"Are you sure this looks okay? It feels too tight."

Tori clucked her tongue at me. "It is tight. Have you seen your boobs? They're not small."

"My frequent upper back pain agrees with you. I just mean it feels snug in the hips."

Tori took a step back and gave me a once-over. "I mean, it's form-fitting, but it's supposed to be. You look great. Seriously. Like, I'm having a real hard time keeping my hands to myself."

My cheeks flushed.

"Tori," Cat groused. "Stop making her blush, I can't blend this right if you keep turning her cheeks red."

"I'm not blushing. I don't blush."

"You didn't use to," Tori said. "And I'm sorry, Cat, but she's just so—"

"Yeah, yeah, we get it, your girlfriend's super hot. Jeez." Cat rolled her eyes. After a moment, she leaned in closer. "You know I think you're hot too, but she doesn't have to keep bragging about it, and…ah, dang it! Now I made you blush!"

"I'm not blushing," I insisted. Futilely, I guess. "It's anger and rage boiling just under the surface and it's going to explode any minute."

Tori and Cat stopped what they were doing and exchanged glances. For a fleeting moment, I thought I had them. Then they laughed.

Shit. That sort of thing used to work. Stupid growth as a person.

Tori joined Cat and inspected my face. "Cat, it looks perfect. You did great."

"Of course I did great. I'm good at makeup."

Sam appeared out of nowhere with the bottle of water I'd asked for and planted a kiss on Cat's cheek. "You're good at lots of things, babe," she said.

Now it was Cat's turn to blush. "Sam, we're not supposed to talk about private stuff here."

As red as Cat turned, Sam turned equal shades pale. "I wasn't. But thanks for saying that out loud."

Carly Shay stepped out from behind me. "All right, hair's done," she said. "I did my best but you've got some split ends that need some TLC."

"We've got a spa day booked next week," Tori said. "She refused to go during the shoot."

"Why would I go to a spa in the middle of my first feature film shoot?" I asked, for what felt like the millionth time. "Name one other director that does that."

Admittedly, the shoot for my first feature, I Love (Hating) You , was a massive challenge on every level. I had a bit more studio oversight from Liz (although not nearly as much as I would have had under Les at Paramore, had I opted to continue with them), I had to get to know my new crew, most of which were professionals who had worked in the industry for years. At first, I butted heads with pretty much all of them, but especially my cinematographer and 1st Assistant Director, both of whom had a stick up their ass over me. Why, you ask?

That's the kicker. Because they saw me as a stunt, new blood who didn't earn her place and fell ass-backward into her role because of a single, lucky performance. Oh, the irony was so thick you could slice it thin and serve it on crackers. The universe is a bitch sometimes, isn't it? Tori may have been playing "me" in the movie, but behind the scenes, I very quickly understood what it had been like to be Tori when she first arrived at Hollywood Arts. And though it caused a ton of stress in the first month of production, I learned the lesson very well and it only served to drive Tori and me closer together.

Of course, I'm not Tori, and I didn't stand for that kind of treatment on my own set. The day I fired my Oscar-nominated Director of Photography was the day I earned the quiet respect of the rest of the crew who, surprisingly, wanted to remain employed. Even Liz commended my decision, and she's the one who recommended that jackass in the first place.

I'd love to say it was smooth sailing after that, but there's no such thing on a film shoot. I did manage to pull it off, though, on-time and on-budget. Based on the most recent cut I'd seen, it was a solid effort. I had no idea how it would be received, of course. I, personally, loved it. But I was heavily biased since I was fucking the star pretty much every night. And oftentimes during the day. And on those really rough days, sometimes in between takes.

I mean, you would too, if the star was Tori Vega. Just look at her. Damn.

Post-production ran long. I approved the final cut a week ago, which made Liz a little nervous since the premiere date had been scheduled for two months and she didn't want to move it. She found us a sweet spot in the release slate just before the summer blockbuster season began. Thanks to her connections, we were getting a national release, too. Which was awesome, and terrifying.

