Chapter 28
It's early afternoon of New Year's Eve, Sean and Emma are enjoying an afternoon lunch at the restaurant.
Sean: I can't believe how fast these 2 weeks have gone by
Emma: I know! I don't want to go back but we have to, you have to get back to the shop and I have to get back to Degrassi
Sean (chuckles): Tony's can last a couple more days without and I'm sure Principal Armstrong can find a sub for students
Emma: As much as I'd love a few more days in paradise with you, we need to go back
Emma said with a chuckle
Sean: Yea yea I know.
Emma's phone rings
Emma (chuckles): Hello?
Manny: Hey. Are you busy?
Emma: I'm at lunch with Sean, what's up?
Manny: Give me a call when you're done, ok?
Emma: Everything ok, Manny?
Manny (sad): Yea, everything's fine. Enjoy your lunch, call me after. Tell Sean I said Hi
Manny hangs up
Sean: What was that about?
Emma: I'm not sure but something doesn't seem right. She said hi by the way
Sean: What do you mean?
Emma: She sounded upset and seemed like she was distracted
Sean: She didn't want to talk now?
Emma: I guess she probably doesn't want to ruin our lunch date
Sean: Well, we'll finish up here and you can go take care of Manny.
Emma: No, It's ok. We can finish our date first.
Meanwhile back at Manny and Chester's hotel room, Manny is laying in bed with Chester in her arms close to her as she stares out into the window
Chester: Hey, you ok babe?
Manny continues to stare out the window
Chester: Manny?
Manny: Huh? What?
Chester: What's wrong?
Manny: Nothing's wrong honey
Chester: Something is bugging you baby, what is it?
Manny: I promise Chester, I'm ok. I love you and I love you for worrying, but I'm ok, I promise
Chester kisses Manny and snuggles with her
Chester: Ok, I love you baby
Manny: I love you too baby doll. I'm going to be sad when we leave here and go home
Chester (Smiles): Have you had a good time here?
Manny: It's been absolutely perfect
Manny gets up out of bed, puts on her robe from last night and walks out on their balcony
Chester: Babe-
Manny: These falls are so beautiful especially at night. I don't want to leave
Chester walks up behind Manny and places his arms around her
Chester: Awe Princess. I'm glad you've had such a good time here
Manny: I've always wanted to visit here, ever since I was a teen. The pictures online don't do any justice
Chester softly kisses Manny's neck from behind
Chester: Maybe we'll come back for your birthday and stay a weekend.
Manny turns around and looks at Chester
Manny: I'd love that if we did
Chester: I love you, If that's what you want for your birthday, then that's what we'll do
Manny: You really are amazing, I don't deserve you, you know that?
Chester: Manuela Rose, I know you're sad because we have to leave soon but what else is bothering you, baby. Talk to me
Meanwhile back at Sean and Emma's lunch date, their finishing up their meal
Sean: Hopefully, whatever's going on with Manny is nothing serious. Do you think her, and Chester broke up?
Emma: God no. She would have been a lot more upset than that.
Sean: Yea, that's true
Emma: I'm sure it's probably nothing, maybe a fight they got into.
Sean: He's crazy about her, something doesn't add up
Emma: I love them both dearly, but I don't want the rest of our lunch date to be about them and Manny's phone call. I know that sounds mean-
Sean cuts Emma off and passionately kisses her
Emma: Well, that's one way to shut me up.
Sean laughs
Sean: I love you, but you worry about everyone else too much sometimes. This vacation is for us baby.
Emma: Your right, I'm sorry. Let's enjoy these last couple days here together.
They leave the restaurant together
Sean (kisses Emma): Go take care of Manny, I'm going to go to the gym
Emma: I love you
Sean: Love you too babygirl.
Emma leaves and calls Manny
Manny: Hello?
Emma: Hey what's going on?
Manny: Where are you?
Emma: Mine and Sean's room
Manny: Ok I'll be there in a minute
Emma: Manny, what is going on? You're scaring me
Manny: I'll explain in a minute
Emma hears a knock on the door, she opens it to see its Manny
Emma: What the hell is going on?
Manny: Chester's in love with me right?
Emma: Ok, where the hell did that come from?
