OTM 12

XXXXX

Time was passing quickly since Nel had finally come to terms with her pregnancy and had revealed it to her peers. School only had three weeks left putting her at the end of her sixth month where she was more than showing now.

Of course her peers were a little too curious at times and often took to staring at her when she walked by, but none dared to say anything rude lest they wished to face the wrath of Nel's dear boyfriend and fiancé, Albel Nox.

If they were shocked to see what happened to their respected student role model, then they were floored to see how Albel was taking responsibility for his actions, an act not anticipated from him at all.

Albel was never far away from Nel; he was always within reach if not right next to her. The former bully was acting the unexpectedly perfect boyfriend.

Everyone was questioning his reasons for doing it, some saying he was bought out to stay with her, others saying he was feeling extremely guilty for it, and last but not least a small amount saying he was staying for the moment but will leave as soon as the opportunity presents itself. They were all wrong.

Something he didn't expect was happening. He had fallen in love, but didn't know it.

Nel knew about her feelings, of course, knew that she loved the brunette-blonde man but was resigned to keeping her feelings to herself. She didn't know what Albel felt for her, but she told herself it wasn't love. She didn't want to get her hopes up only to be sorely disappointed; it was one of her rules about relationships after all.

But she was content with their current close relationship, enjoying how surprisingly gentle Albel was being with her. Honestly, to outsiders, she was sure they looked very in love. If only one day...

XXXXX

Albel, for once, was not next to his expectant fiancée, he was alone on the school roof contemplating the last few months he'd dedicated to Nel. Certainly in that short time span he had felt more emotionally than he had in the past few years of his life, but he was still sorting through these emotions, trying to figure out just what exactly it was that he felt when he was with Nel.

Pondering it deeply, Albel realized he felt very at ease when around Nel, maybe a bit mischievous at times, but out of a deep interest to see what response he'd invoke from the woman. Oh, definitely interest was there. It was probably one of the first feelings he had when he was around her, and it hasn't changed much. He's still interested; maybe a lot more than before.

Thinking further he added desire to the list, due to his untamed want to suddenly hold Nel in his arms. He really wasn't a touchy feely guy, but holding Nel felt so right, it became an addiction that he didn't quite want to drop. He didn't understand why the desire was so strong. He figured it must be stemming from a stronger emotion he was not yet aware of.

Last but not least he added happiness to the list of emotions; happiness in the form of content, at least. He was pleased with Nel, finding her company most enjoyable. And just like with his desire to hug her, Albel found himself wanting to be near her often as well, which was also strange for him because he was normally a solitary guy, only letting a few be around him constantly.

All of the emotions he'd pondered were emotions he knew, but he still felt as if there was one emotion he had yet to address. It was a feeling that was sitting on his chest like a dead weight, always there but had remained unnamed.

It was driving him insane not knowing what the emotion was. All he knew was that a lot of the other emotions he had pondered over were underneath this overarching emotion.

Happiness, content, desire...what did it add up to?

And then an emotion he hadn't thought he would ever experience came rushing through his mind.

Love.

He scrunched his face with confusion as the thought appeared. Could it really be love? He wouldn't really know since he had never been in love before. But the idea of being in love with Nel did not disgust him, nor upset him as it did at the beginning.

If he was really in love with Nel, then that just made their whole situation that much easier.

But he needed to determine if he was in love first.

XXXXX

It was now after the last football practice of the school year and a good amount of the team had already packed up, said their goodbyes, and had gone home. Albel and his friends, Cliff and Fayt, were still there though, taking their time putting away their stuff and relaxing.

Just as Albel finished zipping up his bag, he looked over at his friends curiously. Remembering his need to ask about the feelings involved in being in love, he figured now would be as good as any to ask.

"Hey, what is happening when you become...anxious? Maybe excited would be more accurate...every time you see or think of a specific person?"

Both boys' heads turned to Albel, staring confusedly at the man. Fayt spoke up, "Was that directed at us?"

"I'm pretty sure I don't talk to imaginary friends like you do, Fayt."

The blue haired teen shrugged, "Well you never know..."

"Just answer the question please!"