All of our friends had come to town for the premiere and presently most of them were crammed into the very modest bedroom of our new apartment. As much as I loved that my relationship with my dad had improved, his place was a little small for four people. We'd switch off and stay at Tori's mom's place a few nights, but eventually, we decided we needed our own space.

And yes, even though Liz had given me a generous amount of money from which to draw a salary, I was self-aware enough to know I'd probably waste it all if I took a substantial amount. In the end, I took enough to cover rent and utilities for the duration of the shoot and enough to make sure we had food, furniture, and stuff, and then left the rest in a high-interest savings account. (Did I ever mention I inherited my dad's sense of financial responsibility?)

I deeply, deeply appreciate the presence of my closest friends during this huge night. Carly had offered to help with my hair, Cat with my makeup, Tori with my wardrobe choices, and Sam with anything that didn't require a significant amount of movement. And it wasn't just me; Cat and Carly had already spent two hours on Tori, who somehow looked even more stunning and radiant than ever before. She said she had a hard time keeping her hands to herself, but she didn't know how hard I was holding back.

It was nearly time to leave, and as much as I appreciated everyone's help, the bedroom was feeling a little claustrophobic. I broke out my "loud but not quite threatening" voice. "Okay…I love you all so much and I'm so glad you're all here, but I need a few minutes alone or I'm going to go on a scissoring spree."

Sam regarded me strangely. "A spree ? How does that even work, logistically? I mean…I'm down, but I'd check with your girlfriend first."

The room fell silent. All eyes were on me, then on Sam, then back.

I had to laugh. I seriously had to laugh. I've loved that movie forever and somehow, Sam Puckett was the first person to make the glaringly obvious lesbian joke out loud.

Before I could respond, Cat's angry glare was already drilling into Sam. "Samantha Genevieve Puckett, whaddya mean you're down?"

Sam flashed Cat her best smile. "That's not my name. And I was kidding. Come on, how has no one made that joke yet? The movie name is literally your favorite po—"

Cat's hand flashed out and covered Sam's mouth. Holy crap, her cheeks were redder than her hair! "Okay, okay. No need to finish that sentence."

"Out, all of you," I said. "Please. I'll see you in the limo. And…thanks."

Carly, Sam, and Cat filed out, leaving just Tori and me. I stared across the bedroom room at the most beautiful woman on Earth and wondered for the trillionth time how it in the hell she was in love with me. She wore an elegant light purple gown with silver and gold patterns woven throughout. One shoulder was strapless, showing off her shapely upper body. Her hair was done in a side curl-up that showcased her graceful neck but left some playful bangs out to frame her delicate face.

It had been eighteen months…a year and a half since we started dating, and yet every time I looked at her, my heart raced, my eyes watered, and she stole my breath away. And here we were, about to depart for Mann's Chinese Theater and the world premiere of our first feature film. As we had discussed ages ago, Tori played the lead role of Jane, and she had crushed it.

"So…here we are," she said. "Are you ready for this?"

"I don't know. I have no idea what it feels like to be ready for something like this. You?"

Tori shrugged. "I guess I don't know either. I think it's something you just have to do."

I stepped closer to her. Took her hands in mine. "I'm glad you're the one I'm doing it with." Tori wrinkled her nose at that, and I realized it didn't come out quite right. "Okay, maybe I should rethink that phrasing a little."

Tori smiled and slid her lips close to mine. "Nah. The double entendre works just fine."

She kissed me, gently so as not to ruin the hour of makeup. No sooner did our lips touch than there was a knock at the door.

"Ladies, the limo's here," came Beck's voice.

"I guess we should go. Our public awaits."

"To be continued."

As amazing as the Searching for Sara premiere had been, this was so much more. The Chinese Theater is one of the most well-known venues in LA, and hosting a world premiere there was a big deal. I couldn't dwell long on the thought because I got dizzy. The red carpet was full of major press outlets and celebrity hounds, there to get a look at the glitz and glamor of the world's fakest profession. Members of my so-called macabre mob lingered on the carpet, hoping to snag a selfie with me, even though I hadn't made a horror movie this time out. I took the time to greet them all; they had made the effort to come out, and I appreciated it more than they realized. It was a crazy, wonderful experience.

