Despite her hatred for remaining confined in crowded areas, Claire remained in the auditorium until most members of her newly graduated class had exited with their families. Unlike most of her classmates, the young debater was not greeted with family as her parents were busy working while her siblings were finishing exams, partying, or working themselves. The truth of the matter is that she had no idea what her sisters or brother were actually doing nor did she care very much. She was almost positive that they would have not come even if she had invited them and she didn't much care for their company anyway. The girl felt little need for support outside of the school's debate team, her tiny fanbase, cats, and dogs with really fluffy tails.

Speaking of the debate team, she almost smiled when she saw a crowd of underclassmen approaching her. [i]Almost.[/i]

Most of the debate team had been graduating seniors who had already run off themselves, but there was still a junior, a freshman, and three sophomores that would carry on the legacy. She had hoped that they would find more members next year, but she was confident that these five could stand on their own if needed. Especially if they were led by Landon who was the junior that came rolling up to Claire in his wheelchair with a smile on his face. "Congratulations, Claire!" 

This sentiment was quickly echoed by Rachel, Ashley, Neil, and the youngest of the bunch, Eddie. 

"Thank you, everyone. I don't even think that I would be here right now if it wasn't for the team." Most of the extracurricular activities at South City High School required that students had passing grades in order to remain on them. Considering her laziness and lack of ambition, Claire wouldn't be surprised if she hadn't been kicked out of school if it weren't for her love of debate. 

"I also appreciate your support since I'd rather have you all here over my family anyway." That definitely wasn't a lie. "And I also want to thank Landon for bringing my bags as well." That also wasn't a lie as well seeing as there was an extra bag hanging off of the back of the junior's wheelchair.

"Oh! I almost forgot. . you're supposed to leave for that road trip like, right now, right?" A question from Landon as he spun in a circle allowing Claire to take her bag off of the back of his wheelchair. "You'll send some pictures to the group chat and tell us about the people you're traveling with, right?" 

A shrug from Claire. "Sure, if you're interested in hearing about them." 

Rachel clasped her hands with an starstruck expression. "Ohmygod, please! I can't believe that you're traveling with someone that will be competing in the X-Games. That's like. . almost a celebrity!" She let out a dreamy sigh. "I wish I could go. I've never been to the west coast before." 

"I'll bring you guys back souvenirs." A comment from the senior of the group as she begins to head for the front doors of the school with her former entourage in tow. "And I'll send you gossip and pictures through the group chat if you really want it." 

"I'm with Rachel." Neil smiles. "Tell us how the west coast is. Oh, and the people that you're traveling with since. . you don't really know them all that well, do you?" Claire shakes her head in response. No, she hadn't known any of them too well outside of rumors, interactions between the entire class as a whole, and having a few classes with some of them. "Well, that'll make the trip even better, right?"

Maybe.

"I should get going. They're probably waiting for me." Claire quickly found herself nervously tugging on the strap of her backpack. "I'll send you guys a message once we're on the road. Make sure that the state doesn't burn down in the meantime."

"We'll try, but no promises." Landon smirks. "Safe travels! And don't forget to look in your bag later - we all left you a little farewell gift!"

"Bye-bye, Claire!"

"See you later!" 

"You better keep us updated on all of the drama from the golden coast!"

And with a wave, Claire entered the school's parking lot and began to search around for those that she would be traveling with. She wanted to find them quickly so she could rip this robe off and look inside her bag. She would be lying if she said that she wasn't slightly curious what Landon and the others had put into her bag. Hopefully, whatever it was, it wasn't explosive.