**I finally finished the next chapter. I hope you like it. Thank you to the reviewer who pointed out that it was their third anniversary already. Sorry for getting that wrong. This title stands both for me finally ending this chapter as I only got a few sentences every time I tried going on and for Piper and Alex finally finishing their "life chapter" of going to school. Let me know what you think.

Chapter 32: Ending this chapter

The spring ball mostly was as the balls the years before, but Piper and Alex tried to enjoy every moment of it, knowing it was their last. Also they felt a bit melancholic since it was also the event they first had shared their feelings with each other so this last spring ball felt even more special.

"Guess we're going to have to stick to a date then, since we can't take the spring ball for reference anymore." Alex laughed as they were sitting on the bench outside thy gym building as they had done every year for different reasons.

"Yeah right. When was that ball three years ago?" Piper tried to remember.

"If I'm right it was April 21st." Alex recalled.

"So since today is only the 11th it actually is still ten days until our official anniversary it seems." Piper concluded.

"Yeah, that's right, it's easily to explain that it is at least three days difference but I guess they also had the ball a week earlier than usual." Alex contemplated. "Do you still want to celebrate our anniversary today, or do you want to wait those ten days?"

"Let's celebrate this today and from next year on, we'll celebrate on the 21st." Piper said.

"Okay. Do you want me to tell you something you hopefully already know?" Alex asked cryptically and looked at Piper smiling widely.

"What is it?" Piper laughed and looked at Alex curiously.

"I love you." Alex said and leaned over to give Piper a kiss on her cheek.

"Yes, I did already know that, but I still love hearing it. And I love you too." Piper smiled widely and turned to kiss Alex.

"You two are so cute together it makes me want to throw up sometimes." they hear a familiar voice not too far away.

"Nicky!" they both turned around to face their friend. Neither had noticed anyone coming.

"You're just jealous." Piper teased.

"You wish." Nicky gave back.

"Everything alright?" Alex asked.

"Yeah. I'm gonna miss you two when you're away at Smith." Nicky admitted.

"You can come visit us? And we'll come home at some point." Piper suggested.

"Sure. And we can still text or talk on the phone." Alex added.

"Okay. It's still going to be boring without you two." Nicky said. Alex pulled her into a hug and motioned for Piper to join. For a short while the three of them just stood like that.

Into the silence Piper whispered a "We're going to miss you two, Nick." and Alex agreed. "Also, we'll have the rest of the summer to do so many things together before we leave."

They stayed outside for a bit longer and talked about more lighter things and then decided to go back in and dance and party.

A week after the ball Alex had asked Piper to go out. They went to the park and since the weather slowly was warm enough they brought a blanket and some snacks.

"Can you pass me the apples, please?" Alex asked as Piper unloaded the basket.

"Sure." Piper gave her the box with the ready sliced apples and put the rest of the things from the basket onto the blanket. They talked and made jokes and had fun, Alex told Piper about the story her grandma had told her after she had told her about Piper. Piper was moved and a little surprised but also very touched. As it got later they had eaten most of the things they brought Piper wanted to put everything back into the basket.

"Before you pack everything up, there is a little pocket inside the basket and I need yoo to check it." Alex said and looked at her expectantly.

"Okay." Piper checked and indeed found a little pocket. Inside it she found a small envelope. She opened it and pulled out a little card on which she read in Alex's best handwriting:

Do you want to go to prom with me? And three boxes with yes, no and maybe. Piper smiled. "Do you have a pen for me? So I can tick a box?"

"Oh, eh, should be in there too?!" Alex said insecurely. She really thought she had packed one.

"I can't find one." Piper said after checking the basket again.

"Oh damn. I must have forgotten to bring one, sorry. Guess I didn't completely think that through." she replied cursing herself for forgetting something simple as a pen.

"It doesn't matter. And: I would love to go to prom with you, Alex." Piper smiled and leaned over to kiss Alex.

