This is the final chapter before the epilogues! Oh god, I can't believe this story is ending...
But in the mean time, I hope you enjoy reading!
1 month later...
I couldn't believe it was already the 2nd week of May. In just 4 weeks, the school year will be over. It's hard to believe that this has been our first year at college. Thinking back, the amount of things that happened in just 8 months was just overwhelming.
This college year is definitely one to remember.
This year has changed my life, from the first day of college to this very day. In just 8 months, I fell in love with the boy I least expected to fall in love with, got my heart shattered countless of times, got stuck in the middle of every situation, felt the pain of losing Miss Miller, cried my soul out each night, made many mistakes, got hurt, saw the boy I loved get hurt, met 2 people named Victoria and Anthony...
But none of those things mattered anymore. They happened in the past, and they will stay in the past. Alvin and I are now together, and in the short months of us being in an actual relationship, I could tell that what we have is the real thing. No amount of words can express the love Alvin and I feel for one another. Though we've known each other all our lives, this relationship actually brought us closer together. Words will never be enough, but I love him, and he loves me.
He is so protective of me, like he would walk through fire just for me. And though I would do the same for him, it was still an amazing feeling to know that there is someone out there, who loves me as much as I love him.
Alvin Seville; the boy I knew since I was 5, the boy I despised, the boy who I became best friends with, the boy I trusted, confided in, laughed with, cried to, smiled, yelled, screamed, hated, loved...I know it sounds lame, but honestly, he's my everything.
He's my world, he's my life, he's my heart, and I would never do anything to let him go. He means so much to me, that I would do anything for him. And even though we still fight, argue and yell at each other as if we were still 10 years old, I still love him with every damn nerve in my body.
Today, it was a warm Monday afternoon. Coincidentally, neither me or my sisters had class today. Don't ask me why, there was just some big meeting for some of the teachers. I was glad, because I didn't want to go to class. But despite the joy of not having class on a Monday, there was still the rest of the week to dread.
But today, instead of being a couch potato all day and doing nothing at home, I decided to watch Alvin's football practice today. I dragged Jeanette and Eleanor along with me just for the hell of it. Everyone knows that Alvin has been a football player ever since elementary, and it was no surprise when he got accepted into the football studies course at this college, but watching him now...there was a huge difference in his playing. It was incredible.
As I watched, I flinched and cringed every now and then when I saw him get tackled to the ground, but he always shook it off and continued playing. It was so masculine and so attractive, gosh, is there something he can't do?
My sisters and I were on the bleachers facing the football field. I sighed and turned to them. "He plays like a pro, doesn't he."
Eleanor nodded. "I actually think it's frightening at how good he's gotten."
I laughed before turning back to the field. I watched as the coach blew the whistle, and as the entire team gathered around him. They were across the field, so it was impossible to hear what the coach was telling them, but after a minute or so, a small eruption of cheers and 'Congrats' were heard coming from the group of footballers. I suddenly raised my eyebrows as people began to pat Alvin on the back, while some gave him high fives.
"What do you think that's all about?" Jeanette asked.
I looked at my sister, then shrugged. "No idea."
"Well whatever it is, it looks like they're congratulating Alvin on something." Said Jeanette.
"Maybe he did something right...for once." Eleanor joked.
I rolled my eyes, but I couldn't help but laugh. I turned back to the field, and instantly saw Alvin running towards us. He was in his football jersey, but damn, he looked so good. I smiled at him when he finally reached us.
"Hey guys." He said.
"Hi. How's practice?" I asked.
"It's going good. We just finished." He said.
"Oh, good." I said. "Um, why were people congratulating you back there?"
Alvin gave me a sly smile, but shrugged. "Nothing big. I just got promoted as the team's captain for next year, that's all. No big deal." He said cooly.
I gasped and squealed as I got off my seat to jump into his arms. I gave him a big grin before giving him a quick kiss on the lips. "No big deal? Are you serious? Alvin, that's amazing!"
He just laughed softly. "Thanks, Britt."
"I'm so proud of you." I said before leaning in to kiss him again, but this time, even longer. But of course, my sisters just had to interrupt it.
