Suddenly, everything went quiet. I vaguely heard Alex call my name.

"Grace, stay here okay?"

"Okay."

I ran over to Alex.

"What happened?" I asked.

"We got it."

"Got it..?"

"Portland."

"Really? What are we going to do with it?"

He smirked. "I have some ideas."

I looked around and saw all the people that didn't make it. I didn't realize I was looking for Julian until I saw him. He had a bad scratch going across his face and some bruises but he was alive. Alex noticed I was looking at him.

"Lena I need to ask you something."

"What?"

"Do you love Julian?"

I was shocked but in the same way I wasn't. I knew I would have to face this eventually. I knew I would have to choose.

"Yes."

He looked sad but before he could say anything I rushed to continue.

"But not the way I love you. I love him as a good friend. Someone I feel safe with and someone that I can talk to."

He looked shocked for a minute, trying to figure out what to say.

"So what do you think of me?"

"I told you, I never stopped loving you."

Then, he leans in and kisses me gently. I didn't realize I missed it, that I missed him so much.

"So what do you think of me?" I asked.

"I love you."

"Then why did you say that you didn't?"

"I...I don't know. I was jealous I guess… I don't know."

He's quiet for a minute then he says

"You were the only thing that kept me sane in the Crypts. There were days I just wanted to… die, but I thought of getting to you and… I never thought I would get out and when I did I was shocked and then… I saw you with Julian and… I don't know."

"Alex, I'm so sorry." I hugged him and he kissed my earlobe lightly.

All of a sudden Alex went stiff. I looked behind me and saw Julian coming towards us.

"I'll be right back." I said to Alex. He reluctantly let me go.

I took Julian's hand and pulled him away from everyone.

"Julian-"

"I know. I could tell you loved Alex from when he first came. The way you looked at him… You never looked at me like that."

"Julian I'm so sorry. I'm sorry if I hurt you."

"But I do love you." I continued quickly.

"Yeah I- wait what?" He looked shocked.

"I love you as a friend. Someone I get along with great, someone that I feel safe with, and someone I can always count on."

"I won't deny I have feelings for you, but I'm happy for you. I really am."

I didn't know what to say. I probably just broke his heart and I felt like mine was breaking too.

"Julian-"

"Thank you."

I was totally shocked. "What?"

"You taught me how to love. You showed me a better way of life."

I didn't know what to say so I hugged him. Then Hana came running up to us.

"Lena!"

"Hana! You're okay!"

I pulled away from Julian and ran over to hug Hana. She seemed shocked at first, not sure what to do, but then she hugged me back. I could see a bit of her old self coming back. I don't know how, but it seemed like the cure was wearing off. She looked at Julian.

"Who is this?" I saw a sparkle in her eye.

"I'm Julian." He responded. He seemed shy and I figured I should leave them alone.

"I'll see you guys later." I said and ran back over to Alex. He caught me in an embrace and then I took his hand and led him over to Grace.

"Grace this is Alex, Alex this is Grace." I introduced them but I was nervous what Grace would say. They were both silent for a few moments.

"Who are you?" Grace said quietly, barely a whisper.

"I'm the one who infected Lena." Alex answered. I laughed and Grace didn't seem bothered by his answer.

I hugged him and he kissed my neck and my chin gently working his way to my mouth. Then he kissed me, softly at first, and got more passionate. All I could think was I missed you so much.

Now I am happy I chose the disease over the cure. Because if I hadn't, I wouldn't be the person I am today.