THE FOREVER GRADUATE

Expounded from the show “FOREVER” on Netflix

Justin Edwards was with Keisha Clark trying to write his graduation speech. Keisha and Justin had known one another since kindergarten. They went to different middle schools and coincidentally reconnected at a party during their junior years of high school. Keisha had always liked Justin but was too shy to say anything. Justin was socially awkward and did not readily pick up on social cues. He was unable to decipher sarcasm, and Keisha was full of it most often. Keisha just thought Justin was sheltered and otherworldly.

Justin had tried to write his speech alone and was frustrated with his lack of focus and progress. Keisha offered to help him with writing it. It wasn’t as if she did not think Justin capable. She knew how frustrated he got when he had a task to complete. Justin told Keisha he knew what he wanted to say, but he couldn’t seem to get the words right. Keisha reassured him and told him she would help him. She suggested that he dictate, and she would write it all down for him.

Justin made sure he told his parents his plan to have Keisha over to the house. His mother, Dawn, often demanded that Justin fill in the blanks of who, what, when, where, why, and how. He had learned to provide as much information as possible to avoid any trouble after. Justin’s father, Eric, was far more laid back with him. Dawn liked Keisha and her mother, Shelly Clark. She knew Shelly from the elementary school the couple attended together.

Keisha sat at the laptop prepared to type Justin’s prolific words as he spoke. However, it was several minutes of silence before he spoke. He said, “I know many of you don’t know me too well. I am Justin Edwards. I enjoy making music and playing video games. I also love playing basketball and spending time with my girlfriend, Keisha. I have two of the greatest parents on the planet.” He paused, raising his arm pointing to where they would be sitting so, they could stand. He continued, “My little brother, Jaden, is a great baseball player. He was my best friend. He was my only friend for a long time.”

The statement gave Keisha pause. She remembered what her best friend, Chole, said about Justin one night. Chole said, “He sounds like he is on the spectrum.” Keisha denied it, but now as she recalled those words, things began to make more sense. Justin continued to speak, but Keisha could not really hear what he said, for she was more concerned with his mannerisms and body language. Justin was standing in the middle of his bedroom looking toward Keisha, but she did not feel he was looking at her. Justin called her name, and she looked at him as if seeing him for the first time. She said, “Okay. Go on.” He just looked at her for a second before he said, “You are really pretty.” Keisha blushed and said, “Thanks, Bae.” Justin loved it when Keisha called him that. Keisha loved the way he looked at her. She smiled big at him, and he kissed her lips softly. She pulled him back when he pulled back and kissed him passionately.

After the kiss, Keisha said, “Okay. Let’s finish this speech. You are doing really good.” Justin blushed a little and said, “You like what I’ve said so far?” Keisha nodded and gestured for him to continue. Justin cleared his throat and continued with his graduation speech. He said, “Now I have many people in my life I call my friends. I hang out more. I brought my grades up. I also got accepted to my first college of choice, USC, to do what I love, basketball. He paused to look at Keisha, who gave him a thumbs up.

Justin continued. He said, “I only started playing basketball to connect with my dad. I knew he was disappointed with having me as a son when I was younger. See my dad was a star athlete in high school and college. I wanted to make my dad proud. My mother has always been hard on me, but only because she wants what’s best for me. I didn’t always see that, but I do now. I would like to thank my parents for always pushing me to do better and never to give up. They made sure I had speech therapy, occupational therapy, practiced basketball and stayed in my books. I thank my brother, Jaden, for being my friend. I thank Darius for coming along and being a good friend to me. I thank my girlfriend, Keisha, for being by my side. Lastly, I would like to thank Coach Hunter. If not for him, I never would have fought to have my shot, 3 point that is.” Justin turned and looked at Keisha who was crying. He asked softly, “Good speech?” Keisha answered simply, “Great speech.”

Justin closed the space between them and pulled her into his arms. He engulfed Keisha’s small frame completely. She buried her face in his chest as she held his waist. They held one another for a few more minutes. Mrs. Edwards entered the room to check on them and their progress. She asked, “Is everything alright?” Justin said without looking at his mother, “Yes. We just finished my speech. Would you please read it and make sure it’s perfect?”

