Hi everyone. I know it's been a really long wait, but finally here is the last chapter. I've had to upload this chapter a different way to what I normally do because for some reason copy and paste isn't working. So I apologise if the format is different or anything.

Anyway thank you to everyone who has followed and reviewed this story, it really means a lot that you guys supported it. Because this is my first story, I was a bit worried, but you have all given me so much confidence.

I hope you've enjoyed reading this as much as I've enjoyed writing it. I will be back soon to write some new fanfictions, but for now bye!

Thalia's Tree x x x

3 Years later . . .

Claire's POV

Well, here we are. 3 years later and I think everything is over. No more cancer, no more sadness, that all seems to be left behind in a past life I am trying to forget.

Of course, I don't want to forget everything that has happened over the last few years. I met people I'd never want to forget. Aria, Doctor Marshel, Nurse Rose, so many people who have helped me to be who I am today, and where I am today.

Currently, I am stood in front of a mirror. Not in the Glass House, in some place I've only visited once or twice, but I know it will come to mean something to me very soon. The person looking back at me is no longer a girl, but a woman. A beautiful woman, some might say. Her hair is pulled back by a silver band, but left down in tight curls to fall around her face. The face is no longer thin, pale and tired. It is glowing, healthy and happy.

You can see in her eyes that she has had a hard past, one that has left a mark. But these eyes are different to what they used to be. Sure, sometimes they look tired and sad, but they mostly look determined. If time has taught this girl anything, it's that it is limited for anyone. Those eyes look wiser.

I cast my mind back to the 3 years ago . . .

oxoxoxoxoxo

"Claire, I know you are stubborn and you can't stand sitting still for more than 5 minutes, but you are going to have too."

"Shane I haven't even got out of the car yet, give me a break." I replied to my over-protective fiancee.

"I just don't want you to hurt yourself." Shane leaned in and gave me a kiss.

As I was sat in the car I watched the scenery as we drove past. That was hard to do, considering the windows were tainted. But I didn't really care, I was just glad to be going home. I had been stuck in that hospital for way too long, and when Dr Marshel had told me I could leave, I was out the door as fast as my non-moving legs could take me. Of course it didn't really feel as if I had left because I was back at the hospital several times a week for physiotherapy, but I'll tell you about that later.

When Shane had gotten me inside he has sat me down on the sofa and ordered me to rest. I'm stubborn so of course I fought with him about it, even though I knew deep down that he was right. I was pretty much useless. In a way I felt worse that what I had before I had the surgery. I had been warned of this but I still hated the idea, doing nothing was never in my nature. It was kind of depressing because even though I had known I wouldn't be up for doing much, I guess I hadn't really prepared myself very well. I was told that brain surgery is a lot for the body to cope with. They certainly got that right.

I can remember that for the next few weeks I often felt dizzy when I attempted to stand. I was so convinced that the doctors had lied to me and that the surgery hadn't worked. I experienced more symptoms after that, things like confusion, weakness and poor balance. I remember Michael becoming concerned so he ended up calling the hospital who put him straight through to Doctor Marshel.

"These symptoms are not uncommon." The doctor has reassured us. "Yes, they can be frustrating but they will eventually disappear." He had also warned us of some of the other symptoms that patients experience like speech problems and seizures, but thankfully I never experienced any of those things.

It's weird how we take so many things for granted when we aren't ill. For a while I was unable to eat like I normally would, so I had to build it up gradually, starting from something like soup until I could eat meals again. I felt like a baby because my mum or Shane had to help feed me so I didn't get tired. I thought the idea was ridiculous, but I soon realised how tiring feeding yourself could be.

As I mentioned before, I was having balance problems and I was always feeling very week, so I had to attend physiotherapy. Shane, being the wonderful boyfriend that he was, insisted on attending every session with me. Secretly I was glad he was coming because I didn't think I would be able to do it all on my own.

When I told him this, he replied by kissing me and saying "You will never be on your own Claire, you will always have me, I promise."

