Chapter 38: All I Want Is You

You say youll give me

Eyes in a moon of blindness

A river in a time of dryness

A harbour in the tempest

But all the promises we make

From the cradle to the grave

When all I want is you

Marco

"I can't believe school's almost over..." I leaned against the swing set and watched Ellie as

she gently pushed Brayden in the baby swing. We had decided that it was too nice outside today to waste and headed to the park with Brayden immediately after school.

She looked up and smiled. "I'm all sorts of happy about that. No more lab reports in chemistry... No more learning about computers..."

"No more current events in history..." I let my voice trail off.

"Okay, well, I'll miss that."

We laughed and were silent for a moment. I took in the sight of Ellie and her child, thinking back to the day when I first met her. We had sat next to each other in English, and I had been immediately intrigued by her comments on Heart of Darkness. We had chatted for a few minutes after class before going our separate ways- only to find out that we had most of our classes together and our lockers were right next to each other's. We both loved reading and shared the same interest in Edward Gory, enjoyed movies, especially foreign films, and considered U2 to be a guilty pleasure. I had never been so attracted to a girl before I met Ellie.

Too bad I had to go and break her heart.

"Marco! Are you even listening?"

I looked up, "Huh? Yeah, sure."

"What's on your mind? You looked pretty deep in thought."

I shrugged and pushed away from the swing set to stand in front of Brayden. "Us. Our friendship."

Ellie smiled. "My pathetic crush on you?"

"That too. And it wasn't pathetic... I was a stud back then."

She let out a peal of laughter, her entire face lighting up. "Oh yeah. What was your name again? Marco del Studly?"

"Something like that... What were you saying before?"

"Can you believe we're going to be seniors? I mean, we actually have to think about university and the future. It's crazy. Just yesterday we were hoarding candy in our lockers and sneaking out of gym class!" She shook her head in amazement. "It's gone by so fast."

I nodded in agreement. "Some of us had to grow up faster than others, too." I gestured towards her and Brayden. "I don't know if I'm ready, though, to be honest. University seems like a whole different level. I'm comfortable here... I'm class president, a member of the honor society, out... I'll have to start all over again."

"You'll be fine. You make friends so easily. Me? I'm the one who's going to have problems. Plus, I have a kid to take care of. Brayden's going to be one..." She bit her lip and looked at the ground.

"Aww," I came up and gave her a hug from behind. "Is Ellie getting emotional about her baby growing up?"

"No, you jerk!" She pushed me away and rolled her eyes.

"What about Sean?"

"What about Sean?"

"Well, he's going to still be in school. What are you guys going to do?"

She stopped pushing Brayden. "I never really thought of that. He's going to be in school when I'm at university... You think it'll work?"

Brayden chose that moment to start crying, his face red and his hands balled into tiny fists. Ellie and I shared a look as she pulled him out of the swing and comforted him in a low, soothing voice. I handed her his bottle from the stroller, and she took it thankfully. He immediately calmed down as the rubber nipple met his lips. We sat down on a nearby park bench, and I marveled at the sight of Brayden drinking from the bottle, his big eyes looking around in wonder.

"I can never figure it out."

Ellie looked up in confusion. "Figure what out?"

I thought for a moment. "Life," I answered finally. "How he came from you and Sean and... It's amazing, you know? It doesn't make sense." I leaned forward and rested my elbows on my knees, squinting as I looked over at Ellie.

She shook her head, amused, and lifted an eyebrow. "I think that's why it's called the miracle of life. I'm just glad I have you guys to help me."

"What are friends for?" I nudged her arm affectionately, and she grinned.

"Well, I think someone's getting tired. We should probably head back."

We gathered our things and started back towards Sean's apartment, Brayden tucked away in his stroller, fast asleep. I adjusted the bag on my shoulder and tried to pay attention as Ellie rambled on about a book she was reading, all the while in deep thought, my forehead wrinkled.

I couldn't stop thinking about the future of Ellie, Sean, and Brayden. What was going to happen to them? Everyone always said that high-school romances never worked out. Was that actually true? I glanced over at Ellie, taking in how happy she looked. Her eyes were shining and her mouth was going a mile a minute. I can't handle seeing her hurt again.

