I know this epilogue doesn't include everyone's reaction and stuff, but you can imagine yourselves what happens next. This is the last chapter- thanks to all my amazing reviewers that have ever reviewed my story. I'm starting a new one about Col's childhood- be sure to check it out!

"You what?" Col couldn't quite believe what he was hearing.

"I love you." She stared up into his odd eyes and hugged him tight. She felt safe and happy once again in his arms.

"But… I thought…"

"Don't worry Col. I know what happened. Everything." She sat down on the bed.

"How did you find out? Who told you?" He sat down next to her, not wanting to leave her side until he could be sure he wasn't dreaming. He put an arm gently around her shoulders, and she rested her head on is shoulder.

"I'll tell you some other time." Connie had more important things to ask. "Did Shirley know about the training? When you were in the caves, did she know why you kissed her?"

"No…" Col trailed off. Connie swallowed and forced herself to ask the question she didn't want to know the answer to.

"How is she?"

"She's in hospital, and had stitches, but she should be coming out in a few days. But Connie…"

"What?"

"I… er, still haven't exactly told her… why I really kissed her."

Connie was silent.

"I just… I couldn't… she really wanted me to…" Col couldn't decide how to say the words he was afraid would hurt Connie.

"You're an amazing guy Col."

"Huh?" He looked at her in surprise.

"You just didn't want to hurt her feelings…"

"I know, but I'm going to have to tell her at some point! Now she thinks I actually like her!"

"If you explain it gently…"

"I'll still hurt her. And I hurt you. Which hurt Evelyn, and Mack, and everyone else, when you disappeared. I've hurt so many people. This whole thing's my fault."

"No, it's mine. I shouldn't have attacked Shirley."

"You couldn't help it."

"But I should've."

"Connie…"

"I'd better tell Evelyn I'm okay." Connie replied, trying to change the subject, though she didn't particularly want to go back home. She wanted to stay with Col forever.

Col handed her his mobile. "I'll go wake Gran." He disappeared out of the room.

Ring, ring. The phone had barely ringed two dials when Evelyn picked up. "Hello?" She sounded alert, even though it was the middle of the night.

"Aunt Evelyn, it's-"

"Connie!" she shrieked down the line. "Where are you?"

"I'm at Col's house- I'm-"

"Don't go anywhere! I'm coming!" Beep. Evelyn had hung up.

"Connie?" Lavinia's voice came from the doorway. Connie turned to see her staring at her, as if she was a ghost. "You're back!" Lavinia rushed in to hug her. "Where have you been?"

"Oh, not far." Connie tried to sound casual. She didn't want everyone to make a fuss of her. Lavinia stared at her in amazement, as did Col.

"Do you have any idea how worried we've all been?"

Connie didn't reply.

"I'll call Dr. Brock- we need to call off the search."

"They're out there now?" She hadn't thought they'd be out in the middle of the night, looking for her.

"Of course they are. I'm going to phone him now." She rushed out of the room. Col stood still, watching her, as she sat on the bed, her head resting on the wall. She was so tired- she'd had hardly any sleep for the past few days. She closed her eyes wearily.

"Connie." Connie felt Col's warm breath on her face, and opened her eyes to find him sitting directly in front of her. "Are you okay?"

"Uh-huh." She nodded heavily.

"Here- I think this belongs to you." He held out the silver necklace. "That is, if you still want it," he added hesitantly.

Connie smiled. "Of course I do." She leaned forward and let Col put it on her.

"Is it true you never wore it?" Col asked abruptly.

"What?"

"Evelyn said she's never seen it on you."

"Col, I wore it every day!"

"Then why…"

"I wore it under my clothes." She'd wore it everyday under her school uniform, and ordinary clothes, a constant reminder of the most important thing in her life.

Col leaned forward and kissed her again. They didn't even hear Lavinia come back into the room. All Connie was aware of was Col's arms around her and the necklace that was back in place, lying on her chest, keeping Col close to her heart.

Review for the final time and make me happy!