"We're still here, you know." Muttered Jeanette, which made me and Alvin pull away from each other.
Alvin laughed. "Sorry guys."
"But congrats, Alvin. You deserve it." Said Jeanette.
"Yeah, congratulations. But one question. How the hell did you get so good? Like, you were good all through elementary and high school, but now, you're like, incredibly good." Said Eleanor.
Alvin smiled. "Practice makes perfect. You should know that, Elle. You're the one who's crazily obsessed when it comes to cooking food."
Eleanor rolled her eyes. "Still..."
I laughed. Growing up, Alvin and Eleanor always has this mini brother-against-sister rivalry between them. But their rivalry was nowhere are big as mine and Alvin's. If you think about it, Jeanette has argued with Alvin a lot in the past too. I guess when you know someone like Alvin, it's literally impossible not to get into a little disagreement with him.
Alvin laughed softly before saying, "Well, I'm gonna go change before the locker room gets crowded."
"I'll wait for you." I said to him.
But before Alvin could say something, Eleanor turned to Jeanette and said, "I think that's our cue to go, Jeanette. I think these two want privacy."
I rolled my eyes. "Guys..."
Jeanette nodded and turned to look at me and Alvin. "Don't worry, Britt. We understand. Have fun, but don't have too much fun, if you know what I mean..."
I groaned while both of my sisters snickered. "I swear guys. Don't you two ever get tired of teasing me about...that?"
"Nope. We'll never make you forget it." Said Eleanor. "So the next time you two do it, you better clear up all your evidence if you don't want any of us to find out."
I rolled my eyes again. I felt my cheeks flame up in embarrassment, but then I said, "Okay, you guys are really making me say it, but...stop teasing me about my sex life!"
I heard Alvin laugh lightly beside me, while my sisters broke into giggling fits. I glared up at Alvin, and frowned. Why did he find it funny? This involved him too! Okay, I get it already - it's humiliatingly funny, but after a while, it gets pretty boring. I mean, my sisters have never stopped teasing me, and I have a pretty bad feeling that it's not going to stop for a while. Yeah, I know it's my fault in the first place, but my sisters can't stop teasing me about it!
Jeanette waved us off as she and Eleanor began to walk away. "Be home by 8PM, Britt."
I sighed in annoyance. "I know, I know." I muttered before the two of them finally walked away, leaving me and Alvin alone at last.
Alvin smiled when he noticed my embarrassment. He laughed lightly then said, "It's okay, Britt. They're just teasing."
"God, but they're so annoying. I mean, my own sisters are teasing about our sex life, Alvin. Ever since Jeanette found the pack of condoms on my bed, they won't stop bringing it up. Talk about awkward." I muttered.
Alvin chuckled softly again before giving me a light kiss on the cheek. "Give me a few minutes to go take a shower and change out of my football jersey, okay? I'll be out in a bit."
I nodded before he crossed the field to go into the changing room, while I sat back down on the bleachers. About 10 minutes later, he came back out, crossed the field, and went back to me. He sat down beside me and sighed.
"So. What should we do today?" He asked.
I shrugged. "I dunno. It's a Monday. There's nothing much to do."
He sighed and pondered for a moment. "Well, I don't know about you, but I'm starving. Wanna go have lunch?"
I shrugged again. "Okay. Oh, let's go to that cafe down the street. They have such good pasta there."
"Sure." He said before getting up, holding out a hand to help me up, and swinging an arm around me.
We didn't have to drive to the cafe because it was literally like, 2 minutes away from the college. We walked hand in hand down the grassy field, along the sidewalk that separated the dorm building to the campus building, into the school, out the front doors and into the parking lot. I sighed as I felt the sun rays hit my skin. God, how I missed this weather. I was glad that it was finally May, but it also felt surreal to know that the college year was ending in just a few weeks.
I sighed as I intertwined my fingers through his. "It's hard to believe that the year is ending soon."
"I know what you mean." Alvin said. "This year has been quite...intense for the both of us."
I nodded and inhaled deeply. With that one statement, everything that happened between us came back flying into my mind. And though I've tried to forget about all those memories, it was literally impossible to leave them behind.
