Epilogue
Three months went by at a steady pace. Much happened during that time. Randall fully embraced the responsibilities of being chief engineer. There was always so much to do at the factory now that Sullivan had put him in charge of the machines. His invention was gaining fame and being sought after all over the city. All the effort and hard work he'd put into it had been worth it. Although he remained a very impatient monster with a short fuse—after all, no one was perfect—underneath it all, there were instances when he returned to the nice guy he used to be all those years ago. The redemption had been a long time coming.
Becca kept busy with her scare coaching classes, watching Randall's improved self work hard at bettering the Monster World. Life was going so well that there seemed nothing to fear when it came to moving forward. The road to pass her time of grieving her sister had been more difficult than words could describe, but she'd made it. Having friends around to help along the way had helped immensely.
Naomi continued to fulfill the sisterly role, even going so far as to sneak past reception at the factory to visit Becca and Randall. Her happy-go-lucky personality was such a stark contrast to theirs, but also refreshing. Her new position as a chef at the ritziest hotel in Monstropolis had pushed her joy into overload. These days, there was nothing she enjoyed more then telling the gang all about her day. That, and discussing what food to make at the upcoming wedding. "I'm begging you guys, just let me handle it! Pleeeeeeaaase?"
"It's a backyard wedding, not one of your over-the-top parties with sparkly pink decorations." Becca protested. Randall nodded in agreement.
As for Bernard, he continued cherishing the simple things in life., weather it was a quiet day at home with his granddaughter, or a busy one out on the docks, fishing with Nicholas and the rest of the crew. The prosthetic leg did not hinder him at all anymore. In fact, he was walking better than the others had seen in a long time. Not since that terrible accident in the Human World that messed up that leg in the first place had he been so spry. The older monster was almost as cheerful as Naomi about the upcoming wedding. It was always a big deal when the gang had something to celebrate, especially something like this. He even offered the use of his backyard for where it was to take place.
The Brennen's yard was certainly big enough. All the trees and greenery made it an ideal spot. Randall was glad for keeping it small. Not only did he not want a huge fuss, but he was juggling his engineering duties along with being a parent to Rex. Becca was a big support, and very easy-going when it came to the minimal planning there was to be done. During their three-month engagement, she continued to live with the Brennens. Despite her tough demeaner, she still held on to old-fashioned values, which Randall both admired and respected. It also made him look forward even more to the day she moved in. And Rex was thrilled to be gaining an aunt when that day came.
By the time it arrived, summer was in full swing, so the garden was lush, rich with greenery, and warm with a shining sun overhead. Naomi really did end up preparing all the food—even a cake so delicious-looking that it was doubtful anyone would want to cut into it. She was almost let loose on decorating, too, but the others talked her out of it, for there was no need for extra fluff when the outdoors was so rich with summer. (Naomi still complained about the abundance of insects, though.)
The wedding was purely a family affair: Nick, Lucy, and Penny were there, of course. And Zachariah Boggs came down from the countryside an entire day early just to help with preparations. Naomi's mother, Miranda Jackson, came; she was basically an older version of Naomi, all decked out in a fancy dress, even though the day was a casual one. Much to everyone's surprise, Randall invited Jeffery Fungus, Mike Wazowski, and James P. Sullivan. He did so not to rub it in their faces that he was getting married, nor because he wanted to prove a point. That would have been what the old Randall would have done. No. He wanted them here because he considered them friends. (Well, maybe not Sullivan.) Over the last year, the old friendship with Mike had carefully been rekindled and Fungus couldn't very well be excluded after the friendship they had formed over the last several months. As for Sullivan…having him here seemed a good way to bury any lingering enmity. Or maybe as a 'thanks for the promotion' kind of deal.
"Happy wedding day, Lizard Boy! You look great." Mike proclaimed upon strolling into the backyard.
"It's a bit stuffy, but thanks anyway." Randall pulled at the black, four-armed suit jacket he wore. It was new and stiff, but he would gladly put up with a collar in return for the day's rewards.
Fungus was in cheerful spirits, so much that he stammered more than usual when he talked. He gave Randall the same greeting before going off to chat with Nicholas and Lucy on the patio.
Sullivan reached out to shake Randall's hand. Mike watched tensely, still unsure of what would happen whenever the two interacted. But the former rivals were on good terms, now. Randall shook the blue-furred hand, silently thanking Sulley for the good wishes. Isn't it better to have a truce instead of being bitter about the past? His inner conscience spoke. Told you things would work out in the end.
Randall had heard that it was common to feel nervous on one's wedding day. Years ago, back when Sam had gotten married, he had said it was nerve-wracking beyond believe. But in stark contrast, Randall felt very calm and relaxed; he was just looking forward to it all. Perhaps it was because he and Becca knew each other so well and had gone through so much together already in both the Human and Monster Worlds.
