Author's Note: "Let us not have tears; partings are a natural part of life." – Anne of Green Gables. Everyone, thank you so much for all of your reviews and love. This is the end of a tale, but not the end of my writing. Check out my other Lazytown fics. I will not leave you upset. Trust me, after years of working on this, I did have a plan. And I greatly appreciate you coming along for this journey. Here it is, the last chapter of Chasing Sanity. Enjoy.

Chapter 27: Tears of Heavy Hearts, Part II

It had been a dreadfully long week for Stephanie. She passed all of her finals with flying colors, which was great. Yet, there sat an emptiness in her house and in her heart. Robbie had been such a huge support from the moment he stepped into Steph's quiet town. Now, he was gone. And it was her fault. If Stephanie had just dealt with Sportacus differently, she could have avoided saying goodbye to Lazytown. Of course she blamed herself, it all began with a prom dance and a kiss on her old superhero's lips. If desire hadn't bit her in the butt, Stephanie would be vindicated.

"Cap? Gown?" Alice scurried about her home and helped Stephanie into her graduation attire.

Stephanie said, "I have the gown on already, Mom. Take a breath. I walk two hours from now, not two minutes."

"Alice," Don brought Steph's cap over and said, "Our little girl is about to receive her diploma."

"Aw, don't start, Don. I've cried enough for both of us. Stephanie, we are so proud of you. Just think, a few days from now, you will be exploring the world." Alice pulled out a pair of car keys from her pocket. "Here, happy graduation, sweety."

Stephanie exploded with excitement. "A car?" She grabbed the keys and looked out the front door window. "When, how? Thank you so much!"

A red Toyota Camri sat in the driveway, winking at Stephanie. Don had snuck it in that morning while Stephanie showered. As Steph danced with happiness, her parents scooped her in for a group hug.

With the windows down, Stephanie started her new car. She had successfully gotten her license months before, but had no use for it yet. Now, she was a happy car owner ready to travel all the way to Route 66 and then some. For now, Stephanie lead the way to her school with Don and Alice following behind.

"She said, hello mister, pleased to meet you . . ." A familiar song bounced along Stephanie's ears. She would not allow waterworks to start so early. A gnawing in her stomach reminded her of how much she missed Robbie.

Along the football field stood a graduating class, ready to breathe in the air of adulthood. Stephanie parked her Toyota next to her parents. With one more hug, Steph knew it was time to go. In the field, she waved to Lily and Tiffany. Amelia waved back as well, her now lavender hair bouncing in loose curls. Steph admitted to herself that the color complimented Amelia's personality in a strange way.

"Hey," Nate approached Steph with a half-smile tugging on his mouth. He added, "I wanted to say congrats. We made it. I know I've been different. Guess I kind of got swept up in some stuff. Partied too much. I don't know. Anyways, congratulations."

Stephanie, flabbergasted, said, "Thanks. Congrats to you too."

In alphabetical order, the class took their seats and waited patiently for the commencement to begin. Behind them were hundreds of seats where family and friends sat, chatting and cheering. The environment did not overwhelm Stephanie, but she felt nerves creep up like a bad cold. She tried to shake them off, but the remained through the beginning speeches made by Principal Drew Cabule and the president of the local school system. Stephanie absorbed the motivation as best as she could. Most of the words, however, went in one ear and out the other.

The sun casted light beams across the field. Not a cloud intruded on the sky's perfect performance. Stephanie felt better now that the names were being announced. Depression no longer hovered over her head. Because of Robbie, she recalled how to smile. She silently promised herself to keep her head up for him, even though he was not there.

"Francine Marlen," Principal Cabule announced. His voice was rough but clear. Stephanie figured him to be a heavy smoker.

Stephanie stood up with the next row of seats. She approached a wooden stage, staying very still at the bottom step. There were three steps, but they seemed to take an eternity to climb. Stephanie felt nuts; the second her name was called, time became molasses rolling out of a jar. Nothing was real. Her surroundings were blurry.

"Congratulations," The principal said. Stephanie shook his hand and walked along to shake the president's hand as well. The man was short and stout, and could have easily been made fun of for his lack of hair. Stephanie moved along.

"Come on skinny love, just last the year. Pour a little salt, we were never here . . ."

All fell silent.

Stephanie turned on her heel and peered into the distance.

"Who will love you? Who will fight? And who will fall far behind? Come on skinny love . . ."

A man in a deep purple shirt and blue jeans came forward through the crowd. His melodious voice followed the wind. A very immobile Stephanie stared at this man in disbelief.

Another man emerged from the crowd. He sported a blue polo and navy slacks. Behind him, smiling faces of various old friends gathered.

"Teamwork, do it together," Sang Trixie.

Pixel followed with, "Teamwork, friends forever."

And then the music began. No one could guess where the source was. Perhaps someone had a portable speaker on them. No one cared. A musical flash mob had broken out, starring Robbie Rotten and Sportacus. Stephanie remained perplexed and speechless.

