Okay, all my loverly reviewers! You have been absolutely fantastic throughout the writing of this story! I love each and every one of you! Reviewers for the last chapter: mistydm, RedJewel2662, Nathanlvr23, and iftheyonlyknewthetruth. Thanks a bunch girlies! Enjoy this chappy and be on the lookout for the SEQUEL!
Chapter Twenty-Eight
3 weeks later
"So Haley, how is everything going? How is your life right now?"
I sighed. "Well, everything is falling back into place. I mean, Chris has completely left my life. Nathan and I have never been closer. I feel so happy right now. Brooke and I have been on the cheerleading squad for 3 weeks and it's been a lot of fun. Luke and I have been hanging out a lot, too, and he's really great for Brooke. Peyton and Larry call me almost everyday to tell me how everything's going. It's been good."
Dr. Chene smiled at me. "So, you don't blame yourself anymore?"
I shook my head. "No, I think I finally understand that it's not my fault when someone close to me dies."
He didn't write anything down this session and I was confused. "What's wrong?"
"Well, I couldn't help but notice you haven't written anything down today. This is the only session where you haven't done that. Why didn't you write anything?"
He smiled. "Because I don't have to anymore, Haley. You don't have anything you need any help anymore. You've improved a lot. I'm proud of you, Haley. I think we will both agree that this is your last session. Congratulations, Haley," he said and stood up, shaking my hand.
I squealed. "Thank you sooo much, Dr. Chene! I really appreciate all the help you've given me!"
I left that day with a smile on my face. I was finally feeling normal. Feeling like I never had before.
2 months later
"That was one hell of a game!" Brooke exclaimed.
"Yeah," I agreed. "You boys played amazingly!"
Nathan and Lucas just smirked. "Yeah, well, we are amazing," Luke said.
I laughed. "Don't let your head get too big! You won't be able to fit through my front door!"
Luke pouted while the rest of us laughed. "Aww, poor Broody! I'll make it up to you later!" Brooke said and he perked up at that.
"So, what do we have planned for the night?" I asked.
"Yes, what do the NCAA champions want to do?" Brooke asked.
"Well, all I want to do is spent the evening with my beautiful girlfriend," Nate said, pulling me into his arms.
I leaned up and kissed him. "You're too sweet, Nate," I replied.
"Aw how cute! Do you want us to leave you two alone?" Lucas asked.
I shrugged. "I wouldn't mind," I replied and Brooke lightly shoved me.
"Really, you guys! What do you want to do? The night is young and its all up to you two boys!" Brooke whined.
"Okay, okay! Let's just start off by going to that new club," Lucas said, giving Nathan and Brooke glances.
"Okay, what was that all about?" I asked, stopping.
"What was what about?" Nathan asked with a smirk.
I groaned. "This means you guys know something I don't know! I hate that!" I pouted.
Nathan wrapped his arm around my shoulder. "Aw, come on, baby. We've gotta check it out. It could be fun," he said and we got into the car.
Brooke grabbed me as we pulled up and linked arms. "Okay, so we're gonna have soo much fun! I can't wait to me- I can't wait to start dancing!"
I looked at her confused but shook it off. "It should be fun. Hey, what's the name of this club anyways?"
"It's Tric, duh Haleybub!"
I turned to the voice. "PEYTON! Oh my god, what are you doing here?" I asked.
She pulled me into a hug. "Well, I decided that I needed to open up a club here so I can spend more time with you. Isn't that great?"
I pulled back. "Hell yeah that's great! Is Jake here, too?" I asked.
"Yes, I am, Haley. How are you?"
I pulled him into a hug. "I am absolutely fantastic! This is so great! I can't believe you guys are here!" I exclaimed and I heard laughing behind me. "Oh, Goldielocks, Jake, this is my best friend, Brooke. Tigger, this is my sister, Peyton and her boyfriend, Jake."
They shook hands. "I've heard so much about you," they said at the same time.
I laughed. "See, you guys are gonna love each other!" I exclaimed. "Peyton, Jake, this is Lucas. Lucas, this is Peyton and her boyfriend, Jake." We all got reacquainted and then went inside. It was an amazing night to say the least.
Nathan and I were on the dance floor, dancing to Gavin DeGraw's 'More Than Anyone.'
You need a friend
I'll be around
Don't let this end
Before I see you again
What can I say to convince you
To change your mind of me?
"What are you thinking about?" Nathan asked with a smile.
I grinned back up at him. "I'm just thinking about the last time we did this at Peyton's club," I replied. "That was a great night."
I'm gonna love you more than anyone
I'm gonna hold you closer than before
And when I kiss your soul, your body'll be free
I'll be free for you anytime
I'm gonna love you more than anyone
"It was, Hales," he replied. "You know, this is a great song. It makes me think about you."
I just smiled at him before laying my head on his chest again.
Look in my eyes, what do you see? I'm gonna love you more than anyone
Not just the color
Look inside of me
Tell me all you need and I will try
I will try
I'm gonna hold you closer than before
And when I kiss your soul, your body'll be free
I'll be free for you anytime
I'm gonna to love you more than anyone
"Hales?"
"Hmmm?" I replied, not moving my head.
"We've been dating for, what, 3 months now?" he asked.
I smiled. "Yes."
"And in those three months, you've grown to love me, right?"
I was confused, but curious where this was going. "Yes."
Free for you, whenever you need
We'll be free together, baby
Free together, baby
"Well, I actually had a question for you."
I looked up at him. "And what's that?"
He bent down on one knee and I gasped. "Will you marry me?"
I'm gonna love you more than anyone
I'm gonna hold you closer than before
And when I kiss your soul, your body'll be free
I'll be free for you anytime
I'm gonna love you more than anyone
He opened the black velvet box, revealing a ring. I felt like I was going to cry, I was so happy. I nodded. "Yes, Nathan. Nothing would make me happier!"
I'm gonna love you more than anyone
He slipped the ring on my finger and then stood to kiss me. When we pulled back I looked over at Peyton and Brooke. They were both smiling at me with knowing smiles. I knew that I was the only one that didn't know about this amazing night, but I didn't mind.
I had finally found myself in this world. I wasn't cursed. I wasn't the reason for my parents' death or Anne's death. Sometimes you just have to accept death as a natural thing.
I know who I am supposed to be. I'm a Duke University cheerleader. I have a wonderful sister and father who love me. I have the world's greatest best friend who is there for me no matter what. I have the best guy friends in the world, who love my sister and best friend. And most importantly, I found the man that loves me more than anyone. The man that I'm going to spend the rest of my life with.
So you must be thinking, how did the wedding go? How was the planning of the wedding? Who was the maid of honor? What did your dress look like? Was it the happiest day of your life? Well, that's just a story for another day…