Two weeks before prom was going to take place Piper and Alex went shopping to find dresses. Piper had a clear idea of what she wanted, but Alex was not sure what she was looking for exactly. She had thought about trying something suitlike. She had seen some nice combinations and thought it might look great together with Piper wearing a dress. After quite a bit of searching they had both found something that they liked and went home happy about their successful shopping trip and the dress and suit they had bought. Alex had found a combination that was the perfect match to Pipers very colourful dress. Piper had told her what colours it was, but insisted on keeping the dress itself a surprise until prom. Alex tried to get a few glances at it but Piper was sneaky enough to have the store clerk pack it up in a untransparent clothes bag before she had the chance to see anything.

Wednesday before prom Piper and Alex were on the way to the café that had just opened and they wanted to test. As they walked through the park they ran into someone they hadn't seen in a while - Michael. But he wasn't alone.

"Hey you two." he greeted as he saw them.

"Hey, Michael. It's nice to see you." Piper greeted back and Alex agreed.

"Uhm, Piper, Alex, let me introduce Jack to you, my boyfriend." he smiled widely. "Jack, these are my friends Piper and Alex, who I haven't seen in way too long."

Piper and Alex and Jack greeted each other as Michael went on explaining how they knew each other and how they had helped each other out.

"I don't want to interrupt, if you two are on a date, but we were just on the way to Jenny's, the new café that opened not too long ago. Do you want to join us maybe? Catch up, as we haven't seen in what - two years or so?" Piper suggested hoping they would join.

Michael looked at Jack to see if he wanted to and when he agreed he gladly said yes. They walked there together and started talking. The group of four got there a couple minutes later and sat down in a quiet corner.

"So. I'm curious. How did you two meet?" Piper asked Michael.

"I'll let Jack tell this story, I know he loves to do so." Michael smiled.

"Well Michael was one my route that I take every saturday when I deliver the weekend newspaper." Jack answered for him. "And often I'd see him in the garden doing different things, often reading. As the weeks went by we started talking more and more each week. But my schedule is pretty tight so I usually didn't have that much time. So, I think about eight weeks after I started delivering papers and seeing him every saturday I took all the courage I could muster and asked him if he wanted to go out with me."

"At that point I was looking forward to saturdays and seeing you." Michael said looking at his boyfriend.

"Aww, that's sweet." Piper said.

"How long have you two been together now?" Alex wanted to know.

"We're celebrating our first anniversary in two months." Michael proudly answered.

"I'm happy for you. I was hoping you'd find someone." Piper told him.

"Thank you. I'm glad to see you and Alex are still happy with each other." Michael replied.

"We are. And just celebrated our three year anniversary not so long ago." Piper answered for them.

"Three years. That is something. I have to admit, I don't know anyone who has been in a relationship that long. Sometimes it seems to me that all it takes some people is one small fight and they're all - oh I can't look them in the eye anymore", Jack was impressed, "or they just don't want to miss a chance to meet new people."

"Well, if you give up that easily I'm not surprised if no one can uphold a relationship longer than the first hiccups. But maybe they just weren't too serious about the relationship in the first place. Because, if someone is important to you, you don't let them go without a fight.", Alex reasoned.

"That's right, so I guess you two managed to figure out how fights don't end in break ups." Jack laughed.

"Well, of course we fight. Sometimes over stupid things. But disagreeing on something doesn't mean that the other person doesn't mean anything to you anymore. And you wouldn't fight it you didn't care about it. So, in my opinion, every fight you've overcome just makes you appreciate each other more and let's you grow together more." Piper told him. "Also, we know each other so well, I often know, when Alex won't agree with me." she laughed.

"How did you two meet?" Jack asked curiously.

"We met the day I was born." Piper smiled and explained to him how they had grown up together and both had struggled a little with finding out their sexuality and falling in love with each other.

"That is impressive. But good for you. I don't know what I'd do if I fell in love with someone I've known my whole life. I guess I'd be too scared to ruin everything, too. But it's great you got past that." Jack said.

