*Thank-you for all the reviews on the last chapter they were greatly appreciated thank-you all so much*
*Enjoy the final chapter of The Choice... So I just want to thank everyone that favorited, followed, alerted and reviewed this story. Thank-you so much for your support. Please enjoy the final chapter I enjoyed writing it for you. *
5 MONTHS LATER:
Once Roman and I got back from our trip to the Poconos it was like everything changed, everything changed for the better. We were more in love than ever and I felt like we knew more about each other for once everything wasn't just about sex it was about more than sex. I was starting to know him more intimately and not in the sexual sense. We were best friends and we could finally have a real relationship without hiding it from everyone around us. We went out to eat alone, out to eat as a family with the girls, we went to the movies and some parties together. It was really weird taking a professor to a college party but it was fun. Along with getting closer things were crazy with school. It was my final semester so I was really working hard to maintain my grades and do even better than the previous semester. Things were still tough on campus but I had my friends Grace and the new friends I made Brittney, Melissa and Chad; which Roman wasn't too happy about but he respected our friendship. Turns out Emma wasn't really my friend at all, she came out to be an enemy of mine. Knowing my struggle with alcohol she kept trying to push me to go out with her and go to parties where I knew Mack and Jordan would be. She just wasn't a true friend to make a long story short and I cut the toxicity out of my life. I tried to mend things with my mom and my dad they seemed to be getting better for us but just not completely fixed.
I managed to get an internship in my field of being a victim advocate so that I could get a taste of what it is like and I have to say it is pretty amazing. I know I made the right choice. Roman has been back and forth between Atlanta and New Orleans trying to get everything ready for us in New Orleans when we move down there next week. We bought our first house together in New Orleans and I couldn't feel more accomplished to know I own a 5 bedroom, 3 bathroom house in New Orleans that is freshly built that I designed with my man so that everything can be perfect for us the only downfall is Shea and her parents will be our neighbors as Roman bought them the house across the street but I am trying to mend that relationship with Shea so we can all work together for the girls, it's a work in progress. I started a feminist club at school as well to empower other females especially after everything that happened last semester and to make a change for all females at Georgia Tech. I got into counseling to help me heal from my pain in a healthy way other than drinking and I forgave Mack for what he did to me not because he deserved to be forgiven but for me so that I can move on and live my life in peace without holding onto the anger and the pain he made me feel. I never have to see him again after we graduate because he got his dream to go into the NFL he ended up getting drafted by the Patriots so he will be up north while we are down south. I never plan to see him after today. Every step, every choice has led us to this day, the day I graduate from college as the Valedictorian.
I walk out of mine and Roman's bedroom dressed in a white lace crocheted dress with a floral and vine embroidery on the lace with white crochet covering my breasts down to my mid-drift and then the crochet skirt covering below my mid-drift down to my knees with the lace overlay with a ¾ lace sleeve and high lace neckline wearing a pair of white heels with my hair hanging down to my waist. The apartment is nearly empty as everything is in boxes ready for the move. "There she is!" says Roman with a proud smile. "Georgia Tech's 2018 valedictorian and graduate." I smile at him and walk over to give him a soft kiss on the lips. "You look beautiful," he says wrapping his arm around my waist.
"Thank-you," I smile, "you look pretty good yourself." He doesn't really dress up too much which is why I am not surprised that he's wearing tight dark blue jeans with a dark blue polo with his hair pulled up in bun sitting in the middle of his head and he hasn't shaved for a couple days so he's getting a beard with a pair of tan timberland boots on. "When did you get in last night? I didn't even hear you come in."
"It was late," he says, "I was just finishing things up in the house so I didn't get out until later than I expected. I slept on the couch because I didn't want to wake you up because you need your sleep so you can give your big speech today."
"I was up until 2 am writing it because I couldn't get it right. I'm nervous about it."
"You'll do just fine," he says. "I have faith in you," he says as Nova and Ky come into the kitchen both dressed in yellow sundresses that match, Nova wearing white sandals and a flower headband in her hair while Kylynn has on matching yellow sandals and yellow hat. They look adorable. "You two look cute," he says with a smile.
"Thank-you, Daddy," says Nova. "Hayden dressed us."
"I figured she did," he smiles as I keep my arm wrapped around his waist. "Hayden graduates from college today isn't that exciting?"
"Yeah!" she says with a smile.
