A/N: Well *sniffles* it seems we are now at the end of the story. It took over a year and many hours working at my laptop (and phone) but I've done it! I've completed the second/third story (depending on if you count the mini-story TD Summer Adventures) and am on my way to the epilogue. *Holds back tears*
I really couldn't have done it without you guys. Thank you so much for reading, following, favouriting and reviewing this! It was honestly you guys' constant support and kind reviews that kept me going (even after that long break/hiatus where I didn't post for this story, you guys still came back and read this). Not to mention all of the great plot ideas and constructive criticism. It's really through this story/series that I've learned to grow as a writer and so honestly thank you so much.
JustaFriend - Yep this long running story has finally come to a close. Thanks for always reviewing and I'll make sure to answer those questions in the Q/A chapter after this one. :)
Also there's a weird bug going around on fanfic where I update but it doesn't show on the website (but it does on the app. Really weird right?). So I'll try to keep uploading until it appears on the website too (it worked on another one of my stories). Hopefully they fix it soon.
Anyway I hope you're all safe and well and enjoy this final chapter. It was a pleasure typing/writing this story for you. Till next time,
D.L.D
P.S. Any left over questions you have from this story do say so in reviews and I'll do some sort of Q/A in the chapter after this one. Oh and also fun fact, I didn't end up using a plot I had planned from the very beginning. It was a singing contest but I scrapped it since it didn't fit in anywhere. But maybe I'll use it in the epilogue :P
Mike's P.O.V
"Are you sure you're gonna be ok on your own?" Dawn frowned as she looked at me.
We were in the parking lot, the taxi waiting and others standing back to leave Dawn to say goodbye. I was setting off from the campus, deciding to start fresh and travel the world a bit before settling down. I figured it would be a good experience for me. To just experience a bunch of things and decide what would be best for me. What I wanted to do now that I was my own person after being split for so long. A 'Mike choice' instead of a 'being normal' choice for once.
But of course Dawn was struggling to let me go, worrying about what might happen if Mal would spontaneously reappear. Something that I knew was highly unlikely and am well prepared for, but I had to reassure the blonde about that. After all she always stressed about the other students who had MPD. Me, Katie, Amy. We were all like Dawn's younger siblings, or perhaps even a responsibility, and she just wanted to make sure that we were all happy and safe once we all went on our separate paths. Paths that we'd have to find on our own.
"Yes," I grin as I adjust the straps of my backpack. The only thing I would take with me on my travels. I then sigh as I place a hand on her shoulder, smiling softly. "I'll be fine Dawn. You know this is something I need. A way to rediscover myself."
She smiled back at this, a sadness but understanding coming into her eyes as she looked at me. Just like a mom or an older sister that had raised their kid siblings. She was proud. Really proud. But Dawn didn't want it to end entirely. She didn't want everyone to grow up without her or to separate. She wanted the peaceful days of our high school to continue, but she knew they were over. She knew they were long gone. Buried in age and dust as Chris' reign ended and we were allowed to live normal lives.
Something we all wanted and needed.
"I understand," Dawn sighed, a watery smile and look in her grayish-teal eyes. She then gave me a final hug, a genuine look of fondness and happiness on her face. "Discover yourself Mike. I'm sure Zoey will appreciate it when you meet again."
I smile at this, returning the hug to the shorter blonde. Something to look forward to. A future where I was myself and could love Zoey knowing that it was me who loved her and not something else. That was something I was striving towards with this backpacking adventure. Clarity.
"I will," I promise, nodding as I part from Dawn.
She nods at this, stepping away to allow me to enter the taxi. A sign that she was accepting what would happen next. What was about to come. My lips tip slightly at this, a smile showing slightly as I move towards the vehicle and slip inside. I then seat myself and the driver begins to pull out.
My friends all begin to wave, their shouts muffled by the glass and distance as I slip further and further away. Soon I'm far away and all I remember is glancing back one final time and seeing my friends wave me off, each with a happy expression as they hold back tears. Tears that I find slipping through as I stare out the window.
Courtney's P.O.V
"I can't believe I'm finally leaving this dump!" I grin widely as I load my final belongings into my car.
After two long years of protesting against this college it was finally letting me go. Finally letting me use my skills somewhere where I would be valued as a student. As a human. I had already applied for some of the top law schools in the country and since my collection for Chris' case helped to bust him, they'd been taking that into account too. So naturally I gained a space in one of them and was now leaving to start mid-term.
"Yeah, I'm glad for you Court," Gwen flashes me a smile.
"Mhm, go achieve your dream," Bridgette nodded, agreeing as she gave one of the twins a carrot stick.
I smiled at this, taking in my closest friends for a final time. It would probably be a while until I see them all again. Especially with how busy my life could be if I decide to become a corporate lawyer, not to mention other things that would take up my time. I can say that it'll be around five years until I'll see everyone in one place again like now. A long time away it seemed.
I frown at this, the thoughts sinking in and souring the sweet moment. The moment I've dreamed of since getting accepted into this college.
"Don't pull that sad face," Leshawna frowned as she looked at me. "You're off on a new start."
