Update! I'm excited about this chapter because it's the longest. And it shows James. A good James that I love dearly. I mean, gosh, James is just the perfect guy. He's so sweet and he's just, oh, gosh, he's a dream! But Ash is so much better. And so is my boyfriend because he's real. Okay, here's the update! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Chapter 19 “Daddy,” I whisper before we leave. I hear him hum in acknowledgement. “I don’t love him,” I confess. I see him nod quickly, either meaning that he knows or it’s okay or that he is just nodding because he is much more excited about this than I am. I just wish he would hear me out. We walk silently, my eyes flitting around in nervousness. I see family and friends from everywhere have shown up. Luke and Courtney have traveled from Hawaii to be here, Riley and Laney are here with their baby girl, everyone in the family is here. This is a huge turnout. And it isn’t even for something that I want. When I reach the altar, I hand Macy, my maid of honor, my bouquet. James smiles at me but there’s something off about the smile. It seems almost forced. As the priest starts, I look towards Ash and his eyes are everywhere but mine. Well, shit, I just made things even more awkward than they were. I didn’t want any of this to happen. I just want this to all be a dream. Suddenly it’s time for the people who don’t want us to get married to speak out. But, sadly, even as I look at Ash, pleading for him to stop us with my eyes, no one says a word. I close my eyes and take a silent breath. This is it. I have to do this. For my family, I have to become James’ wife. I don’t think that I’ll ever be happy again. “Do you, Heather Reynolds take James Gateley as your lawfully wedded husband?” asks the priest or whatever he’s called. I don’t even know. I glance at him and take in his features to buy myself some time. His hair is slightly graying; his mouth is in a pressed line as he waits for my answer. He has a hooked nose and his beady black eyes watch me closely for my answer. “Well, I, um,” I start. I look at James and he has a comforting smile on his face. I could be with James for the rest of my life. I could bare his children, raise them with him, and grow old with James. I could end up staying here, not being able to chase my dreams, being a house wife for the rest of my life. Would I be okay with that? Is this what I’m signing up for? “I,” I start again, my eyes switching to Ash. He watches me sadly, waiting just like everyone else. If I say no, I can have a chance with Ash. I can date him, kiss him, to be with him. That kiss was perfect. I know I’ve been missing something in my life and that he was what I was missing. We’ve been through my moving to London, Ryan’s death, everything, and for what? Just to be friends? We can’t be just friends. It’s that obvious. “I, um,” I try again. But I can’t force out my answer. I look back at Macy, and I turn to look at the family. Do I really want to go through with this? I don’t even think I’m ready to be married yet. It’s such a big choice. I still need to go to college, get a good job, at least get a good foundation in my life. I’m only eighteen. School starts in a week. I can’t just get married now. I have to wait. I have to make something of my life before I get married. “Wait,” James calls out and my eyes snap to him. Wait? What is he saying? Doesn’t he want to get married? After all, he proposed. “James, what are you doing?” I whisper to him. “I can’t force you into doing something you don’t want to do. Heather, I’m sorry for forcing this upon you. And I’m sorry about the contract.” I gasp with everyone in the crowd. James knew? “Ash told me about the contract after you told him. And I learned from Macy where it was and everything. I’m really sorry, Mom, Dad, Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds. Heather doesn’t want this. She doesn’t even love me. She is love with someone else and she’s been so loyal to not cheat to try to force those feelings away. Ash, man, I’m sorry. Heather, you really don’t love me do you?” His green-blue eyes are full of hurt but I can see that he knows he’s doing the right thing. He’s too perfect. “No, I don’t. Mom, that’s what I wanted to tell you. I don’t love James. I never have, and I don’t think I can grow to love him.” I sniffle slightly because I’m about to cry. James is too nice to me and he loves me but I can’t even love him