Robbie sang, "I can't win, I can't reign, I will never win this game, without you, without you. I am lost, I am vain, I will never be the same, without you, without you." As he sang David Guetta's popular tune, he danced towards the graduation stage. "Can't erase, so I'll take blame, But I can't accept that we're estranged, without you, without you. I can't quit now, this can't be right, I can't take one more sleepless night without you, without you. Oh oh oh you!"

The Lazytown group danced behind him, throwing confetti in the air. Sportacus flipped and did an acrobatic performance while Robbie sang. Without blinking, Stephanie noticed she was now face-to-face with him.

"Oh oh oh, you!" Robbie stopped singing. He gazed into Stephanie's eyes with tears rolling down his cheeks. It was an unnatural sight, but snapped Steph back to earth with its sincerity.

All of Lazytown, even Uncle Milford and Bessie, even Police Officer Calmers, stopped dancing and stared at Steph and Robbie. It took a moment for both of them to keep in mind that her entire school was watching in awe.

Softly, Robbie sang something else, "Take this sinking boat and point it home . . . we've still got time. Raise your hopeful voice, you have a choice, you'll make it now."

"Falling slowly," Stephanie whispered. "Robbie?"

"Stephanie Meanswell, I can't lose you. The whole thing with Sportacus making you hate him – that was all a plan. Though, I really did mean to punch him. This sounds crazy, but I've needed you in my life for a long time. When you said you were moving far away, I knew my plan had backfired. Sportacus only approached you in school because of me. He wanted to make sure you were confident in loving me. Look, it was stupid making him do all of that. It was dumb. But I love you. I want you to know I can be a hero, too. I want you to come home to me, let me hold you and make you the best damn deserts this side of the world. Stephanie, please forgive my foolishness and accept this musical apology."

With no response available, Stephanie gawked.

Robbie knelt on one knee. A small black box came out of his pocket as if it had a mind of its own. Robbie opened it in front of Stephanie, showing her an engagement ring with a light pink diamond settled like a beautiful pebble on a band of silver.

"I will go with you. I will go wherever you drag my lazy, lumpy body. Just marry me, and let us explore the world together. I love you, Stephanie."

"Yes," A sobbing, pink-haired-girl fell into a villain's arms.

Graduation was finished fifteen minutes later, when Stephanie and Robbie finally stood up from their endless hug drenched in tears. Her bones shook. Her soul leapt into the air where sunlight showered it.

Down to earth again, Robbie took Steph's hand. He brought her over to Sportacus on the side of the field.

"Sorry for everything, Steph," Sportacus began. "I did not think you would be so offended by my kissing your neck. I guess it was too hard. Robbie came to me after our fight in the woods and we set our differences aside. He loves you. Nothing, not even my jealousy can take that away."

Officer Calmers spoke up, "He's harmless Steph. Go marry Robbie and live a happy life."

"Hm. Sportacus part of Robbie's Master Plan to win me over? I feel like I'm in an episode of the Twilight Zone. Either way, Robbie, you didn't have to win me over. I've loved you all along, so no worries. I'm yours."

Alice and Don soon ran over to her daughter.

"What is going on? Who are you?" Alice nearly shrieked. "I'm happy for both of you, but how come no one has told us you two were an item?"

Stephanie replied, "We weren't sure if fate had plans to tie us together. Mom, this is Robbie Rotten. I've been his friend for a very, very long time. Now, I'll be even more to him. Dad, don't freak out. He lives in Lazytown, too. Robbie, we'll have to have a legitimate dinner with them, huh? Don't want them to get nervous about their daughter marrying the Master of Disguise."

"The what?" Don asked.

The group chuckled. Robbie kissed Stephanie on the lips lightly and smiled.

"Robbie," Steph whispered, "I'm kind of upset you got me to believe Sportacus was evil. Did you really feel that insecure about the way I feel for you?"

"I was. I apologize, Pinky."

"I forgive you," She said, "but you will have to make me feel better later tonight. I hear Lover's Hill is beautiful at night. I have a new car. Just sayin'."

Robbie laughed and replied, "Now you are the plan-maker? These plans better include snuggling. I haven't been able to sleep without you." Robbie turned to Don and said, "Mr. Meanswell, is it alright if I marry your daughter? I'm a little late on asking, so I hope you accept."

"Yeah, I suppose. As long as you make my little girl happy." Don studied the man before him.

As Steph's father stared at Robbie, he tried to ignore the urge to ask what the problem was. Instead, Robbie said, "I have some other news, Stephanie. I sold all of my inventions. I have almost one-million dollars in the bank now so we can travel."

"What? Seriously? You said that like it's no big deal. One million dollars? We could build a house and save for the future."

Shrugging, Robbie said, "It's money. Nothing exciting. Who knows, maybe we can start an investment plan in case we expand our family someday."

Stephanie's eyes grew big. She smiled with all of her heart.

"Gosh," Don exclaimed out of the blue, "I can't put my finger on it."

Robbie and Steph answered, "What?"

"Robbie, you look so familiar. Like . . . Like I've seen you recently."

The two lovebirds held in their laughter. The truth would be too much for one day.

-Fin-