Manny's pacing around Emma's room
Emma: Manny!
Manny: I had a dream last night
Emma: That's what this is about? A dream you had last night?
Manny's voice starts to break
Manny: I think he still cares about Bianca
Emma: What the hell gave you that impression?
Manny: The dream
Emma: What happened?
Manny: I had a dream last night, I walked into mine and Chester's room and-
Emma: Please don't tell me you're going to say what I think you're going to say
Manny starts to cry
Manny: I walked in on him and Bianca in our bed
Emma: Manny, you know It was just a dream right? Chester's madly in love with you, he'd never do anything to hurt you
Manny: Emma it felt so real, like a punch in the gut. Poor Chester I've been icing him out all morning because of it
Emma: You didn't tell him?
Manny shakes her head no
Emma: Manny!
Manny: What? I didn't want to upset him or ruin our trip, Emma. Why do you think I called you!
Emma: You need to tell him
Manny: No, I don't want to upset him
Emma: If you don't I will Manny, he deserves to know
Manny: Emma, what If he does still care about her?
Emma: You cross that bridge if you come to it, but I promise you he's madly in love with you. There's not a doubt in my mind he's not in madly in love you.
Manny: Emma I can't help but think he is. He and I finally got away from her and this happens
Emma: You're stressing yourself out, stop!
Manny: It's true Emma
Emma hears a knock on the door, Emma looks in the peep hole and see's it's Chester
Emma (whispers to Manny): It's Chester. Go in the bathroom
Manny walks in the bathroom and quietly shuts the door as Emma starts to open the door
Emma: Chester? This is a surprise, come on in. `
Chester: Hey, I'm sorry to drag you into this but I think something's upsetting Manny and she won't talk to me about it.
Emma: What do you mean?
Chester: The way she was laying with me in bed this morning, was like she was scared, she hasn't been like this since-
Emma: Since?
Chester: Oh shit.
Emma: What?
Chester: I'm going to kill Bianca
Emma: What the hell are you talking about?
Chester: Manny's scared because of something Bianca said or did. That's the only time Manny freezes like she did In bed this morning.
Emma: Chester-
Chester: You know, I'm crazy in love with Manny, I'd die if I lost her.
Emma: I know but-
Chester: She's my world, Emma. I've never loved someone as much as I do Manny.
Suddenly Chester hears the bathroom door open and see's Manny walk out with tears coming down
Chester (sighs relief): Oh, thank god, I was worried about you
Chester walks up to Manny and gives her a hug
Manny: I'm sorry, I took off to Emma's room to talk girl talk.
Chester: It was about Bianca wasn't it?
Emma: I'm going to go get something to drink, I'll leave you guys to talk
Emma walks out of the room
Manny: I'm sorry I didn't tell you, I just wanted us to finish this vacation on a happy note and not worry about it until we got home.
Chester: Manny, I've told you time and time again, I don't care what it is, you know you can talk to me baby! You'd think after 3 years you'd be able to let me in, Manny
Manny (cries): I'm sorry ok?! I'm sorry I have trust issues and I'm sorry your psycho ex can't seem to leave you and me alone and let us be happy together
Chester: What happened?
Manny paces around crying
Chester: Baby! What happened? What did Bianca do? Whatever it is we can fight it together
Manny: I had a dream about her last night
Chester: What happened?
Manny: She found out we were on vacation up here somehow and I walked in on you two in our bed up here.
Manny runs to the door sobbing
Chester: Manny, Baby don't.
Manny stops before she opens the door
Manny: Do you still care for her? Bianca?
Chester: God no
Manny: Do you love her, still?
Chester: No, you're the only woman I've ever loved.
Manny: Chester I love you with all my heart. And that scares me, even after 3 years.
Chester: I know it does Manny. I've move to hell and back just to make sure you're ok, and you're safe. She's in jail babe, she's not going to get to us
Chester kisses Manny on her forehead as she's crying
Manny: It felt so real, like a punch in the gut, and the worst part is, you looked right at me with not a care that you'd just broken my heart.
Chester: Listen to me, that'll never happen Manny I promise. You are the only one I wanted to lay in bed next to at night, You are the only one I want to build a future with. Bianca means nothing to me
Manny: You want to build a future with me?
