Adam-3 - Adam was seated about half way back on the stage of the civic auditorium. Next to him was seated his best friend, Anne. "I think my dad is right there about half way up the middle section," Anne said. From where they were sitting, on the stage in this huge auditorium, it was difficult to see even the first row, let alone the second section up. "I won't have to worry about that. My dad never shows up for anything," Adam retorted. "But my mom and Wayne will be here, and maybe my sister. It would take more than a high school graduation to get my dad to leave his TV." He was looking all around, and about half way up he spotted what he thought were his family. He wondered who the blond guy was sitting between his mom and Wayne. If that was indeed them. Their school was not so big that they had to use a rented auditorium. But in these "inner city" schools, experience dictated that if the graduations were held at the school, the school got trashed, if not by rivals then by the graduating seniors themselves. After his dad left (which was a relief for the whole family) and they had to move from the foothills, and acreage, to a "gated" condo community, Adam was glad in a very tangible way that his brothers had taught him to fight and be tough. This was a very mixed culture, and he was about as white as they come. And in the minority. As it worked out, as soon as he garnered some respect among the various races represented, he made some good friends, mostly white, but a few black. No Spanish Americans or Asians, though. They tended to keep to themselves. As each name was called to come up to receive their diplomas, a variety of cheers and whistles were heard in varying degrees. Adam was a good student, but was not up for any awards, and was certain that his family was not going to hoot and holler. That just wasn't their style. When his name was called, a small uproar went up in the area that he thought his folks were. What a surprise. He was pleased, and didn't quite know what to think. When it was all over, the spectators made their way to meet their prized celebrities of the moment. When they got closer, Adam recognized the blond guy. It was Travis. He had actually bleached his hair! This time the hug was close and long, after which Adam asked, "So, what's with the hair?" Travis was slightly embarrassed, but not too much. He responded that his very graying hair was dyed dark for the play, close to his formerly natural hue. When the play was over, he decided that if it was going to be light, then he would choose what shade of light. It took some getting used to, but Adam decided he liked it. "I didn't mean to put you on the spot," Adam said, "It just looks different. I guess you were responsible for the cheer when my name was called. My family would never do that in a million years." Travis just smiled, as he thought, "Yeah and it was like trying to pull teeth." Travis invited everyone in the family to dinner at a local restaurant. Which was a considerable gesture, since one of Adam's sisters, her husband, and 3 kids were all there, as well as one of Adam's brothers. Adam insides were churning. He had promised his friends that immediately after the ceremonies they would all meet and eat together. He suddenly felt he wanted to be with his "family", now, and would have if he could have gotten word to his friends. He was very genuine as he expressed his regret. Travis then said, "That's okay. We'll just have to go out to dinner ourselves sometime -- soon". Adam thought, "Yeah, right!" Travis said, "Call me".