A/N: Wow, it's pretty sad that I'm finishing my Christmas story in April. Silly me. But you guys are awesome for reading it; there have been quite a few readers who have been very loyal to this story, and I appreciate that. Anyway, this is the final chapter… and, as usual, I don't care for it. It just seems awkward to me. But hopefully you guys will think its okay. Oh, and there's some important news on the author's note on the bottom! Please enjoy the last chapter of Last Christmas.

Now I found a real love

You'll never fool me again

Tears stung Brittany's eyes as sat alone on a cold metal bench at the bus station. She had just bought a ticket to go back to UCLA. The man behind the ticket counter thought she was joking at first, but Brittany convinced him that she was serious about taking at bus ride Christmas Eve night. The man was confused, but gave her the ticket and said a bus would come in about twenty minutes.

Brittany watched fresh snowflakes land on her black coat. She wondered if this was a mistake; maybe she was just being too dramatic. She had a reputation for being a drama queen. Perhaps this was stupid and she should just go back home.

No, she thought. This was the right decision. Staying at home was simply not an option, not after all she had been through. She needed to get out of this place, even if it meant spending Christmas on an empty college campus…

Wait a minute. Would the campus still be open at Christmas? Brittany realized her dorm room might be closed for the holidays. What if she couldn't get it?

Brittany leaned back on the bench and groaned. Her credit card was probably running low on money, but she figured she would have enough to stay in a cheap hotel for a few days. It wasn't an ideal way to spend a holiday, but Brittany would rather be there than with her screwed-up family and neighbors.

She turned to her left to see a homeless man several feet away, sitting against the bus ticket booth. He wrapped himself tighter in his old, ratty winter coat. The man was shivering like crazy, desperately trying to stay warm by rubbing his hands together in their tattered gloves.

Brittany instantly felt guilty. That guy would give anything to spend Christmas Eve in a warm house, even if it was with people who he was angry with.

I'm so selfish, Brittany thought. Yet she just couldn't bring herself to get up and go back home.

"Brittany?"

Brittany froze. Was she hallucinating? She thought the only people around were her, the guy at the ticket booth, and the homeless man. Who could be here that knew her name?

Brittany turned around and gasped. "Simon?"

Simon smiled sadly and put his hands in his coat pocket.

"Hi Brittany," he said.

A thousand questions swirled through Brittany's mind. She decided to ask the most obvious one: "What are you doing here?"

Simon shrugged. "I'm here to see you."

Question number two: "How did you know I was here?"

"I was taking out some trash when I saw you pull out of your driveway." Simon awkwardly rocked back and forth on his heels. "I don't know why, but I decided to get in the car and see where you were going. I had feeling you were going to leave."

Brittany stared at the snow under her feet. "Um, okay," she said, not sure what to say. She wasn't sure what to think about this; should she be angry at Simon for following her? The whole point of leaving was to get away from him and the others. Or should she be glad that someone cared enough about her to see where she was going on Christmas Eve night?

"Look," Simon said, "I was originally going to convince you to stay. The whole drive here, I was thinking of what to say to get you not to leave. But now… well, I guess you're not in the mood to hear it. Your mind is made up, and it's your life, so I'll just leave you alone." Brittany continued to stare at the frozen ground. "Well, I guess this is good-bye for now. Merry Christmas, Brittany."

She finally looked up to see Simon turning around. Brittany gripped the bottom of the bench and yelled, "Wait!"

Simon turned back around. Brittany took a deep breath, realizing this might be a mistake. Maybe she should just let him go. There was still time to say, "Never mind!" and send him on his way.

No. Brittany would experience many more sleepless nights if she let that happen.

"If you were going to convince me to stay," Brittany said slowly, "what would you say?"

Simon gave a small grin and sat next to the Chipette on the bench, which was now dusted with white snow.

"Well," he said calmly, "I would say that you should at least stay for Christmas. I think you can put off whatever's bothering you for the holiest day of the year."

