Skyline

Epilogue

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If you ask me now what the worst part of my life is, I would answer you with full confidence: there is none. Yes, there may be depressing times but I've been blessed more than depressed.

Back when I thought the opposite of this, I had one friend, Arianne Castillo. Some would say that's boring. And a member of that group is one whose name is Alexei Clarke.

Alexei was the one who started it – showing me the truth. And I was so happy he did.

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I was walking through the hallway, my head bowed. I was on my way to my aunt's office when I was struck by human nature.

Simplified term: I need to pee! But I don't need to tell you about that because that's not normally interesting so let's fast forward. I exited the room but suddenly there was a slippery substance by the door that wasn't there before and I slipped on it, sending the papers I was holding flying in every direction.

Fantastic.

With a sigh, I got on my knees to pick up the papers and didn't bother looking up when I heard the door to the male restroom open and close.

And then, a voice spoke: "Here you go, shortcake."

I looked up to see a male anime character come to life! Kidding. I looked up to see my handsome boyfriend. His hands were outstretched; he was giving me the papers he helped pick up.

I rolled my eyes at him. "Are you trying to relive the moment we first met?"

He stared at me with fake innocence. "Of course not."

I scoffed. "Come on. An ear load of scolding from my ever-so-lovely Aunt Skye is all we need and then the replay would be complete."

Today was the alumni homecoming and Halloween costume party of the whole school. My aunt had forced me to make a speech earlier and I had to beg her to make Alexei do it instead. Thank the heavens my aunt has changed!

Now, I hear the students talking. I roll my eyes at their gossip and cursed my aunt for putting that huge portrait up outside. I walk through the hallways and Alexei tightened his hold on my hand. That way, I survive. No, but seriously, my aunt displayed pictures of past Halloween costume parties everywhere in the campus and made ours – the portrait of Alexei and I wearing our costumes that won us Best Pair – bigger than the rest. It was embarrassing to say the least.

When we got outside, we met up with our friends. Lou and Beau were there, happily chatting with some of their own acquaintances about their engagement. Arianne was busy sketching dress designs for my grandmother's upcoming winter collection while Julian stayed by her side, eating a sandwich.

I looked back up at Alexei, the person who made this change in my life. He stayed even when I tried to push him away. He persisted even when I wanted him to give up. And although it started as hoax, everything went well. He never gave up on me even when other people did. I thank him for that. He let me be my new self. I focused on my blessings and turned positive. It's not just anime that mattered anymore (although it still matters very much). It's the little moments, the little gestures, and all things in between.

I realized that Lord Byron was right. Friendship is Love without his wings.

I realized that whatever happens, eventually I will be okay someday. It would feel that bad things happen for no reason sometimes and things end but that shouldn't mean you should come to an end too. The ocean will always have waves; I just have to learn to swim through them for a bit longer. And through it all, I am not alone.

A/N: Before I go hysterical, the song featured is Me Without You by All Time Low.

Oh my goodness. This is the end. Skyline is complete. Oh god.

Okay, first off: this story was inspired by three main songs: Me Without You (All I Ever Wanted) by All Time Low, Kiss Me Slowly by Parachute, and Belle of the Boulevard by Dashboard Confessional. It took time for me to finally decide the final plot and how the story will continue after so many drafts and changes even in published chapters but I'm glad that it all worked out eventually.

Thank you to all of Skyline's readers for being patient with me and of course for reading the story of Colleen and Alexei. I hope you had fun as much as I had while writing it. It has been a wonderful experience. Today, I finally click the completed button and close the story of my two new babies forever.

As always, with much appreciation,

-angelmade :3