And by my side through it all was Tori Vega. Stunning, graceful, supportive, encouraging. None of this would have happened if not for her, and she deserved every bit of notoriety and fame that she received from it. Sometimes I'd look back and kick myself at how desperately I tried to avoid calling her about being in that short film. It felt like a lifetime ago. I looked back on myself at that time as petty and vindictive. I still was, I guess. That probably wouldn't change. But I had at least developed a little bit of common sense.

As much fun as the premiere itself was (and it was great; the film got a standing ovation), the premiere party was the event I was most looking forward to. I had a special little something planned, and the anticipation was driving me out of my mind. Liz had booked a club not far from the theater, and our arrival there was met with almost as much fanfare. Inside there were small lounge areas all over the place, with three different dance floors and even a large stage area close to the bar. The deejay was currently set up there, but I had booked a live band as well, to help me in my plans for the evening.

Liz was waiting for me just inside the door. She greeted me with her trademark one-arm embrace. "Projections are looking great, Jade," she said. "Even if we don't hit them on the nose, you still might make back the entire budget by the end of the weekend."

"That's amazing," I said.

"Tell me about it. Listen, I know this was just the first of your three pictures, and I know you want to do Unburied as your second. But I've got a thought about your third. Y'know, the one the company will select? I've invited someone here to discuss it, I'll try to find you later tonight."

"Sounds great. Thank you. And thanks for all this. You throw a hell of a party."

I was happy to find everyone already congregating in one of the lounge areas: Carly and Freddie, Sam and Cat, Andre, Robbie, Beck, Dice, and Goomer. My dad and Debbie were in attendance, though they kept their distance so as not to "interfere with my fun."

As Tori and I arrived in the lounge, Cat and Goomer were engaged in a conversation.

"Goomer, I don't think it's a very good idea for you to help him. I mean…he's been in the hospital for years and I'm not so sure he's better yet."

"But he's offering me a lot of money," Goomer said. "He said he just needs help moving."

"He doesn't have any money, Goomer," Cat said. "He's been in a hospital for years."

"Yeah, but his web show is really popular, Cat," Dice said. "He's been monetized for years now. He talks about it all the time. He's actually really funny."

I took a seat next to Sam. "What's going on?"

"I've only been paying about fifty percent attention, but I think Cat's brother's moving and he wants to hire Goomer to help him."

I looked to Cat. "Frankie's finally out of his special hospital?"

"Yes," Cat said. "He's been home for a few months, but my mom says he's still not quite right. He's so focused on his web show now, it's like his character kind of took over his personality."

"I didn't even know he had a web show," I said.

"They helped him start it when he was in the hospital, to kind of get him focused on something more positive," Cat said. "He calls himself Frankini the Grand. But he wants to get away from LA and go somewhere quiet."

"Like where?"

"That's the thing. I'm pretty sure it's a made-up place. Swellview. Who would name a town Swellview?"

Carly laughed. "It does sound fake. Where is it?"

"I don't know," Cat said, exasperated. "I asked Frankie and he said it's very close to Bordertown, and right next door to Neighborville and Rivalton. Am I crazy? Or does that all sound made up?"

"Aw, babe," Sam said. "Yes to both questions." She reached over and squeezed Cat's hand. "Your folks are helping him too, right? So what's the harm with Goomer making a bit of money?"

Cat shifted in her seat. "I don't know. I guess it's okay. But it still doesn't feel right to me."

"I'd listen to Cat, personally," I said. The redhead looked at me with the sweetest eyes. "She's got great instincts. She's usually right about things."

No one but Cat and me knew what I was referring to; that Cat had seen something between Tori and me long before either of us was ready to admit it.

"Thanks, Jade," she said. "Goomer if you want to help him, then him. But be careful. My brother has a bad habit of corrupting good people, y'know?"

