Author's Note: For the last time for this story, I do not own Pride and Prejudice or the characters. That honor belongs to one Jane Austen. Enjoy the final chapter of my story!

Chapter 11

I couldn't sleep that night. I tried everything, I read with the light on until Jess told me she really needed to rest, I listened to some soothing music but it was all a bunch of love songs so that really did not help. I even counted sheep but whoever tells people that trick works are either lying or so drunk that they pass out. Anyway, I decided the only way I'd be able to go to sleep would be to go for a walk.

The sky was grey as I pulled a jacket over my pajamas and snuck out of my room. I left a note on my bed, on the door, on my parents' door, on the refrigerator, and on the kitchen table. My family would have to be blind not to know where I was. I went to the back door and slipped on my sneakers without tying the laces. With all the walking I did, you'd think I'd tie my shoe laces but I don't. If you tie them really loose, you can just slip them on your feet.

My parents wouldn't mind my early morning stroll, they trusted me and knew I could take care of myself. It was the end of April and the air was damp. The grass was soaked with dew as I cut across our lawn and went to the trail. I loved walking in the morning because all the animals were just starting to come out and making all kinds of noises.

As I passed the field, I saw the light pink coming up over the horizon. I walked and sat under a tree so I could see the rest of the sunrise. It was beautiful! I didn't want to move even though my butt was soaked in my pajama bottoms and it was falling asleep. Finally, I knew I had to go so I could be back in time for breakfast so I stood up and brushed my backside off.

There was a rustling behind me and I turned to see David coming out of the brush. I gasped in shock and jumped back.

"David," I said, feeling hot. I was in my pajamas and my butt was wet and cold! Great, simply fantastic! "I…I, uh, couldn't sleep."

"Neither could I," David said, "I don't suppose my great-aunt's visit last night had anything to do with it?"

"Maybe just a little," I said with a laugh, "She can be quite scary."

"Yes, and to think I have to live with her," David said, "She told me how rude and nasty you were to her and that you have no respect for your elders."

"Is that all she told you?"

"No, she told me about why she called you back there and what happened," said David. Up until then, David had been looking around but now he turned his dark eyes on me. "Your response to my great-aunt's wishes has allowed me to hope as well. I came here to try and rebuild our friendship."

"After what you did for Lisa and most likely Jess, I should be the one who should be trying to make amends," I said.

"You know, you must know, that everything I did was for you. I know that your younger sisters annoy you to no end, but deep…deep down you love them very much. And Jess, as you told me, is your closest sister and friend. I was just trying to undo the wrong by convincing Brian to come back here."

"I never got the chance to thank you," I said quietly, "What you did was selfless and wonderful, I don't know how I can ever repay you."

"You can answer me this," he said, "Have your feelings for me changed since we last spoke of feelings? If they haven't, tell me so and I will never speak of this again." He paused and took a step towards me. "But if they have, then I want you to know that my feelings have not changed and, if possible, they have grown. I love you with all my heart Emily Belitorini and I never want to spend a day without you in it."

"Boy, you do know how to get a girl flustered," I said with a nervous laugh, rubbing my hand behind my neck.

"Sorry, but isn't that a good thing? For me at least," he asked, taking another step towards me.

"I…uh…I s-suppose so," I stuttered as he took another step and then another, "I haven't even answered your question yet, you know."

"I'm hoping your stuttering and red face is your answer," he whispered, right in front of me now. He tucked a strand of hair behind my ear and smiled.

"For all you know," I said with a shudder, "I could be doing this because I'm frightened."

David stopped twirling a strand of my hair and looked down at me.

"Are you frightened?" he asked seriously, "Because if you are, then I do apologize. I never meant to-"

"I'm not scared, I'm not scared of anything," I said confidently but paused and added, "Except…never mind."

"What?" David asked, "What is it your afraid of?"

I looked up at him. His face was full of confusion and worry as he looked down at me. Chelsea was right, he was taller than me.

