Okay, okay, I know it took my a really really long time to get this last chapter up, but I actually finished it 8 months ago. Unfortunately my computer died and I lost the whole thing, so I had to rewrite it. Well here it is the very last chapter.

Chapter Twenty: Celebration

Two weeks had passed since Brittany started going to therapy. Already Alvin noticed she was acting more like her old self. It made him happy to see her enjoying life again. He woke up one morning and realized that Brittany was gone. He looked over on the nightstand to see a note. He opened it up and read it.

Dear Alvin,

Left early to finish planning Theo and Ellie's party. Meet me for lunch at Tuskan's.

Love you always,

Brittany

He smiled at the note. It was only two more days until the party, and he was planning an even bigger surprise. He got out of bed and took a shower. He wasn't out of the bathroom two minutes before his phone rang. He was hoping it was Brittany, but instead it was his brother Simon.

"Hey, Si," Alvin said. "What's up?"

"Nothing," he said with a little frustration. "That's the problem. The girls took off early."

"Yeah, I know," Alvin said as he put on his pants. "Brittany left me a note. So why don't you get Theo and come over here. I need some help with something."

"Okay, Alvin, what are you up to?" Simon asked, sounding suspicious.

"I'll explain when you get here," he said. "It's just a little surprise for Brittany."

"Okay, Al, whatever you say," Simon said, still skeptical. "I'll be there soon. Theo's on his way over here anyway."

"Great, see you soon," Alvin said and hung up the phone.

He walked into the kitchen to put on a pot of coffee. He turned on the radio looking for some tunes. All there was playing was advertisements and news, but one news report caught his ear.

Mickie Donner aka Seamore Westly, known as The Campus Killer was laid to rest today at Lakeview Cemetery. An unknown patron paid for his burial and plot. Several weeks ago he took local college student, Brittany Miller, hostage where he was shot by the 19 year old. No charges were filed against the girl, seeing it was self-defense, the city breathes a sigh of relief at the killer's passing. The surviving victims and the families of the murder victims are still recovering. There's still no clue on who paid for his final arrangements.

He quickly turned off the radio. He wondered who it was who would pay for that killer's grave site, and he wondered how long people would be talking about it. He just wished it would end if only for Brittany's sake. She had been through enough and didn't want her to have to think about it ever again. Just then a knock came to the door. He quickly walked to the door and answered it.

"Okay, Alvin," Simon said as he walked in followed by Theodore. "What's up?"

"I'll explain on the way," he said. He started to walk out the door, but his two brothers just stood there frozen in place, stunned by Alvin's mysterious behavior.

"What's going on?" Theodore asked.

Alvin grabbed his hand and dragged him into the hallway. "Just a little surprise for Brittany and you two are going to help."

"Okay," Simon said, closing the door. "Let's just go." Alvin tossed him the key so he could lock the door.

ThegirlsweresittinginJeanette'scar. Brittanyhadhernotebookopen and a pen in hand . "Okay, girls,"shesaid."Weonlyhaveonemorethingtodo."

"And what'sthat?" Eleanor asked."Wegotthe place, thefood, the decorations. We even got new dresses. What's left?"

"Music," Brittany said. "People can't dance without music."

"So what are we doing here?" Jeanette asked.

"The music store," Brittany said, pointing directly at the establishment. "Kerri Ellis's boyfriend works here. He a DJ and we can probably get him real cheap."

"Okay, let's go," Jeanette said.

"What? You're not going to argue with me?" Brittany asked.

"What would be the point?" Jeanette said and exited the car.

Brittany practically sprinted inside, while her sisters straggled behind. She flew up to the counter where she saw a young man working behind the counter.

"Hey, Kenny," she said, smiling at him.

"Brittany," he said nervously. "What can I do for you?"

"Kerri sent me," she said. "I need you to do me a favor."

"I… ah… don't think so. Alvin would probably kill me if he saw me talking to you, and so would Kerri."

"Kenny, Kerri is the one who told me to come over here. I need you."

"What?" he asked, backing off. Kenny Clifton wasn't the best looking guy in the world, and girls had always made him nervous. That is, until Kerri came along. Even still, he would get all tongue tied any time any girl would pay him any attention, especially a girl like Brittany.

