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PLEASE, PLEASE read the author's note at the end. It's really important ;)

Chapter 23

Gale's POV

He is unbelievable, was my first thought as I smiled giddily, peeking out my bedroom window. There Jasper stood, in a tux, on my front lawn at seven o'clock, prom night, holding up a huge sign that read "Will You Go To Prom With Me?" Our friends stood behind him, holding dozens of colorful balloons. Speakers in the bed of Jasper's truck played my favorite song and the song we danced to on our first date, Wait by M83.

I had already known he was going to ask me, but he refused to do it until the day of. Something about wanting to stand under my window just to piss Tobias off. I was already wearing a tux with a light blue tie to correspond with Jasper's navy blue tie. I blew him a kiss and Jasper reached out, pretending to catch it.

"You guys are so cheesy." I heard Shannon say. I closed my window and ran downstairs, nearly knocking Tobias off his feet. Before I could escape, he caught me by the arm and dragged me backwards a few steps.

"I won't say anything," Tobias grumbled, "other than this. If you aren't home by midnight, I will tell mom you left and hunt you two down." My parents were out for the night, and I was still grounded, so the last thing I needed was to get in more trouble. I nodded and surprised him with a big hug.

I love you, Tobias, I signed once I had pulled back and he cleared his throat, shrugging.

"Yeah, yeah, well, I'm having a friend over so I don't want you hovering around us anyway." He said, scratching the back of his neck. I raised an eyebrow in amusement.

Tobias actually has friends?, I teased.

"Haha." He said, rolling his eyes. We both turned as the doorbell rang and I broke out into a grin. Tobias however, disappeared into my parent's room for a moment before returning with my dad's shotgun. He pulled back the pump with a click for effect. I rolled my eyes and pushed him away, going to answer the door. I swung open the door, prepared to launch myself into Jasper's arms, but was met with an unfamiliar face.

"Oh, um...hi." The boy greeted in a wispy, light voice, soft as a breeze. He spoke so quiet, I almost didn't hear him. His eyes were a stormy grey swirling with emotions, and his hair an inky black. He was dressed in a thin, oversized graphic tee, exactly like the one I saw Tobias wearing a few days ago, and a pair of gray sweats. His shoes were so old and worn, I could see the outline of his incredibly small feet. Occasionally, a shiver would rack his spine, and his arms were wrapped around his shoulders.

"Is...is this Tobias' house?" He asked just as Tobias appeared in the doorway, the shotgun still in his hand. And for the first time in God knows how long, his face lit up with a smile. Then it slipped into a frown as he looked the boy up and down.

"Oliver, Jesus, why don't you have something warmer on?" He exclaimed and, to my surprise, slid out of his coat and shuffled forward to cover Oliver in his jacket. Oliver blushed and looked away, shrugging.

"This is the warmest thing I have." He gestured towards his sweats. Tobias shook his head and led him into the house, completely forgetting the fact that I was leaving with the guy he hated late at night for more than four hours.

"You can borrow some more of my clothes." I heard him say. Oliver protested but Tobias shook it off, lazily throwing an arm around Oliver shoulder. And if I didn't know any better, I would've sworn Oliver leaned into my brother's touch. Stunned, I slowly closed the door behind me. Jasper approached me, looking just as confused.

"Who was that?" Jasper asked and I shook my head.

No idea, I signed. But he must be someone important if he's letting him borrow some of his clothes. Tobias doesn't even let me borrow his clothes.

"Hmm." Hayley thought out loud. "Maybe he's gone gay."

Yeah, right, I signed. Tobias takes straight to a whole new level.

"True." Shannon admitted after Hayley translated. "But you never know."

Jasper took my hand and walked to the limo that Shannon insisted that we rent. She said it was because it would be special since it was their last year. I think she just didn't want to pull up in Jasper's truck. Between now and the day my parents agreed to let us be together, his truck has broken down on us about four times, yet he refuses to get a new one. Even though he swears otherwise, I think the attachment he has to that truck rivals his affections for me.

"So, I don't want to damper the mood or anything-" Hayley began.

"Too late." Shannon retorted. Hayley glared at her before smiling at us softly.

"-but what are you two doing about college?" I glanced at Jasper, who hugged me closer and shrugged. It's a topic we'd avoided talking about until recently. Jasper was leaving for college and was accepted into three colleges, one of them being a college in California. That one was his best opportunity, and I know the smart thing to do would be to accept, but Jasper is reluctant to go. I guess I can see why. Long distance is hard enough, and it's not like I can call him while he's there. Skype could be an option, but Jasper would hardly have time for that.

