Final chapter's up! It is set around 11 months later (I figure the last chapter was middle of Jan 2010, a week after returning to school) just when the school is finishing for Christmas holidays.

11 months later (14.12.2011)

I clear out the contents of my locker, being careful not to miss a single item on my checklist. I have so much to do over the Christmas break. I have a US History paper to write; a detailed revision plan for my finals to put into place; a ton of stuff to do for Glee and the paper, plus I volunteered to go carolling with a few girls from my Spanish class.

I can't believe that is my last Christmas at McKinley. I can't believe I'm a senior.

I head towards my car and begin to carefully loading the items in my hand. I settle into the passenger seat and begin my usual ritual. With the heating on full blast and my front window beginning to thaw, I peel the weekly issue of the school newspaper out of my bag. I do this every Friday, read the paper cover to cover in the car whilst I'm waiting for it to heat up. It's been a year since I joined the paper but I still get a tiny thrill when I see my name in print. I've quickly advanced from writing school gossip (which was never really my thing) to more serious features that effect my classmates. I love it, and our newest recruit (Quinn Fabray) has made the gossip column a far bigger hit than it was when under my ownership.

After reading the notices and the annual message from our principle, Mr Figgins, I see it. There it is for all to see, boldly confronting me on page 5.

I have to read it at least three times before it sinks in.

A CHRISTMAS MESSAGE

Ho Ho Merry Christmas readers! This week we have a special message From McKinley's Star Quarterback, Finn Hudson.

Hey everyone. So this has taken me like three days to write, so at least I can cross journalism of options to study at college. I am not the best writer in fact I'm not even good at saying the thing that I actually want to say, so bear with me.

So, this is our last Christmas as Seniors and It's really freaky that this time next year we'll be like all over the country. Except like those 30% of us that don't end up going to college and stay in this crappy town but uh anyways…. Like I said I'm really not good at writing.

I'm in love with Rachel. Rachel Berry.

Yes, Rachel Berry, The writer and the girl who sings in Glee. The girls who's going to be editor of this newspaper after Christmas, which is awesome. And I figure I have to do this now because when she's in charge there's no way I could sneak this into the paper without her meticulous eye spotting it. Yes, I know what the word meticulous means. I think.

So anyways Rachel used to be my girlfriend around a year ago and we both did some crazy things, but the craziest thing I did was losing her, not fighting for her hard enough. We agreed to let each other go, to go off and reinvent ourselves, to make ourselves be better people. I've gotta be honest with you, I thought Rach was pretty perfect to begin with but I'm so glad I listened to her because now, she's amazing. She's found so many things she's talented and now she's off to NYU to study Journalism with Music Studies. I'm so proud to even call her a fellow glee club member, never mind a friend. It also meant I could focus on my football way more and we actually started winning games! I even got a football scholarship which is just so awesome, and it's all because of her.

I got to learn that a relationship is not about owning the other person, or making that person your everything. It shouldn't be so complicated and it's okay to make mistakes. But when you make mistakes, it's about moving forward rather than trying to go back and erase them. It's about admitting when you're wrong. Most importantly, it should just be about making each other happy, being best friends.

And I really want to be Rachel's best friend. If nothing else, I want to be that.

Rachel told me once that she likes to have 5 clear reasons to do something. This past year I've watched her grow more impulsive, but just in case I wanted to share my five reasons as to why I think she should get back together with me.

1. Because I promise to really listen (not just pretend to) when she going on about her writing class or Broadway hits. And not just so she'll make out with me but because I find everything she says interesting.

2. I'll always stand up for her. Unless she doesn't want me to, in which case I'll clap the loudest when she shows everybody how capable she is of standing up for herself.

3. I'll not get all paranoid or jealous when other guys totally check her out or personify her. But if she wants me to, I'll kick their ass.

4. I really really love her, I always will.

5. Because I have a hundred more reasons written down and if she gets back to with me I'll stay up with her all night to tell them her all.

Okay, so this message isn't really about Christmas. Except it kind of is, I guess what I'm trying to say is Rachel I love you. And I know you once said that loving someone wasn't enough but in this case, I really hope it is. If I believed in Santa Claus I'd definitely ask him for you again. Although Britney if you're reading, he still totally exists! my message is also kind of about Christmas because what I'm trying to say is if you love someone, especially at Christmas time, then please tell them. Because when you're without them, Christmas really sucks, even with the presents and the awesome tree smell. That's it really.

I'm totally going to be slushied for this but it's worth it.

Have a great Christmas,

Finn Hudson, Senior.

I huddle in my car, letting the tears run freely down my face. I clutch the paper tightly, never wanting to let it go. I can't believe he wrote that about me. I can't believe he waited, almost a whole year, to say that. It's been worth it. All that waiting. When I read the message I get that I deserve him now. I like myself enough not to keep walking on eggshells around him this time. I, Rachel Berry, deserve a hot guy like Finn Hudson to be falling at my feet. And I've waited a whole year to feel that way.

Now I'm done waiting.

"Rach!" It's raining now and he bangs heavily on the car door. I rush over to the lock and let him in the passenger seat.

"Hey" he says simply, "I'm wet."

"You're wet." I say, running my hands through his hair in an attempt to dry him off. It was just an excuse to touch his hair to be honest.

"So I read the…

"So did you read the…"

We laugh as we both pause, "so I guess you read" it he adds. "Before you say anything I want to give you something." He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a large blue box.

"Finn you don't have to…" I trail off as I open the box.

It's…. it's a keyring.

I wasn't expecting that.

A finchel key ring to be precise. There, attached to a small gold hoop is the letters from the Finchel necklace he gave me a year ago. I notice 3 smaller charms too: a small star; a music note and a tiny gold pen.

"I told you I'd look after it," he says, grinning widely. "Listen Rachel. I love you, I mean I've made that pretty clear to everyone in the whole school, but I don't expect you to just start wearing my name around your neck. I get it now; I get that, you and your dreams; are bigger than just me. Yet at the same time I'd be honoured to just be a part of your life. For you to attach this to your keys or your purse or whatever and to just carry a small part of me when you head of to NYU. Along with the other parts that I think make up Rachel Berry. I don't need to be your everything, just being a small part would make me a really lucky guy."

I nod repeatedly and lean into kiss him. The rain pounds on the window of my car as I stroke his hair. I hear him moan as he pulls me deeper towards him. Then just as suddenly he breaks off…

"I know I always do the wrong thing at the wrong time Rachel" he says, without taking a breath, "and sometimes I've been a coward, and sometimes my timing really sucks but I want it to work this time Rach. I want us to go forward."

"Just kiss me Finn" I say and pull him towards me once more.

Sometimes, you can have what you think is a perfect moment and Finn makes it even better. Sometimes, without even really realising it, you can move forward and it's far better than the past ever was.

Sometimes, just sometimes, Finn Hudson can be right on time.

So that's it! I hope I haven't disappointed anyone by getting them together. I think a time gap was needed for them to truly grow and I hope the writers do the same. I also hope it was the right side of cheesy! I would seriously appreciate any reviews on the ending! They make my day!