Original Date of Post: 12/23/2007
Narrator: Something that can make and/or break someone or their reputation. Rumors have the capability to do this and it can be devastating. Hey it’s because of rumors that I didn’t get a date for my senior Prom, but that’s a different story. Here’s today’s tale.
Scott: And how have you been since the death of Wallace?
Winona: I still feel a void inside of me. Every time I get out of class, I always expect to see him right outside waiting for me or outside my house.
Scott: Have you decided whether or not to speak at Graduation yet?
Winona: I still want to do that. I’ve made some sort of dent as Student Body President and with my speech on guns. I want to leave my mark for this as well. I want to ask you something else on a different matter. Is it possible to feel sick even after two weeks? I’ve been having these awful stomachaches and it always feels like I’m going to throw up.
Scott: Absolutely. Death is a very hard thing to deal with. Most people usually deal with things like anxiety or depression after the death of a loved one. These sorts of things take time to cope with. (Bell rings) Well that’s all the time and come see me again.
Narrator: It has been nearly two weeks since the death of Wallace and things around school seem to be getting back to normal, or close to it. Winona on the other hand was taking things a little more serious than usual. Ever since the shooting, Winona has been having nightmares of the shooting, and unusual stomachaches that she told Scott about.
Seems like it was yesterday when I saw your face
You told me how proud you were but I walked away
If only I knew what I know today
I would hold you in my arms
I would take the pain away
Thank you for all you've done
Forgive all your mistakes
There's nothing I wouldn't do
To hear your voice again
Sometimes I want to call you but I know you won't be there...
Narrator: But enough of the sad music! It’s also a happy time around Pallet High, as all of the seniors are preparing for graduation. And even though it’s the end of the year, rumors at the school haven’t stopped. It’s just getting started!
Violet: I can’t believe our own sister is dating a sophomore!
Lily: Jealous much?
Violet: Now why would I be jealous of that? All they ever do is make-out all around school!
Lily: You are jealous! They’ve been going out since Prom and that’s all you can talk about!
Violet: It’s kind of hard not to talk about it when we have to sit in the cafeteria and watch them make-out.
Lily: Well, take a lesson from Daisy and you might learn how to keep a boyfriend!
Violet: Shut up! Not to mention all of the rumors are flying around with them! I’m not even sure if any of them are true.
Lily: If you’re reading it off from the wall of the girl’s bathroom then it’s not true. (Marisa walks by) Hey nark, what’s up?
Marisa: Piss off!
Violet: Whoa! Who took a piss in her cereal this morning?
Marcus: Hey little buddy! (She growls) Whoa! Did I catch you at a bad time?
Marisa: Rumors Marcus! The rumors are flying around here and I do not like this!
Marcus: Oh, is this the rumor about you stuffing your bra? I mean, I know it’s not true. You just have big… (She hits him) What was that for?
Marisa: You had it coming!
Marcus: Anyways! What rumor? (She points to Daisy and Tracey kissing)
Marisa: Does that answer your question?
Marcus: Right! How did I not see that one coming? They’ve been going out for a couple of weeks now and you’re still sulking.
Marisa: I’m going to class now! I’ll see you later! (Nearby)
Misty: People all around the school are starting to talk about Daisy and Tracey.
Sakura: No kidding! I read some pretty nasty things in the girl’s bathroom!
Misty: It’s not true!
Sakura: But it must be nice to have a boyfriend.
Misty: I can only imagine. (Stares at Ash nearby)
Sakura: Hey Misty…
Misty: Yes As…Actually, I have to go, go, go. I’ve got a big test, BIG test. (Misty leaves) Catch ya later!
Sakura: That was weird. (At lunch)
Brock: Look at them! Ever since Prom, Tracey and Daisy have been all lovey-dovey.
Sakura: They hold hands, kiss, and are constantly doing things together. Yup! There’s no doubt that this is love!
Brock: It’s no fair! He hasn’t been at this school for even a whole year yet and he is able to land one of the hottest senior cheerleaders. What am I doing wrong?
Misty: I’ve made a list! Would you like me to go over it with you?
Brock: Hey, I’m not that bad. (Marisa walks to the table)
Marisa: What’s up you guys?
Ash: We’re watching Tracey and Daisy play tonsil hockey! (Marcus punches Ash in the arm) Ouch! What was that for?