"I'll be fine," Goomer said. "It's not like he's secretly a villain who's going to trick me into doing his dirty work for him. That would be crazy." Goomer laughed at his own ridiculous thought, and the rest of us shared a chuckle as well.

"Jade, there you are."

Liz was approaching along with another woman. She was short—so very short—with killer legs, long, raven-black tresses, and a gorgeous smile that—

Holy shit. Holy shit, holy shit, holy shit, holy shit holy shit.

I tried not to stare, but I couldn't look away. "Jade, I'd like you to meet—"

"Oh my god, it's Danielle Harris. You…you're Danielle Harris. Tori. Tori! Tori, it's Danielle Harris. Why can't I stop saying Danielle Harris?"

Tori rose up next to me and gently squeezed my hand, then smiled graciously at the gorgeous brunette standing before me. Star of The Scissoring, not to mention a dozen other legendary horror films. Danielle fucking Harris.

Danielle smiled at me, and her left eye practically disappeared into a tiny slit. I felt dizzy. I couldn't breathe.

"Hi!" Tori said. "I'm Tori Vega. Jade will need a minute, I think. She's a huge, huge, huge fan."

Danielle laughed and accepted Tori's outstretched hand. "Three huge's. That's gotta be a record. It's cool, though, I get that way too sometimes. I almost chickened out of coming over here, but Liz kind of insisted."

I glanced at Tori. Drew strength from her smile. You can do this, Jade. You can do this.

I offered my hand to Danielle. "Hi. Sorry. Jade West. I am…I mean, you are my all-time favorite actress. I once told a couple I'd be willing to murder them in their sleep for the chance to meet you. And I really wish I hadn't told you that."

Did her cheeks just turn red? Ohmygod, she's blushing? Danielle Harris blushes!?

She accepted my hand. "Thank you so much," she said. "And believe it or not, that actually isn't the strangest thing someone's told me about wanting to meet me, so don't worry. I just had to tell you how much I loved the movie. It was so refreshing to see a non-straight leading role that wins in the end. Big step for positive representation. And the story was fuckin awesome, dude. Not usually too into love stories, but you had me hooked."

Liz laughed. "I told you it was up your alley. Jade loves to emotionally scar her viewers, even when she's telling a love story."

My voice seemed to get stuck in my throat again. "I…I don't know what to say. Thank you! Oh my god, thank you. Um…would you like to sit down?"

"Actually, I think Liz wants to steal us away for a few minutes. You too, uh…Tori, right?"

"Right."

Liz led us to a standing table near the bar where the two had apparently been chatting before coming over, judging from the empty glasses and the bags underneath.

"So," I said, desperate to say something to my freaking hero, "Have you two known each other long?"

Liz chuckled. "I guess I'll be dating myself a little here but yeah. I met her when she was a smartass kid on Halloween 5. I was a PA. Her PA, specifically."

Danielle's cheeks flushed again. "She was amazing. Looked after me like a parent. She still does."

"That's so cool," I said. "I freaking adored you in those movies. I'm pretty sure you were my first girl crush." Ah, shit. "And I really wish I hadn't told you that."

Danielle answered the comment with a sweet, sympathetic smile. "It's okay," she said. "Seriously. I hear it all the time. Usually from creepy dudes in their forties. It's kind of nice hearing it from a gorgeous, kick-ass woman. Who, by the way, has a super hot girlfriend herself."

Tori and I exchanged excited glances. I had to force myself to breathe. Danielle Harris just called me gorgeous and kick-ass. Oh god, I'm going to faint. I'm going to faint.

"Well before Jade passes out due to a lack of oxygen, I'll get to the point. Jade, I mentioned that I had an idea for your third picture. As it happens, Danielle's been trying to find something to work on with Grim Productions for a while now. Between how well I Love (to Hate) You is projected to do, and with Clearbrooke still doing so well—which we know it would, that's why we wanted to option it and thanks to you, we could—Grim Productions was able to pick up the rights to a few older properties recently. One of which Danielle has had a vested interest in for a long time."

