raised his hand and waved at her, "Hey Claire! Over here!" And once more, she was another person who he wasn't particularly close with. In fact, she was more of an acquaintance - a passing face. Leo would often take pictures of debates, again because of his earned title, and she would be the one featured. Now how many more were missing? Well, he'd know when he saw them.

Ben finally stops laughing at himself from all the embarrassing stuff that happened. This was going to be an interesting trip cause he already embarressed himself twice now and they haven't even left the parking lot. He keep's his large trunk open for anyone wanting to throw thier bags in. He goes and opens the passenger side, sits down and pops open his glove box and grabs a old car charger and gps wrapped in wires. He also gets out a Wal-mart sack. He then heads over to Zac and his awesome new van. He places the sack on the passenger seat. "Here man, This is a brand new GPS. I was going to use it but I have an old one. I know we might get seperated but I don't want either of us getting lost on the way there". Ben turns to head back but then turns back around. "I also bought a dual car charger just so our phones with have juice to make calls, I know my old man will freak out if i don't pick up the phone." Ben smiles when Leo says he wants to ride shotgun. "Hey Leo you can ride shotgun with me! But you're also DJ if you think you can handle that responsibility! But don't worry! I updated the Radio in this thing so it can play off any device." Ben hears Leo say "Hey Claire! Over here!". Claire was finally showing up. Jeez I like her but if you disagree with anything she says she will give you fifty reasons why your wrong.. Don't worry! I'll just stay on her good side the whole time! Ben waves to Claire and sits down in the driver seat and plugs in his old GPS and types in LOS ANGELES. He taps go and sees the trip will take 1 day and 19 hours and it's 2,983 Miles away. He smirks to himself knowing the trip will take longer than that. He puts the GPS on the dash and lays his head back in his hands.

Like many others, Cyrus had found himself swallowed up in the sea of waves of the students in his graduating class. He looked around scanning the crowds for his now single mother, his only cheerleader in his accomplishment through making it through school. His grades were never perfect since he moved so much, and because of this many family members doubted his ability to overcome a difficult educational career, but he had finally put their words and doubts to rest. After an eternity of searching his eyes had finally locked in on the sight of his beautiful young mother sitting in the crowd, her only company being an extremely large and obnoxiously decorated poster she'd made for this day. He smiled and gave a slight wave to her, even blowing a kiss to her, then catching one she'd blown back to him in return.

"Wow, I made it", he thought to himself as he waited anxiously for his name to be called for his diploma. It felt like only seconds had passed when his name had finally been called, the moment went so quickly and he was flushed filled with Pride when he had crossed the stage in front of the thousands. The thousands of atrangers and his one mother who cried out for him, finally it had felt like someone was behind him besides just his mom.

After the ceremony ended Cyrus immediately searched for his mother in the sea of families outside. And was promptly tackled to the ground by her weight when she'd found him before he could spot her.

"Oh my baby, I'm so proud of you! You looked so great up there on that stage." she squealed this out, her eyes flooding tears of joy.
He let out a heavy laugh, almost losing control of his own breathing as he picked himself off the ground with his mother.
"Are you finally done freaking out?he asked with a smile as his mother began to fan herself and come back down from her emotional high. "I think so."

They carried on for a while now, going back and forth talking of his dreams and intentions with going on the trip. Taking final photos before they hugged each other goodbye before his departure. He walked to the parking lot with his mother to escort her to her vehicle and retrieve his bags for the long trip ahead. He gave her a final kiss on the check, before finally waving goodbye, the found his way towards the rest of his peers who had already met for the trip. Once he was there, he immediately stripped from his gown and stuffed it into a bag. Revealing that he'd not been within standard dress code for the ceremony at all. His outfit consisted of black leather converse that must've somehow passed as dress shoes, a tight pair of black ribbed joggers, a mesh shirt with a red flannel over it. He joined his peers now, not saying a word but only wanting them to interact first, he was shy.

"So, is that beautiful van is yours then, Zac?" Rowan asked, teasingly. It actually wasn't too shabby. "I call shotgun in the van. See, Leo? You have to specify which car you're going to shotgun in," they said with a smirk. "Now you have to be with stinky ol' Ben."
They noticed another member join their group and recognized him as Cyrus. They gave him a smile, and a small "Hey there" before turning to Ben.
"So who else said they were coming? Or is this is; just us six? Makes sense that we would need another car," Rowan spoke, obviously ready to hit the road. They anxiously looked back at the auditorium they had come from, expecting their Dad or Papy to come over to them. But no one showed up to whisk them away.

