“No, I just wanted to say I love you…you’ve done so much for me ever since we met. I know I’ve been spoiled; I know I haven’t always been fair on you.”
“What are you trying to say, Angel? You know everything I went through was because I wanted to help you. I wanted to see you smile more. I want to remember every day I spend with you as a good one. I think more than anything, I just can’t help myself when it comes to you. Your problems are my problems; that’s the way I like to think of it.”
After hearing me say all of that she was completely flustered. I think she wasn’t quite expecting all that from me and it made showing her gratitude slightly more difficult for her. She held her hands behind her waist as she tried to think up what to say after she took a step away from me. I brought her back into my arms and she looked at me nervously as I held her.
“You really don’t mind everything I’ve done? That we’re having a child even after you said you wanted to wait?” she asked as she hugged me back. I smiled and laughed a little under my breath.
“Well, I don’t know about that. What I do know is, whatever we go through together, it’ll be worth it. You’re one hell of a girl, Angel. You had me since the moment we became lovers and I’m not about to slip through your fingers any time soon and I sure as hell won’t let you slip through mine.”
“…You’re so cute when you’re serious,” she said softly with a smile on her face.
“I really wish you wouldn’t play that card on me all the time on me though,” I whispered to her as I brought my lips to hers. We kissed and when we opened our eyes, we saw Anne in the doorway of the room blushing like a schoolgirl. She clapped and then swiftly danced over to us and rested her arms around our shoulders. She was wearing a stylish red dress as she spoke into our ears.
“I guess this is what a happy ending looks like.”
“I wouldn’t say that. I’d say we’re just getting started,” I said confidently.
“I suppose you’re right about that. Hmm, I wonder what Amy would say if she was still around to see you two.”
“I think she would be really happy,” Angel said softly. I nodded in agreement with her. Anne then laughed and squeezed us tightly together as she hugged us. She let go of us so she could lean in the doorway, posing sort of like one her characters out the anime she must have been watching at the time.
“Well we still got the whole night ahead of us and the wine isn’t going to drink itself. Let’s make this night one to remember!” She then skipped away barefoot while holding her shoes. Angel and I turned to each other and smiled. I gave out my hand in a gentlemanly manner.
“Shall we?” She took my hand and we went back to the others. Anne’s was right; we did make it a night to remember despite just about all of us getting so drunk we could barely see straight. Johnson and Sabrina’s ‘Honeymoon’ was a loud one and I don’t think any of us except those who went home actually got any sleep.
I’d say that night is as good as any other to leave off this story. After all, it’s been quite a while since then, a little over a year. By saying that I guess I owe an explanation of what’s been going on in between then and now, don’t I? Over the course of the year, Johnson left Storm Co and found his place in politics. He’s becoming a prominent politician and there isn’t anyone in Fellbroke who hasn’t at least heard his name. Though he’s often busy with his job, he never fails to pop in and see Angel and me, as well as my dad whom he’s had a sense of gratitude to. If things keep going the way they are, he could very well run the country by the next election. Sabrina became Anne’s personal assistant in the fashion industry, though her job was nothing more than sizing up outfits against the models, organising dates and eating cake while drinking tea during their downtime. She’s proud of her new career.
Dan and Em never changed; they continued their daily lives of working to support themselves and their child, Chloe. Dan stayed carefree as ever, even after learning of all the crazy circumstances I went through, the murders, monsters and freaks, he kept on with a smile. Em was still prone to sudden outburst and being impulsive as ever around Dan. Her clothes store in the mall flourished from an increase in popularity and she told me she would soon be opening other stores around the city. Rex and Ashlyn eventually got married; their wedding was about a month ago. It wasn’t until I went to it, I realised how loaded they both were. The wedding was one of the most extravagant events I’ve ever been to. Flowers everywhere, professional bands, a massive cake and an equally impressive venue. Since their wedding they’ve both been working hard, and I haven’t really had a chance to catch up with them.
Celia and Kitten finally moved in together after much convincing that was needed to persuade Dad. Though they only live down the road from Dad’s house, they’re happy together. Celia’s temperament cooled over once she had a bit more freedom and though she still wears her bandages to hide her scars, I see her sometimes without them, always with a warm smile just like Mum’s. Kitten herself was just happy to see her happy; she continued to work with Em in her shop.
Dad and Sophia continued their indulgent lifestyle which meant many sleepless nights for Nami, who’s still under their care. They’re good parents to her all in all though. They made sure to keep an eye on Angel and me as well over the year. Nami went about her business, enjoying whatever opportunity that came to her. For her birthday I bought her a pair of headphones, so she could drown out the noise at night to sleep better; it’s rare to see her not wearing them, as it turns out she’s really into music.
Risk finally followed through on his words about Cindy. They’re expecting a child around October this year. Risk got a job in the police department and has been hard at work ever since. Raul keeps to himself inside his bookstore. Johnny and I sometimes visit him on our days off; he’s always happy to see us. If I was asked what he wanted in life I wouldn’t be able come up with an answer, the man’s as cryptic as ever. Sinclair eventually moved in with Naomi and Jasmin. He’s as protective of them as he is of Angel. What he and Naomi didn’t tell us was Naomi was pregnant from even before Johnson’s wedding and they had a little girl before our child was born. They named her Alissa and from what I could see they couldn’t be happier together. It came as quite a shock to hear another Natsuki would be entering the world, I can say that much. Sinclair although was busy with his new family, he didn’t neglect his old one. He tended to his beasts as often as he could. He took me and Dad out to the hospital out of town a few times to help look after them. On the surface they’re a little rough, but deep down the monsters were actually docile and even caring. The steel-scaled beast, the only thing that remained of my mother, watched over the place. It’s always excited to see Angel and me whenever we come out to play with it. Sinclair kept a keen eye on Angel during her pregnancy and there were a few times I felt like if I did the slightest thing wrong, I would wind up dead in a ditch somewhere.
Laura continued to live with us over the year. She was very helpful with Angel whenever I was at work and having her around me gave me a bit more peace of mind. She is still as polite and caring as ever. She’s the top of all her classes and she’s a good influence on Nami. There haven’t been any problems like from before the wedding from her either. Her father eventually came back to see her; he didn’t take her away with him though. He could see Laura had made a life for herself in Fellbroke and didn’t want to take her away from that. The detective didn’t take long to travel again for another case, this time to France; we haven’t seen him since.
Lastly there’s Angel and I; we’ve been living happily at home together with our daughter, Amy. We named her after Mum since she was someone that was dear to both of us. I’m still working at Storm Co, doing my same old job; Angel’s not back at work yet since she’s been looking after the baby. Angel’s as affectionate as ever and there isn’t a day I haven’t seen her laughing and smiling with baby Amy in her arms. Life definitely hasn’t been easy, but I honestly can’t imagine it any other way.
> I know this might have not been the most mind-blowing ride, that the ending to my story may fall a little flat or feel a bit lacklustre. However, this could never be any more than what it is, a twisted romance that I never could have imagined playing out. I’m sure one day there will be more stories to tell, but for now this is all I’m willing to recall.
The Red to My Grey Page 32