He sighed. "But Brittany, despite all that's happened between you and me these past months, I'm relieved that it happened because it brought you and I together. Even though we've known each other for 15 years, this relationship has brought us closer to each other than we already were. And like I said, this is about you and me. No one else, only us."
I nodded again. "I know."
"Good. I just wanted you to know. You seem so...worried." He said.
I laughed lightly. "I'm not worried, Alvin. It's just, well, whenever you bring those things up, I just can't help but remember everything that happened in the past. If you think about it, it's hard to believe that we spent almost 6 months hating and ignoring each other because we were dating different people."
Alvin inhaled deeply. "Okay, let's not talk about that. The last thing you and I need is to think back about Victoria and Anthony."
I laughed lightly, then nodded. "Okay, okay. You're right."
We soon arrived at the cafe. I had to admit, I was starving as well. With all the homework and projects I've had in the past few weeks, it was all I could focus on. It put a huge amount of stress on me, and with that, I haven't had a decent meal in what seems like a long time. Even though I had no classes today, I didn't even have time to eat breakfast because of this report I had to write up. And let's just say that I am way behind on everything.
Alvin ordered a sub sandwich with a glass of coke while I ordered a plate of lasagna with a glass of ice tea. Every now and then, I tried to be cute by feeding Alvin some of my pasta. Alvin, of course, found his own way of being 'romantic' and 'cute'. He reached over, letting me take a bite of his sandwich, but the moment my face was just a few millimeters away from the sandwich, he lightly shoved it in my face, making mayonnaise smear all over my nose.
He laughed. "Aw, Britt. That's a nice look for you."
I sneered as I wiped the mayonnaise off my face. But honestly, I didn't have the guts to get mad at him. Doing stupid things like this to each other is basically a routine between the two of us. I can't even count how many times I purposely flung food in Alvin's face in the past.
I lightly threw the crumpled up napkin at him and said, "Do that again, and I'll kill you."
He chuckled softly. "I love you."
"Suck up." I muttered under my breath.
"Think about it this way. Once we're done, we can go back to my dorm, hang out and have a bit of 'alone time', if you know what I mean." He teased.
I glared at him in disbelief. "Didn't you just hear what I said earlier? My sisters are amusing themselves by teasing us about our sex life. Do you want them to catch us again?" I snapped.
He rolled his eyes. "I was kidding, Britt."
But I sighed and smiled at him. "But that doesn't mean that I don't want to. Because I do wanna do it. We haven't had sex for a while now..."
Alvin laughed. "Wow. Listen to yourself, Brittany. No wonder Jeanette and Eleanor like to tease you about it."
I just rolled my eyes before going back to my plate of pasta. But minutes later, Alvin's cell phone suddenly went off. He dropped his sandwich on the plate, reached into his pocket, pulled out his cell phone and put it to his ear.
"Hello? Oh, hey Simon." He said before taking a pause. "I'm having lunch with Brittany. Why?" He took another pause. "Really? Who?" Another pause. "Um, okay then. We'll be there."
I gave him a confused look as he put his cell phone away. "Why did Simon call?" I asked.
"I dunno. He said that someone is waiting for us back at school." He answered.
"Who?" I asked.
Alvin shrugged. "No idea. Simon wouldn't tell me."
I paused for a moment, feeling confused. "And this person is waiting for both of us?"
"I guess so. That's what Simon told me." Alvin said.
"That's weird." I said.
"I told Simon we'd be there soon, so I think we should go." Said Alvin.
"Wait. Is Simon with this person right now?" I asked.
"No. Simon told me that he went back to our dorm to get something, but then this person, whoever it is, was standing right outside the door. And then he told Simon that he wanted to talk to the both of us. But then he told the guy to just wait in front of the school for us..." He trailed off for a moment. "I honestly don't know who it could be."
I nodded as I stood up off my seat. Alvin did the same before he went to the front desk to pay for the food. We walked back to the college, into the parking lot, and through the field until we got to the front doors of the school. But the weird thing was that no one was there.
"Are you sure there's someone looking for us?" I asked Alvin, looking up at him.
Alvin looked at me for a moment. "I think so. That's what Simon told...Oh, shit."
