Not what I thought

Somewhat Happily Ever After (Finale)

Alex grows closer and closer, his speechify becoming more agitated as he approaches. He stops to talk to someone before a shot rings out followed by a echoing scream. I can hear Charlotte starting to stir. I look up at her now open eyes.

"Hey."

"What's going on?"

She weakly points to Alastair, Chris and Angus kneeling at the door. I take a breath and after a small hesitation I tell her.

"Alex is here."

Colour begins to drain from her face and I watch as her heart rate spike dramatically.

"But don't worry. I'm here this time. I'm not going to let him hurt you, heck I'm not even going to let him see you. Don't go anywhere. I promise it's going to be alright."

I stand up and turn to leave.

"I love you."

Colour slowly returns to her cheeks and a small smile grows across her face.

"I was starting to think I was the only one. I love you too."

She manages a small chuckle and I leave. I make a B-line for the door. Dad reaches out and firmly grabs my wrist, attempting to hold me back.

"Don't."

"He's not hurting her this time."

I pull my wrist free and and stand in the empty corridor. Now to find the son-of-a-bitch. His shouts bounce around the ward; I've got no idea where he is. Something startled me from behind.

"Nice to see you Xavier. Where's that pretty bitch of yours?"

"How dare you."

"Well I'm here for her and I'm getting her either way so just give her up."

"Good luck buddy."

"Is she in this room?"

I stay silent. I'm suddenly powerless.

"Don't worry. I'll keep her alive just enough so you can say your goodbyes."

He reaches behind him and pulls out a pistol, pointing it at me and forcing me into the room. I'm forced further and further backwards till I'm sitting on the bed next to Charlotte. I keep her behind my body as Alex continues to stride closer. I grow more and impatient by the second with Alex.

"What is so important about her. Why her?"

He's within arms reach now. He stares over my shoulder and at no point makes eye contact with me.

"You see, she's special. I've been watching her for years. Everything she does is incredible. But putting that aside, her father was who I was really after but others got to him before I could. Your little bitch was the next best. And what a shame I'm taking her from you."

"Take me. You will multiply the severity of everything you were going to do to her but with me instead. Kill me. Kill me if it comes to that but don't you dare lay a finger on her. I will end you. I will end you painfully and slowly and then I will find anyone even with the smallest association to you and I will kill the painfully and slowly. Any family you have will die the same way."

Tears began to form in my eyes. Tears of rage, anger, fear and love. Tears of love for the girl that makes me feel like the happiest boy in the world.

Something happens. Alex freezes and his glare is strongly held at the floor.

"I give up."

He drops his gun to the floor. I highly doubt that what I said actually made a difference to him. But he froze and dropped the gun. Dad gives me a look from the corner and throws me handcuffs.

"Alex whatever your last name, you are under arrest for multiple offences including attempted murder. You don't have to do or say anything but anything you do or say may be used against you in a court of law. Do you understand?"

No reply. I don't really care. Dad holsters his gun and takes Alex, Chris and Angus out of the room.

I turn around to see my princess staring up at me. Her blue eyes piercing my soul. She reaches up to my face and wipes away tears I didn't even realise I had. She pulls me in tight.

"Please don't ever leave. Never ever."

"I love you."

She buries her face in my neck. I kiss the top of her head and pull her into my lap. The sun is starting to come through her window. I look down at her face covered in warm colours.

"How are you feeling this morning?"

"Better for seeing you."

"The doctors said you can go home within the next 48 hours."

"I don't mind. As long as I can sleep and as long as you are there."

- 2 DAYS LATER-

"What are we doing today, princess?"

"Sleeping, my sweet prince."

"For how long, princess?"

"Forever. And ever. And then a little bit more."

"And does the princess want the prince to accompany her to sleep for ever and ever and a little bit more?"

"The princess would be delighted."

I climb into bed with her and she curls up to me. We sleep for ages. Probably not forever and ever a little bit more but it was long enough.