Winter Music Box

A Beautiful Song (Finale)

Most special music boxes are expensive, but this one was surprisingly cheap. Everyone returns to the apartment once Justin paid for his gift. Amanda and the younger Russos meet in his room so they could hear what lovely song the music box plays. 

"Alright, Justin, let's hear it." Said Alex. "Here goes nothing." Said Justin. He opens the music box and the music begins to play. Once the four adventurers recognize the song, their faces all light up. "Is that... P.S. I Love You?" Asked Max. "Oh my gosh, it is! I've listened to that song on the Please Please Me record, and it literally made me think Paul was telling me he'd one day find his way back to me!" Said Amanda with a smile.

The Russos smile at their friend. "First you write a song telling Paul you'll one day see him again, and now Paul writes one saying he's sending his love to you through every letter he wrote?" Justin asked. "Wait a minute, which came first?" Max asked. "I wrote my song back in 1961, so that one came first, even though I never recorded and released it." Amanda said. "Then again, you did say you only wrote it for Paul. Speaking of, did he ever write to you during your separation?" Alex asked.

Amanda sadly shakes her head. "He didn't know where Chamberg was, and even if I tried writing to him, I worried he wouldn't write back." She said. "Gee, he must've been that upset after you two parted ways." Said Max. "I missed seven of his birthdays, but he only missed six of mine." Said Amanda. "Right, the summer of 1963 was your first birthday reunited." Said Alex. "One thing's for sure, I'm never shutting Tori out." Said Justin.

Alex and Max nod in agreement. "As long as we don't shut out our soulmates, they won't do it back." Alex said. "We may know the answer to this, but I'll ask anyway. Amanda, we know you were already shut out by Paul twice. Was there ever a time before the second one where you shut him out on your rough days?" Justin asked. "No, I never shut him out. Not even once." Amanda said. "Good, that goes to show you care about him enough to let him in on your bad days." Max said.

"Again, Paul was the first friend I've ever made, and I could never bring myself to turn away from him when I find myself in times of trouble." Said Amanda. "If only he could hear you say that right now." Said Justin. "I don't see John anywhere in your room, so that can only mean one thing. The Beatles are probably working late." Said Max.  "Wait, I just remembered! George said they're releasing their next album today!" Said Alex. "Oh yeah, Rubber Soul! I can hardly wait to buy it once it's on the shelves!" Said Justin. "Same!" The other said in unison.

Justin picks up the wrapping paper to get Tori's gift wrapped. "Yikes, that reminds me! Alex, you're the only one who hasn't bought a gift for your man yet." Amanda said. "Yeah, got any ideas on what you wanna get Ryder?" Max asked. "Well... I've got a list of ideas, but maybe I'll just narrow it down to three." Alex said. "Such as?" Justin asked. "I don't know, leather jacket, a comb, maybe a CD. But I'll see when I get to the store." Said Alex.

"Gee, sis, you don't sound like you're in a hurry to buy Ryder a gift." Said Justin. "Like I said before, ever since he and I became a couple, I felt like a whole new person. In a good way this time. I didn't like who I was when I dated Eric, and I've moved on from him once Ryder came into the picture." Alex said. "We're glad to hear that. Honestly, I like this new you." Said Max. "Me too, and this version of Alex is here to stay!" Said Alex proudly.

The Russo boys pat their sister on her back. "Mom and Dad will definitely like him, I can already tell." Justin said. "Really?" Alex asked with a smile. "Absolutely. I don't mean to bring him up again, but if Eric wowed our parents, then I know for a fact Ryder will too." Max said. "I look forward to hearing how that meet and greet goes when you get back from winter break." Amanda said.

After a few more minutes of talking, Amanda and the two Russos retreat to their rooms to let Justin wrap up his present. Both boys have found a gift for their girlfriends, now the only one who still needs to find a present is Alex.

What will the middle Russo buy for her first Christmas with Ryder?

The End