"This is it until I go for my Masters in a few years," I say with a smile knowing I want to further my education and hopefully one day earn a doctorate to be Dr. Gonzales-Castellano. I mean I earn it so why not?
"I know you can do it," he says kissing my temple softly. "So it's been almost a year since we met so tonight I booked Ormsby's out so we can celebrate your graduation."
"You booked out the whole bar just to celebrate my graduation?" I ask.
"Yeah, and since it's where we met I thought it would be a special night to celebrate how far you've come."
"All right," I say with a smile. "I decorated my cap want to see it?" I ask.
"Absolutely" he says. I grab my cap off of my gown to show him what I did for it. I show him the navy blue cap with rhinestones around the edge of it with the words She was unstoppable not because she did not have failures or doubts but because she continued on despite them in gold writing with three orange and pink flowers glued to the cap saying class of 2018. "I like that," he smiles. "I am so proud of you. I knew you could do it."
"Thanks, Baby," I say letting out a breath. "We should get going. I have to be there early and you want to get good seats for you, my parents and my brother as well as your mom."
"You're right," he says with a smile. "Let's get going," he says before we share a soft kiss before we leave the apartment to get to the arena holding the graduation.
When we arrive at the arena we go our separate ways Roman goes to find seats while I go to meet up with my friends backstage to talk about my fears and excitement about graduating. It feels nice finding comfort in my friends knowing they feel the same way as I do when it comes to graduating. "So your boyfriend booked out Ormsby's tonight for your graduation party," says Brittney.
"I know I didn't expect that. Are you coming?"
"Um yeah, he invited us like two weeks ago a lot of people are going that I know of."
"I don't really have that much friends," I say, "so I can't imagine a big turn out."
"I think you'll be surprised," she says with a smile.
"What's going on?" I ask.
"Um, we're graduating today, I can't believe you're leaving to go to New Orleans though."
"I know. I like Atlanta but I am ready for a new start in New Orleans, Roman has his coaching job for the Saints and I was lucky enough to land a job so there's no turning back now but y'all will need to come visit us. Our house is big enough."
"You can count on it," she says, "Hayden, I don't think you realize how many lives you have changed with your story and starting the feminist group. I think that's the best thing Georgia Tech has to offer especially in a society that oppresses women and victim shames rape victims. You did something good."
"Thanks," I say with a smile. "But I couldn't have done it without y'all," I say before Brittney, Grace, Chad, Melissa and I share a group hug before we are instructed to get into our places.
Everything is like a whirlwind once we are in line to go out to the arena. I have never seen more people in one place than I do once we walk out into the arena that is packed with everyone's family and everyone's friends. The cheers, hollers and bull horns ring out through the arena as we take our graduation march. I make my way up to the stage and stop in front of my assigned chair while everyone else files into the rows of chairs assigned to them as the graduation march plays, yellow and blue caps and gowns fill the seats many caps decorated by the people wearing them a lot of creative ones to say the least. I take a deep breath as I look out into the arena there are so many people. I wish I could see my family and Roman out there but I can't but I know they are there watching. Graduation starts off with the National Anthem being played once everyone is at their assigned spots followed by a prayer before the Dean speaks and gives a speech as we sit contently listening to him speak talking about his pride in our class and our achievements as he congratulates us on making it here today. I honestly thought I was never going to make it here but somehow I pushed through and made it to this point. Special guest speakers go up to the podium to give speeches while I mentally prepare myself to give my speech and soon the Dean is introducing me. "And at this time I would like to introduce to you the 2018 Valedictorian for Georgia Tech, Hayden Gonzales-Castellano." I stand up as there are some cheers, some boos amongst the crowd but of course some slut and whore shouts are heard. I choose to ignore it and focus on my hard work to get here.