"I'm afraid," I said slowly, "Of waking up one morning and realizing that there's no one out there that's going to help me when I need help. That I have to face every challenge ahead of me on my own, without a soul to give me support."

"That's a deep fear," David said, taking my hand, "But you don't have to worry anymore because I will always be there for you, I promise."

"Well then, now that there's no fear to hold me back," I said with a sultry smile, "I guess I don't have to worry about doing this."

I went up on my tiptoes and kissed him on the mouth. It didn't take long for him to wrap his arms around my waist and pull me in closer. I won't go into just how wonderful it was because that's getting too personal but just know that David was one hell of a good kisser. We broke apart, both panting, and I laid my head on his chest.

"I have to ask you something," I said as I fingered his shirt, "William talked about wanting to marry your sister. Why did you tell him no?"

"I would have thought that obvious to you," David said, "He only wanted my sister for her inheritance. He is a greedy man who will never be satisfied."

"I just wanted to make sure," I said, "One more thing, you were there when William and I were talking here, weren't you?"

"Yes," he said guiltily, "I had come to get away from my great-aunt's complaining and saw you coming and hid. I wasn't ready to face you again. I heard everything that was said between you and words could not describe my happiness when you didn't believe the bullshit that William was feeding out. I would also like to add," he said playfully, "That you are a little firecracker when your angry."

"Just know that I'll do the same to you if you break my sister's heart again," I said and laughed, "That's one more thing we have in common."

His lips brushed the top of my head and we sat down in the wet grass. Both of us didn't want to go back to our homes and were content to sit with each other, talking and occasionally kissing some more. Once again, I'll spare you the details.

"Jess is really excited you know," I said, "About prom, she can't wait to go. I hope she and Brian have a great time, she promised to take tons of pictures for me."

"I knew I was forgetting something!" David cried out, "Emily, it would be my pleasure to be your escort to prom if you wish."

"Are you serious?" I asked, looking at him, "Of course I would want you to take me! You were the only person I was considering asking!"

"I'm honored," David said with a grin. It was good to see him smiling, he didn't do it often enough. I hoped to change that. "So…is this when we decide on matching your dress with my tie or whatever?"

"It really doesn't matter to me," I said with a laugh, "Just rent a tux and I'll wear whatever I have in my closet. How does that sound?"

"Perfect," he said and put his arm around my shoulders as we watched the sun rise higher in the sky.

…

"Hold still Jess!" I cried out furiously as I held the eyeliner pencil, "God, you move more than a fish out of water!"

"I can't help it!" Jess said, rubbing her eye, "I'm not used to eye make-up."

"Don't rub at it!" I said exasperatedly, "Here, use this to clean it up and we'll try this again."

The both of us were getting ready for prom. The boys would be coming in half an hour and I was still in my bathrobe. Mags was giving me a hand with the make-up situation, which I was eternally grateful for. Finally I got some eye make-up on my older sister and Mags did my own. My dress was borrowed from Chelsea. We had made up because I had to tell someone that I was going to prom besides my family. She apologized for being obsessed and I forgave her. That's what friends do. Anyway, back to the dress, it was to the floor and bright sapphire blue with a halter top. Thank God the neckline wasn't plunging because I'm a lot bustier than Chelsea is and that would be too slutty on me.

I slipped the dress on, careful so as not to mess up my hair. My mother insisted on taking Jess, Lisa (she was going with her husband to his prom), and I to a salon to get our hair and nails done. Usually I'm not into all that stuff but it was actually fun. They did my hair in a half twist with strands hanging down that they curled. As I looked myself over in the mirror, I felt pretty.

I heard cursing behind me and saw my sister trying to walk in the heels Mags lent her. They were three inches and she was wobbling like crazy. I laughed as I slipped on my four and a half inch heels and walked over to her with ease.

"Show off," Jess muttered darkly, "I won't be able to dance in these! I can't even walk in them!"

"Simple-minded Jess," I said, shaking my head jokingly, "You never wear the shoes you come in for more than a couple minutes! You go in, take the picture, and kick them off the first chance you get."