"Kenny, not like that," Brittany said laughing. "I need a DJ for my sister's party."

"Oh, okay, sure," he said and pulled out his date book. "When's the party?"

"Saturday," she said.

"Are you kidding?" he looked over at Brittany and saw that she was dead serious. "Well, okay. I think I can do it."

"Great," Brittany said. "Now, here's a list of songs. There's no compromise. These have to be played." Kenny looked over the list. He gave Brittany a strange look. "What?" she asked.

"This one," he said, looking at the song penciled at the bottom of the list. "Are you serious?"

"What's wrong with that one?" she asked, pointing to it with her finger.

"Nothing, it's just not typical," he said. "Lollypop / Candyman isn't the most romantic song."

"Well, my sister's not typical, and it's their favorite song," Brittany said. "You do have it, right?"

"Yeah," he said.

"Then that settles it. Saturday, 6pm at Burnie's."

"Sure, Brittany," Kenny said as she started to walk away.

Eleanor and Jeanette only heard the last part of the conversation. "So what was that all about?"

"Nothing," Brittany said, locking arms with her sisters. "But we got ourselves a DJ."

"Great," Eleanor said. "Did you give him the list?"

"Of course, Eleanor. There's no problem, so calm down. You and Theodore are going to have a great party."

"I hope so," she said as they were about to get into the car again. That's when Brittany heard a girl shout out. She looked around and see girl with bright red hair that looked like a bad dye job.

"Hey, I know you," she shouted as she came up to her. "I saw you on the news. Aren't you the one that shot The Campus Killer?"

Brittany couldn't answer her. She just stood there frozen in her place. Jeanette came over to her. "Sorry, Miss, but we really have to go." Jeanette looked over at Brittany whose face had gone ghost white. "Hey, Brit, are you okay?"

"Yeah," Brittany whispered. "Let's just go." She got into the car, still ignoring the girl.

"Hey, I asked you a question," the girl demanded.

Brittany shot her an intense stare. "Yes, it was me. Are you happy now?"

She started the car, and Jeanette and Eleanor quickly entered. She started to drive off when she heard the girl shout out.

"You know it's wrong to kill!" she shouted. "You'll pay for what you did."

As they drove off down another street the girls shouts faded into the air until they could no longer be heard.

"Brittany, you're driving way too fast," Jeanette said in urgency, but Brittany wasn't listening. "Please, stop the car."

She turned down an alleyway up to another street before stopping abruptly. She closed her eyes and rested her head on the steering wheel.

"What the hell was that about?" Eleanor demanded to know. Brittany didn't respond to her. She just exited the car.

Jeanette was the first to follow her out. She approached her sister who was standing on the empty sidewalk.

"Brittany," Jeanette said, putting a hand on her shoulder.

She jerked away from her sister's touch. That's when Jeanette noticed that she was crying. "How long is that going to keep happening?"

"I don't know," Jeanette said in low voice. "You shouldn't blame yourself. It wasn't your fault."

"But I killed him," she said.

"You had to," Jeanette said.

"I know," she said. "Damn that bastard for making me feel this way." Jeanette gave her a small smile which made Brittany laugh. "Thanks, Jeanette." She gave her sister a hug at the same moment that Eleanor approached.

"What was that all about?" Eleanor shouted. "Were you trying to kill us?"

"I'm sorry, Ellie," Brittany pleaded with her. "It's just when that girl said those things… I don't know. I just got a little crazy. I'm sorry."

"Maybe you should go home and rest for a while," Jeanette suggested.

"No, I can't. I have to meet Alvin for lunch," Brittany said. She looked at her watch. "And if I don't hurry I'll be late."

"Then I'll drive," Jeanette said, holding out her hand for the keys.

"Alright," Brittany said and handed Jeanette the keys. The three sisters walked back to the car and entered.

"Where to?" Jeanette asked her.

Brittany, who was now riding shotgun, said, "Tuscan's." She turned on the radio, flipping through stations until she came to the classic rock station. She heard one of her favorite songs playing, so she started to sing along.