Marcus: Sorry, I saw a bug! Oh, we’re just talking about…my magazine! Did you know that Tom Cruise is really an alien from Mars?
Marisa: That’s nice!
Sakura: What’s wrong Marisa?
Marisa: Oh nothing, I’m fine.
Sakura: It’s okay to feel depressed! (Marisa blushes) You’re just still shook up by the death of Wallace, seeing as you are one of the people who witnessed the shooting.
Marisa: I guess that’s the reason. But still, it’s not as bad as how Winona must feel.
Misty: You’re right.
Brock: Winona is hurting and I shall be right by her side to comfort in these times of crisis! Never fear my dear Winona, Brock is here! (Misty grabs Brock’s ear)
Misty: YOU ARE THE LAST THING SHE WANTS!
Ash: Uh, where is Winona? (Misty and Sakura walk over to another table)
Misty: Lanette!
Lanette: Hey girls! What brings you over here?
Sakura: Have you seen Winona today?
Lanette: Not since second period!
Misty: You’re her best friend, so you know her better than I do. How is she doing now?
Lanette: (Sighs) She just lost her boyfriend to a crazy, emo kid! How do you think she feels?
Sakura: That bad, huh?
Misty: I wish that there was more that we can do for her.
Lanette: I know. But these things take time!
Narrator: Meanwhile…
I'm sorry for blaming you for everything I just couldn't do
And I've hurt myself by hurting you
Some days I feel broke inside but I won't admit
Sometimes I just want to hide 'cause it's you I miss
You know it's so hard to say goodbye when it comes to this...
Narrator: What the hell is this?
Would you tell me I was wrong?
Would you help me understand?
Are you looking down upon me?
Are you proud of who I am?
There's nothing I wouldn't do
To have just one more chance
To look into your eyes and see you looking back...
Narrator: Where is this music coming from? I swear I think we have a monkey at the controls! Anyways, where was I? Oh yes! Meanwhile, in the girl’s bathroom…
Lily: I’ll see you girls in a little bit! (She closes the door) Huh? (Hears crying from a stall) Are you okay in there?
Winona: Lily?
Lily: Winona, is that you?
Winona: GO AWAY!
Lily: Winona, it sounds like you’re crying! (Opens the door) Winona!
Winona: (Sobbing) Just go away! Please, go away! (Violet walks in)
Lily: But you're on the floor shaking and you're crying!
Violet: What the hell?
Lily: Don’t just stand there looking stupid! Go get Nurse Joy, call an ambulance, do something! (Violet runs out of the bathroom) Don’t worry! We’ll get you some help! (A little later)
Marisa: I’m going to start eating outside again!
Marcus: Oh you don’t mean that!
Marisa: If it means that I have to watch Tracey make-out with that blonde whore, I’d rather eat outside. Better than staying in there and make me throw up my lunch.
Marcus: HOLY CRAP! There are paramedics here!
Marisa: What the hell happened?
Marcus: Somebody in that huge crowd must know something!
Marisa: (Gasps) Winona’s on a stretcher! What the hell is going on?
Lily: I’m surprised you don’t know! You’re usually the first to know!
Marisa: Just tell me Waterflower and spare me the commentary!
Lily: I found Winona on the floor of the bathroom shaking and crying!
Marisa: Poor Winona!
Narrator: And that’s when the rumors have started!
Lily: And she just kept on shaking and crying!
Daisy: Shaking you say? You don’t think she’s on drugs do you?
Lily: You idiot! She just lost her boyfriend! It was most likely a panic attack!
Daisy: That’s not contagious is it?
Lily: Well, we all know that Tracey likes you for your looks and not the brains!
Violet: What brains? (Nearby)
Whitney: I say that she’s using heroine.
Erika: You really think that Winona is using heroine?
Whitney: Well some kind of drug!
Grace: Really? I heard she was just having a bad reaction to the depression drugs she’s been on since she lost her boyfriend.
Kelly: It’s not nice to say things that aren’t true. Besides, I heard it was a year long battle with alcoholism.
Grace: Wow, that’s way out there!
Sakura: I heard that she has the Michael J. Fox disease.
Misty: What’s that?
Ash: Oh I know! She has Parks and Rec’s disease?
Drew: It’s Parkinson’s disease, you idiot!