"- And if you can actually believe it, Sean and Jay are borrowing my video camera tomorrow to make a rap music video starring... Brayden. They were talking about it the other night and couldn't stop laughing. So, they've decided that they're actually going to do it. I mean, am I dating a sophomore or a fifth grader?"

"Ellie-..."

"I know. I shouldn't make fun of them so much... It is kind of cute. I just can't believe Jay's going along with it."

"Ellie-..."

"Who knows what song they're picking. Probably 'Baby Got Back' or something equally as stupid..."

I sighed and shook my head in amusement. It's hard to get a word in edgewise when she's like this. Why the hell was I worrying anyway? They're going to be fine. They're going to be just fine.

"You're going to be fine," I waited until she paused to take a breath before I spoke. I looked forward, a small smile playing across my lips, and hands in pockets. I was thinking about what it could be like in the future. I could see Ellie and Sean in their apartment doing their homework as Brayden played at their feet. I could picture Sean teaching Brayden about car engines, both covered in oil and grime. In my head, it was all so perfect.

"What?"

"You're going to be fine," I repeated as I looked at her, the satisfied smile on my face. "You and Sean. You asked before if I thought you guys could make it. You can. You definitely can."

She gave me a soft smile and slipped her arm through mine. "Marco, this is why I love you."

"Why's that?"

"Because you have faith in me even when I don't."

I sniffed and pretended to wipe a tear away with my free hand. "Ellie Nash, you are going to make me cry."

"You are such a loser!"

Sean

"Dude, can you hold it steady for one second?" I snapped as I tied the bandana back around

Brayden's head.

"How's he going to look like Tupac when he's rapping 50 cent?" Jay shot back, his tone bordering on whiny.

"Because Tupac was the king. Get it?" I gritted my teeth as I sat Brayden upright in his carrier seat. We'd already been working on this music video for an hour, and Jay had officially gotten on my nerves. Between fighting over what song to use, and who was going to record the entire thing, I was starting to regret ever bringing up the music video idea.

Jay sent me a glare over the video camera. "I still don't get why he has to look like him, though," he muttered.

"Well, you don't get a lot of things, Jay..." I jabbed at the play button on the cd player and waited for the opening to "In the club" to start before kneeling beside Jay and making faces at Brayden. As if on cue, he started to open and close his mouth, appearing to be talking. We watched in amazement as he looked back at us in wonder, his legs kicking and his hands opening and closing. He was even able to pull his head away from the carrier seat for a few moments before letting it rest back.

The music ended, and Brayden fell limp in his seat, a yawn escaping from his lips. Jay turned off the camera and set it down carefully on the coffee table. "That's a rap," he announced. I rolled my eyes and walked forward on my knees to unleash Brayden from his carrier. "Get it? Rap?" Jay pressed.

"Funny?" I offered.

"Man, you've been acting like a queer today."

"No, I haven't!" I gave him a strange look as I entered the small nursery.

"Whatever. When you want to start acting like my boy again, get in touch with me," he yelled from the living room.

"What the hell are you talking about?" I grumbled as I stormed into the kitchen for a beer. Jay raised his arm, and I tossed one towards him.

I took a seat in my chair and popped the cap, waiting for Jay to explain himself. I lifted an eyebrow as he took a long and slow drink before sitting back against the pillows of the couch.

"Well, where should I begin? You've been acting like a little bitch for the past two weeks... Yep. That pretty much sums it up."

"A bitch?"

"Whiney, cranky, pretty much how Alex acts when she's on the rag."

"Nice, Jay. Real nice."

Jay set down his beer and leaned forward. "Dude, I'm not one to get all mushy and shit, but you know you can tell me things, right?"

I stared at the design of the throw rug on the carpet. Ellie had brought it home one day, talking about how it would complement the color of the couch and the throw pillows just perfectly. I had no idea what she was talking about and still don't; who's going to think of these things if I don't keep her around?

"What's going to happen next year when Ellie has to choose a University and what she's going to do with the rest of her life?" I asked softly, my eyes still focused on the rug. That damn rug that made me think of her every time I fucking looked at it. We've wrestled on that rug; she's painted her nails on that rug; we've made love on that rug...

