Here's the last chapter ( the "morning" after chapter). Sorry about the wait. Thanks again for the reviews.
I open my eyes slowly, but I don't even have to wonder where I am – everything comes back to me as I ascend from sleep. It feels strange to see the sun beginning to set through the window, but then I realize it must be late afternoon. I remember everything: coming over to check on John – everything happened so fast and now all of this?
"Wow" is all I can think to say to John, but I'm not sure if he's really awake yet. Of course, this is all exactly what I wanted, but now I can help but have second thoughts. I didn't think everything was going to be like this – I mean, I came over to check on John and of course I hoped something else would happen, but this fast? I just hope we didn't rush into anything and that he's ready for this – I know I am. But especially after that kiss, he seemed pretty interested, right? Oh look at you now, Monica, blabbering to yourself – what have you been reduced to simply because of a mere man? Well, one thing is for sure, John is definitely no ordinary guy. I scold myself silently for obsessing so much. I guess we do have a certain chemistry.
As if he read my thoughts, John lifts up his head slightly and tries to sit up, which is difficult because my head is lying on his chest.
He looks at me and smiles and I look at him, and we don't say anything because nothing really needs to be said.
Of course, I can't keep those same little demons of insecurity from creeping back into my head.
But then, there he goes reading my mind again. He says something that knocks the worry out of my mind forever.
"I love ya, ya know?"
Despite my best efforts to keep this moment serious, I can't help but crack a smile 10 miles wide. "I know, and I love you too."
He isn't saying anything more, so neither am I, we're just lying here in each others arms and watching the sun set through his window. The colors are beautiful and vibrant, and I can't help but feel sentimental now that I'm at ease. I think of something really corny but decide to tell John anyway – I'm just in that mood. If I can't be honest with him, than with whom can I be honest?
"You know, that sunset is like the two old chapters of our individual lives ending and a new chapter beginning together."
I bet John is thinking that I just said the stupidest thing in the history of the world.
"Awwww, how sweet," he says sarcastically. Then he smiles. "Actually, I think you're right," he says as he plants a light kiss on my cheek. "I bet that sunset was arranged just for us."
Now it's my turn to smile. "It must've been destiny."
"Must've been. Well, it's nice to know that after all we've both been through, things do work out in the end: it's a different end, a good end."
No one could have put it better, I think, as the first stars appear in the sky.