I noticed his gaze flicker past my shoulder, so I turned around to see what it was, and when I saw who it was, I froze and gasped out loud. I couldn't believe it. I couldn't believe who was standing there, just a couple of feet away from us. Of all people, why was it him?
Anthony.
No humane words could express the amount of hatred, anger and despisement that automatically flooded through my veins. Hell-like fires began to erupt inside of me, and my heart began to pound madly. My cheeks began to burn with flaming hostility. What the hell is he doing here? I thought we got rid of him. I thought he left our lives forever. I mean, I thought he left for good! It's been about 2 months since I last saw him, but one vague glimpse brought all the hatred back into my body. I don't know what I ever saw in him. I don't know why I even dated him when I knew I never had feelings for him. But all I wanted to know is why the hell is he here?
I knew he dropped out of college, so why is he back? When I slapped him across the face while screaming at him never to go near me again, I thought I wouldn't never have to see him for the rest of my life. Didn't I make myself clear when I threatened to call the police on him? He's just lucky that he isn't in jail after what he's done. Even though it's been nearly 2 months, I was still scarred by the damage he has caused, and the possibilities of what could have happened.
Alvin almost died because of him.
And after Anthony forced me into that kiss, I just can't be within a mile of him without feeling the need to slap him across the face again. I was mad, not only because of the forced kiss, but because he is half the reason to why I almost lost Alvin - the boy who means everything to me.
When Victoria left, she left for good. And when Anthony left, I thought he left for good too. I can't express the relief I had, knowing that they were out of our lives forever and that nothing can come between me and Alvin anymore. Victoria was Alvin's ex girlfriend, and Anthony was my ex boyfriend. But now, with Anthony standing right a few feet away from us, I can't help but wonder this: Did he return, just to try and win me back - again?
I gripped onto Alvin's arm, but said nothing. My heart was hammering with bitterness as my eyes pierced right at Anthony. Anthony, on the other hand, just stood there, still as stone, watching us with an emotionless face.
"What the hell is he doing here?" I whispered angrily.
Alvin sighed and looked at me. "Britt, stay here. Let me go and talk to him."
No. I wouldn't allow that. I knew I had to deal with this myself. Anthony was my problem, after all. And besides, after almost taking Alvin's life, I would never ever let Anthony near him. And despite what Alvin just said, I ignored him and began to storm right towards Anthony. Once he saw me, his eyes widened in horror, and quickly took a few steps away from me, looking absolutely terrified.
"You." I hissed menacingly. "You bastard. What are you doing here?"
"Brittany!" I heard Alvin exclaim behind me.
I ignored him again. I never took my eyes off of Anthony's mortified face. "Didn't I make myself clear when I said I never wanted you to come near me or Alvin ever again?"
Anthony remained frozen.
"Didn't I make myself clear when I said to leave us alone?" I exclaimed, my voice getting louder. "If you're here to try and talk me into getting back together with you, then you might as well leave because I will NEVER-"
"I'm not here to do that." Anthony said, cutting me off.
I gaped at him for a few seconds. "Then why are you here? We know that you ditched college, and they're not accepting you back. You don't go to this school anymore, so why are you back?"
Alvin came up from behind me while Anthony sighed deeply. He looked up to look at the both of us, then said, "I'm came back to apologize...to the both of you."
I scoffed. "Apologize? That's what you said the last time. But what did you do? You used that as an excuse to try and talk me out of my choice of being with Alvin. And if you're here to do that again, then-"
"Brittany." Alvin said abruptly, which made me shut my mouth.
I looked up at him in disbelief. "Alvin, what are you doing? I-"
"Just listen to what he has to say. He could be telling the truth." Alvin said gently to me.
"I am telling the truth, I swear." Anthony spoke up. He paused for a moment before looking down to the ground. "I...I felt bad about what I did at the hospital. I didn't mean to do that to you, Brittany. Honest!"
I knew he was talking about the kiss he forced me into, but he didn't say it outloud. And though Alvin has no idea what Anthony was referring to, he kept quiet and still, staying right by my side.