Cliff put on a contemplative face. "That's a hard question to answer, but if that's what you say you feel then I'd say you're in love."

Albel stiffened as he heard Cliff's conclusion. So that was what love was? "Love makes you...happy when you see that person?"

"Yep! Or at least that's how I feel when I'm with Mirage. I always look forward to the next moment we'll be with each other. That's just one of the ways I know that I'm really in love with her."

Fayt snickered, "You seem pretty curious about love, Albel."

Albel's eyes narrowed, "Who said it me who was feeling that way?"

He scoffed. "Well you wouldn't have asked for someone else."

Albel's narrowed eyes soon became a deep glare as he knew that he couldn't refute that. Cliff chuckled knowing they hit the nail on the head.

"You must have asked for a reason. Think you're in love?"

Albel didn't immediately respond but the pause was enough for Fayt to jump in.

"I doubt he'd be dating our lovely Ms. Perfect otherwise."

"Well, Albel?"

"I..I knew I felt something for her, but I didn't have a name for the emotion."

"So you liked Nel, but wasn't sure you LOVED her?" Fayt summed up.

Once again Albel was quiet, letting that be his answer. Honestly, he didn't know what he was feeling for the red head even though he was dating her. Heck, he was ENGAGED to her and he didn't know what he felt about it, until now that is.

Albel was surprised with himself. Compared to when he had first learned of her pregnancy and how adamant he was against it, he couldn't believe that in the short time that he and Nel had been with each other, he had grown to like her so much. He was more than okay with getting married to her now, and now that love was truly in the equation, he could see that things may be a lot smoother in their future.

"You should tell her quickly, Albel. She's due soon, and alongside the commitment you're giving her for the child, you should give her your love. It's the least you could do." Fayt's words sank in and Albel knew it was the truth.

With a sigh he shrugged on his bag and stood up, seriousness in his expression. Albel gave a small wave indicating his leave before stepping out of the locker room. His friends knew what he had left to do; he was going to talk to Nel.

XXXXX

He drove to Nel's house, parking out front of the large mansion. Just before leaving the car he tried to relax his flustered heart and gather his bearings. This was going to be another life changing confession as he had never confessed his love for anyone, even when he was in his short relationships. Falling in love with her and then made willing enough to confess his love for her basically meant that she'd somehow gotten through to his heart without his knowledge.

He finally slipped out of the car and approached the front door, knocking on it as soon as he was in front of it. A maid answered the door and he was escorted inside.

"Young master Albel; Miss Nel is in her room right now. Would you like to visit her?"

"Yes, but I'll see myself up. Please inform her parents that I've come and that I'll be joining for dinner." Albel made his way up the stairs and to Nel's room, slowing down once he was in front of her door.

After two knocks he heard Nel call out to enter and he opened the door. "Nel..." he said aloud.

"Oh, Albel!" Nel exclaimed, struggling in her bed to sit up.

Albel briskly walked over and helped her up, propping a pillow behind her to make her position more comfortable. Once done he sat himself next to her on the bed, staring at her with the most serious expression she had seen to date.

"Is there something wrong, Albel?" Nel questioned quietly.

"Not really...rather, something I wasn't anticipating has happened."

"Oh? What may that be, if you don't mind me asking?"

Before Albel continued, he glanced her over, tracing her features with his eyes and finding that the emotion of love was in fact swelling within him. He began to speak slowly, "It seems that I've begun to have deeper...feelings for you."

Albel didn't need to say those three special words for Nel to understand what he was confessing, she knew that wasn't really his thing, but to still have him tell her this was causing her own heart to beat wildly in her chest from the excitement and happiness that the feeling was mutual.

Nel embraced him after his confession, showing through her actions that she accepted his feelings. "I love you too, Albel." She said into his neck.

Albel brought his arms around her, letting the embrace spike the lovely emotions that were coursing through him.

He felt complete, as if it was truly the right thing. He liked it, and he wanted to feel that way for the rest of his life if possible.

Albel moved back just enough so he could look Nel in the face and kiss her lips tenderly. Though they had been dating for quite a few weeks now, they had rarely indulged in kissing, mostly participating in minor physical contact like holding hands and hugging. But the occasion was perfect for the lip lock and so the young couple shared in it with excitement.