"Yeah, I know..." I trail off as I release a sigh, leaning against my car. "It's gonna be weird not seeing you guys everyday I guess. Five, nearly six years of seeing you people constantly is honestly something I've learned to adjust to."
They all laugh at this, me joining in with the laughter as I know it's an excuse for the tears and sad expressions not to come in. We all knew that separating was the tough part of rebelling against Chris. The part that we had all looked over until it came towards that time. The time where we'd really have to leave and get on with our lives like normal people. It makes me wonder if Chris was really just protecting us from being separated all these years. That he wanted us all to stay together.
But I immediately shake that thought away once hearing it, knowing that only insane optimists would see his behaviour as that. Chris had just wanted to have an endless source of entertainment. He wanted to feel like he was the ruler and watcher over something, but he had ruined it. He had ruined it by creating those Life Plans. Those horrid and inhumane things. However I had to thank him for it. After all without them I wouldn't have gained a place in one of the top law schools let alone independence from this place. Plus I'd gained quite a few friendships, as well as relationships, through it.
The others seemed to think the same as they all wore smiles.
"Trust me it's hard for all of us," Gwen sighed, before lightening up slightly. She placed a hand on my shoulder. "But it has its perks and I'm sure we'll all find each other again someday."
"Oh definitely," We all seemed to respond, earning another round of giggles from us all.
The moment was cut short by my parents messaging to check that I had left. I had to catch a train to my school, something that they said was pat of the experience. That being said, I had to leave on time or risk being left behind. I bet you could tell what I had to do.
"Well, I have to go now," I give them all a saddened look, "I'll see you guys soon, ok?"
They all responded with their own farewells, (many telling me not to screw it up with Jose or I'll end up as a cat lady with many ex husbands) as well as hugs and tears being shared before I got into my car. Then I was turning onto the main road, leaving behind Pahkitew and bringing all the warm memories with me. Memories of all the fun and once in a lifetimes things I've done. After all, the only way things can go from now are up. Just like how justice always prevails.
Heather's P.O.V
"Do not embarrass me," I say as we stand outside my family's front door.
I was about to knock but I needed to drill a few things into Alejandro before even attempting to enter the building. After all my brother had a penchant for trying to make me feel terrible and Alejandro seemed to take a hobby in embarrassing me. I can remember all of the times he's gone out of his way to point small things out just to tick me off. However I can't deny that over the past few days he seemed to be getting better. In fact I could find him tolerable at times. Although I'd never admit it out loud of course. If I did that, it would feed his already too large ego and give him an edge that he didn't need.
"I promise I won't," He seemed to laugh at me, causing me to flush.
I can feel the heat on my face, the frown and furrowed brows already formed from instinct as I narrow my gaze at the man. This is always what happened recently, I would try to make sure he won't get the upper hand and somehow he does. I'm really losing my old touch. Damn you hormones, you have me off my game!
"I'm serious Alejandro," I place my hands on my hips, hoping it would show him that I wasn't messing about. But all he did was laugh a little more in response before patting me on the head. I growl at this, folding my arms across my chest.
"So am I," He states in a matter-of-factly manner.
This only success in pissing me off further, making me wonder why I even considered this. However I hide it behind a mumble knowing that it was too late to turn back and cancel on my mother with some half-baked excuse.
"Whatever," I roll my eyes and decide to just knock and get the day over and done with.
I think it must've been around a second since I knocked before the door swung open, my mother smiling widely at us. As usual she was dressed for the occasion, pearl necklace on display with her bright smile and red lipstick. She then got us both into a hug, her perfume filling my senses but not feeling stifling like it used to. Instead it was a little comforting. Powdery. The sort of scent you'd associate with home and not the rich and influential person my mother was.
It was a nice change from her old formal an expensive perfumes.
"Hello mother," I say from her bear-tight grip. I could just about breathe with how tightly she was hugging us both.
"Hello Heather, oh and Alejandro. It's about time you came round again. I'm glad Heather finally decided to redo that family dinner," My mother chuckled slightly as she released us from the hug. She then frowned, a sadness coming into her eyes. "Last time wasn't so good of an impression was it?"
I look away at this knowing that last time was the cause of all of this. It was the day my father was arrested and my mother decided to ditch him. Something he had coming from ages really. But with his departure things changed drastically. It's no secret that my family went through a whirlwind of events and it was only recently that everything's calmed down. But even now we all feared the peace falling apart. After all with my family drama seemed to be everywhere.
"Well, they say to always give a second chance," Alejandro flashed her a smile, somehow turning on his charm as usual, "And I'm sure that whatever happened in the past will stay in the past."
My mother nodded at this, a smile forming despite the swarm of sadness in her eyes.
"Yes I suppose it will," My mother sniffed before shaking her head. "Well I'd better let you two in. I'm sure you're freezing standing on that porch."
With that she moved out of the way and let us inside. Then my mother pulled me aside, a small smile on her face.
"Make sure to keep this one. I like him," She then walked away, humming cheerily as she went to find my younger siblings.
I roll my eyes at her words, watching as her form retreated into the kitchen. I guess family dinner wasn't a bad idea after all.