I just shook my head. "Do you know what you should feel bad about? PUTTING ALVIN IN THE FUCKING HOSPITAL!" I screamed.
Alvin touched my arm, wanting me to calm down. But Anthony looked up and looked at Alvin. "That's the other thing I wanted to talk about." He said, almost whispering. "Alvin, look. I'm sorry for everything. I didn't mean to knock you out so badly. I would never do that. I was just so angry at the time, that I didn't even know what the hell I was doing."
Alvin just nodded.
"You don't know how hard it's been, knowing that you were in a coma because of me." Anthony said. "But I'm glad you're okay. I'm glad you made it out without any serious injuries. But I hope you can understand how bad I feel about everything I've done."
Alvin nodded again. "I understand."
Then Anthony turned to me. "Brittany, all I can ask is for you to forgive me. I know you hate my guts, but I just want you to know how sorry I am. I knew from the start that you love Alvin. But I was the idiot who couldn't accept it. But now, after 2 months of therapy, I've learned to let it go."
I looked at him for a moment. He took therapy, just to let go of his feelings for me? I began to feel guilty. "It's okay..."
"I've made some mistakes in the past. And even though I can never fix them, I hope I can at least do something to make up for it. And that's why I came back. I wanted to talk to the both of you. Alvin, I never intended you to get hurt, and for you to get put in the hospital. And Brittany, well, I know we were never meant to be together, but in the few months of knowing you and becoming friends with you, I can say that Alvin is lucky to have you." Anthony said.
I sighed and nodded, but said nothing.
Anthony sighed deeply. "Brittany, I know you hate me. And I understand if you do, but you don't have to worry about anything anymore. Don't take this the wrong way, but I've learned to get over you. I've learned to let my feelings for you go, and just focus on my life right now."
I looked up and looked at his face for a long time before saying, "Well, I'm glad to hear that. And I appreciate you coming here and apologizing to us. But I have to say sorry as well. I've done things in the past I wish I could change, but I hope after today, everything will become better."
Anthony nodded. "So will you guys forgive me? I completely understand if you don't, but I just hope you guys will."
I sighed and looked up at Alvin. Alvin sighed deeply and nodded. "Yeah, of course."
Anthony smiled vaguley before looking at me. "Brittany, please?"
I looked away. Should I forgive him? Like I said, it's been 2 months since I last saw him. Then again, I could truly tell that he's changed, and that he is being down right sincere. Even though I've had a short relationship with him, Anthony really was a nice guy. He wasn't a villain at all. And the fact that he came back here, just to talk to me and Alvin really shows how truthful he is being.
I looked back up at him and nodded. "Yeah. I forgive you."
Anthony smiled again and nodded. "Thanks." He said softly before taking a pause. "Well, I'm glad I talked to you guys about it. But now, since I already did, I guess I should get going."
"Thanks, Anthony." Said Alvin. "Oh, and for all those times I called you a 'geek' or a 'nerd', it was just a joke. I have this habit of calling people names, but I never really mean them. So no hard feelings?"
"Of course. And don't worry, I understand." He said, then paused again. "And I know you two love each other. I mean, what the hell was I thinking, trying to come between you guys?" Anthony exclaimed.
Alvin and I both laughed. Anthony reached towards Alvin, and they shook hands. Then he turned to me, and held his hand out. I looked at his hand for a few seconds and sighed. Even though I never had any true feelings of love for Anthony, he was still my friend. In a way, he's changed a part of me, and he's a big part of my first year here in college. And deep inside, I know that after today, and after what he's done today, I can never really hate him anymore. I just had to forgive him.
So with that, I stepped towards Anthony and gave him a hug. All the hatred I felt for him melted away. I pulled away a few seconds later and sighed. "Thanks for being such a good friend to me this year Anthony."
He smiled softly. "Your welcome. Same goes to you."
I smiled. "I know you'll do good in the future. I mean, you're one of the smartest people I know."
"Thanks, Brittany." He said.
I sighed and looked at him straight in the face. "And I know you'll find someone soon. I know there's a girl out there for you."
He smiled again. "Thanks."
I stepped away from him to walk back to Alvin. I took a deep breath as I looked at Anthony and said, "So, I guess this is goodbye?"