back. “It’s okay, Heather. You love Ash, don’t you?” he asks me, looking between me and Ash. I nod, my cheeks burning fiercely. “Really, it’s fine, Heather. I’m sorry for pushing this on you and everything. Because of this, I realize one relationship can’t be your first and last.” “James, thank you,” I whisper, throwing my arms around him. “Can we be friends?” He nods as he gently places his arms around me, his arms around my back. He isn’t pulling me close; he isn’t trying to make me change my mind. “I’m sorry, James.” He sends me a smile that tells me he’s completely fine with it. I just can’t believe he’s taking this so easily. I smile at him and I turn to Ash. He’s standing uncomfortably behind James and I walk over to him. “Ash,” I whisper. “I’m sorry, I have to go. I’ll miss my flight.” He sounds emotionless and he walks away. I watch his retreating figure and I feel my body fall to the ground. Did he…did he just leave? Was that a rejection? “Heather,” I hear Macy whisper, her voice closer than I thought. My heart is now in a million pieced. Is this what rejection feels like? He didn’t even tell me to wait for him or that he’ll see me in a few years. He just left. “Was I just…rejected?” I whisper, turning my head to meet my best friend. She sends me a sad nod and finally, after so many feels, the waterworks decide to kick on and flow. I bawl out of my mind on my best friend’s shoulder. Why couldn’t I have just said yes and got it over with? Why do I have to go through this? Is it a test? I just can’t believe that all this is happening. “Honey, it’s okay,” my mother tries to comfort. I blink away the tears and send her a glare. She knows what this is like. She should know it’s like hell. She sighs and nods, as if she knows what I’m thinking, and walks away. “I’ll be right back!” Macy suddenly exclaims and runs away. I sigh and sit with the stupid bouquet in my lap. This wedding was a disaster. How could I even do this to myself? I’m starting to wallow in self-pity. This is not a Reynolds thing. “Change, now!” Macy commands and shoves a change of clothes into my face. Does she carry an extra set of clothes for me? Looks like it. “I’ll help you get out of your dress, honey,” my mother tells me and gently takes my arm to pull me up off the ground. Shannon, Sandy, and Macy follow us to where I was before, where I kissed Ash. Why didn’t he pull away? I get that he was shocked, but he could have pulled away and told me it was wrong. But he didn’t. Does that me he likes me back? I get it if he doesn’t love me like that, but I really need to know the bloody answer or I’m going to explode. “Honey, talk to us,” Shannon tells me, taking the bunch of flowers from my hand as Sandy takes the veil from my head. Why is she being so nice to me? Maybe it was at the bachelorette party where she realized that she and I are the same. Maybe we can finally be friends. I would have liked to be friends all along. “What am I supposed to do now?” I ask, blinking sadly. Jenny walks into the room as I say this with Marcy and Laney and Grandma Courtney and Greta and Josh’s wife, Penny, and Roxy and Grandma Hera, Mom’s mom. Why are all the married women showing up? They watch as I get out of the dress and pull on the clothes, which actually turn out to be my favorite green shirt, my favorite white capris, and my favorite spring green flats. How did Macy know I was going to need these? “You are supposed to cry and breakdown,” Jenny tells me. “Have I told you the story about Justin breaking up with me?” I gasp. I had no idea that they broke up at one point. I mean, I knew past Ryan kissed Jenny and Justin saw, but that’s it. “Justin broke up with me after she saw Ryan – the past Ryan – kissing me. I didn’t move on. I still loved chocolate, but I saw Justin a few times. I yelled at him or argued with him every time. And you know what? It never helped. Sure, your mother and father helped Justin get back together with me by surprising me at Courtney and Luke’s fake wedding. But crying and wallowing doesn’t help anyone.” “So, what exactly am I supposed to do?” I ask as I put on some green eye shadow. I’ve been putting on makeup while she told the story. I can’t even believe the story though. Justin breaking up with Jenny? It seems like something that would happen in a parallel universe. The women and Macy look at each other. Then they all smile as if some sort of telepathy link has passed through them. I don’t