"Thank God!" my older sister said with relief and stared at the door like one would their opponent in a boxing match, "So the real dilemma is how do I walk from here to the door, down the stairs, into the limo, out of the limo, and into the building?"

"That's what your date is for," I said with a wink, "But I'll take his place until he comes. Mother said we should wait until they get here and then walk down. It's supposed to be all dramatic or whatever."

Just then, there was a knock at the door and voices sounded. I grinned at my sister and helped her to the stairs, where she gripped the railing and walked down first. I followed her down and saw David waiting at the bottom of the stairs for me. I grinned and took his outstretched arm. After much commotion over the boutonniere, all three of us were ready to go. Lisa and William were riding with their friends and he and David didn't acknowledge the other.

"Ems," my dad said quietly as I was getting ready to leave, "Could I speak with you for a moment?"

I nodded and followed my father into the kitchen while everyone else was in the living room.

"Are you sure you are happy about going to prom with David?" he asked, "I really thought the two of you hated each other and the way you would go on about him proved my point."

"Dad, I was wrong about him," I said, "He's helped us so much, he was the one who found Lisa and paid William to make him stay. He told Lisa to call Grandpa so we wouldn't worry. I was blinded by my prejudice of him not to see past his hard exterior and who he really was. So yes, I am very happy about going to prom with David. I can't imagine anyone else I'd rather go with."

"I should pay him back," my father said hoarsely.

"No," I said quickly, "Dad it would only embarrass him. He wouldn't want it known, he's actually rather shy. He did it for us, for me, and that's all the reward he needs. He's so dedicated to those he loves, like me." I started laughing as I said, "Dad we are so much alike that I can't believe I didn't see it sooner."

"You are happy with him," my dad said finally, "That's all a father can ask for from his daughter. Go have a great time and be safe. I also can't imagine anyone else I'd rather see you go with."

"Thanks Dad," I whispered as I hugged him and ran off to find David waiting, holding my bag for me.

"Ready?" he asked as I took it and wrapped my arm around him.

"Yeah, let's go have fun," I said happily as we piled into the limo, heading off to our "night to remember".

…

Jess went off to college but lived at home. She said she wanted to stay to help Lisa with the baby but I knew why she didn't want to go far. Brian was also going to college in the area. They continued their relationship all through college, graduate school, medical school, and their residency. It seemed that Brian also wanted to be a doctor, a cardiologist like my dad. Jess eventually became a pediatrician and worked a clinic for two years until Brian finally popped the question. Our entire family had the same reaction when Jess told us.

"IT'S ABOUT TIME!" we all cried out and laughed.

Mags became a famous director of, surprisingly, horror movies. All her movies had amazing special effects that had, you guessed it, blood and guts. She eventually married her producer and they enjoyed their life as far away from Hollywood as possible when they weren't working.

"After all," Mags said to me once, "Hollywood isn't America, it's a jungle."

Lisa gave birth to a beautiful baby girl in January of her sophomore year. I think being a mother allowed Lisa to grow up and she left her group of friends to delve deeper into her studies. Kath followed as always and for once, I didn't mind. William went to the military academy and was never home. When he was, Lisa would always come home at night with bruises. She filed for a restraining order and a divorce.

The day after the divorce was settled and Lisa got full custody of her little Bethany, William was rushed into the emergency rooms because of two broken arms, two broken legs, several snapped ribs, and broken fingers and toes. He ranted about a woman coming up to him and doing this to him. After being in the military for all those years, William was a lot bigger than any average woman so no one believed him. When he continued with his story, he was checked into the psych ward. He's still in there and is also receiving care for his abuse issue. Of course I had an alibi, I was with Jess watching chick flicks and reality television shows. If you actually believe that, then you obviously don't know me very well or haven't been paying attention.

