Chapter Thirty-Three- Final

Closing Song:

I Guess I'm In Love By Clinton Kane

***

Four Months Later

Being at the end can be sad, but it also can be a good thing.

The end, in some aspects, means the beginning of something new. The end of a good meal most times leads to a great dessert. The end of a good movie typically gives a chance to start a new one. As for me, the end of high school opens the door for new opportunities in life.

It was a sad moment in some sense. Seven years of high school has been a journey. The nostalgia was almost overwhelming, but it was all worth it.

I had good times and bad times. I had tons of fun and shed a lot of tears too. But high school was where I met some of the most important people in my life, and so it will forever be one of my favourite places.

University was a big step from high school, but I suppose I was somewhat ready. The months of getting acceptance letters were terribly nerve-wracking. However, it wasn't too bad, because my friends and I wouldn't be too far apart. It so happened that Colton and Fabian got accepted to the same university, all the way over there in Manchester. The thought always made me laugh.

Maybe now they will become friends. They tolerate each other for my sake but barely ever share anything more than a curt nod.

Then again, The University of Manchester is a large campus. I doubt they will ever cross paths much. Plus, with Colton studying politics and Fabian studying engineering and architecture, the tiny chance of sharing a class went straight out the window. It didn't quite bother me, though. I wasn't the one to force them to become besties. They've come a long way in four months.

Plus, if anything should happen, I wasn't more than an hour and a half away in York. At first, the distance bothered me, and I was tempted to go to Manchester with my boys. But I got into the Literature Program at the University of York, and I was elated. My mother got her second degree there in Literature, and I always wanted to do the same. It was a tough choice, but I didn't regret it. Besides, I won't be entirely alone over there. I met a new friend a couple weeks ago, and somewhere in the conversation, she revealed that she would be studying there too. I was relieved, of course, that I would know someone when I began.

Fabian swore to visit me every day, though I knew that was impossible. However, we'll make it work. I loved him too much to lose him, and distance certainly wasn't a problem, but we both knew that university is an entirely different environment. It's easy to lose your way there, and it will get hard. But I believe that our love will overcome it. Then in four years, we'll not only be university graduates but overcomers of the stigma of ending relationships too.

You'll see.

"Paris! What are you staring at? We're ready." I was snapped from my thoughts by my best friend's voice and brought back to consciousness by his beaming smile. I shook my head to clear my thoughts as I shifted my gaze from the view of my high school.

We were standing on the roof of the art building with helium-filled balloons ready to be released. It was a tradition here at Reagan High that the leaving sixth-formers would release red and white balloons as our way of saying farewell to high school. Since we already graduated two years ago before joining the sixth form program, the school board apparently didn't see the need for another school leaving ceremony, even though we were indeed leaving high school.

Nonetheless, we made the most of what we had. It was a fun event to plan. We, the upper sixth formers, decided to keep our theme simple this year, so the females wore white dresses, and the males wore white button-down shirts, blank slacks and a red bowtie.

They all looked so grown up and intelligent. In fact, I was probably one of the only people who was still 17. Most of our year group turned 18 over this year. My birthday was only a month away, so at least I will start university as an adult.

My point was, I was incredibly proud of us all.

I joined my year group at the centre of the roof, where they were all gathered. I walked carefully, cursing myself for wearing heels on a three-story building, but the pictures I took earlier were definitely worth it.

The cool breeze tickled the nape of my neck as I moved towards our grade coordinator as she handed out the balloons. I took one red and one white before joining Colton, Shanae, Nick and Ariana at the back. As always, Nick and Shanae were eating each other's faces off. At least they'll get to do it every day at Yale. Turns out, Shanae will be joining him in America this fall. I'll miss her a lot, but there will always be holidays to see each other. Ariana, on the other hand, will be taking a gap year. She wasn't sure what she wanted to do with her life yet, and that's totally fine.

I knew, however, that she loved Biology. She was my partner for two years, after all. And even though we didn't become friends until lately, I could always see her passion for the subject. She once told me that for the next year, she'll travel and learn more about animals. Who knows? Maybe she'll become a zoologist.

"There you are," Colton said as he pulled me in a hug, making crushes in my dress. The light in his eyes showed just how excited he was. It made me smile too.

"I was just reminiscing on it all, you know?" I said as I fell in line.

"Yea, I'll miss this place." He sighed as he rested his head on top of mine, and I didn't bother pushing him away like I always do. "Maybe in ten years, we can have a reunion."

"Not gonna happen," Ariana scoffed. "Have you met these kids?"

"They won't be kids anymore," he shot back. "It'll happen, you'll see."

"I'm looking forward to where you two will be in ten years," I teased under my breath as they started arguing again.

