Thanks to Rangerapprentice, Susan sewell and Fiora-MiekoX2 for their amazing reviews!


You know I've always got your back, girl
So let me be the one you come running to, running to, r-r-running
I see it's just a matter of fact, girl
You just call my name
I'll be coming through, coming through, I'll keep coming-Everything About You, One Direction.


Chapter 28

"Max, I-" her voice wouldn't come out. Her throat was choked. And like the shocking sun which breaks out from between the clouds on a rainy day, a new voice, her own untainted voice began to speak in her mind. So what if she let the people down? As if they would be heartbroken. Life goes on and everybody is too wrapped up in their own affairs to think about such small, trifling things. All the people for whom she was sacrificing her happiness would remain unaffected either way. Things would be hard at first but eventually everything would get straightened out. It wasn't love that was small and trifle but things like pride and stupid people-pressure that were small and trifle. Love was the greater good and everything else be damned.

Mariam blinked back the tears and smiled, "Max, I love you too and I do want to marry you." God, those stupid tears began to flow ceaselessly down her flushed cheeks as Max's face twisted into an amazed smile. Gasps of relief and joy and groans of dismay and shock could be heard from all corners of the church. She could see Hilary coming forward to hug her. However somebody hugged her first and that somebody was John.

"What?" Mariam asked.

John stepped back and grinned broadly, "You don't know but you've taken a load off my chest. I didn't want to marry you. My, this has been such a misunderstanding. There's this girl...Oh no, she'll be leaving forever today. I have to stop before she boards the plane for Japan. Thanks, Mariam." With a quick kiss on the cheek he was gone, whispering something to his parents, who gave an agreable smile. The Elders and Company followed his exit with haste.

And finally Mariam and Max were free to talk. "So," started Max, "do you want to do it?"

"What?" laughed Mariam joyously, a laugh that she hadn't used for months.

"Marry me," Max said in an obvious voice.

"Right now?" asked Mariam with wide eyes.

Max nodded and everybody stared as if holding their breath. Mariam considered and then spoke, "Why not?"

And that's how the tragic story got a happy ending. Everybody clapped happily and John's parents who had stayed behind blessed the couple.

Mrs. Morrison said, hugging Mariam, "I am so sorry, dear. I had no idea. You should have told us."

"Oh Jane," broke in Mr. Morrison, "let her be. All's well that ends well."

A few feet away Tyson whispered the exact same words to Diana after greatly exaggerating his role in Max's happiness, "And that's why I say, Diana, alls well that ends well. Hey, you crying!"

Diana laughed as she wiped her eyes on the corner of her sleeve, "Can't help it. I love happy endings."

-London Airport, 9:15 p.m.

"Pick up the phone, Alison," muttered John as he tried to get his ex-girlfriend on the phone.

Earlier today she had called him for the last time on this very phone.

"John, I love you, you love me. Tell your parents and come back," Alison had started. "Be a man."

John had not liked it at all, "Listen, Alison, I have said this already. I can't let everyone down for my selfish reasons. A lot of responsibilities lie on my shoulders. Try to understand."

"No you understand. John, please, this is the last time I am asking you. I will not go to Japan. I'll stay here with you. Please."

John answered after a long silence, "I'm sorry, honey."

"Well, I guess its good bye then. I am going tonight. Please don't call me ever again."

The line was dead.

John felt sorry for each and every time he had hurt Alison. He wished he had had guts but he would change if...if she would come back. His parents were ok too. This was it and after all of it she wasn't there.

His eyes scanned the Departure Terminal for what seemed like the millionth time. He didn't know which flight she was going on. He knew nothing. She might be gone already. His tired eyes roved back and then he caught sight of someone. Someone with neon green hair. Someone who was hugging a group of people with neon green hair. A spurt of hope burst in him and he started to run towards that someone. Alison and her friends were the only people he knew who died their hair that funky green simultaneously.

"Alison,"he shouted. "Alison."

The girl was already halfway through entering when she turned. Her friends turned too, to look at him. He could see her face now. It was her. She looked so surprised. So tense. So scared and so hopeful.

He ran upto her and bent down on one knee, "Marry me." He knew it looked a bit stupid as he didn't have a ring on person but still he was hopeful. Maybe, maybe, she would say yes. Her eyes wandered over him for what seemed like an eternity but what was actually a few seconds. In that period of time John knew a fear like nothing else. He knew her answer. She was going to say no.

She mumbled, "John-"

"Wh-what?"

He didn't quite catch what she said and she seemed to realise that. She repeated, "You idiot, of course. What else have I been whining about all these months!" John's eyes widened.


I know I shouldn't be complaining and I am not but I thought this was a really good part of the story and there seem to be a lot of people reading it but just three people reviewed fthe last chapter. I would really love it if you people leave a review now and then as it really makes me HAPPY.

By the way, I have this new poll on my profile, do check it out when you have got the time :)

Man, Summer Holiday's getting over and my homework is nowhere near ending! Major Catastrophe _

And last but not the least...DO REVIEW :) [Ya, I am practically begging now ;)]

-ZAK