"I'm thinking of going to Columbia U." Jasper said uneasily. I shook my head, but didn't say anything. Now wasn't the time, and I think Hayley and Shannon knew this, because they didn't press for detail. I squeezed Jasper's hand and leaned into him until we arrived at the school.

The theme for prom was Red Carpet, which I think is a little typical and uncreative, but Shannon was in love. She stepped out of the limo with grace and strutted down the red carpet like a celebrity, showing of her scarlet red gown. People on the prom committee had fake photographers and paparazzi snapping photos of every student who came down the carpet. Several people even approached Shannon with microphones, pretending to ask her questions about her upcoming movie. Shannon was so enthralled, she completely ditched us.

Hayley sighed and followed behind Shannon, smiling and posing occasionally for the cameras. A few girls fawned over her pale pink dress.

"You ready?" Jasper asked and I nodded, letting him drag me out of the limo and into the limelight. I jumped as a few girls squealed when he planted a kiss on my forehead.

The gym didn't even look like the gym. The interior was gold and red, with beautiful white lights stretching over our heads. The once food smeared windows were scrubbed clean and adorned with thick, red curtains. The dj station was decorated with film tape and black and white cut boards. One wall was occupied entirely by food and drinks, while the other was for the voting box for prom court, a booth to buy the pictures taken on the red carpet, a mini photo booth, and a small store to by accessories and glow sticks.

"Come on, you guys!" Shannon cheered from the dance floor, Hayley waving enthusiastically towards us. Jasper laughed as we joined them.

The entire night was a blast. Shannon winning prom queen and Danny winning prom king wasn't surprising, since Shannon campaigned like crazy and Danny is just an all around nice guy to everyone. There was a huge fuss from administrators when Shannon wanted to dance with some guy she'd grown fond of and Danny wanted to dance with Ashton after they got their crowns, but the kids in our school cheered them on until the situation was let go.Hayley had to go home early after stuffing herself with cake and brownies.

When they announced that the last song was being played, I was disappointed until Jasper took my hand to slow dance. It was romantic and the other couples backed up, giving us most of the dance floor, just like in the movies. The limo dropped us off at my house but I didn't want to go inside so we sat on the porch swing, rocking slowly.

Jasper, I signed. You should go to California.

"No." He said, quietly. "I'm not leaving you."

No one says you're leaving me, I signed. Besides, maybe when I graduate, I'll go to USC with you.

"Gale, you could go to Harvard if you wanted to. I don't want you to throw away a good opportunity when the time comes."

I don't want you to either. It's a great opportunity. Take it.

"No." He said, almost pouting. I smiled and faced him, sitting on my knees.

Jasper, I love you. Nothing will change that. No matter how far away you are, I'll still love you. And you'll love me too, right?

"Of course." He whispered.

Good, I signed, and kissed him. Then you have nothing to worry about.

It was quiet for a while, but strangely tranquil. I felt as if a weight had been lifted off my shoulders, and even if it was momentary, it felt great. I was happy with where I was, my chin resting on Jasper's shoulder and his arm around my waist. Jasper was humming softly when he suddenly perked up.

"Oh my God." He gasped.

What, I signed, confused.

"Wow. I...love you."

I love you too?

"No, I mean, I'm in love with you!" He cheered, fist pumping. "Do you have any Sharpies?"

Yeah, why?

"Lead the way and I'll tell you." I led him into my house, completely lost. The entire way, I continued to question him about his outburst, but he was silent until I found a pack of colorful Sharpies in the kitchen drawer. We went back outside and Jasper plopped down on my front steps, pulling up a pants leg to reveal his shoes. I hadn't even noticed that they weren't dress shoes, but his colorful converse with the pictures and signatures. I smiled, because I knew what this was about. My suspicions were only confirmed when Jasper pointed to a blank spot on his shoe.

"That spot is yours to do as you please." He said proudly. Shaking my head in amusement, I began to draw.

***

Jasper's POV

"Mom, you have to let go." I complained as my mom latched herself to my side. She shook her head, wiping tears from her eyes.

"You aren't allowed to grow up. College can wait!" She cried, hugging me for the millionth time. I sighed and hugged her back. My dad chuckled and shook my free hand before taking my mom's arms and pulling her away. She wailed and buried her head in my dad's chest, wrinkling his shirt with her fists. I turned to Danny and Ashton, who were still just as unseperable as they were when they first got together. Danny reached out and gave me an awkward, manly hug.

"Good luck in Cali." He said. I smiled and surprised him with a huge hug.

"Thanks." Shannon didn't want to come to the going away party my family threw, afraid that she wouldn't stop crying, but Hayley stopped by to say goodbye. Damien was here as well, and although things were still rough between him and Gale, we were still friends. That was probably another reason Shannon hadn't come.