The kiss started to turn up the heat between them, causing Nel to squirm closer to Albel, and for him to run his hands down to cup her butt. Nel groaned, opening her mouth and inadvertently gave Albel access to explore her mouth with his tongue.

Just as Albel was guiding them to lie back against the covers, Nel gasped loudly and broke their kiss.

Albel looked at her strangely when she suddenly landed a hand on her large tummy, looking at it with anticipation. "What's wrong? Why did we stop?" He was slightly peeved that their first make out session had been halted.

Nel merely took one of his hands and placed it against her stomach saying, "Wait and you'll feel it."

Albel eyes widened considerably when he felt a small push against his hand while on Nel's belly.

Nel smiled brightly, "That's our baby, Albel. It started kicking after school while you were away."

Albel hadn't said a thing in reaction to the baby's movement, but his expression was more than enough. He was truly in awe of the situation, once again having the feeling of being complete. He was truly glad that he had stayed now, realizing that this whole situation had changed his life for the better.

He rubbed Nel's belly lightly while looking at her lovingly. Yes, this was right, he was in love with the woman in front of him, and was in love with the child she carried.

XXXXX

Since that evening that Albel had confessed, the two had grown even closer together, and many of their student peers were refuting their thoughts that Albel might up and leave Nel at any day. Their moments together seemed to have gotten less awkward and exponentially sweeter, varying from minor hand holding, to rather hot and heavy, and not so secretive, kisses behind everyone's back.

Things seemingly couldn't have gotten better...and yet somehow it did.

The last three weeks of school had finished, ending school and bringing the graduation ceremony that the twelfth graders were eager for. Nel, though now heavily pregnant in her seventh month, had remained very studious, earning her top marks and title of Valedictorian, and putting the responsibility of a graduation speech on her shoulders.

She knew the speech could easily be written, mentioning all the good times she and her classmates had shared while in school, but she wanted it to be different; she wanted to share one last bit of wisdom with her classmates and friends, about futures they sometimes have no control over.

XXXXX

After the opening procession of the soon-to-graduate students and a welcome speech from the principal, Nel's turn to speak had arrived.

"And now, presenting the valedictorian speech…Nel Zelpher!"

Nel carefully walked up the steps to the stage. Slight nervousness was creeping in as she became aware of the many stares directed to her rounded stomach, but one glance at Albel and receiving a nod and a gentle smirk from him surprisingly calmed her down quickly.

She adjusted the microphone on the podium and cleared her throat before she began to address the crowd.

"Class of 2010, congratulations is in order. We've worked hard for years and have reached a major milestone in our life journey. And it is something we should look upon with pride. But from here on out, things are going to change. From here on out, you're going into a future that is uncertain.

I know all of you are moving on to another leg of the journey, maybe to college, maybe to work, maybe some of you still don't know yet. But no matter what path it is you're taking, you won't know what's going to happen along the way; you won't know the outcome. Things may change; they might not go the right way at all. Take me for example. My aim was to head to Aquios University and study law, to become a lawyer, but I didn't know, didn't even think that my path might take me a different way. I never once thought that my future could change so drastically...

But it's a future I'm embracing with everything I've got. Even though I'm not sure what the outcome may be, this is my path and I must take it.

And so, my fellow classmates, I leave you with this parting message: while the road you may take is foreign and the future beyond it is uncertain, walk the path with determination, with strength to get you through. Maybe that uncertain future will be brighter and more joyful than anything you imagined.

Again, congratulations, Class of 2010!"

Nel left the podium and a roar of applause sounded out for her. She happened to glance up and see that several people were standing up to applaud her and her speech.

She smiled brightly, happy to know that her speech was successful and that a lesson could be learned and shared from her pregnancy.

After Nel sat herself down once more, the ceremony continued, having a speech from the student council president before the diplomas were passed out. Before everyone knew it, the graduation ceremony had ended and the students were cheering with happiness that their high school years were done.

