The Ugly Duckling

Chapter 9: Epilogue

Soon, Felix finds that the date of the Homecoming Dance is rapidly approaching. The problem is, he still hasn't asked anyone. He's still contemplating his predicament when Chase pops up out of nowhere. This nearly gives Felix a heart attack. Chase asks Felix if he has asked anyone to Homecoming yet. Felix hangs his head dejectedly with a resounding no. However, Chase seems happy with this news and suddenly gets on one knee. Felix feels his face go red and asks him what the hell he's doing. Chase just smiles that perfect smile and asks Felix if he will go to the prom with him. Felix can't believe what he's hearing. He's not sure if he should accept. Won't this tarnish Chase's image? Chase seems to know what Felix is thinking and states that he doesn't care what anyone else thinks. Felix realizes how silly he's being and, not wanting to keep Chase on his knees any longer, says yes.

Before he knows it, the night of the homecoming dance arrives. Felix stands in front of his mirror in a dashing black tuxedo. His hair has some style to it upon the insistence of his mother. Suddenly, he hears the doorbell ring. He frantically smooths everything out one last time making sure to check that nothing is stuck in between his teeth. He hears his mother open the door and then a sexy, British accent greeting his mother. He tries not to look overly-excited as he makes his way down the stairs. Chase stands in the hallway by the front door sporting a white tuxedo that brings out his silvery-blue eyes. At the sight of him, Felix can't help but smile. Chase notices him standing there and gives him a compliment. His mother is holding a white rose ready to pin it onto his jacket. Chase is already wearing his. After what seems like endless pictures, Felix's parents finally let them leave.

They have a great time dancing at the prom, even daring to slow dance which makes Felix's heart feel like it's going to beat right out of his chest. Finally, it is time to announce the homecoming king and queen. It is no surprise that the homecoming king is Chase. As it turns out, the homecoming queen ends up being Felix's sister, Isabelle. She seems happy to be going up. After the crowning, Isabelle whispers something into the announcer's ear. The announcer's face looks a bit uncertain, but it seems that she's okay with her request. Isabelle gracefully steps forward to the microphone and announces that while she is honored to be voted homecoming queen, she's decided to give her crown to someone else. A low murmur erupts in the crowd, but she doesn't seem to mind. She then calls out that the name Felix Faulkner. Felix looks up in shock and feels his face heat up. Is that even allowed? Over half of the student body either looks angry or confused. The rest seem to find it heartwarming. She calls out his name again and whoever is manning the spotlight manages to find him. Seeing as there isn't much of a choice, Felix nervously walks up to the stage. The familiar feeling of eyes on his back offer him little comfort. He steps up and Isabelle gives him a big hug and whispers that she's so proud of how the person he's become. She then crowns him, and Felix and Chase proceed to kick off the rest of the night by starting a dance as the homecoming kings.

When the dance is over, Chase takes Felix by the hand and leads him up on a hill behind the school. The lights are far enough away that the stars in the night sky are relatively visible. Felix finds this sight amazing. After some time, Chase turns to Felix and kisses him. It's not very forceful, but it causes Felix's heart to flutter for the umpteenth time that night. Chase then asks him if Felix will go out with him. Felix can't believe this is happening. He says yes without missing a beat. Chase smiles and grasps Felix's hand and they stargaze for a while before he takes him home.

The next morning, he wakes up to his mother's excited bantering. He barely has time to register what's going on, before she shoves a white envelope into his hand. She quickly explains that it's from the art contest and implores him to open it. He knows that he shouldn't get too excited, but he can't help but get his hopes up. He opens the envelope and reads the words:

The judges are pleased to inform Felix Faulkner that he has won first place with his piece "The Ugly Duckling". See details below for date and location of the ceremony.

Felix can't believe his eyes. His mother screams in delight and gives him a big hug. He's elated, but the first person he thinks about is Chase. He immediately calls Chase and tells him the good news. Chase seems thrilled and offers to take him out to lunch to celebrate.

A shower and a change of clothes later, Felix finds himself sitting at Panera Bread with Chase. As they hold hands across the table, Chase insists that he knew Felix could do it. Felix replies that, now, he believes he can do anything if he puts his mind to it. Chase nods with a grin. He tells Felix that he's so lucky to be a part of his life. Felix lets out a dazzling smile and tells Chase that he's the lucky one and never thought that he could be so happy.