Jay chuckled and took a swig of beer. "That's next year, bro. You don't have to worry about that for..."

"A few months. School's almost out Jay. Then what? Are we just going to pretend like we're some happy family until she leaves? What if she chooses a school outside of Toronto? What if she meets someone?"

"Meets someone? She loves you, man. She's not going to just fall for some dude up at University, okay?"

"I'm not so sure. They're going to be older and smarter and more mature and actually know things. They can give her stuff, and what the hell do I have to give her?"

Jay sighed and ran a hand over this face. "This is Ellie. She wouldn't do that to you. You guys are perfect together."

I finally looked up and met his eyes. "You really think so?"

He blanched. "As much as it pains me to say, yes, I think so."

I lifted the corner of my mouth in a small smile. "Good, because I'm... Well, I've been doing a lot of thinking, and I'm going to ask her to-..."

The door open and slammed, and Ellie rushed in, disheveled and frantic. "Hurry, they're coming."

"Who?" I asked, at the same time annoyed and happy with her interruption.

She looked up, her big hazel eyes piercing mine. "Them. My parents."

"Shit," I hissed and grabbed both mine and Jay's beers.

"Hey!" he protested. I silenced him with a look and started to throw the dirty dishes from the day in the sink.

"They called me on the way back from Marco's telling me that they were leaving in a few minutes to come over and chat. Chat? Chat about what? That's what I want to know," she ranted as she picked up the living room. She threw Jay a disgusted look. "Could you possibly help or is that foreign concept to you?"

"Nah, but the words foreign concept are a foreign concept to me, miss smarty pants."

"Immature," she muttered under her breath. I smiled as I watched her stumble around the room, picking up the mess Jay and I had made over the past few days. "Seriously, Sean... Would it kill you to clean up every once in awhile?"

Not even her nagging could erase the smile off my face. She was freaking out and seeing her like this, as much as it could annoy me at times, was sending a feeling throughout my stomach that I couldn't exactly pinpoint. It felt good. She tossed a few dishes into the soapy water in the sink and turned to walk away, but I grabbed her wrist, stopping her in her tracks.

"Sean, they're going to-..."

"Shh," I put a finger to her lips and snaked an arm around her waist, pressing her up against me. I pressed my lips against her nose softly. "Move back in," I murmured.

"What?" She stared back at me, her eyes filled with disbelief.

"Move back in. I mean it."

"Sean, I-..."

A sharp knock sounded before the front door flew open, and Ellie's mom bustled in, Mr. Nash close behind. The air immediately filled with expensive perfume and arrogance as Elisabeth Nash slid a finger across the surface of the kitchen counter and wrinkled her nose as the grime that came off. I released Ellie from my grasp and leaned back against the counter, ready for another night of arguing and insults. That was the only outcome that came from Mrs. Nash and I in the same room.

I waited for Mrs. Nash to make a comment about the condition of the apartment, but she kept her mouth shut tightly as she crossed into the living room and primly took a seat on the edge of the chair. The air was uncomfortable as we all made our way into the living room. I tried to prepare myself for whatever bombshell the Nashes were planning on throwing my way.

"Mom, Dad, I'm sure you've met Jay before...? Jay these are my parents."

"Elisabeth."

"Christian. Pleased to meet you."

The look on Jay's face was priceless as he stuttered out a greeting and shook the hand Mr. Nash had offered. "Jay Hogart."

"Hogart? I don't think we've heard-..."

"No, Mom," Ellie interjected. "You haven't. Jay is Sean's best friend. He's been staying here for awhile."

"Here? Where could he possibly be staying? There's barely room here for-," she stopped talking suddenly and cleared her throat. "What I mean is, that's nice. Extra help for the baby and everything."

I let out the breath I hadn't realized I had been holding. Suddenly, I was starting to understand how Ellie probably feels around her mom- always on edge. I felt the couch next to me shift and cool skin against mine. I glanced at my side and saw Ellie's fingers wrapped loosely around my arm. She gave it a comforting squeeze.