Over the months after Colton and I became friends again and hung out more, these two have been at each other's throats all the time. I believed that they slept together once, but I didn't dare to ask. It was a movie night when Colton left to refill our snacks, and Ariana went to the bathroom. I don't know what happened, and maybe it wasn't intentional, but something definitely changed that night when they both returned flushed and flustered, and with Colton bearing no snacks as he promised. We never spoke of it, but the chemistry and tension between them never faded.

Escaping from the spit wars, I shifted to where Shanae and Nick were, breaking them apart with one slap.

"I need a selfie," I said as Shanae pulled away to glare at me. Her expression immediately softened before she nodded. I assumed she felt bad, though I told her a million times that she shouldn't. If Fabian was leaving to go across the world to study, I probably would've followed him too.

"Of course," she said as she shoved Nick away. He rolled his eyes with a chuckle before joining some of his male friends a few feet away. "Say cheese!" she sang, and we both flashed pearly whites before snapping countless pictures, ensuring to keep our grasps on the balloon's strings.

Soon, they started the school song, and we stood at attention as we worded each lyric from our hearts. Some people cried, and I was surprised that I didn't too, but I was far too anxious for it to end, more than I should've been. It was a special day, not only for the school but for Fabian and me too.

After the school song ended, our Head girl and boy stood on our makeshift stage to give a somewhat valedictory speech before bidding us an extraordinary life. Then, we huddled in our groups of friends and released our balloons, and that's when my tears finally came.

Slowly, the sky became littered in red and white ovals as the wind dispersed them above us. It was a beautiful moment indeed. Friends remained pressed to one another as they watched the balloons go, some cried on the shoulders of their for-lifers, and most of all, no one uttered a single sound.

I stood awhile as I watched them float away. I didn't even take a picture because I knew the moment would be instilled in my memory forever.

Little by little, people started to leave. Some people were hosting parties and get-togethers. Some people were going to pack to go away, but me? I planned to spend the rest of the evening with Fabian.

My friends decided to remain a while as I left, and I hugged each of them and promised to talk to them later. Colton left a wet kiss on my cheek before I headed for the stairs, taking each step carefully so I wouldn't break my neck by falling.

Alas, I was on hard, solid ground, and my dad and Cynthia were waiting for me by the front benches.

"Those balloons were so pretty!" Cynthia gushed as she threw herself at me. "I can't wait to leave high school."

"Don't grow up too fast now," my dad said as he joined us, ruffling Cynthia's hair. "Paris is already leaving me."

"Awe, dad, I'm not leaving you." I frowned at the thought, feeling compelled to reach up and kiss his cheek. "We have the entire summer, plus I'll be home on weekends."

"Ah, I'm just teasing you," he chuckled, and his phone vibrated with a message. His lips curled as he viewed it, pushing up his cheeks in two round dumplings.

Cynthia and I shared a look. "Is that the lady from the coffee shop?" I teased with a giggle. His face changed colour as he looked at us wide-eyed. I rolled my eyes at his obliviousness. As if we wouldn't notice.

He cleared his throat. "Uh, no. It's your mother. I sent her the pictures of you."

"Oh," I nodded. "Tell her I'll call her later, and I will see you both at around twelve."

I quickly kissed both their cheeks before dashing for the exit before dad could protest. As I looked back, I could see his playful glare.

"Eleven-thirty then!" I shouted with a gigantic smile.

I slowed my pace when my ankles began to hurt, and I scanned the parking lot for my car. Fabian took it this morning since I rode with dad, and a white dress wasn't the best fit for a motorcycle.

I saw him only after mere seconds of searching, and just like always, my heart soared at his breath-taking smile, seeing that he saw me first. I closed the distance between us in mere seconds, staying mindful of the heels on my feet before I flung myself in his arms.

He beamed at me after skillfully catching me, and I quickly reached up to press a quick peck on his lips.

"Hi, Beautiful," he greeted softly, causing my smile to grow wider.

"Hi, Handsome," I returned just as sweet. "Happy birthday."

He chuckled with a slight shake of his head. "For the umpteenth time today, thank you." I rolled my eyes at his teasing tone. Okay, maybe I overdid it a little bit.

"I know, I know," I defended. "But it is the first time that I get to tell you while doing this…." I pulled on his bottom lip with my teeth, automatically giving me access to initiate a kiss.

I moved my lips against his in a rhythmic caress, keeping my body pressed flush against his.

"Happy birthday," I whispered as I pulled away, but he quickly reclaimed my lips, showing that he wasn't quite ready for our kiss to end just yet.

"Hhmm. That was the best one yet," he said with a groan as he swept his tongue over my upper lip. I smiled again, pulling away despite his protests.

"I have something for you." I shuffled away from him and opened the trunk, praying that he didn't see it when he picked up my car.

"Paris, I told you that you didn't have to get me anything." He sounded so cute, being whiney and all.

Nonetheless, I grabbed the giant gift bag and spun on my heels to face him again. "I know. But I wanted to."