Harley: No, it’s not that! Winona’s way too young to have that disease! Besides, I heard that she has a gay lover and…
Drew: Okay, that makes absolutely no sense.
Narrator: And it just goes on and on! And now for something we haven’t seen all chapter!
Marcus: You’re actually smiling? What’s the occasion?
Marisa: Great news! Gary is going to a different school next year, which means no pervert following me.
Marcus: I’m sure you’re thrilled.
Marisa: Damn straight! And with him out of the picture…Oh, never mind.
Marcus: Oh, it’s about him again. (She sighs)
Marisa: It’s nothing Marcus. If he loves another girl then I’m happy for him. (Tears up) As long as he’s happy, I’m happy.
Marcus: You’re not happy and I can tell. You know that it pains me to see you so upset like this. And trust me, I too know how it feels to see someone you like in the arms of someone else at the Prom.
Marisa: You mean you have a crush on someone too?
Marcus: Ugh, never mind. I said too much!
Marisa: Well either way, I don’t wish to talk about it anymore. Now if you don’t mind, I have some work to do. (She goes into the office)
Marcus: That was a close one! (The next morning in the hallway)
Winona: (Thinking) Geez! I have one mental breakdown in the bathroom and now the whole school is talking behind my back.
Lanette: Winnie! There you are!
Winona: Hey.
Lanette: Hey yourself! I would have thought you would be taking the rest of the week off from school. You scared everybody with the little spat in the bathroom.
Winona: I’m feeling better. Or close to that!
Lanette: I’m glad you’re feeling better now, but enough of that! I want some answers! It’s been crazy here for the last day. Everybody at school thought something different about you. So many rumors went flying! You’re on drugs, you’re on heroine, you have Parkinson’s disease, you’re stressed, you’re depressed, you’re anxious, you’re suicidal, and one idiot said that you have an alcohol problem. And trust me I’ve been trying to set the record straight everywhere.
Winona: Thanks for the concern Lanette. The doctor said I was fine and that it was a panic attack. (Lanette sighs) Although…I have to tell you one more thing in private! (In the bathroom)
Lanette: PREGNANT?!
Winona: (Whispering) Keep your voice down!
Lanette: But…How? What? Ooh, boy!
Narrator: Let’s freeze for a second. You see, it all happened Prom night when Winona went from a nice girl into a fast, party girl. After the dance, Winona lied to her parents by saying that she was staying at a friend’s house. Instead, she and Wallace rented a hotel room and did the “Mattress Mambo.” We now return to the rest of the story already in progress!
Lanette: And Wallace is the father, right?
Winona: Of course he is, or was. Ugh, I don’t know anymore.
Lanette: OH MY GOD THIS IS SO ROMANTIC! And yet so sad! Wallace’s death, so sad and such a tragedy! But as I always say, there’s a silver lining in every dark cloud. The child that you are carrying is the one thing you have to always remind you of the late, great, Wallace.
Winona: I never thought of it like that.
Lanette: But then of course, the whole school will find out and the rumors will be a hell of a lot worse than they are now. Plus, you can just say goodbye to all of the many, many colleges that were banging on your door all year. On top of which, you will just be another statistic of an unwed teenage mother. (Winona sighs) That’s not to put you down or anything!
Winona: Maybe you're not the right person to speak to right now. (Later in Scott’s office)
Scott: Pregnant? Wow, that is rather big news! I just have to ask this. That is Wallace’s baby in there right?
Winona: Why does everybody ask that? Yes, Wallace is the father…Or was!
Scott: Just asking! (Winona cries) What’s the matter?
Winona: This is all happening so fast. I lost my boyfriend, I’m having a baby, my finals are creeping up fast, and then there’s this Valedictorian thing! It’s just too much! No wonder I had that panic attack!
Scott: Winona, you’re not the first girl to lose a boyfriend due to a gun crime. And you are certainly not the first Valedictorian to be an expecting mother. I myself have seen plenty of girls who were Valedictorians who looked like they were about to pop on stage. Trust me when I say this, you are not alone. You have a very loving family and very supportive friends who would be happy to help. It may be a tough road, but mark my words you will not go down it by yourself. (Later at lunch)
Winona: Hmm…I wonder! (Marisa walks up)
Marisa: Hey Winona. How are you feeling?
Winona: I’ll be okay. I’m just working on my speech for Graduation. (Marisa gives her a hug) What was that for?