"Did you come out to your parents in the time we haven't had contact? The last time we talked, you were completely terrified of the thought. And I'd completely understand if you said you won't do this in near future." Michael turned to Piper.

"Yeah. I did and they know about me and Alex. But it wasn't until, I think a year or maybe a year and a half after we got together that I eventually dared to do it. Well you know how they first reacted when they found out Alex was gay. But they came around after some time and I'd say they're okay with me being bisexual and that Alex is my girlfriend." Piper explained. "How about you? Did you tell your parents?"

"I'm planning to tell them this weekend. I'm terrified, but I tested the water a little and think they won't react too bad." Michael replied instantly more nervous just thinking about his plan.

"I feel you. I wouldn't want to go back to the days before I told them, but I can tell you that it's a relieve once it's out. And we'll keep our fingers crossed hoping their reaction is the reaction you want them to have." Piper said empathetically. Alex agreed, she remembered how nervous she was before she told her mother and how it had been very different for Piper and was probably quite different for Michael.

"Thank you. I just want this to be over. This lack of knowledge how they'll react is seriously killing me at the moment." Michael looked at Jack who was sitting next to him, holding his hands to show his support and encourage him, also saying that he was there for him.

"It will be soon. Call me after and tell me how it went?" Piper asked and Michael nodded. "It would be great, if we could stay in contact this time. I'm a bit sad we didn't do so the last years."

"Yeah, me too." Alex and Michael said simultaneously and everyone started laughing. After that it got quiet for a bit.

"Did I tell you Alex and I both got into Smith?" Piper asked rather rhetorically, she knew she hadn't told them yet.

"I guess you're going to tell us." Michael smiled. "And congrats, I guess."

The group spend most of the afternoon catching up on the last two years and their plans for the future. When the café closed they all walked towards the park together and the two couples went separate ways but not without promising to keep contact this time and meet up again soon.

XXXXX

The next day Piper as well as Alex had a letter from Smith in their mail box. As always they decided to open it together as they had planned to hang out at Alex's anyway that day. When they opened them a bit later they found that it said that both of them had been assigned a dorm room. Unfortunately not the same room, but at least in the same house and from what they found online their rooms were on the same floor not too far away. It also said who'd be their roommate, but so far it were only names to them and they'd get to know them when college started and they moved in.

"I mean, it could have been worse. Like on opposite ends of campus. Same floor and only a couple doors down, does sound doable and makes it easy to visit each other." Piper summarized her thoughts. "Let's hope we'll get along with our roommates though."

"I'm optimistic. And if not, I guess we can apply for a switch or so." Alex said very relaxed.

"Good that you can be so optimistic. What if they're completely annoying, or homophobic, or just the worst?" Piper asked.

"We don't know that yet. They could also be really nice and become close friends. We won't know before we haven't met them. So let's not go to assuming the worst, but trust that everything will be fine. And well, if the worst case happens, we'll figure something out." Alex tried to calm her girlfriend.

"Okay, you're right. It's just one of my nightmares. I just want everything to be great. And maybe I went a bit over the top and thinking to hard about how I want everything to be." Piper admitted.

They spent the rest of the afternoon chatting and guessing who they'd see come to the prom with whom. They were both already really excited for saturday and being at their high school for the last day for a very long time.

Saturday came fast and Piper got ready for the last big party with her friends from school. She put her dress on and went to the bathroom to finish her hair and make up. Cal walked in and looked at her. A pretty impressed expression showed on his face.

"You look amazing, sis." he said.

"Thanks." Piper replied while she finished the last touches of her eye shadow.

"Has Alex seen you in your dress already or are you just going to sweep her off her feet when you meet?" he wanted to know.

"She knows the colour but she hasn't seen the dress yet. It was actually a bit of a challenge to keep it from her as we went shopping together couple weeks ago." Piper answered. She knew Alex would love the dress but was excited to see her reaction nonetheless.

"You'll definitely have all eyes on you tonight." Cal replied.

Piper blushed a little. That hadn't been the intention tonight, all she wanted was that Alex liked it and they'd have a great night. "Thanks. See you later, looks like I need to go now." she said with a look at her phone.

