AN: Next chapter is probably going to be the last one...so yeah, it's nearly over. *wipes fake tear*

“Wow! This is so beautiful!” Serenity remarked as AJ slide the ring up her finger.
“Yeah, but not even close to your beauty.” AJ grinned.
“You are just too sweet! Is it real?” Serenity gasped, observing the size and the shine of the ring she was sporting.
“It’s very real.” AJ nodded.
“If you don’t mind me asking...how much did you pay for this, darling?” Serenity asked, not removing her gaze from the ring.
“I paid a fair amount of money.”
“$10,000 plus, would you say?”
“Yeah, more than that, why?”
“Just making sure you didn’t pay too much...” Serenity lied. Secretly she hoped he paid a lot of money for this ring because no way in hell would she agree to be given a ‘cheap’ ring from a man she knew could afford something expensive. Serenity gave him a fake smile.
“You shouldn’t worry about the price, hun.” AJ chuckled.
“You’re right. We should treasure this moment.” She rubbed her feet against his and sipped some more of her drink.

“I don’t believe you asked me...” Serenity said
“But you agreed...you are ready, right?” He started panicking
“No, yes, I mean that’s not how I meant it.” She explained.
“What?” AJ asked, still confused.
“I’ve wanted this for such a long time.” Serenity confessed.
He gave her half a smile and returned to their dessert.
“You know, the next time we share a cake will be at our wedding.” Serenity grinned.
“What if we go out to dinner before that, doll?” He questioned.
“Trust me, we won’t have time. We’re doing this ceremony as soon as possible.”
“What’s as soon as possible?”
“Well, tomorrow we’re going to start the planning and we’ll just see how fast we can manage it. Plus, the invitations need time to reach people and since I’m going to invite people from around the country, world even and a lot we’re going to need to do that first. First, think of the location and then run off to the printers to get the invitations running.” She said quickly.
“And just how fast will the invitations be running?”
“Silly goose.” She laughed.
“A year?” He asked.
“A YEAR?” She repeated, rather loudly.
“Don’t you think we should at least wait that long?”

“You’re strange...If we’re going to start sending the invitations the wedding is going to take place in about a month or so. It better not take longer because I don’t have a long attention span.”
“This is our wedding we’re talking about. You probably could keep concentrating on it, Serenity.”
“I just want to get it over with.”
“Get it over with?” AJ asked in shock.
“My words aren’t coming out right tonight are they?” She sighed.
“Not really...you make it sound like our marriage is some final at school or some unwanted doctors appointment. Serenity, we’re talking about the first day of the rest of our lives as a couple.” AJ retorted, his temper growing with each word.
“AJ, stop being stupid.”
“How the hell am I being stupid?” He pounded his fist on the table.
“You’re making a scene. AJ we just got engaged you can’t start a fight now...”
“Then at least respect the ceremony.”
“I do...I just want to have it soon so we can start our life together as husband and wife. I love you and now I know you have some time off but if we wait you might get busy with something. It’s our destiny, you know that.”
The name Destiny made AJ cringe. He looked down for a minute and when he lifted his head he nodded slightly.

“You’re right. I’m sorry. I don’t know what came over me. I was being immature. We should do it soon.” He said, agreeing and getting swept away with every passing minute.

Around ten am the next day, Destiny pulled the covers off and slowly crawled out of bed. The temptation of returning to the warm, fluffy covers strongly embedded in her conscious. She shrugged it off and turned to the shower.
The stereo was still playing Michelle Branch’s cd on repeat from the night before and as she grabbed her towel and other shower object she sang along to the chorus of “If Only She Knew”
“You heart is in your throat and I’m speaking my mind though it looks as if it’s over I’m still not over you cause I still love you like I did before I know for sure that you still feel the same way I do if only she knew.” She frowned to the likeness of the song’s lyrics and her own situation. She rolled her eyes.
“Get over it, Destiny. You’re being pathetic.” She told herself and entered the bathroom.

Destiny trotted over to the shower, still in her pajamas. She faced the shower head and started the water. Ice cold water sprayed all over her attire. Destiny jumped back and started shrieking as the water dripped down and drenched her head to toe.
“Frickin great way to start my morning but at least I’m up.” She shrugged and wiped her hair with the towel she was holding, which was also wet.
“I’m going to need a new one of these things.” She walked back toward the closet as the phone rang.