I observed as he retrieved the bag from me, curiosity and a hint of excitement dancing in his gaze. "What is it?" he asked, and I chuckled before motioning to it.

"Open it." I pulled my lip between my teeth, with my body shaking in excitement. I put a lot of thought into the gift, and I couldn't wait to see his reaction.

He spared me one final glance before reaching into the bag. I watched as his expression changed from focused to confused and, finally, surprise. I held my composure as he pulled it all the way out, and I caught the bag for him so that he could get a better hold of his gift.

At first, when I remembered his birthday, I didn't know what I was going to get him. I was so consumed by my own life and getting used to mom not being around that I realized at times I didn't show him how much he really means to me. So, I thought, how do I show him my love through a gift?

I was lying on the answer all along.

When I shifted in my bed and appreciated the comfort and warmth of my sheets, I just knew what I wanted to get him. So, I got a blanket customized with a collage of pictures of us, from our road trips to simple date nights and even random selfies we took together.

It wasn't big enough to cover a bed, but it was just right to cuddle around his shoulders. I got him a similar mug too, but I left it at home by accident.

"Paris…."

I watched as his eyes wandered over each image and how his expression would light up with the memories they held. It took about two minutes for him to meet my eyes again, and when he did, I knew that I got him the perfect gift.

Without saying a word, he grabbed me in a hug and buried his nose in the crook of my neck.

"This is… This is beautiful, baby. I love it. Thank you," he finally said, never once breaking our embrace.

"When you are away at university and studying late at night, it can keep you warm. I soaked it in my love," I said, and his shoulder shook with a chuckle as he pulled away.

"I'll cherish it." He kissed my temple, then my cheek and the corner of my lips. "Just like I cherish you."

It was those words that finally drove me home. He was right. It's one thing to love something or someone, but to cherish it is a completely different type of adoration. To know that you've found the one you didn't even know existed, to find someone worth all the wait, heartbreak and pain, and who makes you feel like you're the only one in the world who could ever claim their love, was majestic.

To find the one you love is the best gift of life one can ever get.

Well, that was who Fabian was to me, and I wanted to ensure that he knew this.

"Fabian?"

"Hhmm?" He lifted his gaze from the blanket again to meet my eager eyes.

"I want to take you somewhere," I told him, initiating phase two of his birthday gift. "Well, more than one place, actually."

He regarded me with narrowed eyes since I told him that I just wanted to hang out today. But little did he know that I had far more planned. Thankfully, he didn't question me. He simply handed me my car keys before joining me on the passenger side.

I could see the curiosity swimming in his eyes as we buckled in, but I didn't let my excitement show too much. Fabian, of all people, deserved something like this. He does it for me every day when he shows me his love. It was my time to return the favour. So, what better day than his birthday?

I pulled out of Reagan High for maybe the last time, saying goodbye to the closed doors and hello to new opening ones.

Fabian remained quiet as we drove, probably thinking about where I was taking him. I nibbled on my lip as I held his hand over the console. It didn't take too long for us to reach our first destination, and his confused expression became more evident when I pulled into Chad's roller-skating rink.

"Paris, what are we doing here?" he asked as I parked in the very exact spot I parked months ago when I came here to stalk him. It took a lot of persuading to get Chad to reserve the spot for me, but I got it done.

Clearing my throat, I spun in my seat to face him, avoiding his question as I grabbed my phone. I wrote down all the things I'd say to him at each destination, but now being with him, I didn't need the phone. I could speak from my heart. And so, I did.

"Fabian," I mumbled as I held his hand, and a wave of nostalgia knocked me over. "This is where it all began." I smiled at the memory, and his features softened as if he realized what I was up to. "It was a rainy night here at the rink, and I was heartbroken and embarrassed when I dashed for the doors." I chuckled as the image of night replayed in my mind. "I still had those stupid neon pink skates on my feet, and I was heading for the exit at full speed."

"I remember," he chuckled as he rested his head against the seat.

"You called after me when you thought I was stealing the skates. I almost fell, but you caught me instead. I still remember how I felt when I first saw you. Brooding eyes filled with amusement and confusion, soft pink lips smirking down at me; I was trapped from that moment without even noticing. This place, right here, is where you and I fulfilled destiny."

I smiled as I ended, loving how much better that was from what I had written down on my phone. Fabian loved it too. It showed in the way he kissed me after I stopped talking.

As a part of my plan, I spent an hour at the rink with him, skating in those awful pink skates that I also had to ask Chad to save for me. Fabian never made me fall once, and he made snarky jokes every time he would spin me around, calling me that ridiculous nickname that I had come to love. It was fun, as I imagined and hoped, but soon we left for our second destination.