Keisha knew that Mrs. Edwards’ opinion meant the world to Justin, so she did not take offense to him, asking her to read the speech. She was afforded the opportunity to hear the raw emotion behind the speech prior to anyone. She was proud to be his listening ear when it mattered most.

Mrs. Edwards also came in to let the pair know that dinner was ready. Justin allowed the ladies to walk ahead of him as they walked to the dining table. Mr. Edwards prepared the meal and Jacob set the table. Justin pulled out Keisha’s chair and pushed it in after she sat down. He had watched his father do it for his mother several times. Mr. Edwards smiled slightly as he watched how his son treated his girlfriend. Mrs. offered to bless the meal. Everyone at the table held hands and gave thanks to God.

Mr. Edwards made roasted chicken, white rice, and green beans. He made sure to keep all the food on Justin’s plate separate. Keisha made a mental note. During the meal, everyone talked about the plan for Justin’s graduation. Both he and Keisha were happy they didn’t graduate on the same day so they could attend the other’s ceremony. Justin asked for the celebration to be simple. He just wanted his family, Keisha, her mother, his friend, Darius, and Keisha’s friend Chloe. He didn’t want to make a big fuss.

Graduation day came quickly. Justin was nervous about making his speech. However, it was because he wanted to add something to his speech that he was sure to make it even more memorable. He had already spoken to his father and his mother helped with his updated speech. His plan was in full motion. Everyone attended that he had invited. Mr. Edwards had his restaurant host dinner.

The graduation ceremony commenced. Justin was ready. He gave his speech. He paused as the crowd applauded his words of gratitude. He asked that his guests stand. They all did. Justin began, “I want to personally thank you all again. Keisha, I have loved you since we were children, even before I knew what that really meant. You have been a great girlfriend. You make me want to be better. I could not possibly imagine my life without you in it. I know you are going to Howard University, and me to USC. It’s only a plane ride away. I want to spend my life loving you. I want to call you my wife one day.” Keisha looked on in complete shock. Miss Clark, her mother, and Chloe were in tears. Both his parents beamed with pride. Darius stood up and clapped for Justin as he yelled, “That’s my guy right there!”

Justin said thank you to his fellow graduates and walked back to his seat as the crowd erupted in applause. They were cheering for him and Keisha. Justin’s father pointed at him then patted his heart. Justin returned the gesture. Keisha was hugged by her mother, his mother, and Chloe. She stared at Just in with a question on her face. She mouthed, “Are you serious?” Justin nodded slowly and tapped his heart and pointed at her. He was saying, “My heart belongs to you.”

At the restaurant for dinner, Keisha pulled Justin aside, “What was that you were saying?” He kissed her softly and said, “I know that we are young, but I know I want to spend my life with you.” Keisha said, ‘I love you too. I can’t imagine my life without you in it.’” He led her to the main dining room and to her seat. She was seated to his right, Chloe, Miss Clark and then Mr. George, Keisha’s grandfather and Jaden’s baseball coach. To his left, was his mother, father, and brother. Darius and his parents were there. Further down, Justin’s tutor, Nancy, and his speech pathologist sat at the other end of the table.

Justin stood to thank everyone for attending and helping him arrive at that moment. He took Keisha’s hand and pulled her to her feet. He stepped over and went and asked her again to marry him as he presented her with a gorgeous diamond engagement ring. She didn’t realize she was holding her breath when he asked. She blinked the tears away and said breathlessly, “Yes!” They hugged and kissed sweetly. The guests clapped and yelled. Jaden finally said, “Great Big Bro! Now can we please eat?”

The rest of the dinner went off without a hitch. They ate, sang and danced. They all fully enjoyed the party. Keisha kept looking at her ring and at Justin. He watched her lovingly. His mother smiled as she grabbed her husband’s hand. Eric brought her hand to his lips and kissed it gently. Love was truly in the air, Forever!