Unwillingly, she walked toward the phone and answered it.
“Rent-A-Whore how may I help you?”
“Excuse me?” The voice on the other side asked.
“We get ruthless when we get wet. That’s our motto and we live by it. I don’t have all day kid, make your decision.” Destiny said, pretending to chew on gum.
“Right...Des?”
“AJ?” She asked in the same tone.
“Yeah...”
“Hey.” She said trying her best to sound calm to him as she twirled some hair in her free hand, a nervous habit.
“Do you think we could meet somewhere?” He asked in a voice barely above a whisper.
“Sure. Why?” Destiny wasn’t about to show her excitement.
“I just want to talk to you, Des. I was thinking about our last conversations and I just need to tell you something. I have some regrets but I’ll tell you the rest when we’re face to face.” He finished his sentence and exhaled deeply.
“Where do you want to meet?” She asked.
“Could you come over to my house?”
“Yeah, I’ll be there as soon as I can discover how to shower.”
“What?” He chuckled.
“Long story. I’ll see you soon.” She said as a smile crept to her face.
“Can’t wait.” He said and hung up.
She looked around confused but shook the feeling off and disappeared into the bathroom for an hour long shower.

The memorial service for Amber West took place right by the dock, her favorite spot. Many chairs were positioned in neat rows, facing the water. There was a little stage set up for people who wanted to get up and give speeches, reminding everyone of the person Amber was. Crying was heard from many people but other than that, it was silent. Coral and Brian joined the assembly and sat beside eachother, both looking half asleep. Coral looked around and bit down on her lip to keep from crying as she saw the large photo of Amber on the stage surrounded by flowers. Coral nuzzled her head in Brian’s neck and he rubbed her back. The sound of someone tapping on the microphone was heard loudly through the speakers and everyone looked up. The speeches started and as one ended, a second followed. The last person to speak from Amber’s family was her father, Don West.

“She was my first born and the best daughter a father could ever wish for. I know she’s in a better place. As much as we needed her here, God needed an angel with Him too. We all love you Amber.” He finished his speech, not even trying to remain strong. He welcomed the tears. He wiped the tears off his face with his thumb.
“Would anyone else like to speak their mind?” Don questioned.
“I would.” Coral spoke in a small voice and walked over to the stage.
Coral gave the familiar man a hug and faced the audience.
“I’d like to apologize that I’ve never really been able to come up here and speak my mind but I feel that it’s time that I do because Amber deserves it. I’ve grown up in this town my entire life. It might not be glamorous and it might not be very large but one thing is for sure, It gave me friendships that people only describe in books and movies. Me, Amber and Destiny all met when were three years old and our parents brought us to this spot. We were all so dazzled by the birds and kept chasing after them. One day, we bumped into eachother and we were just sitting on the floor staring at one another and we started laughing. From that day on, we were inseparable. We never let anything come between us. Nothing was as important as our friendship. On the day she passed, I was sick and I couldn’t go to prom. I was so depressed over it but she came over, talked to me and made me feel so much better. We took eachother’s pain away. Unfortunately, Destiny isn’t here today but I’m sure if she was...”
“Delivery for Coral Williams.” A messenger interrupted as he waved a bouquet of flowers in one hand and embraced a canvas in his other.

“That’s me but I’m in the middle of something.” Coral asked, embarrassed that something like this would happen right now.
Someone got up from beside the messenger and signed for the delivery. He nodded apologetically and left. That person neared the stage and handed the things to Coral. She looked at the canvas and to the note attached. Tears slowly formed in her eyes. Before she returned to the microphone stand she placed the flowers by the picture of her friend. Coral presented the painting to the audience. It was an oil painting of Amber, Destiny and Coral as children, sitting on the grass staring at eachother with amusements. Birds were flying in the background and the dock was a spitting image of reality. The same moment Coral was describing seconds ago was drawn beautifully and was there to treasure. The signature in the right corner of the painting said Destiny T.
“I’d like to read this note. Through thick and thin Amber was there. She had the biggest heart. You’d think it was impossible to be so pure and so good in this era but Amber proved everyone wrong. She was that perfect person and I loved her for it. I honestly don’t know what I would have done if I didn’t have her in my life. Tragically, she was taken away from us but I’m going to celebrate the 17 years I got to spend with her. Because no one or nothing will take those memories away from me. Every single person present has been magically changed by her personality or you wouldn’t be there. Remember and always keep her in your heart because I certainly will. I love you Amber. Love, Destiny. ” Coral finished reading, looked up at everyone and slowly walked off the stage, leaving the painting on the stand.