He'd gesture back at them giving a slight wave and attempt to make a little conversation.
"Sorry im a little late, y'know parents and all. So uh, is this where we are all departing from? I don't have a ride. So if it's cool with one of you all I could just lay low in a window seat somewhere. Promise I'm not too much to handle".
He'd comb his fingers through his long hair, kind of trying to ease a bit of the social anxiety.

Once entering the school's parking lot with her duffel bag and backpack that Landon had so kindly brought her in hand, Claire was quick to pull the navy gown over her head, off her body, and onto her arm as if it was a wet towel that had been laid out into the sun to dry. Like many of her fellow classmates, including those that she would be traveling with, she did not care to dress appropriately for the occasion and instead vouched for small gray shorts, a black shirt complimented by a white hoodie, over-sized men's sneakers, and dark magenta stockings to match. Her attire of choice possibly looked ridiculous, but at least it worked well on her. Or so she thought.

As soon as she made her way further into the parking lot, she heard two separate male voices calling for her - the photographer and the skater. She knew that the photographer was named Leo and she had seen him frequent her debates once or twice in the past. The skater and the three others, however, Claire knew little about aside from their names. Benjamin was the skater competing in the X-Games, Cyrus had been described as fairly shy, Zac was apparently interested in playing music, and Claire had learned from Eddie that Rowan was an individual that identified with neither gender and that they mostly preferred to be alone. What an interesting trip this will be.

"Hello, everyone." Claire waved as she approached the five others that she would be traveling across the country with. "Congratulations to us, huh?" She held onto the strap of her duffel bag. "No, but seriously, congratulations to us. I'm sure we've all heard this a million times already today, so let's talk about the fun stuff - like where we all are going to be sitting and when we'll be getting this show on the road?"

Leo chuckled before slamming his hand on Ben's back, though not so much as to hurt him. "Dude, you know I'm no music guru. Anyone in your car can just tell me what to play though." He said. He was that kind of guy who just listened to anything people could give him. No preferences whatsoever. He just guessed it wasn't really all that interesting for him. It was good for some background noise but it never helped him with focus, unlike what other people claim.

He then looked at Rowan and then gave her a goofy smile. "Yeah, should've been more specific. But the open air car is something I can appreciate." He said, gesturing to the Impala. "I can bear with Ben here for a while." He joked before adding a chuckle at the end.

Cyrus had then arrived and he waved at the male. The guy wasn't known for being socially active so he guessed that him greeting Cyrus the usual way would be too overbearing. "I think they can fix you up on the window seat." He said reassuringly to the anxiety-riddled male.

"Congrats to you too Claire." He then turned to Ben to hear about the answers.

Ben waved to Cyrus and patted his hand on the back seat for him to sit. He waited for everyone to deal with thier luggage. While everyone was dealing with luggage and finding seats for their butts he banged his hand on the steering wheel to some song he had stuck in his head from earlier in the day. "Everyone ready?". He asked. When had a general nod from everyone, the Impala roared to life and he just smiled with love for his old car. "Let's get out of here!". He pulled out of the parking lot and drove by the high school one last time. He then leaned over looking at someone. "I think that's Gabby!". He said to Leo... "GABBY I'LL ALWAYS LOVE YOU!!!". He finally confessed his love for her after years. Even though her boyfriend Craig was walking next her. Of course Ben got the finger and insults that were fading as they drove away. He looked over at Leo and smiled. "She's always had my heart...". He pulled on the highway finally on the way. "I think people are wanting to stop by New York City". As they passed a sign saying New York City 75 miles away.

Zac opened the door to his van as Benny placed the new GPS on the passenger seat, smiling as he reached over to grab it and set it up. "Thanks man! Dad's GPS is so old it barely works, so it's good to have an upgrade."
After plugging it in and setting it on the dash, he turned to Rowan and chuckled at them softly. "It is indeed!" He replied proudly. "Surprise graduation present from my dad." He nodded with a smile after Rowan called shotgun in the van, gave a wave to the two others that joined them. Claire and Cyrus. He didn't really know much about either of them. "Hey you two. So, Rowan's in the van with me, and looks like Lep and Cyrus are with Benny, so it's up to you Claire." He smiled over at the girl from the debate team. "There's still a space in either."
With that said, Zac climbed up into the driver's seat of the van and started it up, and set the GPS. There were fold up seats in the back of the van, but also two passenger seats in the front. It was spacious too, so three people could for in without too much of an issue. While he was waiting for people to get in, he plugged his phone in and hit shuffle on his music library. Anything from metal, to pop-punk to varying shades of alternative rock could play from that, as his library was quite a varied selection of music.

