Soon, it was graduation time and for the first time in a while, I felt truly happy. I had everything I could ever need. Amy, Derek, my precious dog Ruby. But most importantly, God and my morals. It's a short list, but a powerful one. I didn't need a million friends or anything like that. All I needed were the people I knew I could trust and count on.

Hailey was a good friend, but we kinda drifted apart, and we never really got close. Her and Chase actually started seeing each other and they seemed very happy together. Chase was a good guy, despite what he did/didn't do to me. As long as they were happy and not blaming me and Derek for everything, all was well.

Eric and Wade never really messed with me again. Sure I had run ins with them, but with my newfound happiness, they didn't scare me. When they figured that out, they left me alone and didn't say anything. I wasn't even angry at them anymore. There was no sense in holding onto those burdens anymore.

The power of the Lord is incredible, y'all.

"Congratulations, class of 2016!" Our principal said as we moved our tassels and threw out hats in the air.

After, I met up with Derek and Amy and hugged them.

"I'm so proud of yous" were exchanged and I was just so happy.

"Guys, can we go somewhere?" I looked at them.

"Where do you wanna go?" Amy asked.

"I wanna see Janice. I wanna talk to her," I said.

"You sure?" Derek asked.

I nodded.

"Okay, let's go," Amy said and we drove to the jailhouse.

Since it was late, there were hardly any people there—like not having to fight through visitors. They got Janice and she met me at the phone thing and we picked up the phones.

"You're here," she said.

"I am and I have something to say to you," I said.

She nodded, letting me continue.

"I will never understand why you did what you did. I just won't and quite frankly, I don't need to. It's in the past and you're in here, paying for it. I wanted to tell you though that, I forgive you. When you first told me, I didn't think I'd ever say that to you. And I'm still mad, but I don't get worked up over it anymore. I miss him so much and I think you do too. You did a terrible thing, but I don't think you're a terrible person. You had always been good to both of us, and you weren't really in your right mind. It's for that reason, when you're up for parole, if I feel like you've really understood what you did and the effects of what you did, I'll vouch for you. But I won't be visiting you as much. I do forgive you, but I still need some more time before I like you again. And I have a support system now. I'm happy. I'm really happy and you need to forgive yourself. I'm gonna pray for you, so that you know that I still care. And so I can get more peace and never let myself get angry again. I say there's always hope. And there's hope for you, Janice," I told her.

She had started silently crying midway through and she put her hand on the glass, so I put mine against hers. She took a deep breath and wiped the tears away. "You have such a good heart. I can't believe you forgive me."

"Do I need to go through my reasons again?" I chuckled.

She laughed and shook her head. "Your parents would be proud."

"Also, I graduated tonight. Just so you know," I said.

"Congratulations," she smiled.

I stood, putting the phone back on the hook and waved bye and she left. I met Amy and Derek outside and they smiled at me.

"How'd it go?" Amy asked.

"It went well," I said. "Let's go order Chinese, I'm starving."

We laughed and we drove to my house and ordered Chinese food.

Five years later and Derek and I were married. He'd gone to college and got a business degree and I was at home with our one year old baby girl Rachel Anne. She was absolutely beautiful and Derek was an amazing father. Amy was still around, but her husband retired, due to health problems, so I helped them when I could.

Rachel had my hair and Derek's eyes. Derek and I talked about having another baby, and as it turned out, I was pregnant again. I was gonna tell him when he got home from work. Rachel was such a good baby. Never cried, minded. Slept through the night. She was such a beauty and I just knew I was gonna have to teach her how to fight off the creeps.

"Hey, honey," Derek walked in and kissed my forehead.

"Hey, Derek," I smiled at him. "How was your day?"

"Long, but good. Yours?" He asked, as he made his way in the bathroom to shower.

I followed him in, Rachel on my hip. "I got some news."

"What news?" He asked.

"I'm pregnant again," I smiled.

"That's great! If you didn't have Rachel in your arms, I'd pull you in and hug and kiss you!" He laughed with excitement.

I laughed and shook my head. "I love you."

"I love you too," he smiled.

For those who think their life won't get any better, hold on. Because there is always hope, and the Lord knows what you need before you even ask.
******
THE END!!!!!! Thank you ReuNchang & FriendlyDragon478 & _lukeelston for supporting this book!!!! Do you like this ending, do y'all wanna sequel of the life of Rachel? Just thank you so much!!!!!
WritingMelody🙏🏻❤️✌🏻️