Chester: Of course, I do, I can't picture anyone else to be the future mother of my kids
Manny (sniffles): Really?
Chester: Manny, I've promised you 1,000 times your heart is sacred to me and I will guard it with my life. I'd promise it 1,000 more if I had to.
Chester takes Manny's hand and puts her hand to his heart
Chester: Do you feel that?
Manny (sniffles): Yea
Manny looks at Chester
Chester: That's how I feel when I'm with you. My heart skips a beat because I'm madly, crazy in love with you.
Manny: This isn't a dream again is it?
Chester (smiles): If it is, then I'm dreaming too
Chester gracefully pulls Manny's face toward him and passionately kisses her
Manny: Yea I'm defiantly not dreaming. I'm sorry I scared you Chester.
Chester pulls Manny into his Arms as she places her head on his chest and wraps her arms around his back
Chester: Is that way you've been acting so weird today?
Manny: Yea, I should have told you, but I didn't want to upset you
Chester: I was more upset that you didn't tell me baby, but I understand why you didn't, and I love you for that.
Manny (chuckles): On a romantic getaway and the bitch still manages to get in my head
Chester smiles and chuckles. Then the door opens
Sean: Uh, am I in the wrong room and Emma didn't tell me?
Chester: No, your good man. It's a long story
Sean: I have a feeling I already know.
Sean: Manny, you can't keep letting her win, even if she's in your head. Chester would never do anything to hurt you
Manny: Well, tell that to my heart Sean, your best friend Jay broke it after he said he wouldn't
Sean: Jay's just an asshole
Chester: Sean's right, babe.
Manny: I know, I trust you Chester, but when I get in my insecurity moments, I just tend to freeze up
Chester: I know you do, and that's something I'll deal with when we get there. I'm not going anywhere.
Manny: I love you, Thank you for always being by my side.
Chester: It's my job sweetheart.
Emma walks in
Emma: I see you guys patched things up
Sean: Come on Emma, let's give them some space.
Sean and Emma leave their room and go sightseeing some more
Emma: It was about Bianca, as to why Manny called me upset earlier
Sean: Yea I kind of had a feeling that was it was.
Emma: I'm just glad we don't have to worry about that.
Sean: Yea no kidding. All of your exes were afraid of me
Emma: I hated all of yours.
They laugh
Sean: Hey, let's check out this little gift shoppe
They walk in this shop called "Always Christmas in Niagara Falls"
Emma: This place is nice. I'm going to go look around
Sean: Ok.
Emma looks around and finds a beautiful ornament shaped in a heart.
Emma (to the clerk): Excuse me, is it possible to get this ornament customized?
Clerk: You sure can. What would you like on it?
Emma: Can I get Sean + Emma forever?
Clerk: Certainly!
The clerk customizes Emma's ornament
Clerk: Are you traveling from out of town?
Emma: Yes, my boyfriend- I mean fiancé and I came for a little romantic getaway.
Clerk: Awe, how sweet. How long have you kids been together?
Emma: We're childhood sweethearts, we've been on and off for 14 years.
Clerk (chuckles): Well, congratulations to you both. He's a very lucky guy
The clerk hands Emma the ornament
Emma (smiles): Thank you, so much.
Sean walks up next to Emma
Sean: What'd you find babe?
Clerk: Oh, this must be the lucky guy
Sean Smiles
Emma: Yes, this is my rock. He's the greatest thing to happen to me.
Emma said as she wraps her arm around Sean's, looks at him and smiles
Clerk: Aw, young love.
Emma: Thank you.
Clerk: If you two need help with anything else, just let me know
The clerk smiles and walks away
Sean (chuckles): Well, I'm glad she approves of me
Emma chuckles and playfully smacks Sean
Emma: Be nice. Come on let's see if we find anything else
Sean: You never even showed me what you picked out
Emma: I'll show you when we go home. It's a surprise
Sean: You know I hate surprises sometimes
Emma: You'll love this one.
They continue looking around
Emma: What time is that Party at The club for New Year's Eve?
Sean: I think 8
Emma's phone rings
Emma: Hello?
Manny: Hey
Emma: You ok now?