Lisa and Kath started their own clothing line. Bethany, who's a teenager now, loves to help her mother and aunt with the designs. Lisa is very good about keeping Bethany away from the wrong crowd. She doesn't want her daughter to fall into the same trap she did when she was her age. While working on all that, Lisa met a wonderful man who owned the store before she and her sister bought it from him. They married a year after meeting. Kath is still looking for someone special.

Chelsea became a soccer champion and traveled the world. On one of her travels, she ran into Nigel. He was a multimillionaire because he created new software for computers. Some girls dig nerds and it seems Chelsea is one of them. They are happily married and have four kids.

As for me, I went to college and majored in English. My plan was to become an English professor but David had other plans for me.

David went to college back in England but we kept in touch through calls and email. His cousin did eventually take over DuPont over his great-aunt's dead body. She died a month after David started college. As for Ginny, she became a leader in the classical pianist world and even crossed over to contemporary. Whenever Mags needed music for her movies, she always called on Ginny. They were best friends. In fact, Ginny ended up marrying the brother of Mags' husband.

One day, David invited me to visit him in England. I had never left the country before and was extremely excited. After a day of sightseeing, we went out to dinner.

"David, this is wonderful," I said, looking around the restaurant, "I couldn't have asked for a more perfect day."

David just nodded. He had been acting weird all day and I was beginning to worry if he was spending too much time alone. He accidentally knocked his fork under the table and right by my feet.

"I got it," I said and he thanked me. I lifted up the tablecloth and reached down to get it. When I came up, I found David kneeling right in front of me.

"Emily, I've loved you for a long time," he said softly.

Oh my God, oh my God! I thought, trying not to hyperventilate. Was this actually happening?

"I can't imagine my life without you and I hope I never have to," he continued, "You're smart, extremely funny, and talented, too talented to be working for anyone but yourself. If you want to, I would love to have you help me start a project I have in mind."

"Oh," I said, trying to hide my disappointment. I had expected something else but this was all right too…I guess. "What is it?"

"I want to start these education centers that teach everyone about the environment and how to use it without loosing it," he said eagerly, "My cousin wants it to be a part of DuPont, a branch of it if you will. What do you say?"

"David that sounds wonderful," I said hesitantly.

"There's more," he said, sensing my hesitance, "The two of us will be running it, we'll be partners. And, to show you that I really mean it, I got you a little something."

He handed me a little black box. I was really confused now but I took it and opened it. Inside was a diamond ring with a gold band. I looked at David and saw him smiling.

"It's beautiful," I whispered, "But David, what exactly are you asking me?"

"To be my partner, you know, the whole "in sickness and in health"?" said David with a smile, "This is my quirky way of asking you, Emily Belitorini, if you'll marry me?"

"Why didn't you just say that?" I cried out and jumped on him, "Yes, of course I will, you loveable idiot!"

"But I meant everything I said," he said as he held me, "I want to start that business and I want you to be there with me through it all. I also promised you that you'd have someone with you when you need them and I promise to be there with you as well."

"I want that more than anything," I whispered.

So you see, the saying "Don't judge a book by its cover" is extremely accurate. You can never tell if someone is just extremely shy, as Jess was with Brian, or using their cold exterior to distance themselves from others for whatever reason. First impressions can be faulty at times, but why is that? I have narrowed it down to two options and just have one question for you: Is it pride or is it prejudice?

Author's Note: This is the first story I finished! Yay! I'd like to thank all the reviewers and those who added me to their favorites or had me on alert. Your support for my story was truly incredible and means the world to me. I'm in the process of putting together another modern-day Pride and Prejudice story so I'll probably put that up when I come back. I hope you guys will like it. :)

Finally, a big shout out to my little sister Emily for being my inspiration for this story. I know she's reading this so hopefully you'll actually read the book before you have to Em, or watch the five hour A&E movie version with me…maybe? Pretty please with sugar on top?

So, if you have any final comments about my story I would love to hear what you have to say. Did you like the ending? What did you like about the characters, if anything at all? All this will help me with my next story so please tell me your opinions! Thank you all again and I hope you've enjoyed reading this as much as I have writing it. :D