Second last chapter.

His warm hand wrapped around hers in a comforting gesture. Massie squirmed under the sheets, desperately trying to remember the boy that she had seen in her head. She was sure he'd had some significance, but she just couldn't remember…

Derrick leaned forward and stared at her curiously, his blue eyes flashing with a hundred different emotions at the same time. She felt dizzy and lightheaded, felt the air whooshing past her face as she fell back into the pillows. Just before her head hit, a strong hand cradled it, and as their lips met, it all came rushing back to her.

"Harrington!" she gasped the name, as his lips crushed against hers. She sighed, content in the knowledge that she'd remembered him. Of course, sitting here with his arms around her and his lips on hers, she could see and remember everything in amazing clarity. It was like she'd never forgotten.

"Massie!" He cuddled her closer to himself, surprised when he felt the tears on her cheeks.

"It's okay, Derrick Harrington. I love you. And you saved me. I can remember everything now. I'm just so happy!" she sniffled, then laughed at herself for crying for such a stupid reason.

"Massie. I have something to ask you." Derrick's tone was weighed down with seriousness, a sense of shyness.

"Yes, Derrick. Anything."

He blinked bashfully at her and reached into his back pocket.

"Will you be my girlfriend?"

Her eyes were wide and shining with amazed disbelief, and she nodded, not trusting herself to open her mouth. He opened the box and set it in front of her, then took the ring out and set it on her second finger.

"A promise ring," he explained, "to promise you my everlasting love."

She stared at the glittering, faceted amethyst on it, throwing glimmers onto the walls from the rays of the early morning sun. Outside, the sweet sounds of birdsong floated into her window. Today, everything was beautiful.

The door to the room opened quietly and Landon let himself in, followed by Claire, who placed a hesitant hand on Blake's shoulder.

"I'm so sorry. I wish we could help." She murmured, eyes downcast.

Landon strode over to the bed, and stared down at Layne's unmoving figure. The colour had long before drained out of her cheeks, leaving her pale, with an unhealthy greyish pallor on her cheeks. He reached out to touch her hand, then paused. It was the smallest of movements, but he was sure that she'd stirred. He took her hands in his, and watched in fascination as her fingertips trembled. There was a gasp behind him and Blake was suddenly on his feet, his eyes blazing with hope.

"How did you do that?" breathed Claire.

"I'm not quite sure."

The smallest inkling of an idea formed in his head. He wasn't sure, but he thought his instincts were guiding him. Slowly, he willed the force field away from himself, bending it around Layne instead. His body trembled and his mind nearly blacked out with the exhaustion, but through sheer willpower, he held it there.

Layne's eyes fluttered, and her hand moved, as if reaching out to grab something.

"Layne?" Blake could hardly contain his elation.

The voice was thin and tremulous, but it was hers.

"Blake. Blake. Don't leave me."

"I won't, Layne. I'll always be by your side."

The colour returned to her cheeks and a feeling of warmth blossomed in the centre of her body as her lips curved up in the barest hint of a smile.

"Thank you."

Claire and Landon walked out of the Infirmary together, fingers intertwined. She felt her heartbeat speed up rapidly as he gazed into her eyes. Unable to contain herself, she threw her arms around him, surprised when he let them stay there. But that was nothing compared to what happened next.

He threw his arms around her and they kissed. It was simple and sweet. Claire felt dizzy, stumbling backwards, but he caught her and smiled. It was the single most beautiful thing she'd ever seen.

"Claire, listen to me. You probably know that I have feelings for you, and I can't let you be alone. I don't care if you feel nothing for me, just know that I'd die for you."

Happiness exploded like a starry night full of fireworks inside her, as she recognized the exact words that she'd spoken to him two weeks ago.

"Of course I love you, Landon. You know that. I already told you."

His silvery eyes were troubled.

"Even after all that I've done to you? Ignoring you, pushing you away?" his expression was full of self-contempt.

"Even after that. And now I know why you did it. You wanted to protect me. Overprotective, I know." Claire grinned, repeating his words.

Landon laughed, pulling her close to kiss her again.

"I love you, Claire. Always have, always will."

Claire beamed to herself as Layne's words echoed in her head.

Never say never.It was fun writing this, but I'm seriously disappointed at the lack of reviews.