Marisa: You just look like you need a hug. (Winona smiles) I know I haven’t lost anyone close to me and I hope that I don’t experience that anytime soon. But I just can’t imagine how you must be feeling. I just know that these things take time. I’m sure wherever Wallace is, he’s looking down and watching over you.
Winona: That’s really sweet of you to say.
Marisa: That’s odd. Normally, I’ll see Daisy and Tracey sucking each others faces off, but they’re not in the cafeteria. Knowing Daisy, she probably dragged Tracey to a broom closet or some other creepy place!
Winona: No, I actually saw them outside. (Marisa gets up and walks away) Where are you going?
Marisa: I’m going to go outside for a little bit. I’ll see you later Winona! (Outside in the courtyard)
Marisa: (Thinking) He’s by himself. Perfect! No ditzy blonde to ruin the moment.
Tracey: Huh? (Sadly) Hi Marisa!
Marisa: Tracey, you look like you’ve been crying. (Kneels down) What’s the matter?
Tracey: (Sighs) Daisy dumped me! (Marisa gasps) She just told me that she doesn’t want to go out with me anymore. It’s just that the long-distance relationship didn’t sound too good to her.
Marisa: Long distance?
Tracey: It’s because she’s going to college and I still have two more years of high school.
Marisa: I’m sorry to hear that Tracey. So, maybe Daisy wasn’t the right girl for you. She doesn’t know what she’s missing! In my opinion, any girl would love to have someone who is as sweet and caring as you.
Tracey: You really think so?
Marisa: I know so.
Tracey: Thanks Marisa. You’re always a great person to talk to.
Marisa: (Thinking) First Winona and then Tracey! I am on a roll today! Even better, I got that blonde witch away from him so I might just have a chance after all. But I better not jump on him so fast! Give his heart some time to heal and then make your move.
Narrator: One week passes and it is Graduation day. At Winona’s house, Winona was getting ready for the big day. As she finished putting on her cap and gown, she quickly went to look at her picture of her and Wallace standing together at Prom. She then put the picture down and left her house. It was about two hours before Graduation and Winona decided to go to where Wallace was buried. At that time in a big stadium, the rest of the graduating seniors were preparing for their special moment.
Lanette: Where could she be?
Daisy: Hey Lanette!
Lanette: What is it Waterflower?
Daisy: Don’t get pissy with me! I was wondering where Winona is!
Lanette: I don’t know! You haven’t seen her?
Daisy: No. And Principal Oak hasn’t seen her yet either!
Lanette: I wonder where she could…Oh! I think I might know! Daisy, I need you! (She grabs her arm)
Daisy: Where are you taking me?
Lanette: I think I know where Winona is! I need someone with a car to take me over there! (A little later at the graveyard)
Winona: Well honey, it’s finally Graduation day and time for me to give the big speech to my class. I remember the last two years that you would always give me a kind word or two before I have to go up to a giant crowd. (Daisy and Lanette drive up)
Lanette: I knew she’d be there.
Daisy: Poor dear. Wherever Wallace is now, I hope he comes down to look after Winona and her baby.
Lanette: Yeah…HOW DID YOU FIND THAT OUT?! I mean, oh crap!
Daisy: It’s okay Lanette. I kind of had a feeling that she was pregnant. It was either that or drugs! (Lanette groans) And don’t worry her secret is safe with me.
Lanette: Huh?
Daisy: There’s a time and place for everything when it comes to gossip. Winona may bug me to no end, but I would never reveal something like that. Besides, I figure since I might not see anyone until our ten year reunion, I don’t want to end on a bad chord or make any enemies on graduation. (Back at the grave)
Winona: I guess you probably have already heard that I am having a baby. Call it destiny or whatever! I may feel alone on this, but I know you will be there in spirit. (Feels a hand on her shoulder) Lanette, Daisy, what are you guys doing here?
Lanette: Well, I was a bit worried when I didn’t see you at the stadium. But then, I kind of knew where you would be so I had to just check on you. But since I don’t have a car, I had to ask Daisy to drive.
Daisy: It’s no problem. I’m happy to help.
Winona: Really?
Daisy: Of course! I do have a heart you know! Now come on or we’ll be late for our own graduation.
Winona: (Thinking) Time for the speech. Wish me luck! (As they leave, Wallace’s spirit shows up)
Wallace: Good luck Winona! (He disappears)
Lanette: Huh?