know what happened to make them smile like that, but I stand up straight and put down the brush. They know something I don’t. “Mom, is it okay if I swear with all of you?” Macy asks, moving to stand with everyone. Jenny nods and they all turn to me in unison. Creepy, much? “What? What am I supposed to do? And why are you all doing that? It is seriously creeping me out to no end.” “Isn’t it obvious, Heather?” Shannon tells me, the grin on her face turning into a smile. I shake my head, looking at them all strangely. They all look at each other again and then they look at me again. They smile and say these words in unison: “Go after that son of a bitch that has no idea what he’s missing.” “I’m sorry, what?” “Go after Ash” Mrs. Dayes tells me, scaring me half to death. I didn’t notice her walk in. “But Ash probably doesn’t want to see me.” “Trust me, dear, Ash is a boy. When boys’ feelings get in the way, they run. And Ash is afraid that James will hurt him because you like him. But, let’s face it, if you get Sandy here with James like she’s been wanting, he won’t have to worry.” Sandy and I gape at her. “And you know that, how?” Sandy asks, the blush on her face growing to the shade of a tomato. “And why would you think that would happen?” “I’m Ash’s mother. Mothers know that boys don’t like talking about feelings. And I know that you like James, Sandy, because I can tell by the way you look at him. It’s adorable and love struck.” Sandy’s face grows a deeper shade of red, if that’s possible, and I take a breath. “Why should I go anyway? He’s going to France. I don’t stand a chance.” I crack a smile as I realize I’ve rhymed. Way to go, Heather. “Because you need to tell him your feelings. Now, go!” Mrs. Dayes commands with a smile on her face. “You’re like my daughter, and I hope you become my daughter. Go.” What can I do? I go. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ JAMES IS SO SWEET! Really, he is. I have been dying for that part where he's the total sweetheart he really is. And everyone knew about the contract! It's like, what is the point in keeping it a secret when everyone is too smart to figure it out? Really. I have no idea. I just liked the twist. And Ash, Asher just up and left! He left the wedding and Heather. But there's a good reason behind it, I promise! So, I went to a volleyball tournament today to get the points down and stuff, as practice, and I woke up at 6. God, I forgot what it was like to get up early on Saturday mornings. I used to be in volleyball, and waking up early was not something I missed. But, we won 4th place. We were beaten by Ditch kids. That means kids that lives in The Ditch. And we hope they were beaten by another team by the name of NCA. So, that's it! Love you lovies! ~Shana Alana
I'm sorry I haven't updated today. The website I use to transfer the chapter from my laptop to my iPod isn't working right now. So, I might have to update chapter 20 tomorrow or Sunday. I'm sorry on the wait. Really, I am. I'm going to keep trying to get it transferred though, and if I do, I will update!
I found a new way to get chapter 20 on my iPod. And here it is! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Chapter 20 I look around the airport, searching for the familiar chocolate hair I love so much. He has to be here. Seriously, he has had enough time to pack and get his ass here. I spot a tuff of brown hair and I rush to it. But, sadly, it’s not Ash. I sigh and look around like crazy. God, I hate being short! It is horrible. “Ash!” I call, biting my lip. I spot someone really tall guy with Ash’s hair and I run towards them. “Asher!” The guy stops and looks around. The closer I get, the more I recognize some of his features. His hair is Ash’s, fluffy and easy to ruffle. His ears I remember so much – yeah I’m a freak; shut up – are right there. His tall figure is perfect in height. God, I think I finally found him. “Heather?” the guy asks and turns around. It’s his voice! And that’s face! It’s Ash! I throw my arms around him and hug him tight. “Ash, I found you!” I choke out, hugging him close. He gently places his arms on my waist and pushes me off him. He gives a tired sigh and looks into my eyes sadly. His beautiful pools are sad and they seem…dull. “Ash, is something wrong?” I ask, blinking. He’s making me sad. “Why are you here?” he asks me, frowning slightly. Where are his bags? Oh, wait, there they are, right beside him. Of course. “To