DISCLAIMER

Belongs to Wes Craven and New Line Cinema. I know I didn't have Mr. Johnson in the fic before hand, but that was just because there was no use for him until now. I use some lines from The Dream Child.

ONE YEAR LATER

"So, in conclusion, though we've come a long way this past year, and have had some exciting times, but our journey's not over yet. A whole new life is waiting for us out there. We'll live, laugh, love, and cry. Hey, it'll be just like high school," Rick commented. Everyone laughed. "But seriously, I can't wait to see what happens to us all. It's gonna be a blast," he continued. There were murmurs of agreement from the other students. "So, with that said, let's blow this pop stand!" he exclaimed. Everyone cheered, as Rick walked off the stage. Afterwards, everyone gathered together into one big group, except for Joey, Kristen, Kincaid, Sheila, Rick, and Alice who met to one side. Rick and Kristen paired up together, as did Joey and Alice, who had started dating after the destruction of Krueger. Though still somewhat shy in new situations, Alice had come out of her shell and had started dressing in a style similar to Kristen's.

"We did it! We graduated!" Sheila celebrated.

"No more pencils, no more books, no more teachers' dirty looks!" Joey sang. Everyone laughed as Max and Nancy came up.

"Hey, congratulations, you guys," Nancy said.

"Yeah, way to go," Max added.

"Thanks," everyone chorused, as Alice looked around.

"Who are you looking for?" Max wondered.

"I don't see Dad," Alice commented, pulling slightly away from Joey.

"I'm sure he'll show," Rick stated.

"Hey, I think I see him," Joey told them.

"We'll be right back," Alice said, and the two walked up.

"How come you weren't at the ceremony, Dad??" Rick asked, his tone un-accusing, but curious.

"I didn't want to embarrass you two--the town drunk showing up," Ted Johnson said somewhat sheepishly.

"You're still going to your meetings, aren't you?" Alice queried.

"As per our agreement," Mr. Johnson assured them.

"Then, we would've been proud to have you here," Rick told him.

"I'm sorry," Mr. Johnson apologized.

"It's okay," Alice and Rick answered.

"So Alice, when are you and Joey taking off?" Mr. Johnson wondered.

"Tomorrow. Joey wanted to spend one last night with the gang," Alice answered.

"Will you two be out late?" Mr. Johnson asked again.

"Well, not too late, Dad. I mean, after all, I want to spend some time with you too," Alice answered. The man chuckled and kissed her on top of her head.

"Alice!" hearing her boyfriend's call, Alice hurried away. Her father shook his head and laughed.

"I think we lost her, Dad," Rick kidded.

"Aw, get out of here, you," Mr. Johnson told him. Rick then followed his sister. He watched with a soft smile as the group hurried to their cars and drive off. He was so proud of his kids. And he hoped he was making them proud. As Joey drove down the street, Billy Idol's Fatal Charm played.

There may be trouble ahead, baby, yeah.

There may be teardrops to shed, ahuh.

I'm comin' in from the cold, baby.

Yes, I'm in, and I'm warm. You don't

Forget that, baby. Hey!

Well, I'm comin' in from the storm, uhuh,

Believe me mama.

Yes, I'm in from the storm, okay, yeah, Forget it, mama.

And there's a skin and bone, teardrop too,

Down on Maggie's farm.

Yes, I lived that life, lived it through, and it Cut me a-with my fatal charm, with my fatal Charm.

Wow! Shake!

"Man, I love this song!" Joey crowed, turning up the volume. He began to sing along.

"Yeah, sing it, baby," Alice encouraged. Joey sang louder and she began dancing. Rick laughed at their antics. Joey continued until they reached Kristen's house. He parked, walked up to the door, and knocked. There was the sound of running feet and Kristen opened.

"Hi, guys. The others are upstairs," she stated.

"Great," Joey said. The two walked in, and they all went upstairs to her room.

"I can't believe it. Our last night," Alice said.

"Yeah, I'm gonna miss you guys," Kincaid added. "Especially you two. I mean, you're leaving us," he continued.

"What can I say, man? I gotta get out. I mean, other than you guys, I got nothin' left," Joey revealed softly. His friends looked at him sympathetically. They continued to talk. Kristen turned on her stereo, just in time for them to hear Just Got Lucky by Dokken.

"Aw, man. Great song," Rick commented. Everyone stood up and began dancing as they sang along. After a couple of hours, everyone but Kristen left.

"I'll see you later," Rick promised, giving her a kiss.

"Okay," Kristen agreed, returning the gesture. When Alice and Rick got home, they found a cake waiting for them on the kitchen table.

"What's this?" Rick wondered.

"I figured you two deserved a reward for all your hard work this last year," Mr. Johnson told them. The two sat down and the man cut the cake, giving each of them a big slice. He poured three tall glasses of milk.

"What time's your meeting?" Alice questioned.

"I went to an earlier one so that I could spend some time with you," Mr. Johnson explained.

"Cool," Rick grinned.

"So, Alice, what plans do you and Joey have?" Mr. Johnson wondered.

"Well, Joey got a music scholarship to NYU, and Nancy--uh, Ms. Thompson--said that they're starting to get interested in dream studies, so I thought I'd get that a shot," Alice answered.

"When do you leave?" Rick questioned.

"Early tomorrow morning. Joey wants to leave as soon as possible," Alice replied.

"Can't say I blame him," Rick commented.

"Me neither," Alice agreed. They continued to talk. Then, Alice went up to her room, and packed. When she was done, she went to bed. The next morning, she got dressed, grabbed her things, and then waited until her boyfriend showed up in his red pickup.

"Hey, you ready?" Joey asked.

"Uh-huh. I just need some help," Alice stated. Joey helped her pack her things into the truck. Then, they got into the truck, and headed out of Springwood, radio blasting Billy Idol.

THE END

AUTHOR'S NOTE

I'm aware that sponsors most likely wouldn't let the people they're sponsoring change meeting times as a general rule if one is supposed to go at a specific time, but I figured it might be allowed for special occasions.