Manny: Yea, I'm ok. It's just hard sometimes, you know how I get when I get in my insecurities.
Emma: Yes, I do, but I still love you anyway and as your best friend, it's my job to talk you out of your insecurities.
Manny: I love you, I'd be lost with you, Sean, and Chester.
Emma: We love you too
Manny: Are you guys going to the NYE party tonight?
Emma: Yea we were actually just talking about it. What time does it start?
Manny: Let me ask Chester
Manny (to Chester): Hey babe what time is the party tonight at the club?
Chester (in the background): 8:00
Manny (to Emma): Yea, it's at 8.
Emma (to Sean): Manny and Chester said the party is at 8.
Sean: Do they want to meet us?
Emma (to Manny): Sean asked if you guys want to meet us?
Manny (to Chester): Sean wants to know if we want to meet them there?
Chester: Yea that's fine
Manny (to Emma): Yea Chester said that's fine.
Emma: Ok. we'll see you guys later, and Manny
Manny: Yea?
Emma: Stop letting her in your head. Remember Chester loves you.
Manny: Yea, I know
Manny hangs up. Sean and Emma check out and leave. They go back to their room
Emma: I can't wait to get home and go through all the pictures we have together from our trip.
Sean: You going to put a scrap book together?
Emma: That or a photobook.
Sean: I think we should get one put in a frame and put it in the living room
Emma (smiles): I love that idea actually
Sean: We'll pick the winner after we get back home and settled
Emma looks at Sean and smiles
Emma: I love you
Sean softly pulls Emma onto their bed as he starts making out with her
Back at Manny and Chester's room
Chester (wraps his arms around Manny): Why don't you go draw yourself a nice relaxing bath and relax for a while with a glass of wine
Manny Kisses Chester
Manny: How about you join me in the bath
Chester (smiles): I would love to-
Manny: But?
Chester: But, I need to get a couple things for tonight for the NYE party.
Manny unbuttons a button on her shirt and playfully runs her finger down Chester's body
Manny: I want you though.
Chester kisses Manny as he tries to resist Manny
Chester: Mm, I would love to Princess, I would, and you're making it very hard to resist
Manny bites her lower lip as she continues to attempt to seduce Chester
Manny: I'll be lonely if you go
Chester: I'm sure you will be
Manny: Then don't go and get in the bath with me
Chester: You are a very dangerous woman baby
Manny: But you love me
Chester: That I do, more than you'll ever know, my love
Chester kisses Manny
Chester: Go take your bath beautiful, relax and have a glass of wine, if you're still in the tub when I get back then maybe I'll join you. Besides, if I don't go out then you won't get the surprise, I have to go get for you for tonight.
Manny (chuckles): If you must leave me then.
Manny gives Chester a kiss as she goes and draws her bath
Chester: I love you baby. I'll be back soon
Chester leaves and Manny gets a glass of wine, gets in the bath, and relaxes.
Back at Sean and Emma's room
Emma: I'll be glad to be back in our own bed
Sean: I know what you mean, I miss our bed
Emma: One more night and we'll be back in our own bed and in our own home
Sean: What are you going to wear tonight?
Emma: I have a nice red spaghetti strap kind of shirt and some Jeans I'm wearing
Sean: I can't wait to see you in it.
Emma: I have a surprise for you tonight when we get back here though
Sean: Oh, you do?
Emma: Mhm, you'll be very excited when you see it, to say the least
Sean: Well, I'll be looking forward to it then
Emma: You just might get lucky tonight, if you're lucky Mr. Cameron
Emma said as she laughs and passionately kisses Sean
Sean: Oh, yea?
Emma chuckles
Emma: In all seriousness baby, I know sometimes certain noises trigger your PTSD
Sean: Emma-
Emma: Just hear me out. If the fireworks tonight do trigger your PTSD, I will be here for you, and I will try my best to bring you back from it.
Sean: I know you will and that means the world to me baby. I know some people would run away from having someone with PTSD from the army, but I can't begin to tell you how much it means to me that you're by my side.
Emma: Of course, I will Sean. I can't imagine myself anywhere else but by your side. Especially when you need me the most.
Sean: I love you so much Emma.
Emma (smiles): I love you too
He softly kisses her
Sean: That smile says 1,000 words
Emma: Does it?
