Imani looked to the golden sunflower shores of Peace Island. Today, the waves seemed to move a little harsher than the peaceful, calm dance she was used to. Today, she has graduated high school and is ready to embark on her journey of becoming an X-Brigade member.
“Hey, Imani! You ready?” Squeals Antisha as she pulls on one of the shorter pieces of Imani’s long wavy dark brown hair. Imani sighs as Antisha’s eyes grow wide but shortly settle as she puts a comforting arm around her shoulder. “I know. It’s a whole new world out there.”
“Do you think we are making the right decision? The X-Brigade has been known to be extra harsh on women trainees. Maybe I should just go to the University in St. Royal-”
“And what? Throw away your degree and help run your mom’s bakery? I guess you could. But why do that when the X-Brigade sends you for free, and after you are done, you get to be a badass educated boss? The bakery is cool, but bread maker versus royal top-secret stealth agent?” Says Antisha making her hands like a scale and tilting them back and forth.
Imani stands seriously, looking at her eccentric friend doing her best impression of a scale that looks like a crab, and the sides of her lips can’t help but curl up. “Okay. Guess you’re right. Badass super stealth royal secret agent is a little cooler. I just had a short moment.”
Antisha and Imani sit in silence, smiling at each other as the harsh waves come to a calm. “Girls, we are about to take the graduation photo!” Yells Ms. Vinod, waving her hand, shining in the sun’s glow as the wind picks up and blows her navy-blue dress and long black hair.
The other students scream and giggle as they run to catch their graduation caps. Imani and Antisha laugh at the sight before them, running to the rest of their class. The photographer scrambles with his camera placing it on the tripod and extending the fan-like front, hiding under its cape. He waves his hands for everyone to gather. “You all look amazing in your yellow dresses and black suits. Now everyone, squeeze together a little tighter.”
Imani looks around at her class one last time as they bask in the glow of youth and ignorance. “Alright, everyone, say peace power!”
“Peace power!?” The whole class says in unison, erupting into laughter.
“What too cheesy?” Asks the photographer escaping from under the camera’s curtains.
Ms. Vinod purses her lips and places her fingers almost together to say a little bit.
“Alright then, let’s go with the old classic. Everyone, say cheese!”
“Cheese!!!!” The class shouts in unison, the bright flash of the camera reflecting on the calm Peace Island waves.