"Speaking of Brayden, where's the champ at?" Mr. Nash smiled and looked around the room.

"I just put him down for a nap," I answered, begging Ellie's dad with my eyes not to wake him up.

Mrs. Nash started to get up. "Well, he can stay up a little longer, right?"

My jaw clenched involuntarily but relaxed when I saw Ellie's dad took a hold of his wife's arm. "Let him sleep. We don't want him keeping Sean and Jay up all night."

Mrs. Nash's looked around the room in shock but returned to her seat anyway. "Okay. Well..."

We sat in silence for a few moments, no one knowing what to say as Jay relished in the obvious discomfort with a smirk on his face. I knew he was already thinking of a few one-liners in his head, but I also knew that he was aware that Ellie would kill him if he said anything to ruin the night.

The doorbell rang suddenly, causing Mrs. Nash to jump out of her seat a little. I was thankful for the diversion and headed towards the door. "Pizza man," I explained before I opened the door.

"Pizza?"

"Yeah, pizza," I rolled my eyes at the confusion in Ellie's mom's eyes. I wouldn't be surprised if a privileged kid such as herself never had pizza growing up. After all, if it can't be eaten with a fork, it's not proper. "Jay and me ordered it before."

"Jay and I," Ellie and her mom corrected in unison. They started giggling, and Jay shook his head in disbelief.

I handed the pizza guy the money and brought the large pizza into the living room, setting it out on the coffee table. Jay lunged forward and grabbed a piece without waiting for anyone else. I noticed Ellie rolling her eyes at his lack of manners.

"There's plenty for everyone," I offered, although I secretly hoped the Nashes would decline. No pizza for them meant more pizza for me. Surprisingly, though, Ellie's dad reached forward and grabbed a slice, bringing it to his lips.

"I wonder if it compares to Italy, Elisabeth?" he joked.

"Oh, please. Nothing could. Where's it from, Sean?"

"The Last Slice," I mumbled through a mouthful.

She shrugged and leaned forward, choosing a small piece. "Not bad," she commented after taking a small bite.

"A nice, cold beer would make this perfect, huh?"

"As a matter of fact..." Jay jumped up and grabbed a few beers, handing one to Mr. Nash and giving me my unfinished bottle from before and settling back into his seat.

"Wow, Jay. I never knew you had such bad manners," Mrs. Nash remarked drily.

Jay jumped back up. "Did you want a beer?"

"You don't expect me to share, do you?"

I chuckled to myself at the look on Jay's face, surprised to find myself actually enjoying this interaction between Jay and Ellie's mom. I watched in amusement as she took a long swig from the bottle Jay gave her and finished the rest of her slice. Hey, Ellie's mom knew how to put it down.

"So, Sean, have any work plans for the summer?"

I glanced at Ellie before looking back at Mr. Nash, my face starting to heat up. "Um," I started nervously. "I'm working part time at the mechanic and custom shop down on Pearl, but that's it."

"That must not bring in too many hours, huh?"

"Not really. Just a few here and there."

"Maybe you could offer Sean something in the office, Christian? I'm sure there's room for him." I couldn't believe my eyes as Mrs. Nash offered me a smile that was actually pleasant. Suddenly, I felt like I was stuck in an alternate universe where Elisabeth Nash actually liked me.

Ellie's dad nodded and looked into space thoughtfully. "I could probably find a position. Have you had any experience in advertising, Sean?"

"Adver- No. Definitely not."

"Well, no worries. You can always learn. I'll get back to you on that."

Another pause of uncomfortable silence. I was still wondering what the hell just happened- Mr. Nash offering me a summer job, Mrs. Nash actually instigating this offer, and (so far) a drama free "chat." Maybe this would be the perfect time...

I cleared my throat and snuck a glance at Ellie next to me. "Actually, I have my own request- sort of..."

All eyes were on me. I slipped my fingers through Ellie's and squeezed her hand tightly. "I've-uh- I've been doing some thinking..."

I glared at Jay as he snickered.

"And, well, I haven't really had a chance to discuss it with Ellie yet but... I think it's a good idea if Ellie moves in. Again." I plastered a confident look on my face, daring the Nashes to give me any trouble. Inside, I was shaking that maybe Ellie wasn't into the whole move-in thing as much as I was.

