The Melaswen Paradox (Read 328,907 times)

[André DiMera]

Chapter 442

SALEM HIGH
CLICK HERE to hear the song that’s playing. The dance contest started, and all the various couples got out on the floor. Ciara and Trix, Chase and Claire and all of the others. Joey and Theo watched from nearby.
JOEY: Thought you’d be out there, dude.
THEO: I don’t dance.
JOEY: Oh, please. Did you and Ciara win the competition two years ago?
THEO: That was different. That year, I had somebody to dance with. Also, at the time, the odds of Ciara persuading me to dance with her outweighed the odds of me dissuading her from dancing by 94.9 percent.
JOEY: Gotcha. Yeah, I would’ve danced with someone, too, but after what Noelle did...I dunno man.
TRIX: I’m having a really great time tonight.
CIARA: I’m glad. Like I said, this has always been my favorite part of the school year.
TRIX: I can see why. So, you doin’ better?
CIARA: When I’m with you, always.
One of the chaperones came and tapped Ciara and Trix on the back. They walked over to the bleachers.
TRIX: Well, that was fun.
CIARA: Yeah. I won a couple years ago with Theo. Let’s see how Chase and Claire do.
TRIX: Sounds good.
CLAIRE: You know something?
CHASE: What’s that?
CLAIRE: I love you.
CHASE: I love you, too.
CLAIRE: You know something else?
CHASE: What?
CLAIRE: It’s been two years since our first kiss. It was right here during the Last Blast. You remember?
Two years previous, Chase and Claire had been in the same position, in the dance competition at the Last Blast Dance. They stared into each other's eyes, getting lost there.
CLAIRE: Chase...
CHASE: Claire...I...
CLAIRE: I think I...
CHASE & CLAIRE (in unison): Like you.
Slowly, they stopped dancing. They leaned in and kissed.
CHASE: Oh, yeah. I remember. That was the highlight of my night, getting to dance with you.
CLAIRE: Mine too. Especially considering what happened almost immediately afterwards. But, thankfully, that’s all in the past. And I could not be happier with you than I am.
CHASE: I feel exactly the same.
Claire and Chase kissed. When they looked up, they found that they were the only couple left still dancing. Everyone clapped, and the song ended. Mr. Woods walked back up to the stage.
WOODS: All right. Well, it looks like we have our winners! Claire Brady and Chase Jennings, come up onstage!
Several people clapped and cheered as Claire and Chase made their way to the stage. Mr. Woods handed them the microphone.
CHASE: Thanks, everyone. This has been a lot of fun. Everyone who was out there dancing with us did great!
CLAIRE: This night has been amazing, and so have all these years with you all at Salem High. Like Mr. Woods said, this night is for all of us. Thank you all so much!
WOODS: Congratulations, you two.
Mr. Woods handed Claire and Chase a small trophy.
CHASE: Thanks, Mr. Woods.
Claire and Chase shook Mr. Woods’ hand.
WOODS: Let’s hear it one more time for Claire and Chase!
Everyone in the gym clapped and cheered

[heroicmuse]

Yay! I'm glad Chase and Claire won.

LOL at Theo. Joey, stay away from Noelle.

Glad Ciara and Trix had a nice time.

Great chapter André DiMera.

[Kpatch]

Yay Claire and Chase! Between being selected valedictorian and winning the dance contest and having a steady boyfriend who's a really good guy, Claire is having a good year, and with no need to resort to trickery of any kind.

[André DiMera]