see you, of course. Because, well, isn’t it obvious?” I blush slightly at the mention that I’m in love with him. But the thing it, for some reason, I’m too embarrassed to say it. “I…I wanted to say goodbye properly.” I hug him again, resting my head on his chest. “I just don’t want you to leave me now.” “Heather, honey, please, don’t make this any harder than it is. Look, I have to get through and my plane leaves in an hour or two. I have to get through security and all that shit and make it in time. I’ll give you fifteen minutes, okay?” “Fifteen? But there’s so much I want to say and ask and do.” At the last word, I flush. Why? Because I want to kiss this boy to no end. I love him too much to let him get away from me now. “Then start with what you want to ask.” “Were you drinking?” I blurt. “I mean, when I tried to visit you, your parents told me that you didn’t feel very well, and all signs pointed to hangovers.” “Oh,” he whispers sheepishly, pushing me back slightly. “Well, the truth is, no, I didn’t. Well, not the whole time. I did once. It was the day you said yes to James. You looked so tortured to say it, and it broke my heart. Seeing you so hurt to say yes to my best friend hurt. So, I talked to Sandy, had her bring me a few drinks, and I drank. Though, to be honest, all I did was cry according to my parents. Turns out, I’m not like my dad after all. So, happy ending there.” “Why did you avoid me then? We could have talked, you know.” “I was afraid,” he whispers. “It was obvious that you didn’t want to marry James. Hell, it’s obvious you weren’t in love with him. I didn’t want to talk to anyone. I was in a rough place, and I really thought it would help if I didn’t talk to you.” Bullshit. It would have helped me no matter what. Hell, it would have probably made me decide to call off the fucking wedding. He is the biggest idiot of all time. Talking always helps. “You’re such an idiot.” I tell him. “Do you know how worried I was, thinking that you hated me or something? And when I saw you again, you decided to drop the bomb that you were heading to another country.” “I’m sorry, Heather. I wanted to tell you earlier, but with all this shit going on in your life, I felt that I shouldn’t give you something else to crash your life.” I sigh, shaking my head. He really didn’t have to do that. My life sucks all the way around. “You are too sweet for your own good, you know?” “Yeah, I’ve been told. We have ten minutes. What is it you wanted to tell me? Either you do that, or you do what you need to do.” Do I tell him I love him now? Or should I kiss him? I would rather kiss him because then he’ll realize that I love him. Yeah, that works. I’m going to do that. “Well, first thing’s first,” I mumble more to myself than to him. I grab his shoulders, pull him down, and kiss him. And damn, does it feel good. Fireworks explode in my mind; electricity pulses through my body; my legs, yeah, they turn to freaking jelly; and, the best for last, he pulls me close and kisses me back. I love life. When he pulls back, he whispers, “Jelly Girl, you sure are something.” I blink, looking down at my necklace. He gave it to me. How did I not see that coming? It was obvious. He probably didn’t want James knowing in case James wanted to kick his ass. I love this boy to no end. “So you gave me my favorite necklace. I should have known,” I whisper back, a grin on my face. “So, you like me back?” “Yeah, I do. But, you know, I think you have something to tell me, still.” I sigh and nod. “You have five minutes.” “Fine,” I mumble. “I love you, Asher.” I brace myself for his answer as his face softens. He looks down at me with his beautiful blue eyes. “I know,” he tells me with a smirk. I blink, so confused. “You told me when you were drunk. Your drunken self knew before your sober self did. But, you know what? I love you too.” I blush as I hear his words. He loves me. He loves me. And now that I know, I am so much better. He never hated me. “So, you’ll contact me once you get to France?” “No, that’s something I want to tell you, actually. I don’t want you to wait for me. I want you to date other guys because I won’t be back for five years, maybe six. I have to get there, learn, and see what I’m going to do with my life. I’m sorry Heather, but I’m going to need you to move on.” “But, Ash, I love you. I can’t just move on. It’s not what people who love each other do. They try to make a relationship