I make my way to the podium with my speech and look out at my classmates. I can't believe we are here; four years can go so fast. I was 18 years old when I walked onto campus and I am 22 years old as I am leaving it. I feel like I have grown and matured a lot in the last 4 years. I take a deep breath as I lay my speech out and fix the microphone. "Welcome students, professors, alumni, honored guests, family, friends and board of trustees to Georgia Tech's 2018 commencement ceremony," I begin. "It's hard to believe we are college graduates when it was not that long ago we were sitting through orientation, learning how to survive college classes, moving into the dorms and having our first day of classes where assignments were more and exams were harder. College has been an experience to say the least some good and some bad. The late nights of studying and working on assignments, last minute studying for exams, early morning classes, mid-terms, finals and exams are over and we are moving on to be journalists, engineers, CEO's, nurses, doctors, lawyers and whatever we have chosen to be. We have had a pretty momentous year here at Georgia Tech starting with the football team, our yellow jackets handed the Bulldogs their first defeat from us in years; To Hell with Georgia, in one of the best games of the season. The Yellow Jackets went on to go to a bowl game where they were victorious and brought back a win; the first in years," the members of the football team cheer out at their accomplishments, "a little bit of scandal surrounded Georgia Tech this year but Georgia Tech came out strong and never wavered in the face of adversity. It was a tough year but we made it, we survived. Congratulations class of 2018 we did it!" Everyone cheers out making me smile before I continue on with my speech, "We did it, we made it and succeeded to move onto the next chapter of our lives. Some of us are moving on to take a job, travel a little bit, going on to be a professional athlete or whatever we chose. Life is a matter of choices and choices are the hinges of destiny. Our lives have always been about choices ever since we were younger. Choosing what picture to draw, the crayon to use, choosing our friends our likes and dislikes making the choices to fall in love or not. Choosing to attend Georgia Tech, choosing our major and choosing what happens next, every choice we have made brought us here whether good or bad. I know I have made some bad choices," I say as I hear the word slut called out and roll my eyes. "I learned from them and grew from them to be better and stronger. This year hasn't been the easiest for me and there was a time I wanted to walk away, give up and be done but a wise man told me don't give up, you're the one losing, let them see you're a winner, let them see they can't break you. Be the best that you are for you and if it wasn't for that I would not be standing here today as your valedictorian so thank-you to my boyfriend Roman for that advice," I say with a smile, "I won not for others but for myself because I showed myself how strong I can be in adversity. Bad things are going to happen in life, things you can't control. You could get raped and no one believe you, maybe have an unexpected pregnancy either keep the baby or have an abortion, you lose a loved one, your whole school turns against you, you lose your job, you find comfort in drugs and alcohol. Things happen we can't control and circumstances do not define who you are, be above the adversity, be above your circumstances, BE STRONG! When bad things happen you have 3 choices let it define you, let it destroy you or let it strengthen you. I wasn't going to let my circumstance define me I chose to let it strengthen me. Life is a matter of choices, choices are the hinges of destiny. The rest of your life is a long time and whether you know it or not it's being shaped right now. You can choose to blame your circumstances on fate, bad luck, bad choices or you can fight back. Things aren't always going to be fair in the real world that's just the way it is but for the most part you get what you give. Your life is being shaped right now with the dreams you chase, the choices you make and the person you choose to be. Thank-you!" I say as I finish out my speech and to my surprise cheers ring out and nearly everyone is on their feet applauding me. I smile as I walk back to my seat in shock on the moving speech I delivered.
The rest of the ceremony is a blur as there are more speeches and the awarding of diplomas by the time I throw my cap up in the air I hold a Bachelor's Degree and I couldn't be prouder than I am at this moment. I worked so hard to get here, to graduate college and I am anxious to see where life goes next for me. I meet Roman, the girls and my parents outside after the ceremony where Roman gives me a money lei and a flower lei for my accomplishments while my parents give me flowers. They all congratulate me for graduating. "Your speech was amazing, Baby Girl," he says.
"Thank-you," I smile.
"It was really good," says my dad. "I am so proud of you, Hayden."
"Thank-you," I say before giving him a hug.
"I'm proud of you too," says my mom before we share a hug as I thank her.
"And you already know, Baby," says Roman, "you are amazing!"
"Thanks, Baby," I say before we share a soft kiss after our hug. I haven't seen him for a few days with him being in New Orleans and me here in Atlanta to get ready for the day. I wish we could just skip the graduation party and go home to celebrate after dropping the girls off with Shea but he's really into me going to the bar to celebrate my graduation. We all take a few pictures together a couple of Roman, the girls and me, Roman and me, my parents, my dad and me and my mom and me.
Later that night Roman, my parents and me walk into Ormsby's bar. It seems so much different than that night almost a year ago. I walked into Ormsby's bar that night to have fun and to get out of the house and I ended up meeting Roman. That was the night I took him back to my apartment and we had the most amazing sex of my life, I never thought that night was going to turn into something more, turn into what we have now. We still have amazing sex that I enjoy pretty much every night, multiple times a day some days but the connection we have, the love we have for each other and the happiness we found in one another. I never expected that night and a few Blue Moon beers to change my entire life but that's what happens in life the least expected things happen. It is filled with college kids, well now college graduates, a lot of my friends and some of Roman's friends even Roman's mom is here tonight. I know it's a graduation party but I didn't expect for all these people to be here tonight. "And this is where I first met you," says Roman as we walk in hand in hand.