Chapter 443

SALEM HIGH
After a few more songs, Mr. Woods stepped up to the stage again.
WOODS: You all having a good time tonight?
Everyone clapped and cheered.
WOODS: Good! That’s what I like to hear! Unfortunately, I have been notified that it is now time for the last song of the night.
A few people groaned.
WOODS: I know, I’m disappointed, as well. However, as Chaucer noted, all good things must come to an end. Everyone, find yourself a partner and get ready for the final song of the night.
CLICK HERE to listen to the song that’s playing. Everyone went out onto the dancefloor for the final song.
CIARA: Wow. Could they have picked a more on the nose song?
TRIX: How d’you mean?
CIARA: It’s called “Closing Time”. Just listen to the lyrics.
TRIX: Oh, yeah. I know this song. It’s nice.
CIARA: It is. I didn’t mean that it wasn’t. It just has a deeper meaning for me this year than it would have any other year. With graduation coming up tomorrow and everything.
TRIX: I gotcha.
CIARA: It is a cool song, though.
TRIX: Yeah.
CIARA: And, like the song says, I know exactly who I want to take me home.
Trix and Ciara giggled. Joey and Theo watched everyone dance from the sidelines.
JOEY: It just hit me, dude.
THEO: What hit you? I didn’t see anything.
JOEY: No, I mean, it finally feels real that this is it. This is the Last Blast. Our actual last Last Blast.
THEO: It is the last time that we will be at a Last Blast Dance, yes.
JOEY: I think I might actually miss it. I mean, sure, dealing with Jade, Noelle, Dirk and Tripp wasn’t a thrill, but there were some good parts, too. Being part of the theatre group. All the basketball games. All in all, it’s been good.
Claire was humming along with the song. She and Chase smiled at each other.
CHASE: What are you thinking about?
CLAIRE: You and me, graduation, this. All of it.
CHASE: I know the feeling.
CLAIRE: It’s been fun, these last few years.
CHASE: And now we get to go on another adventure.
CLAIRE: I can’t wait.
As the song ended, Claire and Chase kissed, as did Ciara and Trix. Mr. Woods got onto the stage for a final time.
WOODS: And with that, ladies and gentlemen, the 2018 Last Blast Dance has come to an end. Thank you all so much for making tonight a night to remember. Please remember to drive home safely. For those of you who are graduating, I will see you tomorrow morning. For those of you who are not, have a wonderful summer, and I look forward to seeing you all next year. Until then, good night, Salem High!
Everyone clapped and cheered one last time. The seniors spent a few minutes saying goodbye to the younger students that they had made friends with. Then, slowly, the students of Salem High left the 2018 Last Blast Dance

[heroicmuse]

Aww I love the bittersweet nostalgic feelings tied up with graduation. Can't wait to see Claire and Chase's next adventure.

Lol at Theo.

Great chapter André DiMera. Will there be previews?

[Kpatch]

Such a nice event. Sorry it's over, but looking forward to graduation and Claire's speech!

[André DiMera]

Thanks for reading and commenting, everybody! I always love writing the Last Blast, and I'm glad you have all enjoyed reading it!

---

Next week...

We've seen them through their time in high school...
WOODS: Ladies and gentlemen...

They've had their last Last Blast Dance...
WOODS: I am proud to present...

Now, it's time for them to leave Salem High...
WOODS: Salem High School's Class of 2018!

Tune in next week as The Melaswen Paradox presents SALEM HIGH'S CLASS OF 2018 GRADUATION DAY!

[heroicmuse]

Woo hoo! I can't wait to hear Claire's valedictory speech and see the kids graduate.

Thanks for the previews André DiMera.

[Kpatch]

Bittersweet! Thanks for the previews.

[André DiMera]

Chapter 444

SALEM HIGH
Abe, Steve, Kayla, Hope, Aiden, Shawn-D and Belle had all gotten seats together. Philip walked over.
PHILIP: This seat taken?
Shawn-D and Belle stood up and hugged Philip.
SHAWN-D: Hey, man. Glad you could make it.
PHILIP: Of course. I wouldn’t miss this for the world. Hey, Steve, Kayla, Hope, Aiden, Abe.
Everyone said hello to Philip.
PHILIP: So, I, uh, I thought Claire’s godmother would be here.
BELLE: Chloe would have been, but she got held up in Chicago. She’s meeting us for the party at the Pub later. So will Mimi.
PHILIP: Gotcha.
BELLE: Though, I’m glad we have a few minutes before the ceremony starts. Shawn and I were thinking, since everyone’s gonna be in town, we thought we’d get together sometime. Maybe do some karaoke, catch up. And, this time, we promise, we’re not gonna try to set you and Chloe up.
PHILIP: Well, I appreciate the heads up. And, that sounds like a good idea. I mean, I know the three of us live in Salem, but I still wish we had more time to hang out. Getting together with everyone sounds good.
In a hallway just outside of the gym, all of the students were putting on the final touches on their caps and gowns. As valedictorian, Claire had a gold stole to wear. Ciara was helping her adjust it. Trix was also nearby.
CIARA: There we go.
CLAIRE: Thanks.
CIARA: No problem.
Chase walked over. He already had his full cap and gown on.
CHASE: Hey. You guys look great.
CIARA: Thanks.
CLAIRE: So do you.
CHASE: Thanks. Where’s Theo? I thought he’d be with you guys.
CIARA: He’s finding his place in line. He wanted to make sure he was ready as soon as Miss Schuler came in to escort us out.
Chase nodded.
CHASE: Makes sense. So, you guys ready?
CIARA: Totally!
Claire nodded. Chase took her hands in his.
CHASE: So, how you doin’?
CLAIRE: Honestly? I’m a little nervous. But, I’ll be okay.
CHASE: I know you will. You’re gonna be better than okay. You’re gonna be fantastic, I know it.
CLAIRE: Thanks. You’re the best.
Chase and Claire hugged, and Chase kissed her cheek. Noelle walked over to Joey, who was just putting his cap on.
NOELLE: I tried to apologise last night. I really did.
JOEY: I saw. Some things just take longer to forgive for some people.
Noelle nodded.
NOELLE: We never did get that dance that we discussed.
JOEY: Nope.
NOELLE: So, I’m going back to Ireland for the summer. Might come back later, once school’s about to start up again.
JOEY: Good to know.
NOELLE: I’ll miss you.
Joey hesitated.
JOEY: Noelle, I’m not your boyfriend.
NOELLE: You what? I never thought you were.
JOEY: I didn’t say it was your mistake.
NOELLE: Ah. Right. Well, then.
JOEY: After all the stuff with Jade, I was not in a good place. I couldn’t believe that I had been so stupid about her. Then, you came along, and you were just so cool. And for a second, I thought…
Joey sighed.
JOEY: It doesn’t matter. Not after everything that’s happened.
NOELLE: I did like you, Joey. I’m just sorry I messed everything up.
Miss Schuler walked into the room.
SCHULER: All right, everybody. It’s showtime! Please get into an orderly and alphabetical line. If you are unsure of where you are, please use the name cards that you were given on your way in this morning.
JOEY: Goodbye, Noelle.
Joey turned and walked away to find his place in line.
NOELLE (whispering): Goodbye, Joey.