Nel took her time leaving the giant hall where the graduation took place, running into several of her friends and fellow classmates that wished to share one last word with her before parting. She got plenty of well wishes for the baby as well as congratulations and praise for being a top student and so kind a person.

She couldn't have escaped the crowd, of course, without seeing her friends again. Tynave and Farleen hugged her as soon they found her and made her swear to keep in contact with them. The two girls were very close friends of hers, so she knew she would have no trouble keeping up with them.

Once she parted ways with them, she finally reached Cliff and Fayt's gang.

"Hey Nel, that was a very good speech!" Fayt complimented.

"Yeah, this short guy was about to cry!" joked Cliff, earning him a punch in the arm.

"It was very touching though, Nel, and I will definitely remember your words as I go down my own path." Maria spoke up as the two men started to bicker.

"Yes, Nel, you are truly a model to follow."

Nel smiled, "Thank you very much."

Arms suddenly wrapped themselves around Nel's rounded waist, but she knew immediately who it was. "Albel, there you are! I was trying to find you."

"Well as you can see around you, I had to battle my way through hoards of maggots' relatives. I have prevailed though and you should now exclaim gratefulness for my presence."

Nel rolled her eyes before she leaned back against him and gave a shy smile to the group of friends in front of them.

Sophia gushed immediately at the sight and said, "You'll invite me to your wedding, won't you?"

"Sure," Nel agreed. "But the actual wedding will not happen until after the baby has been born."

"Oooh, well then, can I hold the baby during the wedding?"

"I don't see why not."

"Do you really want to put our child in her care and risk traumatizing him or her permanently? She will frighten the child with her face alone." Albel teased.

Sophia pouted while the rest laughed light heartedly, though in the end she did join in the laughter as well. It would be a great last high school memory within the group of friends.

When the whole gang said their goodbyes, exchanged promises of gathering again soon, and went their own ways, Albel and Nel were finally left alone with each other.

Nel was still within his embrace, her back pressed firmly against his tight chest – it was one of his favorite things to do with her, holding her in this way. He leaned his head close to her ear and whispered, "We're finally done with school. Do you know what that means?"

Nel shook her head lightly, not knowing what Albel was getting at. He continued, "Our wedding is approaching."

"And you seem excited."

"Well I personally wouldn't use the word, 'excited' - it doesn't really suit my disposition - but I am fully anticipating the date." His usual smirk filled his face. He continued, "But you know what I've come to realize?"

"Hmm?"

"I never formally proposed to you." With that, Albel suddenly pulled away and turned Nel around to face him. With a serious face, and surprisingly very warm eyes, he took her left hand in his and proceeded to say, "Nel Zelpher, despite the circumstances that has brought us together, I have realized my feelings for you and know that a union between us will be more than acceptable. It's become something I want, and...I hope you will too..."

Albel reached into his pocket to retrieve the ring he had placed there earlier. As soon as it was in his hand, he slid the ring on Nel's left ring finger and asked, "Will you marry me?"

Nel stared at the ring in shock, completely not anticipating Albel's formal proposal. Her tears began to cloud her eyes as thoughts of how perfectly life was turning out for her filled her mind. She smiled happily as she fingered the ring, observing its simple, yet elegant design.

Looking him straight I'm the eyes, Nel responded with a slow nod, her tears of happiness now running down her face from the action.

Albel, already knowing that words did not need to be shared in order to come to a mutual understanding, was very pleased with her answer and did not hesitate to bring her into his arms once more.

He leaned his face in and took her mouth in a deep kiss, electrifying their hearts to the core.

And while there were still several people around them, they uncaringly continued to kiss, letting everyone know how serious they were for each other and the life they would now lead before them.

Just as Nel had said, although the path before her was still unknown, with Albel at her side, she knew she wouldn't be alone.

XXXXX

And I've finally updated!

I am specifically dedicating this chapter to Karramon from DeviantArt because she made an awesome animation on Chapter 11 of OTM! If you haven't seen it yet, the link is on my profile, so check it out! And if possible, leave a comment on her page!

We're closing in on the ending. Another three or four chapters left, folks, and this long running fanfiction will have reached its end.

Thank you for sticking with it for so long! Please continue to do so! I promise I'll finish it!