Sean (smiles): Yea, it does. I don't think I've ever seen you smile that big before
Emma: Well, I have you to thank for that my wonderful fiancé
Sean: I love hearing you say that
Emma: I love saying it, but you know what I'm going to love saying more
Emma says as she laughs and passionately kisses Sean
Sean (chuckles): What's that?
Emma: Calling you my husband
Sean smiles from ear to ear as he laces his fingers in Emma's as he pulls her close to him
Sean: I love that even more.
Emma: Good, cause I will never get tired of saying it
Sean: I still hold on to the letters you sent when I was gone
Emma: Oh my gosh really?
Sean: Those meant so much to me that you'd take time to write me, babe.
Emma: If you only knew how those letters made me feel back then.
Sean: I don't regret any days I spent, thinking about you or nights we've ever shared together. Every night while I was gone, I'd look at the clock at exactly 4:03 every morning and I couldn't fall back asleep cause you weren't next me
Emma: Really?
Sean: Emma, it was hard as hell being gone for so long from you. There were times I seriously thought about crying or coming home because I missed you so damn much, but I kept reminding myself that you'd want me to finish my deployment out then come home to you
Emma wraps her arms around Sean's neck
Emma: Sean, I had no idea you felt like that while you were away. Why didn't you tell me?
Sean: Because I didn't want you to think less of me, babe.
Emma: Sean Michael, I could never do that. I've always loved you for who you are. I think it's sweet how much you missed me.
Sean: You do?
Emma: Trust me, it wasn't a walk in the park for me either, there were days I didn't want to go anywhere or talk to anyone, I'd just want to hear your voice or see your handsome face. I wouldn't even want to go to work, I'd want to stay home and cry because I missed you so bad and my heart was hurting
Sean: But you had Manny and Chester babe, I didn't have anyone
Emma: Oh, there were days I shut out Manny and Chester too.
Sean: Really?
Emma: I had bad depression some days, and other days I would be ok. All I know is when it came time for the end of your deployment I'd count down until you were supposed to be home
Sean: But I didn't tell you I was coming home when I should have been. Instead-
Emma (voice breaks): I assumed the worst, I assumed you were laying on the side of the road or injured or just done with me
Sean: Come here Baby
Sean wraps Emma in his arms
Sean: I love you, I'd sacrifice my beating heart before I'd ever lose you. I'm so sorry I worried you like that. Manny never told me you were scared like that.
Emma (looks up at Sean and sniffles): She didn't know, not even my mom knew.
Sean: I'm so sorry Emma. I had no idea.
Emma: All that matters is you're done with the military and your home with me for good
Sean: No more deployments, none of it. I'm all yours now
Emma: I would have given up forever to see you then.
Sean: Maybe not forever but I know what you mean
Sean places his hand on her chin and gently lifts her head up as he stares in her brown eyes
Sean: Hey, look at me Em.
Emma: What?
Sean: No matter what would have happened, I would have made sure I come home so I can stare more into those beautiful brown eyes and falls more in love with the woman who has them.
Emma: You better be home for good.
Sean: Nothing will take me away from you anymore, Emma. I promise.
Emma: I love you
Emma kisses Sean
Sean: I love you more Beautiful
Emma: What time is it?
Sean: Close to 7
Emma: I've got to get ready for the party tonight, I need to shower and do my hair and makeup
Sean: Better get going then
Sean playfully smacks Emma's butt as she walks past. An hour later, Emma comes out in a bright Red Spaghetti strip low cut shirt and a pair of Jeans that fit perfectly with her figure, her hair wrapped in a bun with her sides loosely curled hanging down.
Emma: How do I look?
Sean: How about we just skip the party and go straight to our after party
Emma (Chuckles): I take that as a compliment
Sean: Mhm, you look gorgeous, Emma.
Emma: Thank you baby. Come on let's go
Sean and Emma walk hand and hand out of their room and down to the club. They get down to the club and haven't seen Manny and Chester yet so they enjoy their time together
Sean: Dance with me Emma
Emma: I thought you'd never ask
They dance together to Edwin McCain's" I'll be"
Sean: I think this song should be our first dance at our wedding.