"Hah, you're lucky your parents got you something, let alone a car," Rowan replied, throwing their stuff in the back. They sat down in the passenger seat next to the window and rolled it down after Claire made her decision. Rowan smiled as Zac set the GPS and turned on music, which started playing Paradise City by Guns N' Roses. "So I heard our first stop is New York City? Or is that just a rumor?" they questioned as Zac pulled out of the parking lot and followed Ben's Impala. They heard Ben yell something and smiled, looking out the window. Their smile faded as they saw their Dad and Papy standing in front of the auditorium. As their two fathers looked up at the van, Rowan saw that they had tears streaming down their face. Rowan felt a pang of guilt wash over them, and so they waved at them. The two of them waved back with tears still streaming down their faces, and Rowan yelled out to them, "I love you guys!" and muttered to themself, "Sorry, but I'm not really sorry".

He saw Ben's welcoming gesture for him to accompany him in the vehicle by heading for the backseat and smiled at him and gave him a slight wink. He looked over his possessions to make sure that he had all that he needed for the trip and proceeded to head for car. He entered slowly and plopped down comfortably feeling the smooth soft cushions of the seat underneath him and let out a long sigh before speaking.

"Ah it feels good to sit down in here, those chairs back at the ceremony were way too solid for me."He said as he fiddled with his hair for a bit before proceeding to pull some of it back behind his ear.

So uh, Ben is it? This is a nice ride what kind of audio set do you have in here? Sorry, im a bit of a music junkie so im curious what this thing can offer us on our trip. I prepared mix tapes for the occasion that I wanted to give to everyone once the trip is over. It's all just songs I put together on some discs.

It was irritating that Claire did not get a solid answer and this would ultimately lead to her throwing her bags in the back of Zac's van as well. Claire wasn't very thrilled about traveling in a van when they had unpleasant reputations and that she would be riding with two people that she didn't know very well, but she decided that it would be the less packed car of the two. Upon making her decision, she hopped into the back seat of the car, threw on her seat-belt, and turned her attention to her phone. There were unseen messages in the "Debate Fam" group chat that had been sent earlier that day.

The first message began with Landon's claim which was "Claire is the greatest person ever" and it had a variety of (inaccurate) warrants sent from each member including the fact that she could turn wine into water, allowed the blind to see again, stopped global warming, cured cancer, and ceased all conflict in the Middle East. While these responses were clearly sarcastic, she had to appreciate how much she clearly meant to the five of them.

She would probably miss them too.

"Hi." As the trio began to pull away from the school, Claire had only hoped that Rowan and Zac were interesting individuals. Well, there was only one way to find out. "So. . Tell me about yourselves?"

Leo dumped his backpack into the Impala's trunk. He then rubbed the back of his head as he only now noticed that his laptop bag was also there. Oh man, he had a lot of stuff to carry. Oh well! Such is the life of a photographer! He's lucky he didn't have to drag his tripod around... unless that would be needed and then he'll regret not bringing it. He then hopped onto the side seat and began fiddling with his camera. It was all cleaned and ready to shoot.

As Leo leaned back onto the car as they started to move. That was when Ben began leaning over to look at someone. When he excitedly said that it might have been Gabby, a rather kind girl in his opinion, he whipped out his camera to take one last shot of her... unless they were going to the same college in which case he'll probably hang out around her more. As Ben confessed his love for her right in front of her boyfriend, Craig, he snapped the perfect picture of Craig holding up a middle finger with his mouth wide open.

He chuckled at it before looking over to Ben. "Yeah, I can see that." He said with a smile. He personally didn't have any experience in love, and he will never have experience in it, but he knew how to spot someone who's in love. "Ah New York, the city that never sleeps. Let's go." He said with a nod. He then looked over to Cyrus who was saying something about compiling some music.

"Oh man, you should be the one here on the passenger seat Cyrus! Ben here was looking for a DJ. Right, let's get that music plugged in."