Prelude: Perfect Memory
The last time Noah wore his black suit was almost a year ago and at the very same place. Has it really been a year since his father died, Noah asked himself. It seemed so long but at this same time, it felt like yesterday, just like his thoughts on Allie. He really wished she would stop popping up in his head, especially at a time like this.
His father was a simple man, worked hard and never asked for much. He helped Noah get his dream house, helped him renovate it before he passed. Noah remembered how happy his dad was to see him come home unharmed or lose his mind (like others his father knew from the last great war). Noah thought about the two things his father wished he could've lived to see, the house restored and a family living in it. Noah restored the house but lost the girl. A different family will now reside in it. Noah kneeled down and sat quietly, his fist drawn to his mouth, his mind in deep thought. A rustling noise in the background took him back. From the corner of his eye, he saw who was making the noise. He remained in silence for a moment before standing up. He turned and saw Allie behind a tree. "What're you doing here?"
After many revisions, I present to you the last chapter:
Perfect Memory
Allie stepped out. "Hi Noah, I'm sorry for bothering you, especially a time like this. I just didn't know how I could reach you."
"I guess you heard about the house."
"Yes..why'd ..why'd you sell it?" A stupid question, she though, she already knew the answer. Noah himself was a bit shock about such a question. He gave her a look that said it all and then asked.
"What're you doing here?"
"I came to see you."
"Well I'm here, so what is it?"
"I got your letter."
"You should've, I put it in the mailbox myself."
"And.. I wanted to tell you how sorry I am … and that I wished I hadn't left you."
"So Lon dumped you and I am plan B."
"No ! Noah, it's not like that. I ended it."
"Why?"
"You know why."
"No, I don't. I thought I knew you. When you didn't come back I knew I was wrong."
"Noah, I'm here now."
"You got to be kidding right? God, where's Lon? Me and him should start a club. Do you have any other ex-boyfriends I can ask to join."
"Noah!"
Noah took a deep breathe and let his rage simmer. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that. I was so hurt by you .. and angry. I guess I still am. I don't want to be that kind of person.. bitter and resentful… which is why I wrote you that letter. I just wanted to end it right unlike before."
"Noah, it doesn't have to end."
"Allie.. YOU ended it. You can't just choose me because it's suddenly convenient for you."
"Noah I'm sorry. I made a mistake, I should've ended it with Lon right there and then. I was so confused Noah. Everything just happened so fast."
"You're confused ! How do you think I felt ?.. YOU were the one that went to see me. And then you come in, making me believe that it might actually happen for us and just like that you're gone, with what? .. a phone call saying you're sorry!"
"I know your mad and hurt but please let me explain."
"Explain what? That you had cold feet? Or just needed one more thrill? You come back! All you had to do was come back !"
"I didn't I'm sorry I don't know how many more times I have to say that. I talked to Lon, told him everything and he was so understanding.. it just made it more harder and I went back home with him. I was thinking from my head, not from my heart. After I got your letter, I knew what a big mistake it was and I went to Lon and ended it. I came here last week looking for you."
"Allie, you made your choice, I'm sorry you lost Lon…" he said softly "it's just .. too late for us."
"Noah, it's not too late, we waited seven years for this."
"And look what happened.. "
"No, it's not over .. we could still happen..I love you Noah. Tell me you don't love me. Look me in the eye and say it to my face." Noah walked up and stared directly into her eyes. "I love you." He said softly.
"I'll always love you. But we can't." Noah started to walk away.
"Don't talk like that, don't leave Noah please !" He continued to walk slowly away.
"You asked me to picture my life 30 years, I had no clue then but I can tell you now Noah." Noah stopped and turned around.
"I saw my life with Lon and all these places and functions we would do. It would be like an endless schedule of routines.. just like .. just like when I was growing up.. remember? I told you that.. I saw my life with you and you know what I saw?"
"…"
"I saw you.. only you.. nothing else.. you know why?..Because no matter where I am, no matter what I am doing, as long as you're there, that's all I need.. you're all I need."
"Don't .. don't say things like that."
"Why not? They're true Noah, you have to believe me."
"I don't know what to believe in anymore.. "
"And now?"
"I.. I don't know.."
Allie walked over to Noah. "You said it yourself it's going to be hard and here we are at another tough spot.. Noah.. say something.." But he just looked away.
"It wasn't seven years for me."
"What're you talking about?"
"I..I saw you.. shortly after I came home from the war." He pulled away from her.
"You saw me?"
