Forever & Always?

Chapter Twenty-Seven: Part One

      Nearly two weeks went by. It was Friday May 1st. The day of prom. I finished getting ready. I wore a light purple dress that was tight at the top but was flowing and poofy from the belly button down. My hair was half up, half down and had excessive curls. My makeup was heavy. However, one thing made me feel like myself. Under my long purple dress were matching purple high top converse.

Ding Dong

"Babe, he's here!" My dad yelled up to me. I squealed and ran downstairs. My father answered the door.

"Hello, Mr. Canaepa."

"Hi Daniel. Hey, be smart tonight,okay?"

"Of course. I'll have her home at a decent hour."

"Thank you," my dad said, the relief in his voice evident. I walked to the door. Daniel froze.

"Hi," I said softly, blushing. I had never seen anyone more handsome. Daniel's dark shoes were clean and shiny. His tuxedo was smooth and fit perfectly. His messy hair made him look phenomenal. His glasses even seemed shinier. His eyes were shimmering. I went in to hug him. He hugged me tighter than excpected. We fit together exceptionally.

"Let's go make some memories," he whispered to me. He released me and opened the corsage package that was in his hand. He put it on my wrist. I pinned the boutonniere I had bought, onto his tuxedo.

"Pictures are going to be at the park," I said to my dad.

"Alright, I'll meet you guys there." His hands were in his pockets and his head was lowered. He kicked his foot slightly. I walked up to him.

"I love you Dad," I said, softly.

"I love you too, princess." We walked out of the house and into Daniel's car. His car was beginning to smell more like him, however, the faint smells of his past would never be completely evaporated.

      
                                    ***

       We made it to the park. I reunited with all of my friends which now consisted of Jennette, Kara, Sam, Shelby, Travis, Alex, and Jackson. My dad met us up there and took one too many pictures along with the other adults. Kara, Jennette, and Sam did not really associate with Shelby, Travis, Jackson, and Alex so I took multiple pictures with each of them seperatly. Alex ended up bringing Melanie which made me quite happy. Jackson and Ella were still together so they went with each other. Charlie and Jennette showed up together, as well. After about an hour of picture taking, we all got in a long, white limo.

I decided to go in the limo Kara, Jennette, and Sam were in. Hookah smoke filled the car. We all took deep breaths. It was prom and it was a harmless pen. I could let loose for once. Kara and Sam opened Sam's back pack, revealing a package of weed. The two of them smoked that while the rest of us stuck with a pen. I then realized why Daniel chose to be a part of this group. They laughed and had fun. They did not spend their time together gossiping about others or complaining about their lives. They spent each time together as if it was the last time they'd ever see eachother. That was something I could get used to.

We got to prom too soon. Charlie sprayed Febreeze. Kara and Sam were completely and utterly high so they went out to walk it off.

"Sam will you gimme' a piggy back ride?" Kara whined, once they got out of the car. I was laughing immensly at every word that came from their mouths.

"Oh yeah sure, I'll give you a piggy back ride!" Kara jumped on Sam's back. They began walking down the street. I was about to continue walking with Daniel, Jennette, and Charlie, but right before I turned my head Sam tripped. He fell and Kara flew forward, falling on her face. I had never laughed so intensly. I wobbled over to them, attempting to contain my laughter, and helped them up.

"Ow!" Kara squeaked through her laughter. Sam sat there, looking like an idiot, laughing way too hard.

"Okay," I paused, trying too calm myself.

"Be careful, will ya?" I said loudly, cracking up.

"Yes sir!" Kara yelped. I stumbled back to Daniel who was also laughing. We went into the school. I met up with my other group of friends. We all danced for a long time. A slow song came on. Daniel looked to me and then looked to Alex. He then looked back at me and then at Melanie.

"Hey Alex, if you don't mind," Daniel walked over to Alex and looked to Melanie.

"May I have this dance?" He asked Melanie.

"Sure," Melanie said, slightly confused. Alex stood behind him. He threw his hands in the air as Daniel brought Melanie closer to him. He walked over to me, shaking his head and pointing to my date. I shrugged.

"Well I guess you're stuck with me," I said, trying not too smile too wide. Genius. Daniel was genius.

"Eh."

"Oh shut up and dance with me," I said tugging his arm. We moved away from Daniel and Melanie and began dancing. I stared into his big hazel eyes. I felt a lump in my throat and looked down.

"Hey, what's wrong?" He asked.

"Alex, this is it. We did it. We made it and I never thought something so amazing was possible." Tears formed in my eyes.

"Yeah," he whispered, pausing, before chuckling under his breath and saying,

"I know." It was Alex. He was the one that was there for me when Daniel was not. He was the one I spent most nights cuddling up on the couch with. He was the one who hated all of the people that hurt me. Alex was my guardian angel. My rock. I needed him. I stopped my feet and looked straight at him. I threw my arms over him and hugged him. I hugged him tight, passionately. I loved Alex, more than anyone. I meant that. I did love him. He was my absolute everything.

"I love you, Alex."

"I love you, Marie." The song ended too soon. I sighed and released him from my grip. We walked over to our dates. Daniel gently took my arm and led me in the direction I had come from with Alex. He stopped at the end of the dance floor.

"Let's get outta here," he whispered passionately.

"Where do you want to go?" I whispered back, a ginormous smile smeared across my face. He had a certain look in his eyes. It was the look he had when he asked me if I wanted to go on an adventure the first week of school. It was the look he had when we went against each other in choir. It was a look of passion, excitement, eagerness.

"Let's go," I said softly.

"Let's get outta here," I whispered louder. His face lit up even more. He tugged my arm and ran toward the exit. I squealed.

"Where are we going?" I screeched, when we reached the parking lot.

"Oh, I could not possibly tell you Marie Louis Canaepa!"

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I have been waiting forever for this part to be published. This is easily the most exciting part of the book. I love Alex. I always have, he's the best. Where do you think Daniel will bring her? I hope you are not too shocked by all that happens. The book is coming to its end and it is sad, but beautiful that all of you have supported me this long and ade this book possible. Thank you so much.