A/N: We've officially reached the end of the road. Thank you for taking this ride with me.

I didn't know love,

Not even close,

This is more beautiful and frightening than I've ever known,

It's making me weak,

Making me strong,

It's making me afraid I'm gonna wake up

And find you gone,

I didn't know love.

Chapter 14: Didn't Know Love

Six months later

Time is a very weird concept. It can move very fast, or pass very slowly. At times it's flying, while others it crawls with snail speed. Over the last year I've come to terms with time. For the first six months of this program, I found myself taking advantage of time. Doing as I wanted when I wanted and not realizing my displeasing actions. Well, time stepped in and knocked me out… and I mean that literally. I became deathly ill and was in a coma just a mere six months ago. I had done this to myself, honestly. Ignoring an issue I knew I had, but thinking I could power through it like I had done before. Obviously time got upset with my rebellious actions and needed to do something about it. I was given the ultimate punishment.

Recovery is a very lonely thing. While I was surrounded by those who loved me, I was alone most of my days. This is when I started to think about time and then I started writing about it. So, I began a journal, knowing I needed to put these musings down somewhere, and this essay is the end result.

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Al Green's classic 'Let's Stay Together' was flowing through the stereo as Tori emerged from the bedroom. Both she and Jade had to write an essay about a transforming experience had while at Andersen to complete the year. Jade had yet to start hers, while Tori had just finished.

"How's it coming?" the brown-eyed girl asked as she poured herself a glass of water.

Jade groaned loudly, "I want to kill someone…"

"That well, huh?!"

"Can I have your opinion, please?" Jade sighed as Tori made her way over.

Tori wasn't sure what to expect. Over the last six months, the couple did a lot of fighting and making up. Not really keeping a steady pace. They finally opened up about their lives on a personally deep level… but, then they'd turn around and act weird with one another. So, what her girlfriend would write about was a mystery to Tori. What she found was not expected in the least…

I fell in love this year. Real love. I've been in like and lust many times, but love? Not once. I met a girl who can change my mood with a single look. If i'm being honest, i haven't been the best person to her at times. I've more than once wanted to walk out and shut this whole thing down. I've questioned my feelings many times and then couldn't control them at others. It's the heart rush kind of love that has an addictive high. It's wild.

I don't deserve this person. I've said it a lot and i've meant it every time. She is too perfect and pure for me. I don't even deserve to know her. She is the very definition of an angel. This devil shouldn't even be in the same room as her. i'm … blessed. Yeah, i am.

My thinking about my unworthiness changed recently when this angel was almost taken from me. I couldn't picture losing her- the love of my life. My sheer miracle, she made it. I had her back and was happy again, but there was this feeling.

My grandma West called this feeling, "The Push". She told me it meant a greater force was trying to tell me something or push me to do something. This push got me into college, through medical school, and now to this program. Well, this "Push" is now telling me i should propose to my girlfriend. It's been churning around my stomach for the last six months and making me crazy. Marriage is a big step though… so, i think i'll ask her to move in first. Tori, stop reading and look at me…

A silent Tori turned to an ornery grinning Jade. "We already live together," Tori spoke as she recovered and wiped at her stray tears.

Jade didn't say anything. She just grabbed the stereo remote and dialed up the volume, "Listen…" she gestured to where the music was playing from.

Loving you forever

Is what I need,

Let me be the one you come running to

I'll never be untrue

Let's, let's stay together...

Loving you whether, whether

Times are good or bad, happy or sad

Whether times are good or bad, happy or sad

Tori was really crying by that point. "So, will you?" Jade smiled taking her hands.

"Okay! Fine, I will. Be prepared to be stuck with me for the rest of your life, West." Tori teased through the sniffles.

Jade kissed Tori's forehead, "I look forward to it."

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Seven interns were graduating on that hot July day. Jade could be heard cursing about the dress code for the ceremony as she stood over a fan blowing up her dress.

"At least you're not in a suit," Beck reminded her as he loosened his tie.

Tori, Cat, and Andre approached the two then, beaming; Tori especially.

"Did you get high without me?!" Jade whined at Tori.

"No!" the Latina bounded on her feet. "I have good news!"

Jade's interest was piqued, "Yes?"

"We were the top performers! Andersen accepted us into their Specialty Track! We did it!" Tori was bursting with joy.

Jade's jaw dropped, "Yes?!"

"YES!" Tori nodded in response.

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"No creepy old houses!" Tori declared later that night as the girls were looking at rental houses online.

Jade huffed, "Those are the best ones though, babe."

"No," Tori began before finishing her wine. "Those are are exorcists happen."

Jade eyed her, "They're also where great sex happens."

"Oh yes! Let's move into a house where a demonic presence can be audience to our sex life…"

Jade didn't say another word about old houses after that.

Tori switched the stereo on while Jade continued looking. "Feel like we're getting nowhere… most are over our budget, too far away, and just not us…"

A familiar song started playing then, "Come dance with me?" Tori invited with a warm smile and open arms. Jade happily took her up on the offered. The two swayed in time with the music and feeling the other's heartbeat.

It's a blessing, it's a curse.

You know you've found it when it hurts.

It can drive you off a cliff,

But it's worth it.

Careful where you spend the night,

It's complicated when it's right.

You can make me such a mess,

Yeah you're perfect!

"I've never said thank you for opening up to me. I know it wasn't easy. I'm glad you trusted me," Tori smiled sweetly.

Jade pulled her closer, "Well, I liked you. Still do," she flashed a devilish grin that earned the giggle she wanted. "And, i'm glad you opened up to me as well." Tori nodded sincerely in response and laid her head on Jade's chest.

Now you're lying in my arms, beside me.

In the past I'd settled for a touch,

I'd tell myself it was enough,

I was lying, lying, lying.

'Cause I didn't know love

I didn't know love,

Not even close,

This is more beautiful and frightening than I've ever known.

It's making me weak,

Making me strong

It's making me afraid I'm gonna wake up and find you gone.

"Thank you for everything, but mostly, for loving me. You're the first person to say it and meant it," Jade began tearing up then.

Tori kissed her tenderly, "Thank you for allowing me to."

"I love you, Dr. Vega."

"I love you, too, Dr. West."

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A/N: I'm proud of this ending. Hope you enjoyed. BIG thanks to all my readers! The songs mentioned were 'Let's Stay Together' by Al Green and 'I Didn't Know Love' by Celine Dion.

This story would have been done much sooner, but I ended up in a very stressful, exhausting, and anxiety inducing job situation. I was (and still am until June 17th) working 12 hours a day, 5 days a week between 2 jobs. As of next month i will be a one job woman and i am damn sure looking forward to it. So, I apologize.

My next story is coming soon. Already have an idea ready to take flight! With work taking up 90% of my days, I'm writing when I can. Hope to see you all for the next journey.