"I know. I just wanted to get out of the house for the night, I didn't know it was all going to lead to this."
"Neither did I," he says with a soft smile. "Best night of my life," he winks.
"Stop it," I say before kissing his jaw. "I could have really just celebrated with you at home. I didn't need all this. I miss you when you're gone."
"Believe me I have wine and everything ready for a nice celebration later tonight," he smiles. "Enjoy your friends and have fun tonight. We leave Atlanta next week enjoy this time with your friends you can enjoy me later and I know I can enjoy you later," he smiles. I reach up and kiss his lips softly and passionately until my father clears his throat. "Um, I am going to get you a Blue Moon," he says.
"Thanks," I say before he walks away.
"Should you really be drinking?" asks my dad.
"You have nothing to worry about. I'm good. I have been getting help. I drink in moderation and I know when to stop."
"All right," he says. "Just so you know."
"I'm good," I say as Roman returns with my bottle of beer. "Thank-you," I say.
"You're welcome, go enjoy yourself," he says, "I'll be around. This night is about you," he says as he gives my dad a look and my dad nods at him.
"What's going on?" I ask.
"Nothing," he says, "you graduated and we're moving enjoy the time with your friends."
"All right," I say, "but you're up to something."
"Not up to anything, I promise," he says before taking a swig of his beer before I do the same. He kisses me on the cheek before he walks away and I take another swig of beer before I walk off to meet up with my friends.
Country music plays throughout the bar with a mixture of hip hop and pop music to set the tone for the night but I am much more a fan of country music than anything else. "Way to bring the house down," says Chad. "That speech was epic it was like you told everyone to fuck off in the nicest way possible."
I let out a laugh and say, "well, I kind of did. I keep getting called a slut and a whore for no reason." I roll my eyes. "It sucks to be the most hated woman on campus."
"Well, Mack and Jordan didn't suffer," says Chad taking a swig of his beer.
"Yeah, I know," I say. "They are both going on to play in the NFL hopefully far away from any team Roman has to coach. I hope the day never comes they get traded to the Saints."
"You think Roman is ever going to allow that to happen?" asks Brittney. "I think Roman would kill him first."
"You're right," I say taking a swig of my beer. "Although Mack has not bothered me again since Roman beat him up. Nothing less than what he deserved to be honest."
"Karma," says Chad. "It is nothing less than he deserved. Anyway, I never would have guessed someone like you would be with Professor Reigns. That man was always hot. I enjoyed being in his class, I wanted to take it a couple times just to see him in those jeans," he says making me smile. That's Chad it took Roman a while to figure out that he wasn't interested in me but more interested in Roman.
"He does make wearing jeans a sin," says Brittney. "He's hot, Hayden."
"Oh, I know that but there's so much more to him that very few people know about him. He's a pretty awesome, sweet guy and he's very smart. He can kick my ass at Scrabble."
"Probably the only person that can," says Grace with a smile. "I can't believe you two lasted this long."
"It's been almost a year," I say, "and I love him more every day. I mean we did buy a house in New Orleans together so I think we are kind of in it for the long haul," I say, "and I took that job in New Orleans."
"So what's the sex like?" asks Melissa.
"She will never answer that," says Grace with a smile. "I have tried."
"It's obviously amazing," says Chad. "How can it NOT be have you seen the man? He is like a God and he has sex appeal."
"I really have no complaints," I say with a smile.
"I would hope you wouldn't," says Roman as I feel his arms wrap around my waist making me smile as he kisses my neck softly.
"Ah, so he admits it," says Chad.
"I don't kiss and tell," I say as Roman holds me.
"That's no fair," says Chad. "Roman?"
"I can't answer that but I have no complaints either," he says making me smile, "none whatsoever." He kisses my neck softly.
"Where did you disappear to? I haven't seen you for like 45 minutes?"
"Oh, I was taking care of some stuff for later," he says. "Talking to your dad."
"My dad?"
"Yeah, I had to talk to him about something," he says, "everything is good."
"All right," I say.
"So now that we are done with college," says Brittney, "is there going to be a ring any time soon?"