[Piper: I can't wait to see you in a couple minutes.] She quickly texted Alex.

Almost immediately she got a reply. [Alex: Neither can I.]

Bill had insisted on driving the girls and picking them up later. Piper had argued they had walked to the school for most balls but he argued that it was a once in a lifetime situation and he'd happily drive them.

Pretty soon they arrived at the Vauses house. Piper got out to get Alex while Bill stayed in the car to give the girls a moment before they went to the ball. When Alex came out Piper was flabbergasted. She wasn't surprised that Alex was very beautiful, she knew that and had always thought of Alex as one of the most beautiful people she knew, but her long black hair flowing down in loose curls and her decent make up and her suit fitting her absolutely perfectly made it very hard taking her eyes off of her.

"Wow." was all she could say, as she felt rather speechless before she added "You look absolutely amazing."

"I know someone who looks even better." Alex said, her voice even raspier than usually as if she was fighting to get words out. Obviously her dress had taken the effect she had hoped for. "Wow. Piper, I don't know what to say. You look absolutely gorgeous. And I feel like that's an understatement."

"I'm glad you like it." Piper blushed.

"I don't like it. I love it. It looks so amazing on you." Alex moved closer and pulled Piper into a kiss.

"Mhm, thanks, so does your suit." Piper replied after they broke from the kiss. "It hugs you in just the right places." she said way more seductively than she had intended to.

"God, Piper. You're going to drive me crazy tonight, looking like that and if you say stuff like that in that seductive tone." Alex gave back. She was very well aware that Bill sat in the car waiting for them so she took all her strength to keep her hands in appropriate places which required a big bit of self-restraint.

"Well, I guess your not going to be the only one having trouble holding back tonight." Piper replied.

"Yeah, basically everyone at prom will keep staring at you." Alex chuckled.

"Not what I meant, but you know I only have eyes for you, right?" Piper laughed.

Diane came out and greeted her and told her as well how beautiful she looked and asked them to stand in front of the tree growing next to their house to take a picture of them together. After Diane had taken all the pictures she wanted she wished them fun and a great prom and they both moved to the car as they didn't want to keep Bill waiting for them any longer than he already did.

"Hello Alex." he greeted her. "You two look great together. You're going to be the best looking couple at the prom."

"Hello Bill, thank you." Alex replied. They chatted a little but arrived at the school soon.

"You two go have fun tonight. And text me when you want me to come pick you up, okay?" Bill said as they got out. Bill got out of the car too and quickly took a picture of them, standing in front of their school, where the yard was decorated and many students and teachers stood and chatted.

As they went in they were greeted by everyone they knew. Everyone was dressed up and looked as good as they could. The excitement and anticipation was visible on everyone's face. The prom committee had done a little survey and suggested a couple of mottos all the seniors could choose of. In the end "Down the rabbithole" had gotten the most votes, so the halls and everything was decorated in an Alice in Wonderland style.

They found Nicky and Lorna inside and after exchanging the compliments of how great everyone looked they asked someone standing close to take a picture of the four of them. The committee had planned a whole show where everyone who wanted to could perform something, people who had been in the choir presented a song, everyone who had been in the dance group did a routine they had created for prom and so on. Neither Alex nor Piper had been in a club that showed anything tonight so they just watched and enjoyed. After the little show they presented prom king and queen, who - surprise - were the two most popular students of the year and also happened to be a couple. Piper and Alex were both not surprised that those two were elected. After this everyone started dancing and the party started. Alex and Piper spend the rest of the prom dancing, chatting with their friends and classmates who they'd likely see the last time for a while today. Everybody had a great time and when Piper and Alex were completely exhausted they agreed to text Piper's father to pick them up.

When they got back they talked to Piper's parents for a bit, who of course wanted to know how prom was. After they had told them everything they went up to Piper's room saying they were exhausted and wanted to go to bed. Sleeping however was on neither of the girls mind.