I Couldn't Be Happier

Anya's POV

I peered through the curtain hiding me at all the people dancing and celebrating—in my honor.

Grandmama came over and, smiling at me, said, "He's not there."

I nodded and said, "I know."

Then I paused and asked, "Who's not there, Grandmama?"

"A remarkable and stubborn young man who risked his life to save us and then reunite us," she replied.

"Oh, he's probably too busy spending his reward money as fast he can," I responded.

Grandmama nodded and quickly changed the subject. "Anastasia, this world of balls and fine jewels and fancy dresses is the world you were born into, but would you be truly happy returning to it?" She asked.

I nodded and said, "Of course, I'm happy. I've got you. I've got my family back. That's all I've wanted—for years."

"And you'll always have me," she replied. "But will it be enough?"

I stared at her, confused and unsure.

"Of course, it will," I replied.

"He didn't take the money. He just left," she informed me.

I stared at her. Then I remembered what I'd told Dimitri and how hurt I had been—I had caused the change of heart in him.

She then said, "Why don't you stay here and think about what I said before you come join us?"

I nodded and said, "OK, Grandmama."

I walked along and said, "I am happy. My dreams came true. I should be happy. But am I?"

I sat down and sighed. I missed Dimitri—not I was going to admit that I loved him to anyone here in the palace. Only I knew—and Vlad knew because he was first one to figure out that Dimitri and I were in love.

I couldn't be happier. No, I couldn't be happier. Though it is, I admit the tiniest bit unlike I anticipated. But I couldn't be happier. Simply couldn't be happier. Well, not simply. 'Cause getting your dreams, it's strange but it seems a little, well, complicated. There's a kind of sort of cost. There's a couple of things get lost. There are bridges you cross you didn't know you crossed until you've crossed! And if that joy, that thrill doesn't thrill like you think it will. Still…with this perfect finale, the cheers and the ballyhoo, who wouldn't be happier? So, I couldn't be happier. Because happy is what happens when all your dreams come true! Well, isn't it? Happy is what happens when your dreams come true!

When Rasputin tried to kill me, Dimitri returned and I told him, "If we live through this, remind me to thank you."

He nodded and said, "You can thank me later."

I nodded and we quickly destroyed Rasputin.

The End