Chapter Fifty-Five: The End.
Melanie, Tara, Janelle, Tony, Chris, and Damien all bugged out in the backyard. Damien and Tony were curled up on one chaise, while Tara held Janelle in the other and Melanie and Chris shared a blanket and pillows on the deck. Janelle caught Tara looking at the pretty drink Tony was sipping on and started to feel bad. “You know you can drink, baby. It’s no big thing,” Janelle whispered, nudging Tara. “I know. You can’t though, so I won’t. I’m not pressed.” Melanie giggled and pushed Chris off of her as he nibbled on her earlobe. “Stop baby! Go set up the screen so we can watch Hairspray!” she squealed as he tickled her. “Man, I can’t believe y’all got me watchin’ this gay ass shit!” Chris yelled, throwing a pillow at Tony and Damien. They all laughed when Tony said, “All you gotta do is try some of this ‘gay ass shit’. I promise you’ll never go back.” Damien pushed Tony off the chaise and he landed on his butt with a thud, much to everyone’s humor. Tony pouted until Damien pulled him back up, his muscles flexing. Everyone settled in to watch the movie and enjoy each other’s company as the sound of crickets echoed in the night.
Melanie
I couldn’t help but stare at the ring Chris gave me last night. When he got down on one knee, I thought my heart was going to explode. Now here I am, engaged and surrounded by the people I love. I knew that this is exactly where I wanted to be. I was thinking about going back to school and majoring in nursing or something. Eventually we would have kids in the house because not only was I engaged, I was pregnant. I guess not using a condom with him was just me asking for it. I went from having the most horrible luck ever and being miserable and slutty to being loved and feeling like the greatest woman in the world. Chris has shown me what it feels like to really be loved and Tara has influenced me to better my life, which will in turn better my baby’s life. And Tara and J taught me that love can heal any wound, no matter how big. I hope me and Chris have a marriage like that…minus the lesbianism, of course haha!
Janelle
As I held Tara in my arms, the feeling of absence totally disappeared. I spent three long years hiding in the shadows from her, too afraid to tell her the truth. It tore us apart, but now that we are together it will never happen again. Having her back was my only wish and now that I do, I’m never letting go. I live for her smile and would do anything to see her happy. I would say more, but this ring box in my pocket is starting to hurt my leg. Here goes nothing…
Tony
To finally see Tara and Mel happy was all I wanted, really. Damien was definitely a plus though. We decided on the two week thing, and now he’s staying with me. It’s really great to not wake up to a huge empty bed. I’m not lonely anymore, and I’m feeling like he and I may just make the big step and have him move in with me. I don’t want to move away from the girls and Chris. They’ve become the family that I’ve never had and now I’m going to be an uncle! Who would have ever thought an outcast like me would be accepted by these wonderful people?
Zoe
As I sped off into the night, I prayed that Tara was finally happy. Hector and I had to get out of dodge before the cops caught up to us for killing Marcus, but he got what he deserved. Knowing that Tara is happy and that Anna has been avenged is enough of me.
Chris
Man…shit just got real. I proposed to Mel last night and she said yes, then she told me she’s pregnant. I gotta step my game up and do what’s right by her. Not only that, I have to tell her how much money I really have. I mean, I did have this house built from the ground up…Anyway, our wedding is in nine months. I want to hold our baby while I wait at the altar for Melanie. It’s already been decided that my dad is going to walk her down and Tony’s gonna be the best man. I can’t wait to take Melanie as my wife. She’s my dream come true, my ride or die, my love. She makes me feel somethin’ I never did before and I wanna spend the rest of my life with her, even if it means spendin’ the rest of my life with Janelle and Tara too. One happy family.
Tara
It took what seemed like forever, but I’m truly happy. I have the love of my life back, I’m going to be an aunt, I’m in school and I’m on the dean’s list…everything is looking up. The blank spaces in my mind are finally filled and it feels amazing to have my memory and my lover back. Maybe one day, I’ll propose to her. Maybe she’ll propose to me. I won’t rush it though. I’m happy right where I am, surrounded by real family. Love is the key, and remembrance is the medicine. Wait, what’s that in Janelle’s hand?