I hadn't even argued with Shane about him making a promise that he might not have been able to keep. But I think that's because I actually believed him. I had to do weekly exercises that were given to me by my physiotherapist. Most of them were not that time consuming, just little things like standing on one leg while cleaning my teeth. But I have to admit that a lot of the time I couldn't be bothered to do them.

"Do I have to?" I had asked Eve as we both sat on the floor of the hallway upstairs one evening while I was supposed to be doing stretches.

"Claire, you know you have to." She had nagged.

"But . . ."

"Don't make me get Shane!" She warned, which shut me up. No matter how pushy Eve could be about me doing my exercises, Shane would always be ten times more annoying.

It might sound like I'm doing a lot of complaining, but I really didn't have a lot of complaining to do. I had been given my life back, when some people never get that chance. So what if there were a few bumps a lot the way, that's inevitable.

It's kind of ironic how much death has taught me about life.

Oxoxoxoxoxooxox

"Claire, honey, are you ready?"

I see in the mirror that mum is standing a little behind me, smiling tearfully. I turn around to face her. I may be 21 years old, but to my mother I'd always be five years old.

"Is everyone here?" I asked a little anxiously. I began to fiddle with the bracelet my mother had given me.

"It was your Grandmother's." She had told me. "Her mother gave it to her, and she then gave it to me. Now it's yours." She had smiled at me. "Something old for you to pass on to your child, if you wish too."

"Yes, they are." My mother replied, giving me the same smile she had given me when she gave me the bracelet. "How are you feeling?" I knew she didn't mean in terms of my past illness.

"Would be a terrible thing to do if I said I was nervous?" I ask quietly.

"Everybody gets nervous Claire, it shows that this is what you really want."

"It is." I agree. "I've never been surer of anything in my life."

"And I completely believe you." Stepping forward my mother pulled me into a hug and I suddenly felt five years old again. I hugged her back, taking in the scent of her familiar perfume. Where had all those years gone?

"I'm so proud of you Claire. Your father and I love you so much." My mother me as she stroked me hair, which had grown back now so it was shoulder length once more.

"I love you guys too." I whispered, trying not to cry. Eve would kill me if I ruined my makeup. She had spent so much time perfecting it, I didn't think she'd even spent that much time on her own makeup!

"Are you guys ready yet . . . Oh sorry I didn't mean to interrupt." Speak of the devil.

Over my mother's shoulder I saw Eve pop her head through the door. Letting go of my mum I gestured for Eve to come in.

"It's fine." I told her with a smile. I didn't feel nervous anymore. No, I felt excited.

"Oh CB you look beautiful.' Eve said as she entered the room and made her way to my mother and I. She looked stunning as well. The red dress she had picked out was simple, but gorgeous. Even though the dress was not tightly fitted, you could still see the newly formed baby bump through the satin material.

That's right, Eve was pregnant. After a year of treatment Eve had finally got her wish and was becoming a mother. I knew she was going to be an amazing mother. I remember the night that she had told the good news . . .

"Claire, can I come in?" Eve had asked from my doorframe. I had been laying down in bed reading.

"Sure." I replied. "What's up?"

I had sat up when my best friend sat on the end of my bed. She hadn't looked upset, but she had looked very flustered.

"Claire I'm . . . I can't believe I'm saying this, Claire I'm pregnant!" She had exclaimed.

"What?!" I had gasped, dropping my book. When Eve nodded excitedly I had squealed and pulled her into a hug. "I'm so proud of you." I had told her. Even with all the odds against her, Eve had still won. She was a true fighter.

Now, back in present day Eve and I hugged once again. "I can't wait to see Shane's face when he sees you." Eve laughed.

"Do you really think I look okay?"

"I don't think, I know." She promised. "You are beautiful Claire, inside and out. You deserve for today to be the best day ever."

I smiled at that. "Thank you. Can you let everyone know I'll be out now?"

"Of course." Eve replied. Before leaving she gave me a quick kiss on the cheek. "See you on the other side!"

