EPILOGUE

Astrid awoke with a yawn and smiled at the familiar warmth of an arm cinched around her waist. Her eyes fluttering open slowly she looked down at the top of Ryan's shaggy blond head resting on her bare chest. It had taken her a good chunk of the last couple months to get used to how much of a snuggler he was. Hardly a moment passed when his body was out of contact with hers in slumber. Not that she minded. It felt wonderful to belong to someone, to be important, to be loved.

Astrid realized that she'd woke up because she had to go to the bathroom again. It was getting annoying now though she was certain the need would only increase in the coming months. As comfortable as she was, Astrid needed to move. Gently she ran her nails over Ryan's bare back and nudged him with her knee.

"Ryan," She said softly. "I have to get up." He answered with a defiant murmur which made her smirk. "Come on. Please."

"Just a few more minutes." Ryan mumbled.

"I have to pee."

"Again?"

"Yes. Please get up."

Ryan didn't answer nor look up as he pulled Astrid tighter into his embrace. With a small smile she played with the tufts of his hair. Maybe she should tell him. He most certainly hadn't guessed. For all his sweetness Ryan was somewhat oblivious. Astrid sighed. She couldn't put it off forever.

"I've been thinking."

"Hm?"

"Remember what you said about the beach?" She kept her tone light.

"Hm."

"Maybe we should do it."

"Do what?" Ryan finally spoke, his face still buried in the soft mounds of Astrid's chest.

"Maybe we should go there. Ya know, move to the coast."

"I thought you didn't wanna be anywhere near the city?"

"Well, we don't have to be right next to the city. There's plenty of coastline to choose from." Astrid fidgeted with her hands. "But it wouldn't be such a bad idea to be a bit closer. Might make it easier to get stuff. Stuff we're gonna need..."

Ryan frowned. "What do ya mean, gonna need? What kind of stuff are you talkin' about?"

"Well," Astrid paused. "A crib for starters."

There was an awkward silence as she nervously awaited his reaction. Ryan finally opened his eyes as her words repeated themselves in his head. Slowly he sat up and looked at her no longer having any desire to sleep.

"Cr... Crib?" He said tentatively. "Wha... do you... are you..."

Before he could get the words out Astrid was nodding. "Are you mad?"

"Mad!" Ryan exclaimed before breaking into a wide grin. "Are you serious? This is great!"

"It is?" Astrid was taken aback by his positive reaction. There was still so much she had to learn about Ryan.

"Yes!" He kissed her tenderly. "How long have you known?"

"A couple weeks." She smiled. "I'm never late but I wanted to be sure. So you're okay with this?"

"You kidding?" Ryan shook his head, a glossy look in his light eyes. "I couldn't be happier." Leaning in to kiss Astrid once more, Ryan pulled away and gave her a lazy smile. "I love you." He whispered.

Astrid smiled back. "I love you too. But I still gotta pee and you're on my bladder."

"Sorry." Laughing Ryan rolled aside so that Astrid could crawl out of bed.

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"Are you sure this is the way?" Ryan stared up and down the road skeptically.

"I've already made this trip once, remember?" Astrid reminded him gently. Noticing a pothole Ryan instinctively reached for Astrid's arm to lead her around it. She responded with an exasperated laugh. "Ryan I'm pregnant, not crippled!"

He had been this way since yesterday morning when she told him the news. Suddenly over protective and a bit high strung. As it was Astrid had to fight in order to carry her own traveling pack. Ryan himself not only wore his own, but he had the camping stove strapped on, as well as a large encasement of netting which held useful odds and ends: fire wood, the garden spade, cookery and cutlery, candles, the first aid kit, so on and so forth.

"If you're gonna be like this until the baby comes let me know." Astrid continued lightly. "Cause I don't think I can stand you hovering over me for the next seven and a half months."

"Sorry," Ryan gave her a slight smile and stared down at his boots. He didn't want to tell Astrid his real reasons for being so nervous. He was afraid something was going to go wrong. Perhaps not as drastic as with the Chosen, but he just felt as though something, something, was on the horizon. Ryan was happier than he'd been in a long time and he was certain that his present mood was a bad omen.

"I'm not mad at you." Astrid observed his downcast expression.

Looking up into her almond eyes Ryan smiled. "I know."

They walked some ways in silence, just enjoying the sounds of nature around them. It had been a bittersweet decision, leaving the cabin. It was, after all, where they started out together. It had taken Ryan several minutes to leave the attic for good. All he could do was think of the fortune that place had brought him. He was going to miss it. The thought of starting a new life with Astrid by the sea made it all worth it of course.

After a bit of walking Ryan frowned yet again. "Astrid are you sure...?"

She smirked. "The city's just over this rise." She pointed.

Just as she'd predicted, within minutes the city rose into view like a looming monster down in the valley. They paused and stared down at the faint billows of smoke emerging from the burnt out shell of buildings. It was hard to believe it was still nearly an hours walk away. Ryan stared at the mass confusion of concrete and steel and felt a slight pang in his chest. It had been so long since he'd laid eyes on it's familiarity. It felt good. Like seeing an old friend.

They had been walking for about ten minutes, the city fast approaching, when Ryan heard it. A strange buzzing noise in the distance. He stopped in his tracks and looked up and down the road. Astrid walked past him before turning to see what had halted his progress.

"What is it?"

"Do you hear that?"

"Hear what?"

Ryan frowned and began searching the sky. "It sounds like an engine. A plane I think."

"A plane?" Astrid too gazed at the sky. "Are you sure?"

"Listen."

They stood in silence for a few minutes before Astrid was able to make out the sure sound of a plane flying somewhere above the clouds. Ryan gave her a concerned frown which made Astrid nervous so she attempted to smile.

"Well it was only a matter of time." She shrugged carelessly. "Someone was bound to get curious and try it."

"Yeah," Ryan agreed but the frown didn't leave his face. He resumed walking but still searched the sky as though he wouldn't be satisfied until he could see what was making that noise. It brought with it a sinking sensation in his stomach. Ryan knew he wasn't the sharpest tack in the box but he couldn't shake the feeling that this was a bad thing.

"I'm sure it's nothing." Astrid spoke up as though reading his mind. He nodded without looking at her. Finally Astrid stopped walking and sighed heavily. "Come on Ryan. I'm not good at being an optimist. Help me out."

He looked at her realizing she was as disturbed by the plane as he was. "Sorry," Clearing his head of dark thoughts Ryan reached over and took her hand. "You're right. It's nothing."

Some ways ahead the road forked off into fours, the third one to the right leading away from the city toward the coast. The couple paused and stared at the city which was still miles away. From here it looked harmless. One would never guess at the chaos that ran it's streets.

"Last chance." Astrid whispered.

"For what?"

She looked at him as he stared off wistfully. "Last chance to change your mind. If you wanna go home, nows the time."

"I am home." Ryan smirked as he squeezed her hand.

Smiling at his words Astrid fought the urge to blush and gazed at the city with triumph beating in her heart. They stared for awhile longer, the distant buzzing of the plane growing slightly louder, before walking away toward their future. Ryan knew he would always miss the mall, forever lament all he had lost, but just one look at Astrid's warm smile was enough to let him know he was exactly where he was supposed to be.

This year's love had better last

So whose to worry if our hearts get torn

When that hurt gets thrown

Don't you know this life goes on

And won't you kiss me on that midnight street

Sweep me off my feet

Singing ain't this life so sweet

This year's love had better last...

the end