The small group of guests gathered among the trees at the bottom of the garden. There were no chairs; everyone just got comfortable on the grass or perched on any low-hanging branches. However, Rex pulled out two stools to set up amongst the party. They were seats for Suzie and Sam, symbolically left empty, as they could not be here today. The minister performing the ceremony—a huge, sluggish polka-dot monster with many fearsome spikes running down his back—was very moved by the simple gesture.
Zachariah stood beside Randall to act as the best man. Not having his other son here was hard…he too was touched by his grandson's act. Having those empty stools there was such a kind gesture to include Sam in some way.
Naomi was the maid-of-honor, still very giddy about the whole event, only now there were many tears of happiness mixed in. She stood with Randall and Zach while the party waited for the arrival of Becca. In those few minutes, still no nerves came to Randall. Only excitement. On his next blink, Sam and Suzie suddenly materialized on the empty stools, ready to join in the big day. Rex did not seem to notice the ghosts this time…perhaps that was for the best, given Rex was not as good at pretending they were not there. That was OK. Randall gazed around at the group of monsters…he was glad that everyone he cared about was here to witness this. Today was surely a symbol of new beginnings.
Naomi couldn't help but squeal a little when Becca appeared. She had managed to talk the stubborn, tomboyish Becca into wearing a wedding dress. It was simple and comfortable, with many white summer flowers braided throughout her fin-tipped feelers. That was as far as she was willing to go when it came to dressing up, and it suited her to a tee. Bernard was the one escorting her down into the garden, looking very much like a proud father giving her away.
Everyone in the small audience—the Brennens, Fungus, Mike and Sulley, Naomi's mother, and Penny and Rex—all greeted her upon arrival. This was a very low-key affair, after all. The warm sun was shining, the surroundings were lush and green…Becca saw the two empty stools on the grass and smiled. She didn't believe in ghosts, but there was no doubt her sister and Sam were watching in some way.
Randall stood up straighter as she approached. This was a happy ending he certainly did not expect, yet it was the best ending he could have hoped for. She looked directly at him with such certainty, thinking exactly the same thing. Looking around at all of their friends and family, everything just felt…perfect.
…
Things only got better from there on out. Becca moved in with Randall and Rex, and everyone helped pack up her family heirlooms with ease. There were so many photo albums and novels that a small library could be opened. Much of it was moved into Sam's old room…Randall still hadn't the heart to go disassembling the place just yet. It was too soon, and far too many memories were here. Sam had a lot of bookshelves, though. It could be a good spot to have a reading room, perhaps. Becca's photographs were hung alongside the Boggs' ones throughout the house. With her being here, and all these new additions being welcomed with open arms, it really felt like a home, now.
Rex immediately took to his new aunt. He was glad of the privilege of calling her 'Aunt Becca.' The new title she had yet to get used to, although she wasn't complaining. The boy was so articulate for his age that he often gave insight to many questions and problems whenever one arose. Becca concluded that the kid was far too smart for his own good. It wouldn't be at all surprising if he skipped a grade or two in the future.
Word seemed to have gotten out at Monsters, Inc. about the wedding. But by no fault of Mike Wazowski, the biggest chatterbox in the factory. The only way word spread was because of Becca's last name change. Celia Mae called for her over the speakers one morning, using the name 'McKeen-Boggs', so naturally the entire factory figured it out right then and there. Coworkers were incredibly surprised; after all, Randall and Becca were never ones to show affection. (At least not in front of anyone.) Those who had known Randall back when he was his old, vindictive self were astounded by how he had turned his life around. But Randall was far too happy to care about all the gossip. Even Becca was reveling in the 'just married' phase, so no amount of gossip bothered them whatsoever. The thought crossed their minds of taking a trip somewhere for a honeymoon, if only for a way to escape the hubbub of monsters stopping them in hallways to congratulate them. Especially Celia, who was apparently dropping hints to Mike, her 'Googly-Bear,' about their own relationship taking the next step.
It was wonderful, being married. There was always someone to talk to, someone to tell his innermost thoughts, and a partner for life. Randall confessed all these discoveries to Fungus one day at work. The red, chicken-legged monster then reminded him, "That's a quick conclusion. You two have only been married for ten days."
"Yeah, but to each other." Randall pointed out.
"Hm. Good point." Fungus realized.
…
The idea of taking a trip really came into fruition. At first, friends suggested going to Bela Island, a monster resort a few hundred miles off the coast. But after bouncing some ideas around, Randall came up with a different destination in a most unconventional sense…
During the latter half of summer, Randall and Becca found themselves strolling through a tropical wilderness in the most remote place possible: the Human World. He had researched this island and constructed a wilderness door which led directly to the tropical forest. The door was a wild, palm-frond-camouflaged creation, nestled so deep in the landscape that humans would never come across it. And even if they did, would only regard the disguised door as a slab of tree bark. Making it had been a wedding present for Becca; a place to come to that offered peace and quiet, whenever they wished to get away somewhere.