Liz nodded at Danielle, who pulled her bag from under the table. She produced a stack of papers.

"Liz said you were the only person who came to mind when I gave this to her. I haven't fleshed it out a lot yet, but I thought maybe you could help with that. And I would love for you to direct, and for Tori to play the lead, opposite me."

She handed me the stack of papers. I read the cover page and dropped the entire thing on the table. My hands were shaking so bad, they couldn't stop. I grabbed Tori's hand and squeezed it. She looked to me, then to the papers. She squealed and covered her mouth.

On that beautiful white sheet of paper were the most incredible words I'd ever read.

THE SCISSORING 2

A TREATMENT BY DANIELLE HARRIS

I tried so hard to regain myself, but my heart was pounding so violently, I legitimately thought I was going to need an ambulance. I felt Liz Danielle's patient eyes on me as I very nearly had a mental breakdown right in front of them. All pretense of being professional was out the window. I fought like hell to keep my eyes from welling up, but it was hopeless.

"This…this is what you want me to direct?"

Both women nodded.

"I'm sorry, I need a minute."

I stepped away from the table and ran to the bathroom, almost tripping over my heels. I paced like a madwoman, trying to catch my breath. Trying to keep the room from spinning. Trying to get my heart to calm down before it burst.

Tori came in at some point. She kept her distance, but I felt her eyes on me.

"This…this is a dream. This can't be really happening. Right?"

She smiled gently at me. "I think it's real, Jade. I've been pinching myself and I'm not waking up, so…I think it's real."

"Do you think they know?" I asked. "Do you think they know what that movie means to me? I mean…oh my god. How could I possibly continue that? What if I fuck it up? What if I ruin what it means to all the other fans? I can't…there's no way."

Tori stepped toward me and wrapped her hands around my waist.

"You love that movie more than anything. You love it more than anyone I know. There is no one else in this world who would treat the movie, the characters, the mythos with as much love and reverence and respect as you would. This makes perfect sense, Jade. You're the right person for this."

There in Tori's arms, my heart rate finally slowed. The weight on my chest lifted and I could breathe normally again. She was right. I knew she was.

Of course, that didn't mean I was going to let her know that I knew.

"How do I know you're not just pushing for this so you can land yourself that sweet lead role?" I asked.

Tori giggled. "You found me out," she said. "That's obviously what I'm after."

I pulled her close to me. "Thank you," I said. "A thousand times, thank you."

Danielle and Liz were waiting patiently, reminiscing about old times and making jokes. I managed to compose myself before returning. I smiled apologetically as I arrived back at the table. I noticed the women had ordered drinks for Tori and me.

"Sorry about that," I said. "I was not expecting this…and honestly, I may have freaked out a little bit. It's just that…this movie, and your performance…it's a huge part of why I started down this path. It inspired me to try out for Hollywood Arts. In my head, this journey I'm on and your movie…they're linked together, forever. So for you guys to ask me to direct this…I just have no words. I am so touched and humbled and overwhelmed."

Danielle reached across the table and put her hand on mine. "We know. I can't always respond but I've read every single one of your comments and tweets over the years. And your amazing girlfriend told Liz how much the movie means to you. It means a lot to me, too. Which is why we—why I—trust you to take care of it and move it forward."

Once I was able to mentally move past the fact that Danielle Harris was touching my hand, I finally brought myself to make eye contact with her. Then with Liz.

"Nothing would make me happier than to direct this movie," I said. "I'm in."

Danielle rushed around the table and pulled me into an embrace, and my heart nearly stopped. I returned it, completely overwhelmed by the touch of her skin and the scent of her hair. It excited me in ways I couldn't express. I glanced over to Tori, as if to say, This is amazing, but I still love you more.

Tori nodded. I know. Enjoy it, babe.

I loved that woman.

Danielle released me from our embrace. "All right," she said. "Please keep it between us for now."

"I'll be announcing it Monday after the weekend returns are in," Liz said. "Optics and all that."

"Our lips are sealed," Tori said. "Can you come back and hang out with us?"