Blaineley's P.O.V
"This place is going to be great once I'm finished with it!"
I can't help but grin as I look over the plan I'd gone over with the staff. It was a lot better, and mentally healthier may I add, than Chris' original way of running things, and we had all contributed towards it. The perfect way to run a college, while also putting the students before anything.
"Yes, I can actually agree," Don nodded as he packed away his own things. "I'm glad that you've succeeded Chris, Mildred."
"Blaineley," I correct sharply before turning to Chef, ready to bid him goodbye.
Don was now the head of the high school, his role having a lot more power than he had ever been given as Chris 'equal'. However something told me that he would be a better suited fit for the job than anyone else. After all he seemed to have the kids' futures in priority and was against many of the things Chris had tolerated. I could see him making the school one of the best in the nation. But he seemed to change with this add in power too.
"And yes I'm glad that I'm the head now and everything will run smoothly," I say the words quickly, knowing that he would most likely mention that.
The two other males seemed to agree as they nodded before gathering their things, deciding not to say edge ways. They then shot me final looks of goodbye, a sign that this chapter of our lives and the reign of Chris was over. At long last it was over.
"Well, I wish you luck Ms O'Halloran," Chef nodded as he tipped his hat in respect. He then gave a sniff, tears seeming to form in his dark eyes before her fiercely shook them away. "I know that you'll do this college well - "
"Chef - " I feel tears gathering, knowing that this was his way of saying goodbye. His own version of a final parting. These words of thanks were Chef's way of stating that he was leaving this place for good and that he was wishing us the best of luck. Luck that we would need to correct the mess Chris had made. A mess many tell us is impossible to make perfect once more.
"No, you've earned it," Chef stood firm. He then turned giving me a salute. "It was an honor working with you Blaineley."
I find myself smiling at this, offering him back my own salute, "You too, Norbert."
He nodded at this, before giving Don a pat on the back and leaving the room. The last glance we saw of him was of his back, shoulders squared as he disappeared from view. Head held high and emotions hidden as always. Soon all that was left of Chef Hatchet was the memories and echo of his voice in my mind. Past conversations and events. Dull replacements for the real deal. After all Chef was one of the oldest members to Pahkitew and Wawanakwa. He had seen and experienced so much throughout the years; been there through everything as the silent lapdog of Chris Mclean. But now Chris was gone, Chef was no longer needed.
I'm guessing that Chef felt he needed to leave. That he needed a purpose beside looking after Chris. Beside being an underpaid psychiatrist. So he was going to explore that now. Explore his options and find something he found amazing. Something he enjoyed and found purpose within. And so I was glad that Chef had decided to go and find a new path. A path that will hopefully benefit him and give him the best. Chef deserved that after dealing with the brunt of Chris for all these years.
"Well, I guess it is just us two left then," Don raised a brow, breaking my thought bubble. He seemed dismayed by Chef's departure, but not disheartened. In fact i wouldn't be surprised if he had expected Chef to leave.
"And a whole lot of work," I add the words in somberly, knowing that only that would fill my life. Work and making sure that my son had a happy childhood.
But I eventually find myself smiling at this, knowing that it would be a lot of work from here on out. A lot of effort and brain cramps, just to make things right again. Just to make sure someone got to have a normal, or at least pleasurable experience in this college. But I knew that it'd be worth it in the long run. Worth all the hours, work and sleepless nights to see all those young people achieve their dreams. To have my son know that I was doing good in the world.
Because that's what teaching's about right? Watching others succeed.
Gwen's P.O.V
"Well, looks like we're the last ones," I say as I lean against Duncan, watching the final car fade into the distance.
Being the rebellious people we were, both of us had decided to just go with the flow. No plans, no big gestures or written up steps for how life could go from now on. Just us doing what we felt we wanted to do. That meant I was heading out of state next week to study art in California while Duncan went off to do what he decided. Something that he had yet to reveal to me, which is odd for him. But I have a feeling that he has a good reason behind why.
However that thought gets me wondering about what the future could really hold. About whether things would really pan out the way we all plan for it to go. Would I really end up going into art or would I do something else? Would everyone still be the same after ten years or would they change? Would some of us get married and then divorce after finding out it just wouldn't work? The last one would definitely make things awkward between friend groups.
But still, all sorts of things could happen in the time it would take us to all reunite. All sorts of things that were out of our grasp. Out of our control.
"Yeah, but I'd rather it just be us than anyone else," I find myself shaken from those thoughts by the sound of Duncan's voice. I look at him to see he's wearing a sort of smile as he wisely looks off somewhere. He then goes to take a bite from his cookie, only for me to swipe it. "Hey, that's my last one."
"Too bad," I say as I wave it in front of him, laughing as I take a step back from his grasp. "I may be willing to give it back if you can catch me."
He groans at this.
"Seriously Gwen, you're meant to be an 'adult' now," Duncan rolled his eyes, but smiled through it anyway.
"That just means it'll be easier to catch me," I say simply, before taking off. "I can't promise I won't eat it after five minutes!"
The sound he makes after that confirms that he has taken my offer and soon I'm laughing, thinking back to high school but this time with warmer memories.
