Hanging On

The After Epilogue

So, because I'm not going to be writing a sequel (sorry) I thought I would right like an after epilogue for you guys. Let me know what you think!:)

**Three years later**

"Your hair looks like a rats nest."

 I frowned at Emily. "You aren't helping. I'm already stressed enough." I said, running a hand through my hair, and getting it stuck. I made a face and started untangling it. Emily smirked at me and brushed her perfect red hair over her shoulder.

"Don't worry, we still have a few hours." she said, and I took a nervous breath, tugging nervously on one of my dark curls. I looked around my room, the familiar wooden floors, my bed that was, for once, perfectly made, the pillows stacked neatly. I had even vacuumed the striped rug on the wooden floor in front of my bed. My vanity was neatly cleaned, my makeup and hair brush already in another bag.

Emily picked up her purse and looked at me.

"Ready to go?" she asked, and I nodded, piling my hair on top of my head.

"Yeah, one second. I just gotta go check on Tucker." I said, and Emily nodded, heading out my room. I went over and opened the door to Tucker's room.

He was just buttoning up his black collared shirt, giving me barely a glimpse of the small circle of a scar where he had been shot nearly three years earlier. It seemed like a lifetime. I put my hands on my hips and smiled.

"You still have a few hours." I said, and he glanced over at me, offering me that crooked smile that seemed to make the world spin a little faster.

"I know. Just checking." he said, and I laughed, walking over to him and wrapping my arms around his waist. He turned around, and put his arms around me, his black eyes dark as ever. I smiled at him, and he smiled back, then I stood on my tip toes to kiss him.

He held me tightly against hos body and crashed his lips to mine, making my heart beat faster. I never really got used to that. I smiled against his lips and tangled my fingers into his black hair.

"I gotta go. Em is waiting." I whispered against his lips. He groaned against my lips.

"Why?" he whined, setting me on my feet. I laughed and forced myself to step away.

"Because, I have to. I'll see you in a few hours?" I said, heading towards the door as he started unbuttoning his shirt to get into a normal one.

"I'll be there." he said, smiling at me again. I smiled back.

"You better be."

I walked past my room where I had so many memories. Curling up with Tucker every night, waking up hearing his heart beat, sleep overs with Emily, my father tucking me in every night. I walked down the stairs and into the kitchen, remembering the time I sat on the counter, reassuring my mom that things would get better with Tucker after he first arrived, where Mr. Savage had grilled Tucker so many times.

On the porch I found my mom and Emily, talking amongst themselves. My mom smiled when she saw me.

"Hey honey, you ready?" she asked, rubbing her hands on my arms. I smiled and nodded.

"More than ready." I answered, more sure of myself than ever. 

Jake jogged up the stairs and twined his fingers into Emily's.

"Hey, Em." he said, kissing her cheek. She smiled and turned her head, offering him a quick peck on the lips. After a couple years they had finally toned down on the PDA, mostly for my benefit. They were perfect for each other, and almost nothing made me happier than seeing them together. Jake looked over at me and raised his eyebrows.