"My boyfriend's back and you're gonna be in trouble," she song.

Eleanor came in on the chorus. "Hay, la, hay, la, my boyfriend's back."

Brittany sang the second line while Eleanor tried to get Jeanette to join in. She did reluctantly and soon they were all singing. Somehow, it felt like the old days. Brittany smiled at the thought of singing with her sisters again.

.TheodorelookedathimConfused."Sowhatarewedoinghere?"

"You'll see," Alvin said and got out of the car. He walked up to the strip as his two brothers followed him.

Theodore was still confused and looked over at Simon for an answer. "Don't ask, Theodore, because I don't even want to know." Theodore let out a sigh and just kept following Alvin.

He finally stopped at a jewelry store and walked in. Simon gave him a sly look. "Alvin, what are we doing here?"

"You're going to help me pick out something for Brittany?"

"Like what?" Theodore asked. "A necklace, a bracelet, or maybe some earrings."

"Nooo," Alvin said, holding out the word.

"Don't tell me," Simon said, rolling his eyes. "A ring?"

"Yep," Alvin said, walking up to the display case. "Something like that." He pointed to the engagement rings.

Theodore's mouth gaped wide open. "You're not…" He stopped before finishing the sentence as Alvin nodded. "You are," he said with a short gasp.

"May, I help you," the woman behind the counter asked.

"Yes, ma'am," Alvin said, being polite. "I'm looking for a ring."

"An engagement ring?" she asked. He nodded. "Well," she said, smiling. "We have quite a selection right over here."

"Hmmm…" Alvin thought for a moment touching his chin. "It's got to be a special ring. What do you guys think Brittany would like?"

"Big and expensive," Simon said.

Alvin laughed at that. "You're right." He looked at the last ring in the display case. It was so far over one might miss it at first glance. "That's the one."

The woman wore a big smile on her face. "This one is quite unique, but not the traditional engagement ring." She took it out and handed it to Alvin. There was a good-sized diamond in the center surrounded by six small pink stones. "What do you guys think?"

"It's pretty," Simon said, adjusting his glasses while studying the ring. "And it is Brittany's favorite color."

"It's beautiful," Theodore said.

Alvin nodded and handed it back to the saleswoman. "I'll take it."

"Very, well, sir," she said. "And how will you be paying?"

Alvin pulled out his credit card and handed it to the woman.

"So, when do you plan to propose?" Simon asked.

I was thinking at the party," Alvin said. "That's if you don't mind, Theodore?"

"I don't mind," he said. "In fact, I think it sounds romantic."

"Great, because I'm going to need some help from you two," Alvin said with a devilish look in his eye.

"Just what are you planning," Simon asked, putting his hands on his hips and giving Alvin an accusing look.

"I'll tell you at the party," he said as the saleswoman came back.

"Alright, Mister Seville," she said. "You're all set."

He took his card and the ring box. He put his card back in his wallet and slipped the ring in his shirt pocket. "Alright guys. Let's go. Brittany wants me to meet her for lunch." Alvin walked through the exit door, while Simon and Theodore followed him out.

Alvin dropped them off back at Theodore's and took off for the restaurant.

When Alvin arrived at the restaurant Brittany was already there. He saw her sipping a glass of ice water. Her hair was in a ponytail which made him smile remembering when they were young. They had been rivals back then, and in some ways they still were.

He tried to remember back at the very moment he fell in love with her, but it was a fleeting thought. He checked his pocket that contained the little velvet box, and he knew that this was just the beginning.

He quietly approached the table where Brittany was sitting. She was sitting there checking her makeup with her pocket mirror. "Hey, beautiful," he said.

She looked up in surprise. "Oh, hi," she said a little flustered. She put her mirror away in her purse and put her hand down on her menu. "You're late."

"Sorry about that," he said, sitting down across from her. "I had to drop Theodore and Simon off."

"Oh, really," Brittany said, taking a drink of water. And what were you boys doing?"

"Nothing much," he said, taking a sip of his water. "Just guy stuff. And you girls?"

"Just hiring a DJ for the party," she said.

