Well this is the last chapter of Saving Me other than the epilogue and I'm freaking out! I can't believe it's almost over. It's time to say goodbye to Nikel, Zach and the others on the Fanfiction scene for the moment. I don't know if they'll return in a story (depends if I get a request or something) but as of now I don't think so. It's sad and I'm going to miss them, but it's time to move on.

Thank you for all the wonderful reviews, they really make my day. Here's a few:

NotSoSlightlyCrazy: Edward shall never have a chance as long as Nikel appears in a story. I love Nikel too much to ever have him lose to Edward no matter what! I'm evil like that. Thanks for the review.

Nikel's lover: this is true; my stories are more on the funny side than sad. I could never kill my favorite character. Interesting name by the way, haha. Well thanks for the review and I hope the chapter doesn't disappoint.

patch138: Yeah, I always get mad when I read snippits of chapters, they always scare me with whats going to happen next. Natas is actually a character in one of my original stories (Not the Soul Series one) and she's the keeper of Souls in that story so she somehow wormed her way in here. I like her though, she's evil but amusing. Thanks for the review!

twifanatic1: I know I'm scared, it's my style to kill someone, I can't help it. Hopefully nobody dies in this story (I write these before I write the chapters haha.) We'll see if that story ever gets published. I do have the first chapter of the first book up on my website there's a link to my original stories site. I'm sad that I'll be leaving the Bendig/Bennett/Cruor/ (Whatever you want to call them) characters behind, but they just might come back up.

Well enjoy the chapter.

Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight or the song Johnny and June by Heidi Newfield.

Chapter 17: When you're gone, I wanna go too

I wanna love, love you that much
cash it all in, give it all up
and when you're gone, I wanna go too
Like Johnny and June

It wasn't until Tuesday that I saw the Cullens at school again. They had decided to go hunting after the fight and ended up missing school yesterday. They really didn't miss much. School after a week off for spring break was a boring affair of catching everyone up on what they probably forgot. The Cruor's and myself ended up messing around pretty much the whole day. Sam, of course, still wasn't back in school. His injuries had been extensive enough that he was still recovering. That didn't matter to Allina though who spent most of her free time taking care of his every need; she was just glad he was alive.

"What are you smiling about, Bella?" Nikel asked as we sat at our usual lunch table, "What's going on in that head of yours?"

I blushed before glancing up at Zach the only other person at our table. Allina had stepped outside to check up on Sam. Our table was strangely empty. Even Zach hasn't been too annoying the last few days.

Deeming it safe to tell him I shrugged, "I was just thinking about Allina's complete devotion to Sam. How she uses all her free time to take care of him and nothing else matters except for him getting better. It must be nice to have that kind of love."

I looked at Nikel then only to see him smiling at me, "Bell I love you like that. If something ever happened to you I'd stick by you until you were better. I'd take care of you. I want to take care of you."

I rolled my eyes, "Mushy, Nikel, very mushy. But I appreciate it. I would do the same for you."

Now it was his turn to roll his eyes, "If I wasn't immortal you mean."

"Yeah, Yeah."

Zach groaned interrupting us, "Please, no more lovey-dovey gross mushy stuff! I can't take it."

"What's he whining about now?" Allina asked exasperated as she came to sit back down. Behind her were the two Cullen kids. She didn't even seem to notice though as she had most of her attention on Zach and the rest on her phone where I'm sure Sam would text her if he needed anything.

"They're being….ugh!" was all Zach could say as Nikel and I shook our heads.

"How is everyone?" Alice asked she and Edward sat down as well.

"Besides, being sick to my stomach right now?" Zach asked, groaning. He was even holding his stomach and everything. What a baby.

Alice scrunched up her nose, "Yeah besides that."

I decided I had to be the one to answer, "Sam's still down for the count though he's healing. Gabriel's pretty much back to normal and everyone else is fine." I then glanced at Zach who was stuffing a hotdog into his mouth…whole, "Well, mostly fine."

Nikel stared at him with wide eyes, "How did you just….you know what, I don't want to know."

Edward shook his head, "I don't think I'll ever understand this family." He said it low enough where he probably didn't want anyone to hear it.

I did hear it though, "You will never understand this family. I stopped trying; you kind of just go along with it."

He smiled his crooked smile at me, "Sounds troublesome."

I smiled back at him, for once feeling like maybe we could have a future together…as friends. I looked back at Nikel to see him rolling his eyes at me. He knew what I thinking about doing. It was scary sometimes how in tune we were becoming with one another. It has to be because of all time we spend together.

I turned back to Edward and took a deep breath, "Edward, can I talk to you after school?"

He must've caught my serious look because he just nodded solemnly. The rest of lunch was spent in idle chit-chat before we all continued on with our school day. Edward didn't try to pry out of me what I wanted to talk about, instead he decided to honor my wishes and wait until after school. For that I was glad, if he had started to bug me about it I probably would've made Nikel smack him for me.

Soon enough school ended and I found myself by the woods where Edward told me about Victoria right after they returned. Nikel, Zach, Allina and Alice all decided to wait by their respective cars while we talked.