Emma: This is why fall madly in love with more and more every day. I was thinking at the same thing
Sean looks at Emma and smiles
Emma: What is it?
Sean: I'm just picturing how beautiful you'll look walking down the aisle on our wedding day
Emma: Awe, that's so sweet. I seriously love that you're so helpful with our wedding.
Sean: You just said yourself Emma. It's our wedding.
Emma: Sean Michael, you never fail to amaze me
Sean: I love you baby, forever and always
The Song ends, and Manny and Chester catch up to them
Emma (to Manny): Someone looks hot!
Sean: Thank you baby
Emma laughs and playfully smacks Sean
Emma (to Sean): You always look good.
Manny: Thank you, Thank you
Emma: What's the occasion Ms. Santos?
Manny: I just wanted to dress up a little bit. Chester says he has a surprise for me tonight. So, I wanted to look extra cute for him
Chester: And you look incredible, dear
Manny: Come on let's go dance
The girls make their way out to the dance floor. Sean pulls Chester back
Sean: You nervous about tonight?
Chester: Yes and no.
Sean: You know she's going to say yes.
Chester: I know. It's just so nerve wracking waiting till that moment
Sean: Dude I get it. I was a bucket of nerves inside up until the moment I pulled out that ring and Saw Emma's face. That's when my nerves went away. My point is, you know the right moment when you feel the nerves go away.
Chester: I apricate it man. Come on let's go dance with our girls. We don't have to be at the restaurant until 11:30 and you guys are coming too.
Sean and Chester go out on the Floor and catch up with Emma and Manny.
Manny (to Chester): What took you so long!
Chester: Sean wanted to talk to me for a minute, about the wedding.
Manny: Oh, ok
Chester: Hey, We're going to have a good time tonight
Manny: Of course.
Chester: I booked us dinner at the Restaurant at 11:30, all 4 of us.
Manny: Awe, that's so sweet.
Emma (to Sean): So, what did you guys talk about?
Sean: I asked him if he was nervous about proposing
Emma: He is, isn't he?
Sean: Oh yea.
Emma: I'm sure it'll all work out.
Sean: He invited us to dinner with them at 11:30 where he's gonna propose.
Emma: Oh, that's nice!
They all dance together, a couple hours later he looks down at his watch and see's it's 11:15.
Chester: Babe, come on we got to go.
Manny: Ok let me get Emma and Sean.
Manny walks over to Emma and Sean
Manny: We got to go
They all leave and go to the restaurant
Sean (to Chester): Did you reserve the whole place?
Chester: No, just a certain area, come on.
They follow the hostess to their area, order their drinks
Chester: Babe, this view is incredible.
Emma: Thanks for inviting us Chester.
Chester: You're welcome.
The waitress brings their drinks and takes their dinner orders and leaves. Sean looks at his watch and sees its 11:45. He nods at Chester
Manny: Here's a toast to the 4 of us, having a great time together. Chester, baby thank you so much for this incredible trip. It's definitely going to be one for the books and memories. I love you so much. Emma and Sean, you guys are the best friends a girl can ask for, I love you guys
Chester: Cheers
Sean: Cheers I'll drink to that
Emma: Cheers!
They all toast their drinks as they all take a drink, Chester looks at his watch and sees its 11:55. He stands up.
Chester: I have my own toast I want to make.
Chester: To the most beautiful woman in the room, the love of my life, Manuela Rose Santos. Manny, I love you so much, I can't picture life without you.
Chester gets down on one knee and pulls out a ring box
Manny gasps as she starts to cry
Chester: Manuela Rose Santos, will you marry me?
Manny: Yes! Yes! Of course!
Chester stands up and slides the ring on Manny's finger. She jumps in his arms in excitement and kisses him. Fireworks appear in the window as the clock strikes midnight
Manny: It's perfect I love it,
Emma: Congratulations Manny! I'm so happy for you
Sean: Congratulations you guys.
Emma hugs Manny
Manny: I can't believe it .
Emma: Engaged on New Year's Eve!
The waitress brings their food to the table, As the 4 of them enjoy their last night in Niagara Falls.
Emma: To friends
Sean: To friends
Manny and Chester toast to Emma's toast. They eat and enjoy their night