"Any luck?" he asked as the waiter came over.

"We're all set," she said. "I can't wait. This should be a great party."

"Yeah, it will be," he said, with a kind of faraway look in his eye. Within seconds he came back down to reality. "So, are you ready to order?"

"Yeah, sure," she said, looking at him suspiciously. "I'll have a salad, please, with French dressing, and a ham and cheese on toast."

"Okay," the waiter said. "And you, sir?"

"Burger and fries," Alvin said plainly.

"Anything to drink?" the waiter asked.

"Two sodas?" Alvin questioned, looking over at Brittany. She nodded in agreement. After the waiter left, Alvin looked over at Brittany once again nonchalantly. "So, what else did you girls do?"

Brittany became suddenly quiet and hesitated for a short time. "Not much," she said, but refused to look at him. "And what about you and the boys?" she asked, picking up her glass of ice water in both hands and taking a sip with shaking hands.

"Brittany, what's wrong?" Alvin asked.

She put down her glass as the waiter brought their food. "Nothing," she said. "What could be wrong?"

She looked down at her plate and reluctantly started to eat. She only picked at her food which wasn't like her at all.

"Brittany, please tell me what's bothering you?" Alvin asked in a quiet voice.

She looked up at him and half smiled. "How do you always do that?"

"What?" he asked trying to act innocent.

"You know what," she said. "Thinking, you know me so well."

"But I do," Alvin said. He took her hand from across the table and stroked it gently. "So, are you going to tell me what happened?"

"Well," she said, starting off slowly. "There was this girl… at the parking lot at the strip. You know, where Shea's Music Store is. Well, she recognized me from the news, and started saying these horrible things."

"What things?" he asked, looking concerned.

"It doesn't matter," she said, looking down at her food again. "It just upset m. That's all." She looked back up at him. "It doesn't matter anyway." Her mood lightened again. "So, I don't know about you, but I'm starved." She drove into her food, putting the incident from earlier that day out of her mind. "So, you never answered my question?" Brittany said as she finished off her food.

"What question was that?" Alvin asked, as he dipped the last of his fries in the ketchup.

"What were you and your brothers doing all morning?" She asked more adamantly.

"T told you," Alvin said.

"I know what you said, 'Guy stuff.'" Alvin looked away from her which annoyed her. "You're hiding something."

"Me?" Alvin asked offended. "What would I be hiding?"

"I don't know, but I'm going to find out."

"Brittany, don't you trust me?" he asked.

"Well…" she said hesitantly. "I guess so, but if I find out…" she repeated pointed her finger at him.

She was interrupted by the waiter coming back to their table with the check.

"I'll take that," Alvin said.

The waiter left again, and Brittany was trying to remember what she was saying. "So where were we?"

"You were accusing me of keeping secrets," Alvin said with a chuckle.

She burst out laughing. "Okay, Alvin, keep your little secret. I'll find out soon enough."

He knew she was right, and it took all of his strength not to ask her right then and there.

They soon left the restaurant after he paid the check. He just had to be patient a little longer. Saturday night would be upon them soon, and he could hardly wait.

The night of the party came before anyone realized it. Simon was taking his van and they would all drive to Burnie's together. It was getting on to seven in the evening, and Brittany was still in the bathroom. He knocked on the door."

"Brittany, hurry up," he called out. "We're going to be late.

"I'll be out in a minute," she said through the door. "That's what you said a half hour ago," he said. "Am I going to have to break down the door?"

"Alright," she said with a sigh. "I'm coming."

As she emerged from the bathroom Alvin's jaw dropped. She was wearing a red sequenced dress with string straps. Her auburn hair was down in a slight curl and pinned on each side with two rose clips.

"I just need to put on my shoes." She walked over to her closet and took out a box and sat down on the bed.

He smiled and sat down next to her. "I'm tempted to forget about the party."

He was about to lean over and hiss her, but she pushed him away. "No way, Mister. I didn't get all dressed up just to miss my sister's party. Eleanor would never forgive me."

"Alright," he said in frustration. "Besides, Theo would never speak to me again if we missed it." Brittany opened the box to reveal a pair of red high heels shoes with a red rose on the front. "Here, let me help you with that."

