Young Forever

Chapter 22

Two years later

It felt like it came straight out of a dream. Her, Angela Wang, getting married! She was wearing a beautiful white gown. Her mother had picked it out for her. As she entered the venue, she saw her bride-to-be standing there. Aaliyah Taylor, decked in a white gown, with flowers in her hair. God, she was so beautiful. It was like she got more beautiful as the years went by.

"Gosh I am so proud of them," said Valentina.

"Sure, we're all growing up, I just can't believe this is actually happening" Hanh had tears in her eyes.

"Don't cry, Hanh."

"I'm sorry, I told myself I wouldn't cry but I'm so emotional" Hanh said through her tears. Valentina handed her a tissue.

The Wang and Taylor parents sat side by side. They looked so proud of their daughters.

Angela and Aaliyah took their wedding vows. Then they lifted up each others' veils.

"You're so beautiful up close" said Angela.

"You're beautiful no matter how I look at you - whether its far away or up close" Aaliyah said.

They kissed, and were met with applause from everyone.

"Angie, Angie, there you are!" Mrs Wang hugged Angela so hard that she started to choke.

"I can't believe it! My little girl! Married! Oh I must be dreaming" Mr Taylor looked like he was about to cry.

"Dear, you promised not to cry" said Mrs Taylor.

"Sorry. Its just that I remember when she was a baby. She would sit on my shoulders and make her cute little sounds and-"

"Dad stop, you're embarrassing me on my wedding day" Aaliyah said.

"Sorry darling. I just can't believe you're all grown up now. You even have a wife!"

Mr Taylor cried in spite of himself and Mrs Taylor offered him some tissues.

"I understand how you feel" said Mr Wang. "It feels like yesterday that Angie was our little baby, who cried whenever she was away from us and-"

"Dad, that's enough," said Angela.

"Sorry, sorry" said Mr Wang.

"So, we're all one family now," said Mrs Wang. "What do you say, after this, we go all out. Party, drink, whatever."

"Yeah, let's do that!" they all said unanimously.

"To celebrate our daughters' union!" Mr Wang yelled.

"They seem way too excited" said Angela.

"Yeah, they sure do" said Aaliyah.

Ten years later

The hall was filled with excited chatter. The author of a popular novel called Fire and Ice was to hold a book signing. There were rumours that she'd announce a sequel too.

Amid all the excited chatter, the author appeared on stage to a round of applause. She held a mic in her hand.

"Hello" she said. "I'm Aaliyah Taylor, the author of Fire and Ice. Thank you all for supporting my novel. It couldn't have been a success without you."

Another round of applause.

"Now I've heard among the chatter that most of you were looking forward to a sequel. Well, I've got something even better than a sequel. My wife, Angela Wang, is currently working on a video game adaptation of the novel. Soon you'll be able to play as your favourite characters."

The applause grew louder. There was excited screaming. The hall was so loud you could barely hear anything anyone said.

"Now, everyone, I'd like you to meet my wife. Angie, please come up."

Angela Wang came on stage to a round of applause.

"Oh she's beautiful" someone in the crowd said.

"Hello everyone" Angela said into the mic. "Thank you all for supporting my wife. You've all been great fans. I've been a fan of her work since middle school. She was always talented and had a knack for writing. Well, as she's already told you, I along with a small team of people are working on a video game adaptation of the novel. I'm sure you'll love playing as your favourite characters. I only hope to live up to your as well as my wife's expectations."

There was more applause.

"And, before I begin with this book signing, I want to remind you all of the core message of this book. And that is to stay young forever in your heart. No matter what you do, no matter where you go, always keep that inner child in your heart."