I waited for someone to say something. Mr. Nash looked like he was going to be sick; Mrs. Nash's face was one of horror; Ellie stared at me stone-faced. Only Jay moved, shaking as he laughed into his hand. I elbowed him sharply, annoyed that he was actually enjoying my embarrassment.

"Well," Mr. Nash began.

"I want to move back in," Ellie blurted out before he could say anything else. I turned my head sharply towards her and smiled. She put a hand on my knee and shyly looked me in the eye. "I really do," she whispered softly.

We leaned in for a soft kiss, forgetting that we weren't alone.

"You- you really want to move back in?" Mrs. Nash asked.

Ellie nodded her head enthusiastically. "Mmhmm! Sean's here. Brayden's here. I need to be here, too."

Her parents glanced at each other uneasily. Ellie sent me a look that said "don't worry" but my stomach was still tied in knots. What if they didn't let her move back in? What if they still thought of me as the good-for-nothing trailer trash that knocked up their precious daughter? There's only so much I can do to prove myself worthy of her, and I'm running out of options.

Her dad sighed and clasped his hands together. "If it's what Ellie wants..."

Ellie

I threw my arms around Sean's neck, suppressing my squeals of delight for later. I couldn't believe my dad had just said yes to me moving into Sean's apartment again. I mean, I knew he would eventually give in, but I didn't know it would be so easy. I pulled away reluctantly from Sean and turned to face my parents. "Thanks."

They smiled back at me sadly. A twinge of guilt went through my body as I realized I'd be leaving them. It wasn't going to be easy, but it's something I had to do. I have to be with my son and... whatever Sean is to me now.

My boyfriend?

It sounds so... meaningless. As if we're just some high-school crush that will eventually fade away. And were not that. We have a son together. We have chemistry. We're emotionally invested in each other. We have a future.

Unless he gets sick of me being in University and finds a younger girl... Stop it, Ellie. You're already having a mid-life crisis...

A loud cry pierced the room, and Sean jumped up. "Brayden's up..."

I let him go to the baby and watched as my dad followed him, leaving my mom and Jay in the room with me. We looked awkwardly at each other before my mom leaned forward and lifted an eyebrow. "Are you sure, Ellie? I mean, if you were only going along because you didn't want to hurt his feelings then we can-..."

"Mom! I was serious!"

She sat back, silent for a few minutes as she chewed her bottom her lip. "Okay, if it's what you want. We're going to miss having you around, you know..."

"I'm going to be right here. I'm not going anywhere."

"I feel like we just got you back. I mean, you just got better and now-..."

"Look who's up!" Sean strolled out of the nursery, Brayden cradled in his arms. My mom stretched out her arms for him and held him against her.

"Oh, he smells so good. Who smells so good? You do, Brayden!"

I didn't notice my dad until he sat down on the other side of me and wrapped an arm around my shoulders. I looked up at him, my eyes filled with wonder, as I'd done my entire life. His own eyes were filled with sadness as he stared back at me.

"What, daddy?"

He shook his head slowly. "I don't know. You're just growing up too fast."

"Yeah, right," I scoffed.

"Finishing high school, baby, serious boyfriend... Sounds like growing up to me. I just don't know if I'm ready to let go."

"Please," I rolled my eyes. "You don't have to let go just yet."

He nodded his head absently and looked off towards my mother and Brayden. "Well, we better get going," he announced. "These kids have school tomorrow."

I followed my parents to the door and sent them off with a hug and the promise to see them tomorrow. Suddenly, my parents were eager to see me every waking minute of the day, and I wasn't complaining. I shut the door with a soft click and leaned back against it, letting out a long sigh. My joints reminded me of how late it was getting, and my agitated state during "family time" only contributed to my sleepiness.

Sean came towards me and wrapped me in his arms, pressing me against his chest gently. I buried my head into his chest and took a deep breath, taking in his scent. We stood still, enjoying one another's company and listened to the clock tick and the muttering of Jay as he played his video game.

"Well," Sean broke the silence first. "I guess we'll move you back in this weekend?"