One at a time he slipped on her shoes. He sat close to her until they were almost touching. "Did I tell you how beautiful you look tonight?"

"You didn't have to," she said. He was about to kiss her, but she put her hand over his lips. "You'll smudge my makeup, and we'll never get out of here."

"Good," he said, pulling her close to him.

"Listen," she said. "The sooner we get to the party, the sooner we can come home."

"Okay, okay," he said, helping her to her feet. She grabbed her purse off the nightstand walked out of the bathroom. Alvin just stood there watching her every move.

Suddenly the doorbell rang. He stood by the bedroom door while Brittany raced for the door. She opened it quickly to see her sister Jeanette. She was wearing a long flowing blue gown with a simple string of pearls. Her hair was up in a French twist with a few hairs hanging down slightly curled.

"Oh, Jeanette, you look great," Brittany squealed while hugging her sister.

"Well, I feel a little silly all dressed up like this, but it's for Eleanor."

"You shouldn't feel silly, because you look wonderful," Brittany said as she led her inside. Simon followed close behind.

"Hey, Si," Alvin said, coming towards his brother.

"So, are we all ready?" Simon asked. "Theodore just called a few minutes ago, and they're ready and waiting."

"Well, let's get out of here," Alvin said, coming up to Brittany and taking her hand. "Unless you're not done primping."

"Very funny, wise guy," she said, giving him a quick kiss. "Can we go?"

She walked ahead with her sister Jeanette leaving the boys still inside the apartment. Alvin drove while Brittany road shot gun. Simon and Jeanette occupied the back seat. They soon drove off heading for Theodore and Eleanor's place.

Before long they had reached the apartment building where they found Theodore and Eleanor were already waiting for them. Eleanor was wearing a pretty lace lime green dress with a flowing skirt. Her blonde hair was down in a mass of curls, and she wore light green pumps that matched perfectly with her dress. She walked happily towards her sisters who exited the van to greet her.

"Oh, Eleanor," Brittany said excitedly while hugging her sister. "You look fantastic."

"So do you two," she said. They led her to the van followed by Theodore. Once they all filed in Alvin drove off.

They soon made it to Burnie's and exited the vehicle. The girls entered first chattering the entire time. Alvin checked his pocket that contained the little velvet box. He was amazed that he managed to hide it from Brittany this long.

Simon looked over at him. "You're not getting cold feet, are you?"

"No way," he said. "I've waited for this for a long time."

"So has she," Simon said. "Think she'll say yes?"

Alvin gave him a dirty look than broke out laughing. The music started up and Brittany approached Alvin.

"Let's dance," she said, taking his hand. Before he knew it she pulled him onto the dance floor. A fast song was playing and the couple was burning up the dance floor.

"Look at them go," Jeanette said with a smile. "I'm glad to see Brittany is so happy."

"That's true," Simon said, putting his arm around her. "And she'll be even happier later on."

"What do you mean?" Jeanette asked him. Simon said nothing, just stood there with a smirk on his face. "Simon Seville, what's going on?"

"Oh, nothing, Alvin just has a little surprise for Brittany, a present so to speak."

"A present?" Jeanette questioned. She thought for a moment then looked up at Simon. "He isn't going to…"

"Yep," he said. He then leaned over and whispered in her ear. "He bought the ring a few days ago."

Jeanette giggled at that. She knew it was a long time coming and finally it was going to happen.

"So, you want to dance?" Simon asked her.

"Let's wait for a slow song," she said.

He wrapped his arms around her as they watched their brother and sister dance. Finally the song ended and a slow romantic tune began. Jeanette looked back at Simon who stared adoringly into her eyes.

"May I have this dance, Mrs. Seville?" he took her hand and kissed it.

"Of course you may," she said with a slight giggle. She didn't realize how romantic Simon could be. Lately, it was happening more often than usual, and she was happily growing accustomed to it.

Alvin and Brittany stepped off the dance floor to get a drink. "Having fun?" he asked her as she took a sip.

