Hated, Dated, Fated

HDF - Epilogue

4 Years Later

CALEB

"Caleb Evans get your sexy ass out of bed we're going to be late for graduation!" Alexa's voice shattered the delicious fog of sleep and I groaned.

"Jeez woman, any louder and Riley would've heard you," I grumbled, tousling my already messy bed hair.

"I heard that Evans! I know you guys just won the NCAAs but move that ass! Move Evans, move!" she yelled back and I laughed at her terrible attempt to mimic Coach Burns but got out of bed before she started nagging some more.

After we had all graduated from Sierra Academy Lexa and I headed to Duke, while Riley went to UCLA, deciding to pursue a degree in Theatre while Josh played basketball and majored in physiotherapy. The girls hadn't seen much of each other, with Alexa doing a double degree in Marketing and Communication and myself doing Sports Management, but I had secretly arranged for Riley, Josh and a few other friends to fly over for our graduation.

Amazing how time flies so quickly. 4 years of living with my dream girl. I thought to myself, and grinned as I looked around our apartment. It was so... us. Her clothes were in a pile, obviously after trying on various outfits to hide under her graduation gown, and my tux had already been pressed, with a dark red tie laid out.

Dressing quickly, I ran my hands through my hair to make sure it didn't look too messy I slipped on my dress shoes, grabbed my graduation gown and cap and bounded out of the room.

Dropping my things next to Alexa's I wrapped my arms around her.

"Looking good beautiful," I said, wrapping my arms around her, leaning in to kiss and nuzzle her neck.

"Caleb, stop it we gotta go, our parents are waiting for us," she sighed, leaning into my embrace anyway.

"Yeah let's," I say, grabbing her hand and my keys before leaving the apartment.

We met up briefly with our parents, all of whom took enough pictures to rival the paparazzi before we were separated because of our surnames. I assured her I'd be cheering the loudest, to which she rolled her eyes at and kissed me goodbye. The speeches dragged by, and I fidgeted, wanting to just get it over with so I could begin my celebration with Alexa. Finally, after what seemed like forever, they started roll call, beginning with the top honor students. When Alexa's name was announced, I jumped up and clapped, cheering and whooping, causing Alexa to laugh on her way up. She grinned widely as she received her degree, and I knew she of all people, deserved it.

"We did it, we did it, we did it!" Alexa squealed in happiness, launching herself into my arms once the ceremonies were over.

"Yeah we did baby, and you did so good too," I murmured against her lips, twirling her around in happiness.

"Hey, Evans, don't hog my best friend any more, we all want to see her too!" Riley's voice broke through our bubble and I regretted inviting her for a second.

"Oh my god, Riley? Josh? Amber? Jess? Alex? What are you guys doing here?" Alexa gasped, running over to them and hugging all of them, talking a mile a minute.

Jessica and Amber had become part of our little group after the celebration, and I was grateful that Lexa had made more friends than just Josh, Riley and myself. I turned away from the scene and was surrounded by my basketball team, my second family.

"Congrats bro!"

"You're so going to get drafted!"

"All the best Caleb!"

"Good luck Cap'n!"

The well wishes came from all angles, and I thanked them all, making them promise not to slack off just because I had graduated. We chatted easily about possible future plans and how awesome it was to end my college career with a NCAA win, until I spotted Alexa's parents and excused myself.

"Hi, Mr. Ryans, may I speak with you for a minute?" I asked, my hands twisting nervously.

"Kid, call me Jake. What's up?" Alexa's dad answered easily, walking away from the women and out onto the quad.

Come on, you practiced this!

Everything I had rehearsed flew out the window when Jake stopped and turned to me.

"You want to marry my daughter, right?"

Well that got awkward quickly. Hurry, man up!

"Well, yes. I know we're still really young, but I really do love Alexa and I know she's the one for me. It sounds incredibly cheesy and lame but she really is the light to my darkness. She makes me happy just by being there for me, and I've never, ever felt a love as strong as the love I feel for her. I just wanted to do this right, and ask you for permission to marry your daughter," I finished, looking to Jake for his reaction.

He looked thoughtful, and I felt hope glimmer in my chest.

"You two are awfully young, but I see the way you look at one another. I know you'll be there for her through her best and worst times. It's all I really want for my little girl; for her to be happy," he finished, happiness shining through his eyes.

"Thank you Mr. Ryans!" I turned and sprinted back to Alexa, wanting to propose now.

I skidded to a stop in front of her, picking her up and kissing her in front of everyone.

"Alexa Ryans, you are the light to my darkness. Your love for me knows no bounds. Even when I do stupid shit and break stuff and say things that hurt you, you still forgive me, tell me you love me and what's most important is that we're together. I love you Alexa, there ain't no me if there ain't no you. We've been through so much, already, and I was just wondering..."

I sank onto one knee, opening the box and holding it out to her.

"Will you marry me?"

Alexa stared at me, shocked, tears filling in her eyes as she nodded her head.

"Yes, yes, a million times yes," she choked out, and I got back up, pulling her to me and capturing her lips in a kiss, trying to pour her all the love I had for her into that kiss.

"I love you. So much."

A/n: THAT'S IT! This is the last part of Hated, Dated, Fated! I'd like to thank Kae, for always nagging at me to finish this story (even though this epilogue is like three months overdue). I'm sad that Calexa's story is over but all good things must come to an end. 

Till next time! 

YieShyueny