Daisy: Something wrong?
Lanette: I thought I saw...something. (Winona smiles) Well whatever, it's gone now. (A little later at the stadium)
Marcus: How much longer? HOW MUCH LONGER?
Marisa: Two more years.
Ash: This place is packed. (Brock sobs) Oh come on Brock, graduation isn’t supposed to be sad.
Brock: IT IS FOR ME! All of the major cute girls are leaving. No more Lanette or Daisy or Winona! IT’S NOT FAIR! (Misty grabs Brock’s ear) What did I do now?
Misty: Chill Captain Spaz!
Drew: Seriously.
Brock: Shut up Drew! Who told you that you could sit with us? (Marisa grabs his other ear)
Marisa: I did, now shut up!
Tracey: It’s starting! (Pomp and Circumstances plays)
Marcus: Take your last look at these folks!
Misty: Trust me, I'm going to see those three for the rest of my life. (A little later on the floor)
Daisy: God, I didn’t realize how boring this was! (Up in the stands)
Marcus: (Yawns) Goodness!
Marisa: Hey, it was a hell of a lot more boring last year. (Ash snores) Oh for crying out loud! (Smacks Ash)
Ash: Huh? Is it over? (Back on the floor)
Principal Oak: Our next speaker is one of Pallet High’s most prominent students to date. From her freshmen year to her senior year, she has held an office position, and even claiming the title of Student Body President. As well as a member of Yearbook and National Honor Society, and on top of that, Homecoming Queen, this young lady has sure accomplished a lot in four years. Please welcome your class Valedictorian, Winona... (Microphone feedback). Who keeps ordering these microphones that cut off?
Winona: Thank you. (Up in the stands)
Sakura: Wake up Ash! Winona is on!
Ash: You mean it’s not over yet?
Narrator: Winona’s speech went over great and got a standing ovation. Finally, Principal Oak and the rest of the administration handed out the diplomas. After the diplomas were given out, Principal Oak announced to the school the new graduated class. Once the ceremony ended, everybody went outside to meet with the friends and relatives of the class.
Lily: To college!
Violet: To fame!
Daisy: To the party!
Misty: Well congratulations you guys, I’m really happy for you all.
Daisy: Do you really mean that?
Misty: I can finally go to school without students asking me for our phone number just to call you three.
Daisy: Gee, I sure feel the sisterly love here. Oh Tracey, could I speak to you?
Tracey: Um...sure.
Daisy: Look, I’m sorry how things worked out. I want you to know that you are such a sweet guy and I would love it if we could keep in touch as friends.
Tracey: (He smiles) I would like that a lot Daisy. (She kisses him on the cheek)
Daisy: I’ll always remember you Tracey.
Tracey: You too Daisy. (Nearby)
Marcus: Looks like there’s hope again for you.
Marisa: One more comment and I will re-arrange your face. (Marcus walks away)
Winona: Marisa.
Marisa: Winona! Congratulations, your speech was great.
Winona: Thanks Marisa that really does mean a lot coming from you.
Marisa: Winona, I just wanted to thank you for all of the wonderful things you’ve done for me and my friends for the past two years.
Sakura: She’s right you’ve done so much and ask so little. If it weren’t for you, I might have gotten killed my freshmen year.
Misty: You helped me a lot and you are always such a great person to talk to and I’m really going to miss having you around.
Winona: Thanks you guys. You know, I considered you three as big of friends as Lanette. I just wanted you to know that. And I want you three to know that I am going to be having a baby.
Misty: Really?
Sakura: Congratulations!
Marisa: Well actually Winona, I already knew.
Winona: What? How did you know that? I only told Lanette so there is no way you could…
Marisa: Ha, ha, never underestimate me. I am everywhere and then some! But seriously, congratulations and good luck. Oh and I found out on my way to the bathroom last week. I only heard Lanette scream out the word pregnant and so I put two and two together.
Winona: You girls, I want to wish you good luck in the future and maybe I will see you guys one day.
Narrator: They always say the hardest thing is learning how to say goodbye. It’s never easy to say goodbye to dear friends, but that’s what happens in life. You say goodbye to old friends and meet new ones. What new friends will Ash and company meet? What new romances will there be? Only time will tell. Until next season, stay tuned.
Song(s) Used:
*Christina Aguilera-Hurt