"I should probably go too. I need to find my seat." Laughed my mother. "Your father is waiting for you at the entrance."

I nodded and thanked her before they both left. Once again I was left in the strange dressing room by myself. But I reminded of myself of what Shane had said. "You will never be on your own."

Taking a deep breath I took one more look in the mirror. It was then that it really hit me that the girl starring back at me, the girl in the white dress, was really me.

It was my wedding day, and I was marrying the love of my life, Shane Collins.

Oxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

"Ready?" My father asked me for the third time as we stood arm in arm in front of the big wooden doors which led to the inside of Morganville's church.

I nodded and smiled up at him. "I love you daddy."

"I love you too Princess, never forget that." We shared a quick look before he nodded at the man to open the door. This is it. I thought. It's really happening.

As the door opened the first person I saw was Shane. In his suit he looked so grown up, like a man, no longer the teenage boy I had once known. He smiled at me as my father and I walked down the aisle slowly. My white dress had a short, laced train tailing behind it, and as I walked I felt like a real princess. The dress was strapless and around the bust was a sequined pattern which carried on down one of the simple silk material. I was wearing a veil, but not one that fell over my face. I had decided against that because I had enough trouble walking in a straight line these days, let alone with something covering my eyes. Also, I wanted to see everything clearly and not miss a single detail. I was only planning on getting married once after all.

I still hadn't looked away from Shane and I honestly didn't think I could. Despite everyone around us, it felt like it was just me and him in the room. 'I love you' He mouthed, and I mouthed the same words back to him. I couldn't stop smiling.

I took a moment to appreciate how many people had turned up. I saw Amelie and Oliver sat towards the side, and Myrin was sat just behind them. I gave the all a quick wave, which they returned. In the middle of the church sat Chace and his father, who had insisted on coming to show their support. It meant a lot that they had come, and I knew that Aria would be here too, somewhere. I turned my attention back towards the front again, noticing my friends. Eve stood at the side. She was my maid of honour of course. Actually she was my only bridesmaid, I hadn't wanted anyone. Next to Shane was Michael, looking smart as usual. Obviously, he was Shane's best man, despite the fangs.

Before I knew it I had reached the front of the church and the ceremony had started. My father had left my side to go and sit next to my mother, while I was left standing next to my soon to be husband. As the priest continued to speak, Shane slipped his hand into mine and gave it a gentle squeeze.

"You look beautiful." He whispered in awe. I'm pretty sure I was blushing.

"You don't look too bad yourself." I whispered back. "See what a nice bath and a haircut can do?"

"Oh Miss Danvers, always the joker."

"Nope, just telling the truth." I giggled. We soon stopped our private conversation due to the face the priest had started talking to us.

"Now the couple will say their wedding vows, which they have written themselves." The priest announced. "Who will go first?"

"I will." Shane answered without hesitation. We had both agreed to write our own vows because we believed they would mean something more if they came from the heart.

"Claire, before I met you, I didn't really care what the future had in store for me. It really didn't matter because my past had been so bad. But when you arrived, a battered up sixteen year old, you didn't just bring trouble with you, you also brought hope. I know that it feels as if life is just one huge battle after another, but I don't care as long as I get to be with you for every second of it.

I promise to love you unconditionally with hesitation. You are my best friend and my soul mate. Over the past five years I've learnt that you are a fighter, and you never back down, but know that I'll always be here for you when you need support. Claire, I promise to laugh with you, to cry with you and to love you. Love isn't about always being together, it's about being separate and knowing that nothing will change. That couldn't be more true.

You are so special Claire, not just to me but to so many other people. After what you have been through, you deserve a happy, healthy life, and I promise to give you that. I vow to stay with you through the thick and thin, the difficult and the easy, the good and the bad. I can't promise to be perfect, but I can promise to be faithful, forever and always.

I love you Claire Danvers, and I am proud to soon be able to call you my wife. I will love you for better or worse, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer as long as we both shall live."