Before I could even say anything, Edward spoke, "Bella, I'm sorry about what happened when you came over to our house. It was inappropriate of me and your…boyfriend had every right to defend your honor. My family loves you, Bella, and it would be selfish of me to deprive them of you because of my stupid mistakes. I do love you Bella and I love you enough to make you happy. Nikel makes you happy. Please don't cut us out of your life. I can't promise I won't be waiting for you to change your mind but I do promise that I'll be with you for now on as your friend. Please understand that you can't expect me to just all of a sudden stop loving you, but I won't try anything like I did before again. Please, let me be your friend."

I stared at Edward for a long moment before sighing, "Edward…" I started before sighing again, "Okay, we'll try to be friends. No matter what has happened, no matter how much you guys leaving hurt me, I just can't cut you guys completely out of my life. But understand, Edward, we can only be friends."

His face determined, he nodded, "Okay."

I smiled at him then and together we made our way back over to the group. My life has taken a turn these past six months and I'm heading in a direction I never thought I'd be. I didn't mind it though. I loved Nikel and he loved me. I hoped we had a bright future together. With him being immortal it would be a bright, long, future.

---

That night we were all at the race course about two hours away from Forks. I don't know if you could really call it a race course since it was a long bare strip of land, but whatever. Nikel and me drove in his Aero, Zach brought Gabriel in his new Lamborghini Estoque, this would be the first real race Zach will be driving it in and of course Allina had her Veyron which she brought Sam in. He was still not in the best shape, but he refused to miss this event.

His face was still burnt, but it was healing. He had crutches and was leaning on Allina a bit since the left side of his body was still very stiff and injured. I felt terrible for him, but he was getting through it.

"How's it going, Sam?" I asked when he finally stopped at my side along with Gabriel.

"Been better," he replied before adding, "But I've been worse as well. Can't really complain."

I smiled at him, knowing that was just how he was. Nikel came over then as well as Zach. I glanced around, "Where's Allina?"

"She's racing first." Nikel replied, "She's in bracket one, Zach's in bracket two and I'm in bracket four."

"How many brackets are there?" I asked.

"Five." Zach replied, "This is going to be sweet."

"Did I hear you're going to be in Bracket four, Nikel? What a coincidence so am I."

I watched as Nikel stiffened at the voice. I glanced over his shoulder to see a beautiful girl standing there. She stood at about 5'9 with a thin model like build. She had long thigh length Black hair and sharp blue eyes. She was dressed in designer clothes. I looked back at Nikel confused as he slowly turned around to look at her.

"What the fuck are you doing in Washington, Sophia?" He growled out as I froze. This was Nikel's ex-girlfriend. She was gorgeous…how he went from her to me I don't think I would ever understand.

"Racing, what does it look like?" She motioned to the man standing behind her. He was huge with dark brown hair and dark brown eyes, "This is my boyfriend, Emric. He got us in these races since we missed Minnesota's last month. He's also in Bracket Four."

With that she flipped her hair over her shoulder and I saw her ears and quietly gasped. They were pointed.

Nikel sneered at her boyfriend, "So, you found a different another Fairy to play with. Should've known." He nodded towards me, "This is my girlfriend, Bella."

Sophia raised an eyebrow, "She's human….good luck with that." With that she walked away, Emric in tow.

"I can't believe you dated that bitch." Zach spoke up first.

Nikel rolled his eyes, "shut up Zach."

"What is she?"

Nikel looked at me then, "A Fairy, another breed of immortal supernatural creatures. God, I can't believe she's actually here."

"I guess you'll have to kick her ass in the race." I teased.

Laughing he leaned forwards and gave me a long kiss, "Of course."

Allina won her race and then Zach was up. His race was close but since he was using a car he never really used before he ended up taking second. While the third race was finishing up Zach made his way back to us.

"I can't believe I lost to a stupid Troll…literally."

"That was a troll!" I hissed, looking at the short, ugly man. He didn't look like a troll…

"Yeah, he has an illusion up to make him look more human. Remember Bella maybe three out of the fifty races here are actually normal humans. Mostly supernatural's get into these races." Zach explained.

Nikel looked at Sophia and Emric who were kidding into their cars before turning back to me, "Well Bella my turn is up." Nikel said, "Kiss me twice for good luck?"

I laughed at the hopeful tone in his voice, "I'll kiss you once now and the other when you win." I teased, giving him a quick kiss.

He pouted, "You cruel, cruel woman."

I pulled back smiling at him, "You know it, now go kick their butts, love."

He threw me a dazzling smile before taking off. I watched as he jumped into his car and revved the engine. They were off before I knew it. These races weren't like the others where the finish line was a far way off. In these races they went a certain distance had to 180 spin around then raced back here where the starting line was also the finish line. I watched as Nikel's car went out of sight he was in the lead.

"God I hope he beats that stupid little priss and her boyfriend. I never liked Sophia."

"Because she was a Fairy?"

"Because she was a cheating whore." Allina corrected, "Nikel loved her though and looked past all her faults…so far past he never saw them to begin with."