"I went to Charleston to get permits for the house and on the bus I saw you crossing the street. The bus driver wouldn't stop and so I had to open the door and jump out myself.. when I caught up to you.." Allie looked on intently. "I saw you .. with Lon, for lunch I suppose, .. you had the biggest smile on your face and you hugged and kiss and you were so happy… I don't know why I was surprised but I was .. after that I was so determined to finish that house .. it was the only thing I could do.. I couldn't give you fancy lunches in fancy restaurants and give you fancy things. It was stupid of me to think that it'll bring you back to me. When I came back from that god awful war, the world was finally at my feet.. I could've gone anywhere.. do anything .. but I didn't.. there were so many missed opportunities and now that I sold the house .. I got a second chance to start clean, but now you're here an I'm just stuck again. "
She grabbed Noah hands and tightened her grip on his hands. Her eyes began to water, "You told me that you're not afraid to hurt me.. when the truth is I'm the one who hurt you.. when I never heard from you that summer.. I was so devastated .. but it wasn't your fault and so.. so you never hurt me Noah. You could never.. unless.. unless you leave me right now. We both have a second chance here Noah, I'm willing to take it.. are you?"
Noah placed his forehead against her's and both of them looked deeply into each other's watery eyes. Looking into her eyes was mesmerizing to Noah. In those eyes held the promise of tomorrow and of what Noah had always wanted. The pain in his heart held him back but his love for Allie was always stronger. He had already come this far and a clear opportunity was right before him. He closed his eyes and slowly kissed her. She kissed him back, a short sweet kiss and he pulled her in and she rested her head against his shoulders. He held her tight, practically squeezing her. He had her now and he wasn't letting go. They remained like this for a while. Allie enjoyed Noah's strong embrace and felt so safe in warm in his arms. She looked up at Noah.
"So.."
"This is it huh?"
She smiled. "I guess it is." They smiled warmly at each other and kissed again.
A strong gust blew and rustled the leaves around them. Allie broke from Noah's embrace to try to catch her scarf from flying off. In the process, she dropped her purse. Noah picked it up and notice a piece of paper.
"What is this?"
"This Mr. Calhoun was Plan B."
"What're you talking about?"
She handed him the paper, "Remember when we first met and you asked me to dance and I said no and then you climbed on the Ferris wheel."
"Yeah?"
"Well, it's like that with out the whole risking your life."
He unfolded it and couldn't believe what he saw. "You bought the house!"
"Yep."
"According to this, you paid 10 grand more than what Mr. Franklin paid me ..."
"15 thousand above retail value… I knew you were worth it. You were right, that house led me back to you. I couldn't let all that hard work you put in end up with somebody else… Besides, where else would I do my paintings?"
"I knew you were rich.. but I didn't know you had this kind of money on hand.."
"I don't, well not all of it. I cashed it on the inheritance I received from my grandparents, the other 15 came from my parents."
"You parents!"
"Yep, my parents."
"Now, I'm really speechless."
"Good." She reached over and kissed him.
Noah took Allies hand "Come here, I want you to meet someone."
"You remember my dad."
"Oh Noah, for a minute there, I totally forgot where we were and what today is. I'm so sorry about your father."
"A year ago, I felt so… . sigh, but now.. hehe what a difference a year makes huh?"
"I know what you mean. I miss your dad, he was so nice and told the funniest stories."
"At my expense, that's why. But he always liked you. And here right next to dad… Mom.. this is Allie… She died when I was 2. I didn't even know her.. I don't even remember her… but I have like a feeling you know .. of when I was young and she would hold me.. it felt so real and perfect like I can remember everything about her.. but at the same time .. kind of blurry like I can reach out and almost grab it. From what I know, she was a good woman. I'd like to think that she would've liked you .. liked you a lot."
Allie clutched onto Noah's left arm, as the two of them stood over the grave of Noah's parents. They were quiet and Allie didn't disturb Noah, as she could tell he was probably saying a prayer for both of them. After a while, the two of them started walking. Noah had his arm around Allie and the two walked side by side.
"Come on, let's go home." Allie said.
He turned Allie around to him and wrapped his arms around her, "As far as I'm concerned, I'm already home."
The End...
Comments: This story of course was based on the movie The Notebook. I wrote this because the scenes where Allie has to choose between Lon and Noah were my favorite. It was obvious from the get go that Allie would choose Noah, but their performance and the writing were so good, it made you feel like you didn't know who she was going to choose. Also, being a guy I had to give it up for Noah, who I could totally relate to and how he must've felt if she didn't choose him. So chapter 5 ended up (for the most part) Allie "pleading" to get Noah back. I wrote all 5 chapters already before posting them up. But this last one gave me some trouble, especially with all the dialogue. After my first read through, I felt it wasn't that good so I reworded a lot of stuff (like 3x). I hope you all enjoy. Although this is the end, I do have other stories related to this fanfic that I did not put up. I have at least two in mind, where Allie goes to Baltimore and Allie with her parents. I will post them up and they will come out as chapter 6,7 but the main story and why I wrote this was chapters 1-5. I've written fan fic, only a few stories, but this is the first one I actually made public. So I hoped you enjoyed.
