Chunk 25: Sections 121 thru 123
Fandom: The Tribe
Author: PinkTribeChick
Summary: I said maybe, you're gonna be the one that saves me . . . Life goes on for the Mall Rats after the Chosen take over the city.
Extended Summary: Essentially, this is an Alternate Universe story for Series 3 and beyond of the Tribe. I won't say anything more than that, because I don't want to spoil anything for those of you who have never read this before

Rating: Teen
Pairing: Too many to name! But Bray-Amber, Lex-Zandra, Ryan-Salene, and Jack-Ellie, for starters. There will also be some Tribe-character with original character pairings.
Author's Notes: Again many thanks as always go to Brett The Mole, as he was the one who talked me into sharing this story with others when I first started writing it, and he was the one who kept bugging me to complete it. I wouldn't have gotten anywhere without you, Brett! And major thanks to Ariannya, Whit, and all the others who at various times read and proofed sections for me and gave me their invaluable feedback.

Okies guys – this is the last three sections! And the sequel is coming soon! I hope you liked this story!

Enjoy, and please review! Feedback is much appreciated!
Disclaimer: All characters, situations, and song lyrics remain the property of their respective owners. Troy Wisneski belongs to the author Paula Boock, from her Tribe novel "Power and Chaos." Any original characters are sole property of me, PinkTribeChick. The lyrics used in this chunk are again from "I Will Love You" by Fisher.

Tribe 3: Wonderwall

Sections 121 thru 123

"Thank you, everyone, for coming tonight," Dal said into the microphone. Tzara stood on the stage beside him, absolutely glowing in a lilac, empire-waisted dress, her red hair pulled back into a loose bun. "I'm not only touched by your support of the clinic, but by all your hard work and generosity as well. I'm grateful to Tribe Dorkus for their vision and effort, especially Martin and TaiRon. To the Mall Rats for their selflessness and eagerness to help and do volunteer work at the clinic. And lastly, to the Farm Girls, for graciously offering to donate food, herbs, and other much needed supplies for as long as we need them." He paused, looking out across the faces in the crowded room. His eyes came to rest on Ellie, and he smiled.

"You know, I was really scared at first when TaiRon and Martin approached me about the idea of opening a clinic. I was so unsure if it would succeed, so unsure if I had what it took to take care of people, to be a doctor. Both of my parents were doctors, and even as a young child, I saw the kind of stress it put on them. But at the same time, I saw how much they helped people, and I wanted to be able to do the same. Then suddenly, the virus hit one day, and people were dying everywhere, and my parents were powerless to save them. I remember many times when my mother came home and curled up in bed, just racked with sobs from it all. And that made me not want to be a doctor, made me doubt the ability of anyone to truly save lives. When finally there were no adults, I gave up all hope of reaching my dream. How could I become a doctor when there was no one to teach me how," he said, with a shrug.

"But slowly, I realized there were books I could read, and in a world like ours, there was plenty of experience to be gained. But there were two people, two very special girls that helped me regain my confidence and forced me to make my dream a reality." He paused again, taking a deep breath before speaking once more.

"As a few of you know, the clinic has already treated its first two patients before it even opened. One of them is here tonight. Her name is Ellie, and she is one of the Mall Rats, not to mention a very close friend of mine. She helped me without even intending to do so, and I thank her for that. And I'm so thankful that she's alive, thanks to this clinic, and I know the other Mall Rats will agree with me, and so will her fiancé, Todd, who she recently became engaged to," Dal explained, pausing again as everyone applauded and cheer. Ellie grinned, blushing, as Todd gave her a squeeze. Dal started to speak again.

"The other patient, our first birth since the forming of the clinic, is Ilse Marie, Todd and Lysette's daughter. She is about a week old, born three months prematurely. If we had not formed the clinic, pooling our knowledge and supplies from this hospital, I honestly don't think she would still be alive today. She wouldn't have made it more than a few hours. So not only can I say that we've saved a life, but we've brought a very precious one into the world as well." Dal broke off, tears welling up in his eyes. Tzara took his hand in hers, smiling at him lovingly. He regained his composure after a moment. "I'm just so glad this day is here, that I'm able to see my dream, as well as the dream of others come true. And with everything that's happened, that's good. I think what we're doing here is something good. Hopefully, with your support, and that of future generations, it will continue on that way. So on that note, I would like to congratulate Ellie and Todd on their impending marriage, and . . . without further ado, I declare this clinic officially OPEN!" He threw his fist into the air, as the room erupted in cheers.

"Enjoy the rest of the party, and have a great night!" Dal took Tzara's hand and they stepped down from the stage as the music started again. Dal swept her up in his arms as they danced the night away.

Lysette stepped into her old bedroom timidly, not sure what the surprise Jack had left for her there was. She looked around the room. It was empty, save furniture and Sienna's belongings. Lysette sighed irritably, trying to fight back another one of her frequent post-partum mood swings.

"If this is supposed to be some sort of joke, it's not funny," Lysette grumbled under her breath. She walked around the room, looking under the beds, under the chairs. Finally, in frustration, she spun around to walk out of the room. As she did so, she saw the surprise Jack had been talking about. Hanging from the door of the armoire in the room that she and Sienna used to store their clothing was a dress. Her eyes filled with tears as she walked over to it, taking it off the door. Her hands shook as she held the pink silk dress in her hands. There was a note from Jack pinned to it.

Lysette,

Ilse and I would be very honored if you would join us for dinner this evening at 7 pm. The attire is formal. A full three-course meal and dessert will be served.