"That would be the best wedding ever!" says Chad.
"I can't answer that we just have to see where life goes," I say, "honestly I am in no rush. I got my man and I'm good with that but I wouldn't mind the ring either," I say. I feel Roman smile against my neck before he kisses it again. "Roman," I say. "Stop."
"All right," he says letting me go, "let's dance."
"Dance? Where?"
"Here," he says taking my beer from me and putting it down on the bar next to his. "Come on," he says taking my hand. I follow him and move to an empty space to dance with him.
As Thomas Rhett's Die a Happy Man starts to play in the bar everyone starts to gather around Roman and me as he wraps me up in his arms and I wrap my arms around him, resting my head on his chest so we can dance. Thomas Rhett begins singing about how last night was the best night he had without a doubt and dancing in the dark under the stars in the pouring rain. Talking about how all he needs in this life is his girlfriend's crazy love and how if he doesn't get to see all these places or do these things as long as he is holding her hand he will die a happy man. Roman begins to sing along with Thomas talking about how my black dress makes it hard to breathe, how I am a saint, a goddess, the hottest and a masterpiece too good to be true and nothing better than me in his wildest dreams. "And I know that I can't tell you enough that all I need in this life is your crazy love. If I never get to see the Northern lights or if I never get to see the Eiffel Tower at night. Oh if all I got is your hand in my hand Baby I could die a happy man," he sings as tears fill my eyes. It is one of my favorite songs by Thomas Rhett. He continues to sing about how he doesn't need a vacation or fancy destination because I am his great escape, how we could stay at home listening to the radio and dance by the fireplace. It takes me back to our time in the Poconos dancing by the fireplace it was beautiful. "If I never get to build my mansion in Georgia or drive a sports car up the coast of California well if all I got is your hand in my hand then baby I could die a happy man," he sings. He lets go of me as the song continues to play and drops to his knee in front of me as everyone is gathered around. He takes something out of his pocket. "Hayden Elizabeth Gonzales-Castellano, the day I met you in this bar was the day my life changed forever. I never thought that night was going to turn into this but sure enough it became more than a one night stand. I was in a loveless marriage and unhappy with life. I found that love in you and the happiness in you. We fought through so much to keep our relationship together when everything was meant to tear it apart. We fought hard and the best love in this world is the love we have to fight for and the love we need to take a risk for. I lost my job, my home and nearly everything but I didn't lose you. I could have never coached again, never taught again or lived out my dreams. I may never see Paris or Italy, never see places but that would not matter to me as long as I have you, then I am happy. I gave up everything for you and I never regretted it, I will never regret it. You make me the happiest man in the world. I love you so much. I made a choice a few months ago to be with you, I chose you and I want to keep choosing you the rest of our lives. I love you Hayden and words can't express how happy you make me. I want you in my home, I want to come home to you, I want to have kids with you, I want to make you happy," he says with tears in his eyes as I have tears in my own eyes. "You make me so happy, Baby Girl and I want you to make me happy every day of my life, will you marry me and be my forever?" he asks exposing a halo shaped diamond ring with a twisted diamond band. I break down crying not being able to speak, I cry and cry as he stands up and wraps his arms around me. I wrap my arms around him and cry on his shoulder. "Hayden," he whispers, "you need to answer me here," he says. I can't stop crying, crying from happiness to be his wife and spend the rest of my life with him. "Hey, it's okay," he comforts me as he rubs my back. I nod my head not being able to say the words. "Hayden," he says.
"Yes," I say through my cries, "yes, I'll marry you." I say and everyone cheers as Roman breaks our embrace to put the ring on my finger. He stands up as I cry again. "I love you," I say wrapping my arms around him.
"I love you too," he says as he has his own tears in his eyes. We share a soft kiss as we hold each other and our tears mixing together.
TO BE CONTINUED!
*A/N: What did you think? Please review and thank-you for reading. This is NOT the end of Hayden and Roman's story, there is more as the sequel should begin either before the weekend or over next weekend depending on if I do any updates the next two days. I ended The Choice the way I did because this story was based on Roman making a choice whether he wanted to be with Hayden or Shea. He made his choice. I could have added more but it would dive away from the title of the story so I chose to make it a two part story with a sequel that jumps 3 years into the future called Best Shot. I also plan to bring Dean and maybe Seth into the story as well as Hayden's new friends we met in this chapter especially Chad. Are you ready for the sequel to see what happens in their lives next?