Brittany sighed. "Simon, you just don't get it…"

"No Brittany," Simon said firmly. "You don't get it. Your family—and mine—love you and we haven't seen you in a year. Don't you think you could at least spend Christmas with us?" Simon nodded toward the homeless man. "I'll bet that man would do anything to have a nice Christmas dinner with people who care about him. You have that Brittany. Don't throw it away just because things aren't absolutely perfect for you."

Brittany's hands curled into fists as a range of emotions went through her; anger, embarrassment, guilt, shame… the list went on.

"I know," Brittany said with a sharp tone. "I'm selfish, okay? I've always been selfish, and I'll always be selfish."

Simon shrugged. "You're human, Brittany. I just think you're a lot stronger than this."

Somehow, this comforted Brittany. Simon was right. She was stronger than this.

"But I can't go back," Brittany confessed. "Eleanor and I got into a really big fight. Plus there's this whole thing with you and Alvin…"

"You know you don't have to worry about Eleanor," Simon said. "You'll be able to make up with her, no problem. She's very forgiving."

"I'm not so sure about that," Brittany muttered. Before Simon could say anything, she blurted, "And this thing with you and Alvin… I just can't deal with it right now."

"We don't have a thing, Brittany." Simon's voice was slightly bitter. "You've made that pretty clear."

Brittany's heart sank. "Simon, I…"

"You led me on, Brittany," Simon said. He didn't sound angry; he just said it as if was a fact.

Brittany moved her body so it was turned toward Simon. "I didn't lead you on." She inhaled deeply. "I really was starting to like you."

Simon's eyebrows knit together. "You were?"

"I was," Brittany confirmed. "I mean, I am. Simon, I like you. I really do."

"Then why would you have sex with Alvin?" Simon immediately asked.

Despite the freezing temperature, Brittany's cheeks burned. "I don't know. I do stupid things sometimes."

"Like how Alvin did a stupid thing by hooking up with that other girl?" Simon asked.

Brittany's heart hammered in her chest. "Y-yeah," she stuttered. "I guess."

"So you made a mistake just like Alvin," Simon gathered.

"I guess," Brittany said again. "B-but… it was different. We were together! I was his girlfriend! He cheated on me. We—me and you—were never together."

"True," Simon said. "But you got intimate with him even though you claim to have feelings for someone else, just like Alvin did."

Brittany felt the tears coming again. "What are you trying to say, Simon? Because if you're making me try to feel worse, it's working!"

Simon ran a hand through his hair, just like Alvin did when he was feeling stressed. "I… I don't know." He looked at Brittany. "I was trying to say something along the lines of you can't always strive for perfection; that you and Alvin made virtually the same mistake and that you can't expect people to be perfect all the time. But I remembered how much he hurt you…" Simon trailed off and noticed tears sliding down Brittany's cheeks. "I just… I'm sorry."

Brittany stared at Simon. He looked so upset; she knew that he felt bad.

"Look Brittany," Simon said slowly. "If you think that you have to choose between me and Alvin, you don't. No one is forcing you to pick a boyfriend, and that goes for any guy. Maybe you could be happy just being single for a while."

Brittany nodded. "I know. It's just… I don't know if Alvin and I can be just friends."

"Then don't be friends," Simon said with a shrug.

Brittany widened her eyes. "What?"

"Just avoid him," Simon went on. "Give yourself some time away from him for a while."

"In case you haven't noticed, I've been trying to avoid him the whole winter break," Brittany pointed out.

"So try harder," Simon said, nonchalantly. "Like I said, you're stronger than what you've been showing. You're Brittany Miller. You don't take shit from anybody."

Brittany burst out laughing at the very un-Simon like thing Simon just said. "Did you just say shit?" she asked in between giggles.

Simon blushed, but smiled. "Uh, yeah. I guess I did. Desperate times call for desperate measures."

Suddenly, a large bus came to a stop in front of the bench.

"There's your ride," Simon said, nodding toward the empty bus.

Brittany grabbed her suitcase handle and squeezed. The awkward talk she just had with Simon didn't solve any of her problems. It didn't make her want to face Alvin or Eleanor, and it didn't make her want to make any decisions. He had made her cry, and reminded her that she was just as big of a screw-up as Alvin was. She had been frustrated and confused throughout most of their conversation.