"I always have fun when I'm with you," she said and blushed a little. She looked out at the crowd then back at Alvin. "The party turned out great."

"That's because of you," he said and his arm around her.

"Anything for Theo and Elli," she said.

"I agree," Alvin said. "After everything they've been through, what we all have been through."

"Let's not think about that now," Brittany said. "Tonight we celebrate."

Simon shot a look at Alvin. He looked over at Brittany. "Be right back, babe."

"Alvin, what…?" Before she could ask he was off conversing with his brother. She wondered, was he up to something?

"Everything set?" Simon asked. "Theodore just squared everything with the DJ. The rest is up to you."

Alvin approached the stage. "Hey, Alvin, are you ready?" Kenny asked.

"Sure, Ken," Alvin said, "you get the song ready?"

"Yeah," he said and loaded the disk into the machine. Suddenly everything got quiet. Everyone at the party quickly looked up at the stage. "Listen up, Everyone," Kenny said into his microphone." We got a very special request. Take it, Alvin."

Alvin picked up the microphone. "I got a very special song for a very special girl." Brittany, who was still sitting at the bar looked over to the stage. She looked intrigued. "This one's for you, baby."

He started to sing 'Only You' looking straight at Brittany, while his brother sang backup for him. As he continued to serenade her, she blushed harder and harder with each line. He walked closer and closer to her as she walked towards him. Finally they reached each other as the last lines of the song came. They sang to each other not noticing that anyone else in the club.

Once the song ended Alvin took Brittany in his arms and kissed. As he broke off the kiss, she smiled at his gesture, but was surprised when he started to speak. "Brittany," he said, speaking into the microphone. "Since the day I first met you I was in love with you, but back then I didn't know it. We've been through a lot all these years, but we have so much more to do. I just can't imagine my life without you."

He fell to one knee which made Brittany gasp. Whispers and sighs came from the onlookers who were witnessing Alvin's actions. "You're the only girl I've ever loved, Brittany Miller. Will you marry me?" He pulled the little box out of his pocket and opened it.

"Oh my god," Brittany and looked as if she were going to cry. She looked deeply into Alvin's eyes. "Oh, of course I will, you crazy fool."

Alvin quickly put the ring on her finger as the crowd all clapped and cheered. As Brittany stared at the ring that now graced her finger. "Oh, Alvin, it's so beautiful."

"Not as beautiful as you," he said and leaned in to kiss her. More cheers came from the crowd, but the couple didn't seem to notice that they had an audience, but after a few minutes both Simon and Theodore came up behind them.

"Would you two like some privacy?" Simon asked jokingly.

"Very funny, Si," Alvin said sliding his arm around Brittany.

"Why don't you boys play nice while I go show off my ring," Brittany said and wiggled out of Alvin's embrace.

"Don't stay away too long," Alvin said and gave her a devilish grin.

"She gave him a quick kiss. "You're impossible," she said, teasingly.

Alvin watched her as she swiftly walked towards her sisters where a small crowd of young women quickly gathered around. She looked happier than he had seen her in months.

"You did good, Alvin," Simon said, patting him on the back.

"I've never seen Brittany look so happy," Theodore said. "Time to say goodbye to the single life."

"I won't miss it, not if it means I get to be with her twenty-four hours a day," Alvin said, still watching Brittany who turned to look in his direction, smiling at him. "Besides, I feel like we're already sort of married. This will just make it official."

The rest of the evening was pretty much a success. Everyone congratulated Theodore and Eleanor on their marriage and were thrilled about Alvin and Brittany's engagement. The horrors of the last few months were behind them, and they felt there were only good things ahead. Alvin more than anyone was looking forward to the future as he and Brittany returned to her apartment together.

"So did you like your surprise?" Alvin asked her.

"It was the best surprise I could have ever hoped for."

They entered her apartment together and closed the door. The horror of their recent past put behind them. Several of their neighbors could hear the sounds of laughter coming from inside but only ignored them after Simon and Jeanette had given them the good news. No more needed to be said and most just closed their doors leaving the couple to their celebration.

The End

Well, that's it for this story. I might be willing to write a sequel if anyone has any ideas throw them my way.