Destiny pulled into AJ’s driveway and parked the car. She rubbed her eyes and her temples.
“Why am I here again?” She asked herself nervously.
“And why the hell do I keep talking to myself?” She shook her head and got out of the car slamming the door behind her. The sound made her jump.
“Having a bad day?” AJ asked, glancing at her from the front door.
“I wouldn’t say that, just a bit jumpy.” She clarified.
“That’s quite obvious, hun.” He nodded.
“After you.” He said and opened the door for her.
“Thank you, kind sir.” Destiny winked and entered his house.
They sat on the couch and he sat beside her. They just sat in silence for a few minutes and that was enough for Destiny. She was happy being in his presence again.
“So, what did you want to talk about?” She broke the silence. Her curiosity took over her even though she secretly liked just sitting there.
“Des...” He grabbed her hand and stroked it.
“Do you want something to drink?” He chickened out and leg go of her hand.
“No AJ, I’m fine. Spit it out.” She said sternly.
“I...” he took a loose strand of her hair and tucked it neatly behind her ear.
“Destiny, things have changed since I last talked to you.”
“Changed how?” Destiny asked.
“For the better...”
“Yeah?” She gave him a smile.
“I’ve done a lot of thinking...” He put his hand on her knee.
“Specify.” was all she managed to get out.
“I’m engaged to Serenity.”
“You’re WHAT??” She yelled and shoved him off of her.

“Anger management, Destiny. Anger management.” He said as he got up from the floor.
“If anyone needs any sort of help it’s you.”
“Why? Because I’m settling down and I’m actually getting my life together, Des? Last time I checked that wasn’t a sin.”
“AJ, you’re acting like a complete prick. What the hell was all that flirtatious crap about?”
“What flirtatious crap?” He asked innocently.
“You frickin know what flirtatious crap.” She saw red.
“Get over it, Des. I personally would love to have you at our wedding but I don’t think Serenity would approve so I’ll be sure to send you a tape of it.” AJ said as he tapped his fingers on the desk.
“It’s Destiny for you. Don’t bother sending me a tape. I wouldn’t like to blind myself for life. Goodbye AJ it was nice knowing you. And you know what else?”
“What?” he rolled his eyes.
“YOU WERE A CRAPPY LOVER!” Destiny stormed out of his house, jumped into the car and drove away.

“Bravo!” Serenity clapped as she came out of her hiding place.
“I don’t believe you made me do that...” AJ said, resting his face in his hands.
“She would have never left us alone if you didn’t do it that way.”
“I’m sure I could have found a way that wasn’t as blunt as this. I don’t hate her Serenity and now she probably thinks I do.”
“Is it me or her, Alex?” Serenity asked with an attitude.
“It’s you...”
“Damn right it’s me, boy. While you were on the phone with her, I reserved this beautiful church which is close to the ocean so I thought we could have the reception there. Aren’t you glad I’m planning all of this? C’mon we have to get invitations now. ” She grabbed him forcefully by the hand and led him out of the door.

It was night time and Coral and Brian were leaving to Florida in the morning. Coral was asleep in his arms and he looked at her with a smile. He was glad that she finally fell asleep. He was close to drifting into sleep himself. And soon he was dreaming until a scream was heard from beside him.
“What happened?” Brian asked in a panic.
“I had another nightmare.” Coral sobbed.
“Coral...” he gave her a hug.
“Why do I keep having these nightmares?? Why won’t they go away?” She asked between her sobs.
“Because you were traumatized, Coral. You need to talk to someone.”
“I’m talking to you.”
“I’m not a professional.”
“You can help me better than any shrink can.” she shrugged.
“I don’t know what to say...”
“I’m so scared. What if this happens again?”
“I won’t let it happen.” Brian assured her.”
“You’re not always there...”
He didn’t answer. Brian ran his fingers through her hair and soon, her noticed her breathing slow down. She was sleeping again. Hopefully, the rest of the night would be peaceful.
“But I do want to be there all the time.” He sighed and leaned back.