Thanks for all the reviews guys, really they make me smile! This story ended up being WAY more dramatic than i had planned, but i like being spontaneous! the whole war idea i had for a completely diff story but i was so stuck with this one it just fit. i also didnt plan on featuring Jack so much, and i totally wasn't even gonna mention Spot! but hey-its all worked out!so here we go-most likely the final chapter :( but please-be on the look out-i have a few more stories im anxious to write that are all completely diff-and none this sad! haha lets roll....

Chapter 16: Funny How Life Works

Dear Diary,

It's been almost 2 years since the war ended. I stopped writing in you when I thought I lost Mush, and life has been so unbelievable since the war was over that I never thought to come back and write! Well, Claire and I finally spoke with our parents, and we both have been living with Aunt Hildur. It was just easier that way. We still go and spend time with them and holidays of course. It's funny how the one personI dreaded seeing in the first place is the one I'd rather stay with. Oh! and Rosie is still with me of course.

Claire is doing fine-she's allowed Jack to have her heart. I knew it was only a matter of time. It was rough at first, but he assured her everything would be alright. When I talked to her she told me, after a year and a half she just felt like she had to move on, or her life would never pick up again. She may not say flat out, but I can see it in her eyes when she's with Jack-she's slowly letting herself fall in love again.

As for myself and Mush, well, things couldn't be better. Now that he's 19, he's gotten himself another job-he's working for father! I know it's crazy but, it's allowed father to see what an amazing young man he really is. The other day he even told me that Mush was one of the best workers he's had in years! I don't see him every day. Sometimes I don't see him for several days-but beeing away from him only makes the next time we see each other even better! I don't know where things will go from here. I just know life has been so mush more...unbelievable since I met Mush...In fact he's having lunch with father and will be back any moment! Funny how life works...

Yours Truly,

Gabrielle

Gabrielle set her diary aside and stepped out onto her balcony. She warpped a shawl around her shoulders-it was a cold fall day. She watched as people walked slowly through the leaf-covered streets below her. Next thing she knew Mush was walking down the street towards her house. He stood below the balcony and yelled up to her.

"My Juliet! Why art thou up there-and not down here with me!?" he said sarcastically.

"Romeo, Romeo-I might ask the same question!" she laughed.

She sarcastically tossed a rose down to him and proceeded into the house. He waited until she came out the front door. She opened it dramatically and ran to him.

"Romeo where have you been?"

"Dining with thy father of course!"

She laughed, "Oh goodness-I'm sorry..." he laughed along with her.

"Come on, let's go for a walk..."

She yelled to Rosie that she would be back later before rejoining Mush outside. She slid her hand into his as they walked to Central Park. Colored leaves were falling all around them as they walked. She tightned her shawl to try and keep warm against the light breeze blowing through the already cold park. Mush slid an arm around her waist and pulled her closer.

"You know, your father has changed a lot since I first met you..."

She smiled up at him, "Really? How so?"

"Well...for one he let me work for him. And now...he's promoting me..."

"Really?! Mush that's wonderful!"

"I know! It's on-I wana show you something..."

She raised an eyebrow. He laughed and pulled her with him to the lodging house. He hadn't been there in almost a year. Since he started working for the mayor, he was able to afford better arrangements. He took her up the fire escape to the roof. It was almost dark as they sat on the same edge of the roof they had several years before.

"The city at night..." Gabrielle remembered.

She curled up with him as they watched the sun setting over the top of the buildings.

"You know, I remember thinking the last time we were up here, I could stay like this forever..."

"Could you?" he asked.

She looked up at him, "Without a doubt."

He smiled, "In that case..." she gave him a strange look as he fumbled for something in his pocket, "Gabrielle, I've known since the day I met you that this was it...and well...what the hell, will you marry me?"

She sat for a moment, unable to get a word out of her mouth, "Mush...I...of course I will!"

She threw her arms around his neck and kissed him, overwhelmed. He slid a small ring into her finger, "I know it's not much, but-"

"Mush-it's beautiful..."

And it was-he was able to afford a decent ring to propose with. That was partly what he was waiting for in the first place. Now with this promotion, he knew he'd be able to take care of her. He whispered I love you and she nestled herself up against him once again. That was it-Gabrielle was going to be his wife-what more could he ask for?

A/N: I hate having to close off stories but-i feel going any farther will only make it drag. so-never stop reveiwing! even if its a year after ive written this and youre reading it now- send in reviews they always help! thank you to those who have! and be ready for the next Autumn Park story! -A