With tears in his eyes Shane put the piece of paper back in his pocket, though the whole time he spoke he didn't look at it once. I smiled at him and he smiled back. A few stray tears had escaped and had made their way down my cheek. Shane had never really been a big romantic, but I knew he had meant every word of what he had said. It was so nice to hear him say those things out loud. Shane never lets me forget how much he loves me, but now he had declared his love in front of so many people, and that was all I could wish for.

"Now Claire will say her wedding vows." The priest said.

I cleared my throat and with shaking hands I accepted the piece of paper that Eve handed me which I had written on. But with one glance at my writing I realised within seconds that I didn't actually need it at all. I knew what I wanted to say, so I quickly passed the piece of paper back to Eve with a quick nod to let her know that I knew what I was doing.

"Shane," I started, looking up into his gorgeous eyes. "You are the only guy I've ever been with, and you are the only person I want to spend the rest of my life with. You've done so many things to prove your love for me, and now it's time for me to do the same. On this day I give you my heart and my promise to you that I will always believe in you the way that you believe in me."

I smiled up at my love and stepped forward, taking his hands in mine but never looking away from his eyes.

"It's easy to say that the last few years have been hard, and things have happened that I never imagined would happen to me. But not all those things were bad. I met people I will never forget, and I was brought closer to those I already loved. It brought us closer Shane, and I would go through having cancer all over again if it meant that I would be with the one I love the way we were." I laughed. "I know I was pretty useless for a while, and trust I hated it. You know what I'm like." That earned a few laughs. "But honestly Shane I am so sorry for what I put you through, and I want to show you how much I appreciate all you've done for me by becoming your wife.

I will dream with you, I will lie beside you and I will walk with you hand in hand through whatever life may bring. All my life I've felt like there's something missing, and you Shane Collins fit the place in my heart that I thought would never be filled. You make me happier than I could ever imagine and more loved than I ever thought possible. You have made me a better, stronger person, and I will never be able to thank you enough for letting me into your life. I know that was not an easy thing for you to do Shane. We will build our own family, starting today, with this marriage.

I will love you forever. Even after this life. Because one life time with you isn't enough, and I know we will always find each other again and again. So, my love, I promise you this, an eternity of happiness, laughter, memories, joy, and most importantly, love. I love you Shane, you are my everything and thank you for giving me the gift of becoming your wife."

All around us people were wiping away tears. Once again the priest began to talk, and this time I paid close attention. Here comes the important bit. I thought. The moment you have been waiting for.

"Shane Collins, do you take Claire Danvers to be your lawfully wedded wife?"

Shane gave me a massive smile and a wink before replying,

"I do."

"And do you, Claire Danvers take Shane Collins to be you lawfully wedded husband?"

I couldn't wipe the grin off my face while I answered loud and clear for everyone in the church to hear,

"I do."

"Congratulations, Mr and Mrs Collins, I now pronounce you man and wife. You may now kiss the bride!"

Everyone in the room stood up and cheered as I wrapped my arms around my husband's neck and he wrapped his around my waist.

I breathed in the scent of Shane's aftershave as he leaned down so our noses were touching. I met him half way and fireworks exploded as we shared a long passionate kiss, not caring that it was in front of a room full of people.

Shane finally pulled away, his perfect face lit up in happiness. "Well Mrs Collins, are you ready to start a new life together?"

I laughed and leaned my forehead against his as he wound his fingers through my soft curled hair.

"You bet I am." I replied. With that we kissed again, savouring every moment.

This was one of the best days of my life. I will always remember the bliss, peaceful feeling that I, along with everyone close to me felt on this day. There had been no dramas, and for once everything had gone smoothly.

Life is a roller coaster; I know that better than anyone. But so what. Sometimes there will be cracks in your heart, but those cracks are what allow light to pass through.

Sometimes, life is not how it seems, but you can't let the bad things get to you. There is always something good waiting for you at the end of something bad; you just have to be patient.

Life is a wonderful thing, and never let anyone tell you differently. Who knows what the future holds, but right here, right now, this is my happily ever after. . .

The End