"I guess so." He said, smiling. "Again, thanks for listening to me guys."
"Thanks for coming back." Alvin said.
Anthony smiled once more before giving us a final wave, and walking away. And that was it. That was the very last time we ever saw him.
I turned around to look at Alvin. I took a deep breath. "Alvin?"
He looked down at me. "Yeah?"
"You okay?"
He smiled as he pulled me closer to him. He kissed the top of my head and said, "I'm proud of you for doing that."
I sighed as I buried my face in his chest. "Are all of our problems gone?" I whispered.
He nodded. "Yes, all of our problems are gone. Victoria is gone, we mended everything with Anthony, and we're here together. And nothing will ever change that. You don't need to worry about anything anymore."
"Promise?" I asked.
"I promise. I will never leave you, for as long as I live. I love you so much, Brittany, that I can't even explain it. I love you because you are, and always have been, what I've looked for. I love you, not only for who you are, but for who I am when I'm with you." He whispered.
I looked up at him while small tears rose up in my eyes. "Somewhere between all our laughs, long talks, stupid little fights and all our jokes, I fell in love with you." I whispered.
He gave me a soft kiss on my forehead. "Brittany, meeting you was fate, becoming your best friend was a choice, but falling in love with you...I had no control over. I will always be here for you. I'll do anything and everything for you."
I closed my eyes before burying my face back into his chest. I couldn't take it anymore. I love him so much, it hurts me in a way that makes me want to hold onto him for the rest of my life. I love him so much, that I was beginning to fear something...something I have never thought before. And that's when it hit me. I now understood the words Miss Miller told me 10 years ago.
'Don't be afraid to fall in love.'
I now understand. I have now found the answer - the answer to everything.
I was afraid to fall in love with him because I knew that I will always love him so much, that I feared that I would lose him - the same reason to why Alvin was afraid of falling in love with me...
"Alvin..." I whispered, before looking up at him again.
"Yeah?" He asked softly.
I took a deep breath, then said, "I love you, always. But when I met you 15 years ago, I was afraid to be your friend. But through the years of being friends, I was afraid to be with you. But now that I'm with you, I was afraid to love you. But now that I love you...I'm just so afraid to lose you."
He shook his head and looked into my eyes. "You will never lose me. Never, Brittany." He whispered.
"I was afraid of falling in love with you..." I whispered.
"You don't have to be afraid of anything. Not while I'm here to protect you." He whispered.
"We'll always be together, right?" I whispered through tears.
He nodded. "Always."
"Do you promise me?" I asked shakily.
"Yes." He whispered.
"And nothing will ever separate us from each other?" I asked.
He nodded again. "I swear. I'll never leave your side, Britt. You don't have to worry about a thing. You don't have to be scared of losing me, because I will never walk away from you."
I nodded gently.
"On one condition though..." He said.
I looked up at him. "What?"
He wiped my tears away with his fingers and whispered, "You must promise me that I will never lose you either."
I smiled weakly and sighed. "And you won't. I can promise you that."
He wrapped his arms around my waist. "So, we were both afraid of falling in love with each other..."
"But now we know that we don't need to be afraid. Not anymore." I whispered.
He looked into my eyes and sighed. "I love you so much."
I smiled before leaning in to rest my head on his chest. "I love you too. I always have, and always will."
Well, there it is! The last chapter before the epilogues! The part with Anthony was...unexpected :/
OH GOD! CHIPWRECKED IS COMING OUT IN LESS THAN A WEEK! I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR OVER A YEAR, LITERALLY! *SPAZZ ATTACK*
Oh, and Awesomo3000, aka the 1000th reviewer, wanted me to post the little letter he/she wrote to me:
You already did something right. You made this story. If you hadn't made this, you wouldn't have become a Fanfiction success. And here you are now, surrounded by reviews from thousands of people who love and support your amazing stories. To me, you are a winner! Never give up, find a way, cos that is what winners do. And you, my friend, are definitely a winner.
Aww, thanks so much!
Thanks for reading everyone, and PLEASE review! Can't believe I have over 1000 reviews! I love you all!
