The Photo Project (#Wattys2014)

33: Epilogue

~*Two years later*~

"Ready for our date, beautiful lady?"

"Why yes I am, good sir." I giggle back, wrapping my arm into his.

"Where are we going anyway?" I ask for the billionth time, hoping he'll give in.

“I’ve told you a thousand times, and I’ll tell you again; it’s a surprise.”

“But you know how much I hate surprises!” I whine and kiss his cheek as he helps me onto his motorcycle.

“And you know how much I hate whiney little girls.” He smirks, leaning closer to me.

I blush and blink, trying to keep my mind un-clouded.

“If you behave, and help me make this the best date of our lives.. I might just think about cooking for you tonight.”

That shuts me up; I pretend to lock my lips and hand him the key. If I knew anything, it was that Hayden Arcane was one hell of a cook, and I adored his cooking skills.

He chuckles and rolls his eyes, swinging his leg over and sitting down. I wrap my arms around his waist and nuzzle my head into his back, thinking of all that’s happened in the last two years.

Chase had come back, just like I suspected, with a vengeance like no other.

He had trapped me in my home, with my mom, and threatened to kill her if I didn’t come back to him. Luckily, Hayden was on his way to take me out, and noticed his car in the front. He called the cops and they hurried in, taking him off to jail. It had been his last chance, apparently, because he had been on probation.

As far as I know, he’s still locked up. I had gone to visit him, to tell him I had forgiven him; for myself, not for him. He shut me down though, with a promise that he’s make my life more miserable than ever before.

And as for Hayden’s father, we settled our differences when Hayden and I moved into an apartment together. We invited his parents, and my mother, over for thanksgiving dinner, and made amends.

Grace and I don’t keep in touch too much anymore; but I have a few other friends I somehow made at work; which is a publishing corporation.

Hayden’s sister was obsessed over doing tutorials, and I was her canvas; so I guess you could say I’m a bit famous on YouTube now.

I thought I couldn’t feel better; but I guess I was wrong.

“We’re here, Isobel.”

I snap out of my daydream and smile as he helps me down.

I slide my hands down my dress and follow him into the fancy Italian restaurant he took me to.

“Yum, I love Italian food!”

“I know.” He chuckles, placing his hand on the small of my back.

“Table for two, please.” He says to the lady in the front, giving a small smile. “It’s under Hayden Arcane.”

She nods and grabs two menus before nodding her head for us to follow her.

“What are you going to get?” I ask as I roam over my menu.

Everything sounded amazing, how was I supposed to only choose one?

“Spaghetti.” He sheepishly replies with a small shrug.

I laugh and reach my hand over, holding onto his and nod. “You know what? Spaghetti sounds amazing. Order me some too.”

He waves a waiter over and orders two spaghetti’s with extra meatballs, and two ice teas.

“It’ll be right out; I hope you enjoy your time here.” He smiles before walking away with the order.

We sit in a comfortable silence until he comes back, two big plates full of spaghetti.

“Wow, that’s a lot of food.” I nervously laugh, staring at the plate in front of me.

“Enjoy it, babe.”

I blush and look up at Hayden, nodding. “Thank you for bringing me here.”

“No problem. My girl deserves the best.”

I pick my fork up and dig into it, rolling it around the fork then bring it up to my lips. I blow on it slightly then put it into my mouth, moaning from the taste.

I wince and look at Hayden, confused.

“I think there’s something in my spaghetti.” I say with a mouth full of it.

My tooth hurts now, and I’m pretty grossed out that there was something in my food.

I twirl my tongue around, trying to get whatever it is to the front of my mouth then bring my hand up to pull it out.

My eyes widen and I grab a napkin to clean the object off.

“Oh my God, Hayden..” I trail off, looking up and expecting to see Hayden.

My eyebrows furrow and I look to my side, only to see him on one knee, his cheeks a light pink.

“Isobel Loving.. Ever since you stormed into my life with your cute, weird rants, I knew you were something special. I’m so damn lucky that project happened, because I’m not too sure I’d be right here, right now, with you. We’ve been through some tough stuff, and I personally think we’ve come out of it stronger. You, Isobel Loving, are one of the strongest women I have ever met, and I’d be the happiest man alive if you said yes. So, Isobel Loving, would you do me the greatest honor on earth, and become Mrs. Isobel Arcane? Marry me?”

Tears rail down my face and I slide out of the booth and onto the floor next to him. I nod quickly and throw my arms around his neck.

“Yes, yes yes! A bazillion times yes!” I squeal, grinning from ear to ear.

He pulls back with an equally as big grin and takes the ring from my fingers. He pulls my hand up and slides it onto my finger, and I throw my arms around him again.

People around the restaurant get up and clap, hooting and hollering their congratulations; men wolf whistle and women tear up, smiling fondly at us.

“I think we’ve caused a bit of a scene.” I whisper.

“Don’t we always?”

I sigh happily and pull back, staring into his eyes.

If The Photo Project never happened, I’m sure we would’ve still found each other. Because that’s what soul mates do- they find each other.

Alright guys.. This is it, and for the very last time.. THE PICTURE, is to the side, as always.

I'm writing an authors note, and you should read it.. There might be some IMPORTANT INFORMATION IN IT THAT YOU JUST MAY WANT TO READ!!!

I'm serious, read it. It's not just to give you information, but I will also be going on a small rant baout how far I've come, because of you lovely people. 

 ~Kat