The island was called Rawa, or Pulau Rawa, resting out in the middle of a coral-filled shallow sea off the coast of Malaysia. Despite there being two human resorts to contend with, this was an ideal hideaway for monsters if one picked the right spot. There were white sandy beaches with rocky cliffs, and the water was clean and full of sea life which included large fish, octopus and small sharks—excellent food for monsters camping out. The forest even had small reptiles and strange-looking eagles flying around. It was certainly more then enough wilderness for a small group of monsters to stay hidden from prying eyes.
Although there was plenty of time to be alone together, Randall and Becca had not come camping out here by themselves. They stopped their hike at the edge of a row of palm trees, looking out at a beach with the endless ocean stretching out to the horizon. Down on the sand was Rex building sandcastles with Bernard and Penny, while Naomi relaxed on a beach towel nearby, cheering them on.
"Turning this whole getaway into a family vacation was a nice idea." Becca leaned against him when he put two arms around her. "The days are a lot more fun with them here."
Randall chuckled. "I don't think they'd forgive us if we let them miss out on all this." He watched the group as an ocean breeze picked up to rustle his fronds. Becca's feelers blew around at the same time.
The two of them were camping quite far away from the rest of the group and spent the days exploring the island together, so as to have plenty of alone time. Having the gang here was an added bonus. This tropical paradise was very unknown to the Monster World, so there was no chance of letting their friends miss out on the unique and beautiful sights. This particular area was a very secluded part of the island, with a stretch of beach sheltered by a high cliff on one side. Thus, the group was free to enjoy the open air. It was a very peaceful moment, just standing here and enjoying the view of the waves lapping up against the sand.
"Did you and Suzie ever find places like this when you were lost in Europe?" Becca asked curiously, remembering the time when the group got separated.
"No. But Sam had been to a few tropical places back home. So I came up with the idea of coming here."
"Good call." She then smiled wistfully. "They would have liked each other, I think. Bookworms can talk about anything and everything for ages."
"No doubt about that." Randall agreed, kissing her cheek. Little did she know that Sam and Suzie really had become friends. Speaking of which, out of the corner of his eye appeared the subjects in question. It was only for a moment…The two ghosts still appeared to him occasionally, but the sightings were very few and far between these days. The figures sat on a rocky outcropping some distance away, looking out at the crystal-clear waves. Sam noticed Randall gazing this way, as did Suzie. They both waved, as happy as could be. On Randall's next blink, they both disappeared into thin air and he was left with a bittersweet feeling inside; it was good they had finally moved on in peace…but he would always miss them.
"Hey Uncle Randy! Aunt Becca! Come down here!" Rex called from the sand, four arms flailing like crazy as he hollered.
"Betcha they're going to rope us into sandcastle-building. You in?" Becca took a step into the sunshine. Bernard and Naomi were already helping Penny to begin a new castle even as she spoke.
They had been hiking around the island by themselves all morning, enjoying each others company. Joining their friends for a little sunshine on the beach sounded great. Randall heartily agreed, following his wife onto the picturesque landscape. They walked over to the rest of the gang holding hands, no longer afraid to show it.
The warm ocean breeze was very inspiring…he gazed over at their extended family with much elation. The monster he had used to be was nothing more then a distant memory. It had taken hardship, redemption, learning, patience, growing, love, a hint of adventure, and not to mention a mischievous nephew in order to get to this point. Finding this new beginning had taken a long time…and he wouldn't trade it for the world.
The End.
Hopefully this epilogue was the perfect way to end this. :) I purposefully did not make Randall/Becca the story's center of attention, even though it is the key event in these finale chapters. It just seemed like a great way to wrap things up. I'm so happy with how it all turned out! :)
And so ends this long (very long) tale of Randall's redemption. Fun fact: I started planning this story around the same time I began The Human World: An Adventure, so probably about 4 or 5 years ago. And it all came together exactly as I hoped. It's certainly been a long time coming, making it to the end. And Rawa Island is an actual place in Malaysia. It's beautiful! I couldn't think of a more perfect setting for the big finale.
Yay! I basically just finished writing a novel, three times longer then my first Monsters story! I'm so happy to finally be finished, even though I've grown to love my characters so much that it's kind of sad this story is done. It's been 3 years and 4 months of working on this thing, and for those who have stuck with me from the beginning, I thank you for all the lovely reviews and the endless encouragement. I may be a super-slow writer, but I have enjoyed creating this story immensely, and hope you all enjoyed seeing it all come together, too!
For fellow fanfic lovers, keep on writing out there and have fun! Thank you for reading my story. :) Merry Christmas! Love, Purple Duskywing.