Jack

Lysette smiled, a few tears trickling down her cheeks. Could Jack be any sweeter? She didn't deserve this, but he was doing it anyway. He was always doing stuff like this. It was part of what made her love him so much. She looked at her watch. It was almost six forty-five. She had to hurry if she was going to be ready by seven.

Lysette walked into the darkened room, dressed in the soft pink dress Jack had given her. Her hair was slightly curled and pulled back at the sides with combs. Her bare feet padded across the floor, making a light thudding noise. She looked around the room.

"Jack? Where are you?" she called out. There was music playing softly, but she could see where it was coming from. Suddenly, she felt a pair of warm hands cover her eyes, and she jumped a bit.

"I've got another surprise for you, Lys," she heard Jack whisper in her ear.

"More? What is it?" she asked, feeling excited. She could feel his sweet breath on her neck.

"I'm going to take you to it, but you have to promise to keep your eyes closed until I say you can open them," he replied.

"Alright." He took his hands away and looked at her. Her eyes were squeezed tightly shut. "Are we there yet?" She opened one eye and squinted at him, a devilish smile on her face. Jack laughed.

"Close 'em! No peeking allowed!" he commanded with a grin. She giggled. As she shut her eyes again, he took her hands in his. "Come on." He led her through the room, carefully pointing out things for her to step over. When they finally got to the feast Jack had painstakingly laid out, he put his hands over her eyes again. "Alright . . . you ready?"

"Yes!" she exclaimed. He slowly took his hands away from her eyes. She gasped when she saw everything. A full meal was set out on the table. The room was decorated with candles, twinkling white Christmas lights, and flowers. Even Ilse's incubator was decorated, with Christmas lights and little pink flowers. Tears filled Lysette's eyes.

"What's wrong?" he asked when he saw her begin to cry. She put a hand over her mouth, shaking her head.

"Nothing . . . it's just . . . I don't deserve this . . . any of this," she answered quietly. Nobody has ever done anything this wonderful for me before." He looked at her with an expression of confusion.

"So . . . I did a good thing?" he asked. She nodded, smiling. "Well . . . you can't say nobody anymore. Because I'm doing this for you. Because you are such an incredible person. You are so strong and so beautiful, and I love you so much. You and Ilse," he responded. She turned to face him, smiling. Her eyes glistened with tears as she hugged him tightly. As he hugged her back, he heard her whisper, "Thank you, Jack." She stepped back and looked at him for a moment.

"Why did you do all of this?" she inquired, still completely oblivious to what he was trying to say. He shifted, putting his hands in his pockets.

"Well . . . I was going to wait until after we ate to say all this . . . but now seems to be the right time," Jack mumbled. He took both of Lysette's hands in his, taking a deep breath before speaking again. "Lys . . . when our friendship started out, we were just sort of leaning on each other, because neither of us had anyone else we felt like we could depend on. We never expected it to become anything more. But it did somehow. And something about it just felt so right. Then Ilse came . . . and suddenly, I felt like I had found my purpose in life. And that purpose is to be with you, and to take care of you and Ilse, and any other little ones that we may have. Forever. That's all I want to do. But only if you want me to. If you'll let me . . ." Her eyes widened, and her smile faded.

"What are you saying, Jack?" she questioned. He smiled, opening his right hand to reveal a small silver ring.

"Marry me?" he said, his voice wobbling because he was shaking so badly. He was so nervous at right then. She just stared at the ring in his hand for a moment, her mouth slightly open in shock. Jack tried to figure out exactly what she was thinking, but aside from shock, her face and eyes were expressionless. For a single solitary moment, he started to panic, thinking she was going to say no. But then she swallowed, tears filling her eyes again. She started to nod before any words came out.

"Yes," she said, still nodding. A smile drew itself upon her face.

"Yes?" he repeated quietly. He could barely believe his ears. She looked at him, laughing at his disbelief.

"Yes!" she exclaimed. "You silly boy, yes!" She cupped her hands around his chin and kissed him gently. As a new song started to play on the stereo nearby, she wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him close. They danced slowly.

'Til my body is dust . . . 'til my soul is no more . . . I will love you, love you . . .

As they continued to dance, the world went on around them. And a few doors down, Bray was putting Michael to bed, as Amber curled up in bed with a book waiting for Bray. The eternal love that would last many lifetimes lived within that small family.

'Til the sun starts to cry . . . And the moon turns to rust . . . I will love you, love you . . .

And downstairs, a pair of friends said their goodbyes, with a final kiss for what could never be. They each returned to their respective spouses and children, mourning for each other. What miserable lives they would lead from then on. Or would they?

But I need to know . . . Will you stay for all time . . . Forever and a day . . . Then I'll give my heart 'til the end of all time . . . Forever and a day . . .

As crowds of people continued to dance around them in celebration, a couple held on tightly to each other, moving slowly to the music. A frightened princess and her strong knight in shining armor. Possibly the most unlikely couple in the world.

The world seemed to be perfect for the time being. Things couldn't have been any better. But they were going to get much worse before they grew better again . . .

'Til the storms fill my eyes . . . And we touch the last time . . . I will love you, love you . . . I will love you, love you . . . I will love you, love you . . .

The End

That's all for "Wonderwall", folks! Thanks again for reading, now please go and tell me what you thought of what you read! I love reviews – they keep me going!

I will be posting the first part of the sequel, "Wherever You Will Go: An Intermission," soon, so be on the lookout for it! Toodles until then!