My dad's car was packed with all my suitcases and ready to leave for the airport. In fact, I probably should have all ready left, but I couldn't. Not yet. Because the most important person in my life wasn't here, and I refused to leave without saying goodbye

My mom was using this time as a last minute attempt to persuade me to stay home, though I love her very much and will miss her immensely, Gale is right. I can't stay. California is the best opportunity for me and I'd be stupid not to take it. My heart ached at the thought of leaving my boyfriend behind, and I know that if Gale asked me not to leave, I would unpack the car and stay, but knowing Gale, no matter how much he wants me to stay, he would never ask that.

Just as I was beginning to worry that Gale would never show up, his car screeched to a stop into the driveway. I was shocked until I saw his mother behind the wheel. I found out the hard way that she isn't the best driver.

"We're here!" A flustered Mrs. Woods exclaimed as she stepped out of the family's car in a loose blue hundreds and a floppy straw hat. Her husband followed, looking as grumpy as ever. I've come to realize that he always looks like this, even when he's happy. Tobias was behind them, texting on his phone, and behind him was Gale, his eyes already gathering with tears. I bit my lip to avoid doing the same and hugged him, sighing.

"I'm going to miss you." I whispered sadly, a lump caught in my throat. Gale let out a sharp gasp and squeezed my waist, his cheek pressed against my chest. I kissed his forehead and we stayed that way for a long while. Then, Gale pulled back and pressed his lips to mine. We kissed like it would be our last kiss, the love we felt for one another pouring out in that single kiss. It was passionate, yet sweet, and full of a desperate need to make the moment last. No one stopped us, not even his dad. My tears had long since fallen but I didn't care.

"I can't." I choked. "I can't leave."

You can, Gale signed. And you will. Don't worry about me.

"Jasper, it's time to go." My dad said softly. I groaned and lowered my head, kissing Gale again. We walked backwards towards the car, our mouths never parting until my back hit the door. I laughed a little at Gale's blushing cheeks.

"I'll text you and Facebook you and call you everyday. You can use your machine thing over the phone to translate your words." I rushed. "Oh, and I'll Skype you every night and-wait, do you have a Skype? Should I make you an account? Or maybe you can use someone else's. I promise to message you as soon as I get there and send pictures and I bet I can visit you over every holiday. Make sure to tell me if anyone is a douche to you at school, because I swear on my life that if anyone messes with you, I'll-

Jasper, Gale signed, eyebrow cocked. Relax. You are going to miss your flight.

"Okay." I said reluctantly. My dad started the car and I hopped into the backseat since my mom was taking the passenger seat. The car backed out of the driveway and slowly drove away from my home when I thought of something I knew would make Gale smile. Ignoring my dad's immediate protest at my "dirty shoes on his nice seats", I opened the sunroof and stretched my body through it, waving to get Gale's attention.

"Gale!" I shouted, and he looked back.

(I love you) I pointed to myself, twisted my index finger at my chin, and pointing at him. And I was right. Gale's face lit up in the brightest smile I had ever seen. He looked beautiful.

I love you too, Gale signed before wiping away his tears. Tell me when you get on the plane.

"I will." I promised. With one last wave, I sat down in my seat and closed the sunroof. My mom looked back at me and flashed a watery smile.

"You really do love him, don't you?" She asked and I nodded.

"I think he's the one, Mom." As we drove, I stared down at my shoes and marvelled at all the memories I made. The football Danny drew at the toe of my shoe when he was trying to convince me to tryout, the peace sign Posy drew, who soon became close friend of ours, even the skull Damien drew near the heel. But there was one memory I knew that would never fade, not in time or the washing machine. At the center of my shoe, right under the laces, was a violin.

-

Dedicated to cazziee, who went on a serious voting spree :) You were going so fast that Wattpad couldn't keep up and said on my notifications that you liked Chapter 1 twice XD So yeah, thanks a bunch for that! You're awesome!

OH MY GOD! This is the end of the book! Wow, I'm actually getting a little emotional. This is a huge accomplishment for me. The first book I've ever finished! But don't worry, everyone. While this may be the end of their story for us, it is only the beginning for them. *sob*

Next, is Caught In The Storm, about Ashton and Danny. I'll begin to update on the story either Friday or this weekend, and I should also have a oneshot in my Oneshot Storybook uploaded. Feel free to message any requests.

OKAY GUYS, SUPER IMPORTANT!!!

I would really like it if you could all comment with advice below this chapter. I'd really like the feedback in order to improve my writing. This is my first book so I wasn't expecting it to be perfect, but I want my next books to be way better. So if there is anything you liked or didn't like, let me know. And honestly, you don't have to sugarcoat it. If blunt is your style, then go for it. I'm the type of gal who can handle it ;)

Sad Gale ;(      --------->

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