I craned my head back and looked up at him. "I guess so. Sean, I'm tired."

He smiled and kissed my forehead. "Let's go to bed."

We said good night to Jay and checked in on Brayden one more time before retreating to the bedroom. I perched myself on the edge of the bathtub, dressed in one of Sean's t-shirts, as I brushed my teeth and watched Sean wash his face. His back muscles rippled as he leaned over the sink and slowly patted his face dry.

"Mmm mphh muu," I mumbled through my mouthful of paste.

He raised in eyebrow. "Huh?"

I got up and spit in the sink and rinsed my mouth out. "I love you," I repeated more clearly, shoving my toothbrush back in its holder.

Sean grabbed at my waist and bent down to brush his lips against the corner of my mouth. "You had toothpaste," he explained.

I placed my fingers where had just kissed me and grinned. "Oh," I replied lamely.

"Race you to the bed," Sean blurted before pivoting and running out of the tiny bathroom. I chased after him but gave up when I saw him already stretched across the bed. "That wasn't fair," I chided but with a smile on my face as I climbed into bed.

I wiggled my way closer to Sean and kissed him softly on the lips, my red hair gently touching his face. He moaned against my lips and rubbed his hands up and down my sides, slowly inching his way further down. I felt his fingers grasp the back of my thighs, right below where my underwear ended, and press me closer against him. I pulled my face away, gasping, and shook my head slightly. "Not tonight. I'm exhausted."

"Not fair," He groaned, covering his face with his hands. I giggled and swatted playfully at his shoulder.

"Goodnight, Sean."

"Goodnight, Ellie."

I felt his lips press against my temple.

Jay

"Is there a reason I'm chauffeuring you around town, Cameron, or do you just really enjoy wasting my gas?" I drawled as I pulled into a parking spot along Vine Street.

Sean sent me a look and kicked open the door. "No questions, remember?"

"Yeah, yeah, yeah," I muttered as I turned off the ignition and stuffed my keys into my pocket. When Sean had approached me after school and asked for a ride, I hadn't thought anything of the favor. I was used to giving him rides, after all. But when he swore me to secrecy, I knew that Sean had more in mind than just grabbing a burger from the Dot.

We walked past the shops at a fast pace. Every now and then Sean would glance nervously at me. I was dying to know what he was up to, but I kept my cool.

"Isn't this part of town a little ritzy for you?"

"No questions, remember?"

"Listen, Cameron, there's going to be questions, okay? You asked for a ride, I gave it to you. Now what the hell is going on?" I was starting to grow impatient, and an impatient Jay is a very unhappy Jay.

"You really want to know?" Sean asked.

I shrugged. "Yeah, why not?"

He stopped walking. "We're here."

I slid my sunglasses to the top of my head and peered up at the storefront. Serli & Siroan Jewellers. "Serli and Siroan Jewellers... So?"

"I'm buying something today," Sean announced to me.

I sighed and responded in my bored voice. "Oh, really? And what's that?"

"An engagement ring."

I froze and blinked slowly. "Uh, what? I must've heard you wrong because I thought you said engagement ring..."

"I did."

"For who?"

"You might know her. She's around the apartment a lot... I kind of have a kid with her..."

"Oh, her. The girl who's just moving back in after a huge fight. The girl who's parents think you're scum. The girl who's a little crazy in the attic, if you know what I mean."

"You're not talking me out of this..."

I grabbed his shoulder and stopped him from opening the door. "Do you even realize what you're doing? You can't get married now. You're going to be a junior. In high school. Have you even though about this?"

"I have," he confirmed. "A lot, actually."

"So when do you think you'll find time to get married? In between auto class and lunch? This isn't just some little decision."

"Jay, I know."

"No, I don't think you do know. You're crazy, man. You're going to throw away your life just because you've found a girl that you can screw and talk to?"

Sean chuckled darkly. "If only it were that easy, huh? You don't get it, Jay. Okay? You just don't get it. Call me crazy if you want, but I'm going to be a family with her. I'm not going to let her get away."

I ran a shaky hand through my hair and sighed. "Don't do this to keep her around, okay? Marriage isn't the answer to staying with somebody. Ask my mom."

