Chapter 13: Graduation
#13 of Duty
Reis finally graduates from the police academy.
Chapter Thirteen: Graduation
August 25th
Reis's graduation finally came. Standing in row of five other honored candidates, he beamed as he was decorated with a new silver badge (his last one specified that he was still in training).
"Ladies and gentleman," concluded the speaker, "may I introduce our new officers of the law." The building erupted in applause. In attendance was Marcus, of course, as well as Marcus's parents Mr. and Mrs. Laramie. Joji and Karma were also in attendance, but they were seated up on the stage; they too stood in applause. Reis turned and shook hands with the other candidates, and Joji and Karma came over to do the same. Officer Richards was also there on the stage; in fact, he was the last person that Reis went over to shake hands with.
"Good job, son."
"All because of you." The two embraced.
In the disbursement of the crowd, Reis stepped down off the stage, where he was first greeted by Marcus who hugged and kissed him on the cheek.
"I'm so proud of you, baby."
Reis gave an uneasy look at first, but he soon smiled and said, "Thank you, Marcus. This means nothing without you."
Mr. and Mrs. Laramie soon followed. Mrs. Laramie did not hesitate to almost push Marcus aside wrap her arms around Reis, squeezing him tight, almost chocking all the air out of him.
"Congrats, Reis!"
"huhhhhhhh thanks Mrs. Laramie..." said Reis with what little oxygen he had left. She finally released him, allowing him to breathe deeply.
"Reis, hasn't it been a few years since that I told you to call me Sandy?"
Reis shrugged. He always figured that Marcus got his spunk from her.
"Congratulations." Said Mr. Laramie as he held out his arm stiffly, giving a straight and somber stare. Reis was not offended, he always knew Mr. Laramie as a rather stern individual who didn't smile often, but it said nothing about his character as he was always respectful to Reis and he without a doubt loved his son (even though acknowledging that did not completely appreciate his lifestyle). Marcus looked more like his father, although his father had brown eyes. Mr. Laramie was a local attorney, spent a couple of terms in the state legislature, and Marcus always credited him with his interest in the law.
"Thank you, sir." Of course, Reis knew the need of using formalities with the father.
Mrs. Laramie smiled, encompassing both Reis and Marcus with her arms. "So now that we're all here, what's the plan? Are we going to the picnic over in Genesco Park?"
"Yea, Marcus can ride with me," said Reis, "We both gotta stop at the house to change."
"Great, we'll meet you boys there. Come on, hon."
As Mr. and Mrs. Laramie left, Reis turned back to the stage. Standing on top of it was Joji, smiling directly at Reis and giving a light wave. Reis returned the gesture.
"Reis..." said Marcus all of a sudden.
"Huh?"
"Let's go."