Soon ~~~~ Chapter 5

A couple months later...

At the penthouse...

"Belle honey, can I come in?" Marlena said, knocking on Belle's bedroom door.

"Yeah, come on in," Belle said, looking through her jewelry box.

"You look beautiful," Marlena said as she walked over to her daughter.

"Thanks, Mom, but I can't find any earrings to go with this dress," Belle said, still looking through her jewelry box without looking up.

"I think I have the perfect thing," Marlena said, putting her closed hand in front of Belle.

"What is it?"

Marlena opened her hand and handed Belle a small velvet box.

"These are the earrings I wore when I married your father, and I'd like for you to have them as sort of a graduation present."

Belle opened the box and looked at the earrings. "Mom, they're beautiful!" she said as she put them on. "Thank you,' she said as she gave her mother a hug.

"I can't believe that my youngest daughter is graduating!" Marlena said as she began to cry. "I promised I wouldn't do this, and after this, I won't, but you're my baby."

"That's okay, I'm not sure I'm gonna get through this tonight without crying. Just think, Shawn's going off to the Marines, Mimi and Brady are staying here, and Chloe, Philip and me are going to New York. I can't believe that I'm not gonna be with Shawn when school starts this fall," Belle said crying. "Thank goodness for water-proof mascara!" she said as they both laughed.

At Salem High...

Pomp and Circumstance played as the graduating seniors entered into the gym. The commencement ceremonies began and soon it was time for Chloe's valedictory speech.

"We've come so far as a class over the years that I have been here. I still can't believe that we're graduating," Chloe began. A couple minutes later, Chloe was finishing up her speech. "I'd like to leave the Salem High class of 2002 and everyone else with this thought from a wise person, don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened."

The few students sitting on the stage were motioned to join the others on the floor.

"I present you the class of 2002," the principal said as the seniors threw up their caps.

After graduation...

"Belle, there's something I need to tell you," Shawn said, as he and Belle walked out to the parking lot holding hands.

"And what would that be?" Belle asked, curious.

"I thought this over, and I realized that I should go to the Marines unless there is some reason for me to stay," Shawn said as they stopped walking. "So that's why I have a question for you. I have loved you all my life," he said, getting down on one new and pulling out a small, black box. "Isabelle Black, will you marry me?"

"So, guys, what's up?" Mimi said as she and Brady walked over to Belle and Shawn. "Oh my goodness, have I interrupted you again?"

"Later," Shawn mouthed quietly as he got up.

Belle smiled at him and grabbed his hand. "But I can't wait!" she said, looking at him. "The answer is yes!"

Shawn looked shocked at her. He grabbed her by the waist and spun her around.

Brady and Mimi shot each other confused looks, oblivious to the situation.

"What was that all about?" Brady asked.

"Oh, yes, I am going to Columbia this fall," Belle said, looking at her brother.

"Really? We're gonna miss you. Aren't we?" Brady said, looking at Mimi.

"Yeah, but you'll be home all summer won't you?" Mimi asked.

"Yeah, of course," Belle said, holding onto Shawn's hand.

"Well, we're going over to Mimi's house, then I'll be home later," Brady said as he and Mimi headed for Brady's car.

"I'll see you then," Belle said, waving goodbye to her brother and Mimi.

"Come on. Let's go," Shawn said, leading her to his truck and opening the door for her as he helped her up into it.

"Give me your left hand," Shawn said as he got into the truck. He pulled out the box and put the ring on her finger.

"It's beautiful, Shawn," Belle said, as she kissed him. "But there's something we need to talk about."

"What?" Shawn asked curiously.

"I'm going off to Columbia this fall..." Belle began.

"And I'm going too," Shawn said interrupting her and handing her an envelope. "It's my acceptance letter, I got it a couple weeks ago, and I had to find the right time to tell you."

"We're going to be together this fall," Belle said as Shawn started the truck and the radio came on.

"Can we change the station?" Belle asked as the song Soon by Leann Rimes came on the radio.

THE END

Hope you liked it!!!! I know it was short, but please give me feedback anyway!!!!!