After the "premiere" of their new video, the guys took the girls to lunch and an afternoon in the "Magic Kingdom." Kristy, Heather and Jessica were enjoying themselves, but couldn’t help feeling a little sad that their incredible trip would soon be over. Kevin and the guys had already volunteered to take them to the airport the next morning, wanting to delay the good-byes for as long as possible.
The five guys and their girls were able to cruise through the rides by using their VIP passes, although in many cases they didn’t bother since the lines were so short. They joked and played and generally acted like kids, instead of the "twenty-somethings" they were. As twilight approached they all bought the glow-in-the-dark bands, wearing them as chokers, headbands, arm-bands, bracelets and other miscellaneous accessories. Kevin fashioned his as a pair of hand-cuffs, linking Kristy’s wrist and his as they held hands. They watched the "Main Street Electrical Parade" and sang along to the Disney songs as the floats passed by. During the "Fantasy in the Sky" fireworks, the five couples cuddled as they sat under the trees near the entrance to Cinderella’s Castle on Main Street, watching the display of light and color set to music overhead.
When the show was over, the group was ready to hit the gift shops to pick up their final souvenirs. Kevin held back with Kristy and told Brian and Leighanne they’d catch up with them all at the park entrance, if not before. While most of the crowd was heading out of the park, Kevin led Kristy back towards Fantasy Land.
She smiled up at him with tears in her eyes as she realized where he was taking them. Soon they were standing in front of Snow White’s wishing well. Kevin reached into his pant’s pocket with his free hand and withdrew a penny. "A penny for your thoughts..." he teased.
Kristy gave a little laugh, which soon turned to a sob as the realization that she’d be leaving him soon hit her full force. Kevin pulled her to him, holding her close and caressing her back as she clung to him. Kevin removed their "hand-cuffs" so he could cup her face with both of his hands. He wiped away her tears with his thumbs, as his own tears fell softly. He pulled out another penny. "This time we’ll both make a wish... twice the power," he smiled and kissed her gently.
Kristy and Kevin turned to the wishing well together, holding hands, and closed their eyes and wished with their hearts and souls. Together they threw their pennies in and stood there, continuing to wish, hope and pray that their dreams would come true.
Kristy turned to Kevin and smiled through her tears, "I love you." He pulled her close for another long embrace. "I love you more than I thought was ever possible," she continued. "You mean the world to me."
Kevin held her tight, afraid to let go, afraid he might lose her right then if he did. "You’ve shown me the meaning of love," he said quietly. "You’re what I’ve been waiting for my whole life. I love you with everything that I am."
They continued to hold each other until the park closed. They weren’t worried about needing any souvenirs to remember this week. Their hearts and souls were full of enough love and memories to last forever... and it just the beginning.
****************************************************************************
Kevin, Howie, AJ, Nick and Brian stood at the gate with Kristy and Heather. Jessica’s flight had left an hour earlier, and the girls had said tearful farewells to their friend. AJ and Jessica had said goodbye privately the night before, and quickly kissed each other at the gate and promised to talk soon. Knowing the two, Kristy wondered if they would actually stay in contact or not, but she was certain both had had a memorable week.
As their flight was announced, the girls hesitated to board, waiting until the final call. Heather hugged Nick, AJ, Brian and Kevin goodbye and thanked them for one of the best weeks of her life. She and Howie hugged and kissed, exchanging loving words and promised to stay in contact.
Kristy gave Howie a hug and teased him that he and Kevin had better not use the excuse that they lost the girls’ number... since it was the same one! She hugged AJ and promised she’d call him next time she was planning a make-over. AJ said he’d call her if Kevin was ever stupid enough to let her go. She gave Brian a long hug and thanked him for trusting her with his cousin. Brian gave her a kiss on the cheek and told her how lucky his cousin was to have met her... and he absolutely meant it. Kristy fiercely hugged Nick and ruffled his hair. "I’m gonna miss you ‘Squirt’!" she affectionately teased him.
Nick swallowed back a lump in his throat, "Yeah. Me too." He grinned down at her, "So now I got a big sis to go with my big bro over there," he said nodding to Kevin.
Kristy hugged him again, "I’m a good big sis... ask my little brother. Take care sweetie... and don’t give Kev too hard of a time, ‘kay?"
The final boarding call for their flight to Portland was announced and Kristy and Kevin held onto each other as if they were a lifeline for one another. He kissed her deeply. "My Princess. My Angel. My Love," he whispered in between kisses. "I’ll call you tonight. And I’ll see you in five days..." he called out as she made her way down the walkway towards the plane.
Kristy turned to him before she rounded the corner. "I love you," she mouthed and then disappeared out of view.