But for some strange, unknown reason, Brittany felt better. Simon didn't think he got his point across but he did; she had come back expecting everything to be perfect. Miss Miller would be her same old forgetful, yet loveable self. She and her sisters would end up being closer than ever. Alvin would politely leave her alone and let her get on with her life. Yes, that's what Brittany had in mind when she came home.

But things weren't perfect. They never would be, and Brittany had to realize that. She couldn't just run away from her problems, no matter how horrible they were. Like Simon said, she was stronger than this.

Brittany sat up straighter and looked into Simon's blue-grey eyes. "Let's go home."

Simon's eyebrows shot up. "Really? You're sure?"

Brittany smiled and nodded. "Yes, I am. Let's go."

Brittany and Simon stood up at the same time.

"I'm a little surprised you changed your mind," Simon admitted. "My speech didn't exactly go very well."

"It wasn't perfect," Brittany said. "But somehow, by saying the wrong things, you said all the right things. Does that make sense?"

Simon chuckled. "You know, strangely enough, it makes a lot of sense."

Brittany grinned. "Thank you, Simon. For everything."

"Anything for a friend," Simon said, taking Brittany's hand and gently squeezing it.

Brittany's smile broadened. That was all she and Simon needed to be right now: Friends. There was no pressure to be anything else, at least not for now.

"It's a shame you had to waste the money on that bus ticket," Simon said. "I wonder if there's any way you can refund it."

"I don't think so," Brittany said. She turned and looked toward the cold homeless man. An idea formed in her head. "Hang on."

Brittany went to the ticket booth and knocked on the window. The man inside, who was putting on his coat to leave, reluctantly made his way toward the front of the booth.

"Yes?" he sighed.

"I decided I don't need this anymore," Brittany said, holding her ticket in the air. "Is there any way I could get my money back?"

"Sorry," the man said, closing the window. "No refunds."

Using all her arm strength (which wasn't much), Brittany grabbed the window to close it from shutting. "Wait!"

The man frowned. "Look kid, my shift is over, and my family is waiting on me…"

"I'm sorry sir," Brittany said quickly. "Just hear me out. You know that homeless guy over there?" Brittany pointed toward the cold man.

The ticket taker nodded and checked his wristwatch. "Yes. That's Joe. He's spent the last three Christmas Eves in front of this building. Poor fellow."

"I was wondering if I could exchange this ticket for cash to give to him," Brittany said, putting the ticket on the counter.

The man gave her a sad smile as he gently pushed the ticket back toward Brittany. "Sorry, but I can't let you do that. It's against the rules here."

"Please?" Brittany asked, her eyes wide with hope.

The man looked at the ticket, then at Brittany. Then he looked at Joe and nodded. "Well, hey, it's Christmas Eve, right?"

"Right," Brittany said with a smile.

The man grinned and took her ticket. "Don't tell anyone about this, okay?"

"My lips are sealed," Brittany promised, her heart feeling full.

Brittany watched as the man gave her a handful of cash. She quickly counted the bills, and realized there were an extra ten dollars.

"Um, sir," Brittany said. "You gave me back an extra ten."

"I know," the man said, giving her a wink. "Merry Christmas."

Brittany couldn't contain her smile. "Merry Christmas," she said right before he closed the small window.

Brittany hurried over toward the homeless man, who was pulling his torn hat over his ears.

"Excuse me?" Brittany said. "Joe?"

Joe looked up, obviously confused as to how this girl knew his name and why she was talking to him.

"This is for you," Brittany said, handing him the cash. "I know it isn't much but…"

Brittany's voice trailed off as she watched Joe's blue eyes well up with tears. He looked up at Brittany and gave her a smile that melted her heart.

"Thank you, Miss," he said, his voice full of gratitude. He was no longer shivering; in fact, he looked warm and comfortable.

"You're welcome," Brittany said. "Merry Christmas."

"Merry Christmas," Joe replied. "God bless you, dear."

Brittany made her way over to Simon, who was grinning.

"A selfish person wouldn't have done that," he said.

Brittany picked up her suitcase and wiped a tear from her eye. Fortunately, this time her tears were of happiness.