"My parents were low-lifes, but they were low-lifes together, and they were good together. Ellie and I are even better. I need a family for once. I'm sick of being on my own."

"Hey, you got a family. You got me and Alex," I reminded him.

"Jay, I love her."

"I know you do."

"Then why can't you just be happy for me? I'm doing what I think is right, and you're not talking me out of it."

"You really think her parents are going to let her-..."

"I already talked to her dad. The other night when they were over."

I folded my arms across my chest. "Well, it looks like you thought of everything. What did he say?"

Sean hooked an arm behind his head and smiled sheepishly. "He thinks I'm pretty crazy, but he married young."

I shook my head and stared at the ground. "Whatever, Cameron. It's your funeral."

I tried to be happy for him, but I couldn't stop thinking that he was making a huge mistake. I'd seen my own parents's marriage fall apart; it ended when my dad walked out and never came back. I didn't want to see that happen to Sean or Ellie.

"You going to help me do this or what?"

I looked up at Sean holding the door open. I shrugged and shoved my hands in my pockets as I followed him into the store. Glass cases enclosed rows of jewelry; a wave of nausea passed over me as I eyed the different engagement rings. They didn't represent commitment to me but a prison sentence.

"This is it. Look at it."

Sean tugged on my shirt and pointed at a simple silver band with a single diamond on it.

A salesman smiled and pulled the ring out, holding it's case delicately in his hands. "White-gold. Cathedral cut. Radiant diamond. Simple and classic."

Sean looked at me eagerly. "That sounds just like Ellie, right?"

I swallowed hard. "Right," I agreed. I couldn't believe he was actually going through with this.

He doesn't even know if she's going to say yes.

The salesman is smiling a crocodile smile as he slowly wraps up the ring.

Sean's nodding and smiling, but I can see he's scared as hell deep down.

His hands shake as he takes the small bag.

He sends me a sheepish look. "Well, I guess there's no turning back now, huh?"

We walked quietly back to the car.

"You really aren't doing this just because you think she's going to meet someone else at University, are you?"

I was almost scared of his response. Sometimes Sean can be impulsive and let his emotions get the better of him. I've seen it happen to him over and over again.

He stopped walking and stared at me. "No. I love her."

"Enough to marry her and spend the rest of your life with her?" I pressed. I wanted Sean to fully realize what the hell he was doing to himself here.

He smiled. "Yeah, Jay."

"Okay," I replied.

"You'll be my best man, right?"

I pretended to consider. "If I have to."

"Thanks, man."

He slapped me on the back, and I pulled him in for a hug in a spontaneous gesture of affection. We pulled away, and Sean let out a shaky breath. "I'm actually doing this."

"Still can't believe it..."

"It feels right, Jay."

I didn't say anything as we got into the car and drove back to the other side of town to Sean's place. Sean kept staring at the ring and mumbling under his breath. Practicing his speech or proposal or whatever, I guess. Every now and then he'd bring up a reason he knew he and Ellie belonged together.

"You know how she scrunches up her nose?"

"Yeah?"

"I love that, man."

I smirked.

Maybe Sean isn't as crazy as I thought he was. Maybe he has thought this out. This could be his chance to prove himself as more than just the product of Wasaga Beach trailer trash. This could be his chance for some normalcy. I guess that's all he ever wanted. Hell, I guess that's all anyone wants in the end.

I turned the car off and sat back in the seat. Sean reached for the handle and pushed the door open.

"Cameron?"

He looked back at me. "Yeah?"

"I think it's gonna work out."

We went through the motions to our handshake.

"Thanks, bro."

"No problem."

"Best man?"

"Best man."

So this chapter took me FOREVER to write! I hope you enjoy it. There's only going to be one more short chapter and an epilogue to this story. There's not much else I can say!

I'm hoping to get the next chapter and epilogue out shortly!

I'm excited about wrapping up this story and finishing Desperado so I can focus on Lonelily and a new Crellie fic I've had in mind.

I know these stories (sagas?) have been LONG but bear with me! Hopefully the ending will be worth it:)

Thanks to my loyal readers. I heart you guys so much!