"I'd love to," Danielle said, beaming.

"I'll be there in a second," I said. "I have to tell my dad."

I finally convinced my dad and Debbie to join us. The entire thing was so far beyond either of them. They were excited to meet "the girl from that scissor movie Jade watches every night," and Danielle was predictably gracious. She planted a kiss on my dad's cheek and he nearly swooned on the spot.

The next few hours were full of laughter, jokes, a few drinks, and the spiritual catharsis that comes along with spending time with the people you love the most. That, as I had come to learn the hard way, is what it's all about. Dreams come and go, but the people in your life are the ones that help give it meaning. Not that you should define yourself or your life by any one relationship or any one person, but that you should surround yourself with people who celebrate you and cherish you for who you are, and for whom you can do the same.

It was an eclectic and unlikely group of misfits that I had become so goddamn fond of. Andre Harris, the most talented songwriter I've ever met. Robbie Shapiro, the sweetest and most genuine guy in the world. Beck Oliver, lover, friend, someone to be trusted through everything. Caterina Valentine, the purest and most decent person I'd ever met. Sam Puckett, the baddest bitch around with a hunger for meat second only to a zombie horde. Carly Shay, sweet, lovable, charming, and far smarter than most people gave her credit it for. Dice Corleone, amazing hair, awesome last name, and a true friend. Goomer, kinda brainless, a big teddy bear who would do anything for those he loved. Danielle Harris, incredible actress, and newfound friend. Liz Hannah, the woman responsible for bringing about pretty much everything I ever wanted. My dad and Debbie, the family I'd always wanted but never thought I'd have. And Tori Vega, pain in the ass-turned-love of my life.

That's right, I said love of my life. I'd known it for a long time, and I was finally ready to do something about it.

It began when my band arrived and signaled to me they were ready. I leaned over to Tori. "How about we do a song together?"

Her eyes lit up. "You don't have to ask me twice."

We walked over to the stage area. The equipment was already set up, which is something Tori seemed surprised about. "What's all this?"

I smiled. "I may have arranged for some live music."

The band saw me arrive and joined us on the stage. Most of them were members of my "macabre mob." The rest were friends of Andre. Tori knew this and eyed me with a hint of friendly suspicion.

"Did you plan this?"

"Would I do that?"

"Yes."

"Then, yes."

I pecked her cheek. "I'm pretty sure you know this one. It's by the band that kind of started us down this path, way back at Karaoke Dokie." I nodded to the band and the opening notes of Halestorm's Here's To Us drifted out of the guitar.

"Tori and I are going to sing a little for you if that's okay." The crowd cheered. All of our friends made their way over to join us. "Thank you so much for coming out and supporting this movie. I don't say it enough but I really do love you guys."

I squeezed Tori's hand once more and sang:

We could just go home right now
Or maybe we could stick around
For just one more drink, oh yeah
Get another bottle out
Let's shoot the shit, sit back down
For just one more drink, oh yeah

As I sang, I thought back on the insane journey that brought us to this unbelievable place, doing these unbelievable things. I couldn't believe it had just started as a stupid production meeting.

Here's to us
Here's to love
All the times that we fucked up
Here's to you
Fill the glass
'Cause the last few days have kicked my ass

So let's give 'em hell
Wish everybody well
Here's to us
Here's to us

Tori join in for the next verse. Her voice soared. She sounded so incredible. Her vocals always touched something within me, and sharing the stage with her, singing with her, wrapping my voice around hers, was fucking spiritual. The crowd swayed and clapped and danced with us.

Stuck it out this far together
Put our dreams through the shredder
Let's toast 'cause things got better
And everything could change like that
And all these years go by so fast
But nothing lasts forever

Here's to us
Here's to love
All the times that we messed up
Here's to you
Fill the glass
'Cause the last few nights have kicked my ass

If they give you hell
Tell 'em go fuck themselves
Here's to us
Here's to us

I looked out over all of our friends. I was so damn lucky. I'd given them so much crap over the years, and they still stood by me. They lifted me up. They all made me better.