It was quite a drive to Hamilton and Hills High School, and I knew he would have recognized the route. Still, he remained quiet, even though his curiosity was once again piqued. I parked close to the side of the school since what I had planned was far too risky. Hamilton High had already closed for summer, so security personnel and groundsmen were the only people who remained on campus.

Again, I switched off the car and turned in my seat to face him.

"This is where I first started to know you. I remember when you took me here, and I met the rebellious side of you that I both liked and feared. This is where I started to care for you, and it was on that same day that I knew I wanted to be your friend." I blushed at the confession, but I remembered clearly how interested I was in him that day.

I knew he was special then.

"Are you trying to make me cry, Paris?" he asked as he caressed the exposed area on my thigh. I chuckled before shaking my head.

"No, not yet, at least." Dodging his next question, I hopped from the car and called after him, where he followed me to the pool, where we shared our first real conversation.

We didn't actually go into the water. We sat at the edge, feet emersed in the crystalloid liquid as we talked about every and any topic that came to mind.

Before I knew it, it was six in the evening, pushing me far back from schedule, but I didn't mind.

We stopped at a diner for food before heading to my third stop. Fabian actually guessed it this time, and I wasn't even surprised. It was, after all, one of his favourite places.

I laced my fingers in his once we alighted my car, and I was happy to see that he was actually enjoying the day. His smile had never dropped throughout the five hours we've been together. That was my goal.

"Can I do it this time?" he asked as we sauntered down the familiar path that led to the pond. I nodded with a simper of my own, appreciating the warmth of the evening sun on his face.

"Sure."

It was his day, after all. And after the day we've had, he must've already known what I'd say about this place.

"This was the place when I realized that someone else actually cared for me," he said, looking straight ahead. "I remember coming here the night when Derrick ruined our time at the pool. Then, imagine my surprise a few days later when a tiny brunette showed up at my door."

I chuckled at the way he said it, but I remembered pretty well.

"At first, I was confused—scared even. Why would she seek me out? What's so special about me? But believe it or not, that was the day when I knew I liked you."

"Me too," I admitted. It was in the house that I shared my first kiss with him. He had stirred feelings in my heart that I didn't understand then, but looking back was bliss.

We stayed in comfortable silence as we arrived at the pond. As usual, the small fishes wiggled around in the blue pond, and the waterlilies floated above it in leisurely roams.

I wanted to stay there all night and never leave until morning, but I knew that I had to end the evening with my final destination.

And so, I took him to the spot where he made me his, where I shared the most intimate and beautiful experience of my life, and where I first called him my boyfriend.

As I last remembered, the old park was still deserted, but its beauty remained. We arrived right on time, just as the sun was saying goodbye behind the horizon. We had no blanket, but we still sat in the grass at the very same spot where we shared our first date months ago. I still remembered it like it was yesterday, and again, I turned to Fabian with a million and one things that I wanted to say to him, yet it all seemed so jumbled in my mind.

I could see behind his eyes, too, how much he wanted to say, but just staring at each other seemed like enough.

It was right there under the beams of London's sunset that I made an eternal promise to myself and him. That I'd always be his, and he'll always be mine.

"This is where we shared our first date," I whispered as we stared at each other intensely.

"Where the real journey began," he added, and just like always, I felt my tears threatening to break through. I rested my forehead against his, and our eyes fluttered closed as we read each other's hearts.

"This is where I gave you my all."

"And this is where I promised myself to you."

I sniffled, trying desperately to keep my tears at bay. "And I know—"

"We know," he corrected.

"—that we will always love each other, no matter what. Happy birthday, Fabian. I love you." My last words came out as a hushed whisper as Fabian finally closed the small space between us and initiated yet another blissful kiss.

I remembered months ago when I volunteered at the retirement centre, where there was a sweet old lady with dementia—Abra. She would always tell me her story of how she met the love of her life in Paris, and she never regretted it one bit.

Back then, I wished for what she had. I hoped that one day I could've gotten it. Little did I know that it was only a stone's throw away.

"Thank you for accepting me, Fabian," I mumbled against his lips because if it really wasn't for him, I'd never know such happiness today.

Abra told me something once, and even buried deep in my subconscious, I never forgot those words.

'However or wherever you find love, it is right as long as you know that it's genuine.'

And I know that what I have here is definitely genuine.

The END.

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This is it guys! This is the rant I was talking about.

First of all, Thank you soooooooooo much to each and every one of you! This journey has been wonderful only because of my readers. To my new and older readers, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. My commenters, you make my day every single time I upload a chapter! And I appreciate you for that.

I am literally so grateful and I love each and every one of you.

Thank you for making this book your choice. I absolutely enjoyed writing it with every fibre of my being. I hope you loved it too. I could tell you how it all started, but most of you will click off before I do, lol.

All in all, this book means so much to me, and I am so happy that I could share it with you.

So, until next time.....

-Anna

Ps. There's an important chapter after this for those who want to read it.

Love y'all! <3