work. This is temporary, you going to France. You’ll come back and we can try a relationship, see where it goes. That’s how it works.” “I know, Heather, but honey, I might not be here. If I decide to not come back here, then I won’t be able to date you. You just have to forget about me, alright? Or, at least forget about your love with me. I’m sorry. You’re time’s up.” He kisses me once. “Good bye, Heather. Oh, and go to a fashion design school like I know you’ve always wanted. I know that you can do great things with designing. You can do it. Just don’t go to that school you’ve decided to go to. Just go to a fashion tech school. Remember, I love you.” Ash picks up his bags and walks away. I stand in the crowd, stunned. People walk around me, some looking at me strangely for just standing in the middle of the airport and not going anywhere. But, where can I go? Home? There are too many memories at home. I laughed with Ash over people we hated, making jokes about them. Ash and I cried over Ryan’s death. He comforted me, when he was in the hospital, when he died. Ash has been with me through thick and thin, knowing my life sucks more than in the movies or in books or anything. And he just decided to leave, telling me he loves me. He’s gone. I pull my phone out of my pocket, calling Ash’s number. When it hits voicemail, I say, “I won’t move on. You know me too well that I know that I won’t move on. I’m sorry, Ash. I love you too much to let you go.” I hang up with that, swallowing the lump in my throat. I won’t cry, not now. I would rather cry at home or in the rain. Or maybe at Ash’s house, talking to his parents about how much I love the boy. But I just walk past the people heading to the security area. I can’t cry here. I can’t cry anywhere except one place. A place no one will hear me. The place I’ve cried after breakdowns. The tree house. No one will find me there. I need to cry in peace. I need to cry over Ash. I need it more than I need to breathe right now. Because this is over. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Now, don't kill me, okay? Not all stories can have a happy ending... So, no throwing tomatoes or anything like that. You'll get the Ash chapter Sunday. Love ya, lovies. I hope this chapter didn't make you love me any less. ~Shana Alana
I was going to but I totally became busy. First I had to take a shower, then eat, then do other shit. Like sleep. Right now, I'm at a volleyball game and I'm so lucky there's service. The last two games I was at had zero service. None. But I would update or write if I had my computer. But I have almost finished it. Look forward to it tomorrow because I won't be able to write since I'll be here for the next couple hours and then I have to go eat with the team. Then I have to go home and do shit like take a shower and sleep some more. So, yeah, no writing for me today. But I will write tomorrow and update. Then I'll post the contest info! 'Cause, yeah, I'm going to still have it. So, yeah. Long but, hey, what can ya do! I'll update tomorrow! Luv ya! ~Shana Alana
Okay, so here's some good news. I finished something and I've been excited about this. I've been planning this since I started writing Chapter 10, about a month ago. And I'm really glad that I can post it now. So...I bet you want to know what this something is. Well, lemme tell you: HERE'S A SURPRISE EPILOGUE! WOOOO! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Epilogue Six years later... I sigh, looking at the dress design. I like the color, but it seems a bit too girly with the pink and the ruffles and the feathers. Way too girly. “Hey, Feather,” Sandy calls. “You want to go get some drinks with the rest of us?” Sandy and I have become best friends and partners in our fashion career. It’s great, and because of me, James and she are engaged. So are Jasper and Macy. Life’s turning out great. Except the fact that I am single. And I haven’t heard from Asher Dayes in six years. It’s kind of sad that I’m Heather Reynolds, a blooming fashion designer, and I haven’t tried to date anyone else. “No, thanks, but you know I don’t drink anymore, Sandy.” It’s true, I don’t. Ever since I learned about Ash drinking, I haven’t touched a drop. I’m more sober than ever. Though, my jellybean obsession is higher than ever. I eat jellybeans more often. And speaking of jelly, I haven’t gone a day without wearing my Jelly Girl necklace, the only thing I have that reminds me most of Ash. “Well, you should head home. After all, we can continue this tomorrow.” Sandy sends me a pleading look and I sigh, nodding. I move away from the dress design and I grab my purse. “Oh, by the way,” she adds, “you have a message from someone. They say to tell you, ‘Meet you at the spot, half past ten o’clock.’ They said you’d know what it means.” I freeze at her words, or rather, song lyrics. “Here’s to never growing up,” I whisper, checking the clock. Only one person would use those lyrics. And it’s been forever since we’ve sang that song together. It’s just now ten. I’ll barely make it. Our spot is just thirty minutes away, and I have to remember the damn path. I don’t know if I’ll make it in time. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Feather!” Sandy calls, and I wave, quickly grabbing my stuff. My car is out in the parking lot, and I kinda remember the path to the tree house. But it’s been six years since I’ve been to that tree house. I could be very wrong. “See ya, Sandy,” I mumble more to myself as she leaves. I grab my keys and rush to the parking lot, spotting my beautiful car. My beautiful black Roadrunner. I started driving it when Ash left. It was the only thing I had left, since Ash can’t give me rides anymore. So, I decided it was time to suck it up and drive. I haven’t had an accident since, thankfully. I hop into the driver’s seat and put the car in gear. It’s old but beautiful. And it still runs like new. I pull out of the parking lot and quickly head to the park. Twenty-five minutes later, I’m at the park, walking by myself, my body shaking with nerves and the cold. It’s late November, and it’s freezing in my hometown of Everland. And I’m nervous because this could either be a trick, which I will murder someone for, or I could be seeing Ash again. And if I see Ash again, I don’t know what I’m going to do. Ash broke my heart last time I saw him, telling me to move on and forget. But I haven’t. I’m never going to forget my true love. And yet, the only other boy who ever loved me is engaged. To one of my best friends, to top that off with a cherry flavored jellybean. Ash could have never told me he loved me back. Because of that, I haven’t learned to forget, to let him go. Because of him, I just might be single for the rest of my life. But it’s also partially my fault for falling in love so hard. I nod at people who greet me, most people I know, others are vacationers, visiting because this once small town is actually famous. With our rock stars Marcy, Roxy, Isaac, Marcus Nick/Wolf, Jere, and Liam, people come to see what their home town is like. And, hey, anything to make the town better. I walk into the woods when no one even sees me, biting my lip to try to figure out if I remember the path. It’s been an awfully long time. Six years ago I was at the tree house, bawling my eyes out over Ash leaving, and that’s when I swore that I would never go back. It held too many memories and I couldn’t stop crying, and I was sobbing so much, I ran out of tears, so I just shivered and made crying noises. It was that bad, him leaving me. At one point, I spot a flickering flame. Is there a fire going on? I walk towards it to find a candle, and black petals are lying on the ground. What is this? If this is one of Macy’s tries to get me a boyfriend, she’s really going the wrong way with it. But how the hell does she know where the tree house is? No one but Ash and I know where this place is. So…what’s with the romantic trail? I follow the trail, seeing more candles and more petals, and now I recognize the path as the path to the tree house. I walk the trail slowly, my black heels tapping the dirt path. The further I go, the more I shiver and shake. As much as I pull my jacket around me, it’s not the cold. My nerves are going bonkers. I can’t stand not knowing who made this trail for me. And how did they know I would need it? I finally see the tree house and I gasp. Christmas lights are strewn around the tree and the structure between the branches. The sight takes my breath away. There are more candles, in two perfect rows, leading straight to the ladder. The ladder and the tree house, I hardly recognize itself. It’s been painted, and my favorite color too. Green and the ladder is green too. There are quotes all over the walls and the ladder says, “‘Stay with me,’ – Katniss,” and “‘Always.’ – Peeta.” The quote that I love dearly from Mockingjay is right there. I walk to the ladder, taking deep breaths. Whoever did this is going to get a big hug. I don’t know who had the time to do this or who found it or how they know so much about me, but it’s perfect. I grab the ladder and haul myself up. I step into the tree house to find more Christmas lights twinkling around the small structure. I see an iPhone and I tilt my head, a tad bit confused. And that’s when it starts playing. “Singing Radiohead at the top of our lungs,” a masculine voice sings – I think I know this voice. “With the boom box blaring as we’re falling in love. Got a bottle of whatever but it’s getting us drunk. Singing here’s to never growing up.” This song, this song. Suddenly, there he is, smiling at me as the music keeps playing. He looks so different. He has stubble growing on his chin. His chocolate hair is a bit longer. His smile is broader. His eyes are twinkling along with the lights. His beautiful, blue pools that are his eyes are right there. I can’t believe he’s here. Asher Dayes is standing in this very tree house that we built after six years of being gone. And he’s the one who told me to forget about him. “Hello, Heather Reynolds. I’m Asher Dayes. Would you care for a dance?” he asks me way too formally. I snort and try to hold back my laughter. “Why, yes, Asher,” I answer, holding back my fit of giggles. “I would love a dance.” He smiles that breathtaking smile and changes the song to a slow song with words I don’t understand; I think it’s French. He takes one hand in his and places a hand on my hip, and I have to fight back a blush as I place a hand on his shoulder. His hand is really close to a certain area that hasn’t been touched by a guy in six years. It’s kinda sorta freaking me out. “You okay?” he whispers. “You are as red as a lobster, mon cher.” I blush even brighter, realizing that he said something in French that I don’t know. “It means, my dear, Heather, amour, love.” I blush brighter still. He’s got to stop with that French stuff. “Um, can you, maybe, stop, Ash?” He blinks and gives me a sheepish grin. “Of course. I’m just used to speaking in French after being in France, you know? I’m sorry, Heather.” I blush even brighter, if that’s even possible, at his apologizing. He’s so sweet. That makes me wonder. Did he get a girlfriend in France? Why is he here anyway? “It’s fine,” I whisper, looking anywhere but him. “How have you been?” Ash takes his hand off my hip and places his hand under my chin. He brings my face to look at him and I send him a sheepish smile. For the whole song and the two after it, we talk about how our lives have been, slowly dancing. It’s strange. Ash never thought he was coming back to Everland. He thought that he would never be dancing with me in this tree house. And the best part? He is smiling wider that I am. This handsome boy, all dressed up in a button up shirt with a pair of slacks and dress shoes, is smiling at me wider than anyone else ever could. Is this a sign? “Why are you back?” I ask as “Here’s to Never Growing Up” starts again. “This’ll sound really cheesy, but I came back for you. I’ve been back for about six months, painting this tree house, just for you. I see you’re still wearing the Jelly Girl necklace.” I grab the necklace gently, nodding slightly. It’s been a long time since I’ve actually thought about this necklace. I’ve been putting it on automatically, so it’s like it’s been programed. I love that, really. I mean, yeah, I know that I’m wearing it because, for some reason, it’s like Ash’s aura or presence is connected with this necklace. And I love it more than anything. Except Ash, because he’s just…Ash. “Yeah, I have. It’s the only thing I’ve really looked at for the last six years that reminded me of you. I couldn’t stop thinking about you for a while. And when I stopped, I would still wake up and want to call you, telling you to pick me up to go to college or to go somewhere. I…I couldn’t forget about you, no matter how much you told me to.” “Well, can I tell you a secret?” “We’re best friends, right?” “Yeah. I couldn’t forget about you either. That’s why I came back. I came to see you. I didn’t tell you because I wanted to surprise you.” “That’s…sweet.” I blush, thinking about how much he must like me to come back just for me. I’m not that good, am I? I mean, yeah, my life’s sucked until just recently, me becoming a fashion designer just like Ash told me to. Well, he told me to go to