After That Night: Until Dawn Fanfiction

Chapter Twenty-Four

Sam

Two years later…

The research team did their research, publishing the story of Blackwood Mountain for the world to see. No longer are the eight of us seen as crazy. The mountain is officially off limits for the public. Everyone decided that it was better to be left alone.

Josh finally got the help he needed. It was hard after his parents left, but he was able to get adjusted with me pretty fast. He's been properly treated and is now doing better than he has in years. 

We have had a lot of hardships as a friend group. There have been a lot of fights and a lot of tragedy. But Mike made up with Emily when we got back and they're friends again, meaning that we are all on good terms now. And everyone forgave Josh and he forgave us. And now, it's one of the best days of our group's lives. 

Ash and Chris's wedding. 

I’m the maid of honor and Josh is the best man. I wave excitedly over at him across from me and he waves back. There’s so much emotion circling around in the room that I get lost, stuck in a daze of happiness. I accidentally miss the vows, but my trance ends soon enough for me to hear the words, “You may kiss the bride.”

I watch as Chris gives Ashley the sweetest kiss I’ve ever seen. Everyone cheers and it’s off to the reception. 

There is music, dancing, drinks, and food. 

I look around the room from my spot by the drinks at the hustle and bustle of activity. 

Emily and Matt, who just recently got back from their honeymoon after their double wedding with Jess and Mike, are currently eating cake. Jess and Mike are gone from the room, up to something, no doubt. The newlyweds, Chris and Ashley, are off on the dance floor, Chris twirling Ashley around and eyeing her like he still can’t believe she’s really his. 

Then I search for Josh, who is also missing. 

“Hey, gorgeous,” I hear. 

I jump, turning around to find Josh smirking at me. 

"Josh!' I scold. "You almost made me drop my drink!"

He laughs, pulling me into a hug. 

"Alright, alright," I say, squirming out of his grasp and looking into his eyes.

"What's up?"

Josh fakes innocence, batting his eyelashes. "What do you mean?"

"You just seem too happy or excited about something."

Josh scoffs. "It's my best friend's wedding to a girl I've been trying to get him to ask out for years. Of course I'm happy and excited."

I narrow my eyes at him. "Mhmm. Sure. I'll buy it. But I still think you're hiding something."

"Nah. I'm more slick than that. You're just imagining things, Sammy."

I laugh and set my drink down, throwing my arms around his neck. 

"Come dance with me," he begs.

I kiss his neck once before looking up at him with an eyebrow raised. "You gonna ask me the polite way, Joshua?"

Josh lets out an adorable huff like he does every time he is fakely upset with me. He rolls his eyes before backing away from me and extending an arm. "Dearest Samantha, would you do me the honor of giving me this dance?"

I laugh, nodding vigorously and taking his arm. “You bet.” 

He leads me out onto the dance floor and we dance like nobody’s watching.

Eventually, it’s time for Ashley to throw the bouquet. 

There is an excited chatter among the group of women gathered behind Ashley. I know that it might be considered a silly custom, but I was looking forward to the possibility of catching it since I’m the only girl in the group who isn’t married now. 

I raise an eyebrow in confusion as Ashley suddenly turns to face us. Confusion mixes with the racing of my heart as Ashley locks her eyes on my and walks towards me with her bouquet. Then, once she reaches me, she simply hands me the flowers. 

I just stand there in shock, so Ashley has to turn me around, where Josh is waiting for me down on one knee. 

I bring my hands to my mouth in surprise. Tears of happiness prick my eyes.

“Sammy,” Josh begins, “you’ve always been there for me. All these years I’ve known you, you’ve stayed by my family’s side. Even when I would push you away, you’d stay. I’ve messed up. I’m not perfect. But I can promise you this. I will always, always be there for you. I’ll always be here to protect you and love you. Sam, you mean everything to me. So, would you do me the honor of marrying me and becoming Mrs. Samantha Washington?”

“Yes! Of course yes!” I manage to say.

Josh grins from ear to ear, slipping the ring onto my finger. When he stands up, I squeeze him in a hug. 

He laughs. “I love you, Sammy.”

I bury my face in the crook of his neck, still crying. “I love you too, Joshua.”

Everyone is cheering and when I finally let Josh go, I turn around and hug Ashley tight as Chris gives Josh a bro hug. 

“Thank you,” I whisper to Ashley. 

“Of course. You’re a hero, Sam. After all you’ve done you deserve this happiness more than anyone.”

I pull back and smile at Ashley, so grateful for this moment.

So, as we all wave goodbye to Ashley and Chris as they drive away, I turn to look at my friends. No, my family. 
Emily is being held in Matt’s arms, the two looking out after Chris and Ash with remembrance in their eyes. Jess is holding onto Mike’s arm, Mike staring lovingly at Jess while she looks after the newlyweds. And then I look up, seeing Josh watching his best friend leave with a big smile on his face, happy that he finally got his happy ending. 

Then Josh notices me staring at him and our eyes meet. 

And then I realize. 

Everything is perfect. 

I still have the memories. I still have the past. I still have the pain. 

But, I made it until dawn. We all made it. We’re all here. We’re all okay, even better than okay. 

And that is more than enough for me. 

END

Author's Note: Yay! Finished! Thanks for being patient with my slow updates. This was long and hard to edit! But it was worth it. I know I got some technical things wrong and such at some points, but I really worked hard, tried to research what I could, and overall just poured my heart and soul into this fanfiction. And that's what matters. Thank you for reading! I hope you liked the fanfiction that got me out here on Wattpad in the first place! Once I finished writing it, I loved it so much that I wanted to share it. So here I am! Thank you for coming with me through this journey. Boom! Butterfly effect!

-Ash