Here's to all that we kissed
And to all that we missed
To the biggest mistakes
That we just wouldn't trade
To us breaking up
Without us breaking down
To whatever's coming our way

Here's to us
Here's to love
All the times that we fucked up
Here's to you
Fill the glass
'Cause the last few days have kicked my ass

So let's give 'em hell
Wish everybody well

As we approached the final chorus and the wrap-up, my heart started pounding again. I flashed back to the beginnings of my relationship with Tori. Singing karaoke, the short film premiere, making out in my room, that first night in our hotel, the first date, everything. And every stolen moment, every gasp and scream and groan and laugh and smile from the past eighteen months.

Here's to us
Here's to love
All the times that we messed up
Here's to you
Fill the glass
'Cause the last few nights have kicked my ass

I moved to the front of the stage, where Sam was waiting. I reached down as if to squeeze her hand, and felt her press something small and hard into mine. I smiled at her; she returned it.

If they give you hell
Tell 'em go fuck themselves
(Go fuck themselves)
Here's to us
(Here's to us)
Here's to us
Here's to us…

The song ended. The crowd went crazy. Tori and I turned towards each other and embraced.

Oh god, this is it. Don't throw up. Don't throw up. Don't…

I stepped back from Tori but kept her hand in mine. She looked at me strangely. Now what are you up to?

I smiled and winked. You'll see. Don't be mad.

"Folks, this vision here is Tori Vega. She's, uh…she's obviously the star of the movie…" My voice was drowned out by the applause of the crowd. Tori's face was redder than I've ever seen it. "And, for the past year and a half, I've also had the privilege of calling her my girlfriend." More applause, and more than a few "awwws" that honestly made me a little nauseous. "But you know, the more I think of it, I'm not sure I want to call her my girlfriend anymore."

Tori's eyes were suddenly terrified, far more so than I had intended. "Relax, relax," I said. "Tori, none of this journey would have happened without you. You've pissed me off. You've driven me crazy. You've inspired me. You've pushed me to be better, to do better, to reach farther. You've never judged me, even when I was a total asshole to you. Your patience and love astound me every single day, because even I get fed up with my bullshit sometimes. But you never do. And on a night where I've had to repeatedly ask myself why the hell so many good things are happening to a miserable cynical asshole like me, I've had to accept the reality that they're happening because of you, and what you bring out of me."

My voice started to crack. I took a breath. "I love you, Tori. And I don't ever want to do this without you."

I pulled the bottom of my gown up just enough to bend the knee, and slowly dropped down. The clamor in the audience began before my knee hit the stage.

I took the thing Sam had given me—a jewelry box—and opened it, holding it before Tori.

On the stage, at that moment it was just Tori and me. The noise of the crowd faded. All I could hear was my heart, beating out of control against my ribs.

Tori's mic hit the stage as she covered her mouth with her hands. Her shoulders trembled and her eyes flooded with tears as she laid eyes on the engagement ring.

"What do you say, Vega? Wanna be my bitch forever?" I forced a terrified smile.

Tori's hands were shaking as she lowered them. She nodded as the tears started falling.

The entire club exploded in cheers, but I couldn't hear them. I didn't care. In that one perfect moment, the only two people in the world that existed were Tori and me. And that's all I ever needed.

I slipped the rock onto her finger. All of the trembling and emotion of the moment came out and she embraced me, causing me to stumble backward a few steps. Her arms encircled me, her lips covered mine, the scent of her skin flooded my nostrils. We kissed again and again…and to this day, we still haven't stopped.

So…yeah. Now you know the real me. Now you know that the moment Tori Vega came back to my school, my acting class, for that second day…it wasn't just rage I felt. Now you know all of the gross soul-searching it took before I came to grips with it. You've seen the kicking and screaming and crying and misery and frustration and terror. And you've seen that what started that day, in that silly little classroom in that performing arts high school, was really the greatest untold love story I'd ever known.

And now, I've finally told it.

After all, those kinds of stories are the best kind, right?