a fashion tech school, and I’m pretty sure he knew I wanted to do something in the fashion industry. “Yeah,” he mumbles. Suddenly, the song slows to my favorite part, and I start to sing. “Stay, won’t you stay forever? Stay, we can stay forever. Hey, we can stay forever young,” I sing, asking him if he’ll stay for me. He nods just as Avril starts to sing the long “oh” and kisses me. He is the one that kisses me. And trust me, I haven’t felt a kiss in a long time. And it feels perfect. Those feelings last time I kissed him, they’re back. My knees have turned into jelly, and the only way I’m still standing is by my wrapping my arms around his neck and him wrapping his arms around my waist. There are fireworks and there is electricity. There is this feeling that’s making me high. I’m getting high off his kissing. How is that possible? When he pulls back, we both whisper, “Here’s to never growing up,” as the song ends. “Heather Carrie Reynolds, will you be my girlfriend?” he asks me and I send him a smile. “Gee, what do you think, Frenchie?” “I think, after that amazing kiss, yes?” “Oui.” It's the only French I know by heart. I smile and pull him down, kissing him. Oh yeah, here’s to never growing up! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ SURPRISE! I'm serious when I say I started thinking about this around a month ago. I was thinking about the ending, and I wanted there to be the airport scene, but since I already made up my mind that he was going to France, it would be wrong to make him stay. So, you like the real ending? I kept this a secret because I didn't want to let you guys know that chapter 20 wasn't a happy ending. Then you would know that the epilogue would be a happy ending where they end up together. So, there it was. I really loved writing this chapter because everything ends up perfect in Heather's life which she's really needed. Now, in other news, guess who's birthday is tomorrow? Josh Hutcherson's aka Peeta Mellark from The Hunger Games. I have it marked on my calendar because I'm in love with him. Total swoon-age. He's beautiful. Of course, my boyfriend knows that I'm in love with Josh, but he knows I'm in love with him more than Joshie. So, the contest: I will post details tomorrow. Why? I have to write everything out or else I know I'll forget something. But I will post it. Promise! I will be writing Ash's chapter. I'll write it and post it as soon as I can. But you never know when I'll post it. A reminder: No, I did not just think of this epilogue within the last week. I haven't had enough time to write this week. So, know that I planned this. This wasn't a make up chapter for the end. I love you guys! I know you love me too! ~Shana Alana
JELLYBEANS AND JELLY-KNEES FAN FICTION CONTEST This is going to be the first contest I will be hosting. I'm very excited because I want to see how you would write these characters' lives, personalities, thoughts, etc. I want you, my readers, to write about the future (or past before this story) any of the characters except: • Jennette • Mason • Georgia • Quinn • Nico • Heather and Ash's child/ren • Keith's child/ren • Josh and Penny's child/ren • Laney and Riley's child/ren • Marcy's third child that has been unnamed. Now, since this is my first time hosting a contest, I only have a few rules: 1. You cannot add new characters. You can use characters from the series such as Kendall from Ice Cream Delights. 2. The story cannot have anything to do with anything past ten years after this story (Jellybeans and Jelly-knees) takes place. This is because it will interfere with the fourth story of STS. 3. The entries must be entered by October 19, one week from tomorrow. 4. If you enter, you must be following me so you can PM me your one shot. 5. The point system will be separated into three parts. Grammar, punctuation, spelling, etc. will be the first part. The way the writer portrays the character will be second. The third will be how well the story flows and if it makes sense. Not many, I know. But that's what's important. Now, for what the winner gets: The winner will have their story posted on this thread. They will also have a chance to collaborate with me. If they choose to not accept this, then they can receive a gift if their choice that is 10ECs or under. Finally, they will be one of my best friends because that's an awesome honor. Just PM me or follow me to let me know if you are going to join. Good luck!