A ceremony and a party

With everyone in line the ceremony began. There were the obligatory speeches, congratulations on completing mandatory education, encouragement for the future, and cautions about various pitfalls to be avoided. All fairly bog standard. There were several guest speakers invited up. Special for Mich, his father an graduate of the same school and respected member of the community had accepted a request to be one of the guest speakers. He praised the graduates on their accomplishments, then warned them they were now taking their first full step into the world of adulthood, and they should be excited for the chance to chart their own course. After his address Mich watched his father return to his seat, his wives beaming as their man sat down.

With the speeches over the students were called up and diplomas handed out. Any additional achievements were announced. Some for academic, some fore extra curricular activities, some for school sports. After the last diploma was handed out, the last praise announced, the pictures taken the tasteless moved everyone cheered and hats were tossed with the male graduates firing of a barrage of display spells lighting up the sky with a burst of light and sound. Mich firing of a fountain of sparks followed buy a compressed ball of light that burst into an explosion of multicolored sparks around 100 feet up.

With the graduation ceremony over and everyone had gotten the congratulations and well wishing in. Mich and Jess headed for his truck. A quick check with Ellen if she needed a ride, she had some friends she wanted to hang out with, and the two pilled into the truck and headed for the Skybolt household.

“How do you feel about being a graduate?” Mich asked.

“Good, worried, excited… I mean we talked about this so much. We are still signing up together right?”

“Of course. I haven’t changed my mind. Are you having second thoughts?”

“Just nervous. You know they won’t let it be just you and me we’ll need to find others.”

“Have someone in mind?”

“Maybe… do you?”

“I may have been checking with a few prospects. I haven’t approached anyone though.”

Mich was watching Jess squirm in her seat. She clearly wanted to tell him something but also wanted to keep it a surprise. Goddess and Flow, he loved her, and she was just the most beautifully adorable when trying to keep a surprise a secret. Rather than grilling her for her secrets he pretended not to notice.

“Can’t wait to get home moms and dad have been getting this party ready for weeks.”

Jess breathed a sigh of relief, if Mich had pushed she would not have held out long.

The ride was short soon the truck was back in its spot in the garage and the couple walked into the large backyard.

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY!”

Mich smiled at the shout from family and friends. Jess took the opportunity to grab him for another kiss.

The two were quickly pulled into the calibration. Handed sodas and began to mingle. Numerous well wishes and congratulations were offered. Mich soon was standing next to the grill with his father and Jason Gloryblade Jessica’s father.

“Well son, how do you feel?”

“Excited, hopeful, a bit worried. I’ll be plotting my course now, mine and Jess’s.”

“And don’t you forget it. You take care of my little girl.”

“Yes Mr Gloryblade.”

“Are you sure I can’t talk you into taking the intern position. You would have security and a guaranteed income at the facility. Plus, you and Jessica could stay here while you build a nest egg to get your own place started.”

“Dad, you earned your spot at the facility yourself. I want to earn and build something myself. How many times did you tell us growing up about how all the struggles you and moms went through together made you all so much stronger together?”

Kolton Skybolt traded a look with his old friend. They were now in that position as fathers where they still wanted to provide for and protect their children, but their children were now the adults they had raised them to be.

“Ok, ok… but you two be sure to look after each other. The crucible of life can break a couple apart as easily as weld them together.”

Michael got some more words of wisdom from his dad and girlfriends dad before taking the next round of burgers and brots over to the picnic table.

“Ok birthday boy enough delays time for presents.” His mother proclaimed as she sat him down.

With a smile he accepted and began to unwrap the pile of gifts from friends and family.

There was a decidedly practical feel in the gifts. Things that would be very useful for someone starting a family. The biggest surprise was from his dad. It was a MK18 “Pioneer” rifle. He looked to his dad.

“You are going to be the provider and protector you should be properly prepared.”

With tears in his eyes he hugged his dad.

With the rest of his presents unwrapped and thanks given, Mich enjoyed some grilled goodie’s and then his mothers brought out the cake. It was a monster of chocolate and coconut frosting. There were the 18 Candles that Michael blew out without magic and kept silent about his wish.

With the party winding down he suddenly realized he hadn’t seen Jessica in the last little bit which was odd as usually she stayed at least within sight of him if not touching distance.

As the rest of the guests were leaving, he walked over to Katreen.

“Mom, have you seen Jess I was just looking and couldn’t find her, I don’t remember her leaving. Did something happen?”

Katreen got a sly look on her face. “Well now, I do think I remember seeing her going into the house with Chelcy. Why don’t you go inside and check.”

A part of Mich, the horny part, woke up and made its presence known. The rationale part waked it on the back of the head and told it not to jump to conclusions.

“Ok mom I’ll go check.”