Epilogue

Crystal

I walk out of the auditorium. It feels so hot outside now. I scan my eyes through the large crowds of people. Then I see Dylan sticking his arm out high and waving. We make eye contact and smile, waving back so he knows that I have seen him. I walk over. Martha and George hug me first.

"We are so proud of you," George says, patting my back.

"Thank you so much," I say with a smile. Martha hugs me again, but I keep my eyes on Dylan. I haven't seen him in a while. I have been swamped with school work. I just want to attack him. Every day away from him is the absolute worst. As soon as I am about to hug him, Martha grabs my arm.

"We need to get some pictures."

I roll my eyes.

"Mom, please. It can wait."

"Seriously," she snaps. I shake my head it's not worth the fight. It never is with her. "Thank you," she says to me when she knows that I have no choice but to comply with her demands. I roll my neck and make eye contact with Dylan. He finds this all amusing.

"George, stand next to the big graduate. Crystal is in the middle. Okay?" her sharp voice demands.

Martha holds out her hands.

"Move, closer!" she shouts, trying to get him a step closer to me. George places his arm around my shoulder, and Dylan slips his arm around my waist.

"Oh, you look so beautiful, honey," she says while looking through her phone screen camera. My blue graduation gown is slightly unzipped, and my cap is tilted on my head. My long hair is curled and falls on either side of my shoulder. I did it. I finished college. The warm spring air fills my nose. Hundreds of other graduates pass us in their robes with their families. I look over at Dylan. He looks so handsome in his suit. His eyes are sparkling bright. He looks down at me and smiles. I just want to kiss him so badly right now. His muscles bulge underneath the tailored outfit. I might start drooling. It isn't easy to be next to someone this hot. I don't care how many times I have seen him naked. It really never gets old. He is so handsome. My mom snaps her fingers to get my attention. I roll my eyes. Why does she have to act like this?

"Okay, perfect," Martha says. "On the count of three. One-" I smile. "Two." George suddenly steps out of the frame. "Three." Dylan falls to the ground. My eyes grow wide. He is on his knees next to me, looking up. He reaches into his suit pocket and pulls out a small black box. My heart stops, and I cannot believe what is happening. He opens the box to reveal a large diamond ring, with a white gold band. It sparkles and shines in the sun. I cover my mouth with my hand and take a step back. My heart is racing a million miles per minute. I hear my mother squeal out from the corner of my eye. But I keep my focus on Dylan.

"Crystal -" he begins.

"Yeah," I say softly back, watching him. I think I might pass out. Tears are already brimming in the corners of my eyes, and he has only spoken my name.

"From the moment I saw you at the top of the stairs this fall, I knew that I wanted you. You are so smart and beautiful. No one will ever compare to how truly wonderful you are. I am so lucky to have been blessed with you, and I want to make sure that no matter what happens I will have your love forever. Crystal Rues will you, please do me the honor and marry me?" He is shaking, but his eyes are firm, and a large smile is plastered over his lips. I jump up and down and begin to scream like a wild manic.

"Yes!" I shout. He takes my hand then and slowly slides the ring onto my finger. It fits perfectly. When he stands up, I jump into his arms. "I love you so much," I say. He holds me close to his chest and spins me around. I feel like I am high and nothing can bring me down. I cannot believe it. Once upon a time, I doubted my chances with my stepbrother, or with any man for that matter. But now here I am, engaged to the most wonderful man in the whole world.

We kiss one another. People walk by us staring, some clap, others shout words of congratulations. I pull back from Dylan and look deeply into his eyes. He kisses my forehead.

"I told you, Crystal," he whispers.

"What?"

"I got you forever. I mean it. You are my everything."

I lean against his chest.

"Forever," I say again repeating the word over in my head. We leave that day, to begin our lives together. We promise our parents that we will never miss another Thanksgiving or Christmas again.

***End of First Story***

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