[heroicmuse]

I hope Noelle stays in Ireland. LOL Either way she'd better learn her lesson from this and not stalk Joey. We don't need a second Jade!

I can't wait to see Claire's speech.

Glad the original Last Blast crew is gonna have a reunion.

Great chapter André DiMera.

[fluffysmom]

I enjoyed the last Last Blast for the soon to be graduates.

I'm looking for to the original Last Blast reunion.

[Kpatch]

Having Philip there to see Claire give her speech is poignant. Love it.

[André DiMera]

Chapter 445

SALEM HIGH
Steve felt a hand on his shoulder.
GIRL: Guess who.
Steve and Kayla both turned around and stood up.
STEVE: Hey! Princess Sweetness!
KAYLA: Stephanie!
Steve and Kayla hugged Stephanie.
STEVE: When’d you get in town, baby girl?
STEPHANIE: Just now. Like, I literally just made it. I hope I’m not late.
KAYLA: Not at all.
STEPHANIE: Thank goodness! I wouldn’t want to miss my baby brother graduating.
KAYLA: Looks like you won’t have to. The ceremony’s about to begin.
Steve, Kayla and Stephanie sat down. Stephanie waved to Hope, Aiden, Abe, Shawn-D, Belle and Philip. Then, everyone turned their attention to the gym floor. The band started playing. CLICK HERE to listen to what they’re playing. Mr. Woods was at the head of the procession, followed by the Vice Principal and all of the heads of subjects. The last teacher to walk in was Miss Schuler. All of the teachers, as well as Mr. Woods and the Vice Principal, walked onstage and sat in a row of chairs, Mr. Woods in the center. Then came the students. In two single file lines, they walked in. After a few minutes, the last of the students walked in and took their seats. The music stopped as Mr. Woods walked up to the podium.
WOODS: Good morning. Welcome, students, parents and fellow faculty members. My name is Malcolm Woods, and as many of you are aware, I am the Head of the Science Department, as well as being the Principal of Salem High School. It is my honor to welcome you all to the Graduation Ceremony for the Salem High School Class of 2018.
There were several claps from the audience.
WOODS: I began teaching in the late 1990s. In fact, a handful of these young men and women before me today are the children of some of my first students. However, today is not about me. It is about these people which you see in front of you. This bright group of young men and women. They have truly earned this. They have put in the work and the time and the effort for this, and it has paid off. Over my nearly twenty years teaching at this high school, I have seen a number of students. As my students know, I do not pick favorites. However, I feel I can confidently say that this group, the Class of 2018, have been exceptional. They have shown growth, as people, as students, as friends. I have seen them go through their formative years and come out on the other side as wonderful people. Looking out at this group of young men and women before me, do you know what I see? I see the future. I see the next generation. Having been with them over these last few years, I can honestly say that the future is safe in their hands.
Mr. Woods turned his attention to the students.
WOODS: I want all of you, each and every single one of you to know how much I have enjoyed our time together. Each of you has made an impact on me. You should be very proud of yourselves. I know that I am.
The audience, as well as most of the students, clapped.

[heroicmuse]

Love the music!

Mr. Woods' speech was awesome and I can't wait to see more of this graduation.

Yay! Stephanie made it in time! So glad she came to see Joey graduate.

Great chapter André DiMera.