She turned toward Joe, who was admiring his cash. He looked toward the sky with a grateful expression, as if he was thanking God.

Brittany turned toward Simon and said, "Let's go home."

And they did.

…...

"Three… two… one… HAPPY NEW YEAR!"

Brittany wrapped an arm around Jeanette, careful not to spill her glass of champagne. She was glad that Dave finally loosened up this year and let them have a glass, even though it took a lot of persuasion.

She and her sisters in the Seville's living room ringing in the new year with Alvin, Simon, Theodore, and Dave. It was the first time all winter break that Brittany felt comfortable being at their house. She was determined to have a decent New Year's Eve.

"Happy New Year Brittany," Simon said with a smile.

Brittany gave Simon a hug. "Happy New Year."

Brittany's eyes shifted to the couch, where Alvin was sitting. He was drinking his champagne, watching Brittany intently. Brittany quickly focused her gaze elsewhere.

After her talk with Simon at the bus station, she was more determined than ever to avoid Alvin; however, she soon found out that she didn't even need to try. Besides mumbling "Thanks" to her on Christmas day after she had given him his present, Alvin hadn't spoken to her. Actually, he hadn't spoken much to anyone in the last few days. "Quiet" wasn't a word that Brittany would ever think would describe Alvin Seville, but that's exactly what he had been lately: Quiet.

She was actually surprised he was even here. Usually Alvin spent the morning of January 1st passed out at some crazy New Year's Eve Party, but not this year. Brittany wondered why he was spending the New Year at his house.

"Happy New Year," Eleanor said politely.

Brittany turned and faced her sister, who had a strained smile on her pretty face. They had yet to apologize to each other, but they were at least to the point where they were speaking again.

"Happy New Year, Eleanor," Brittany replied.

Brittany took a sip of her drink and looked around the room, where her friends and siblings were hugging and wishing each other a Happy New Year. She was glad that she ended up staying; things were finally looking up. Jeanette and Eleanor had agreed that Miss Miller needed help; she had a doctor's appointment scheduled the day after tomorrow.

Someone tapped Brittany's shoulder. She turned to see Dave smiling warmly at her.

"Happy New Year, Brittany," he said. "We're so glad that you decided to spend the holidays with us."

"I'm glad too," Brittany said. She threw her arms around Dave, surprising him a little. "Thanks for everything, Dave. Happy New Year."

"Oh," Dave said, patting Brittany on the back. "You're welcome, Brittany."

Brittany pulled back and turned her attention to the TV. Times Square was on the screen, and the camera zoomed in on a number of couples kissing their loved ones. Brittany was reminded that this was the second year in a row where she wouldn't be kissing anyone.

"Are you all right?" Simon asked her.

Before she could change her mind, Brittany stood on her tippy-toes and gave Simon a quick kiss on the cheek.

Simon's eyes widened as his whole face turned pink, prompting Brittany to giggle.

"W-what was that for?" Simon asked.

Brittany shrugged. "For being a great friend."

Simon grinned. "Uh… you're welcome?"

Brittany laughed and pulled Simon in for another hug. Something caught her eye by the couch; it was Alvin, getting up to leave.

Brittany sighed. She knew this whole thing with Alvin wasn't over.

But she forced herself to push those thoughts out of her mind. The only thing that mattered at the moment was celebrating New Years with the people she cared about most. Everything would eventually fall into place. Everything would turn out okay.

Right now, she wasn't Old Brittany or New Brittany. She was just Brittany Ann Miller. And there was nothing wrong with that.

A/N: Yeah… I don't know. To be honest, I just wrote whatever came to mind. I don't think it flowed very well, but oh well. Its okay, I guess.

Here's the news I mentioned earlier: If you were disappointed with how this ended (which is probably about 95% of you), don't worry; there's probably going to be a sequel. I already have some plans, and let's just say Alvin/Brittany shippers will probably be quite pleased (although there will probably be some treats for Brimon fans as well!). So look out, because it'll probably come out this summer! Yay!

Thanks again for reading (and reviewing… BIG thanks to everyone who reviewed!). You guys are awesome, and I can't wait to start some new stories this summer!