I nodded, deciding not to comment as the cars came back in sight. Nikel was still in the lead. I could see Sophia and Emric on either side of him. I watched, confused as Emric rolled down his window and all I could see was his hand appear out of the car. Then Nikel's car flipped completely onto its hood and skidded across the track. Then it was hit by another vehicle behind them who couldn't get out of the way fast enough. My heart stopped.

I stood there unable to move as my brain tried to process what I just saw. And what I was seeing now. Fire, lots of fire. Something inside me snapped. The Aero was on fire. Nikel! Where was he? Did he poof out? I turned to see the horror frozen on Allina's face and I knew he didn't. Before anyone could stop me I took off towards the burning car, screaming.

I could hear Allina and the others right behind me. Before I could get too close though Zach grabbed me around the waist. Allina and Gabriel ran close to the vehicle while I was being held back. I wanted to get closer. I wanted to find Nikel. I couldn't do anything without him; I needed him. Nikel, "NIKEL!!!!"

I don't remember getting Nikel out of the car, but I did remember seeing his bloody, obviously broken body; I don't remember the drive to the hospital or if we even drove. I didn't snap out of my self-induced shock until I was sitting in the waiting room with Allina, Gabriel, Zach and Sam waiting for news on Nikel. Allina was quietly talking to someone on the phone; I assumed it was Loretta. I didn't care though; my sole attention was on Nikel's welfare.

I sat there for twenty minutes completely silent, dazed before I heard footsteps quietly approach me. I looked up just as Edward and Alice took a seat on either side of me. The rest of the Cullens stood close watching us.

"Bella it's going to be okay." Alice whispered, wrapping her arms around me. I vaguely realized Loretta and Jamie take a seat as well.

"Alice? What are you doing here?" My voice sounded wrong enough to myself.

"Allina called and asked if we'd bring Loretta and Jamie over since Tabitha's over an hour away." She explained slowly.

"Can you guarantee it's going to be okay?" I asked, hopeful.

"You know I can't see the Troublemaker." She replied sadly.

"Don't worry, Bella, it will work out." Edward said from the other side of me. Tears started running down my face as I pulled away from Alice and leaned my head against his shoulder.

"I can't lose him. My heart can't take it." I cried out.

"Shh, Bella you won't."

I don't know how long I stayed like that before Jonathon finally appeared. I looked at him hopefully.

"I don't know what to say Bella. He's alive, but his wounds are extensive. Time will tell." He said, his voice sounded just drained, "You can go see him, Bella. Just be very careful."

Quietly, robotically, I followed him to Nikel's room. He left me at the door and I silently walked in. I carefully made my way over to the bed and collapsed into the chair next to it. I reached out and gently grasped the bandaged hand of my unconscious boyfriend.

"Nikel, please wake up." I whispered, staring at him. As if I would blink and he would disappear.

"Saying goodbye?" A soft sing song voice called out from the other side of the bed.

"You can't take him from me, Natas. I won't let you." I whispered harshly, gripping the hand a little tighter.

She smirked at me for a moment before frowning. She looked at the door to see Zach, Allina and Sam walk in. They all stared at Natas as they slowly filed in.

"Natas…"Allina started.

Natas slumped her shoulders as she took out a small circular Mirror and held it face out against her chest.

"No." Allina hissed, "No, no, no."

I looked at Allina fearful, "Allina? What is it?"

"The Mirror of Souls…that's what the Soul-Trievers use to take the souls of people." She whispered, tears filling her eyes.

"You can't."

"I must." She said her voice void of emotions, "I need to take a soul."

"Take mine instead." I was surprised by the sureness in my voice, "I'd rather have Nikel live than myself."

"No," Zach snapped, "You can't do that to him. If you die, Nikel wouldn't want to live either."

"I can't live without him."

"And he can't live without you." Zach looked at Natas, holding out his hand towards the mirror, "Take my soul instead."

Natas nodded, "Done."

She held out the mirror for Zach to touch. Right as he was about to touch it I heaved myself forward, closed my eyes and touched the mirror as he did. I couldn't let Zach give up his life like that. The Cruor's saved my life…it was the best way I could think of to repay them.

I expected pain but I strangely felt nothing. I opened my eyes to see I was still in the hospital room. And so was Zach. We both looked at Natas, stunned.

"We don't get involved with the living because attachments cause problems. I can't ignore your unselfish act though. I will catch hell for this, literally. Take care of Nikel, Bella. The mirror has deemed your love enough to save him…this time."

With that she disappeared. The family all stared at one another unsure what to say or do next. A groan drew our attention.

"Nikel?" I asked, leaning over towards him.

He opened his eyes just barely but I could tell he was trying to focus on me, "I thought I was going to leave you Bella. I didn't want to go away."

I smiled, as tears streamed down my face, "Don't you know Nike, you can't leave me because I'll just drag you back."

He smirked before wincing and coughing. He started to close his eyes once again, exhausted. I sat back down in the chair, took his hand and rested my head near his shoulder. This was going to be a long night.

There Nikel didn't die; I was so glad. Well the next chapter is the epilogue and the last chapter it takes place 7 years in the future.

Title:

Epilogue: Miracle smiles up at you

I will hopefully have it up sometime in the next week or two. Don't forget to review!