Chapter Fifteen – Epilogue.



Summer’s POV



Happy and excited nerves bubbled up inside me; I’d been looking forward to this day for a while. The music started so I smoothed down my dress, took a deep breath and stepped out. Walking slowly along the short aisle, I tried not to look at Lewis too much but I couldn’t help it. He looked amazing. Our eyes met and he gulped, making me feel a thousand feet tall. For the short time it took we were completely alone, everyone else disappeared.

As I reached the end, I stepped to the side and looked back for Becca, who had just started walking towards Henry. At first I was disgusted that my like-sister was seeing my brother but they were happy, and after everything we’d all been through that was all I wanted for them. When Henry proposed I was almost as excited as Becca. We spent hours flicking through wedding magazines and attending wedding fairs. Finally, everything came together and they were getting married.

Their relationship was fast; after they met it took them six weeks to start dating, four months later Henry proposed and five months after that they were tying the knot. That didn’t matter though; they loved each other and deserved all the happiness in the world.

Throughout the whole ceremony I kept stealing glances at Lewis, and he did the same. Things were better between us, we were friends I guess. I wanted more though and I just hoped that he would eventually forgive me and give us another chance; I wasn’t going to beg for it though.

The ceremony, that was being held in a small four star hotel, wasn’t a religious one so it didn’t last very long. They stuck to the traditional civil vows and had one poem read out so it was over in twenty minutes. I cried when they exchanged rings and had their first married kiss.

Henry smiled proudly and as he held his new wife’s hand and led her out of the building, while everyone else stood up, clapped and cheered.

I followed the other guests out the side door to get ready with confetti for when they came back around. Mum was practically jumping up and down as she watched out for them. “You’re not throwing that crap too, are ya?” Lewis asked, nudging me playfully.

“It’s tradition. Don’t be a grumpy old man and throw some,” I told him, digging my hand into the box and handing him some confetti. Our hands brushed against each other’s, making my heart skip a beat.

The past eleven months of being his ex was hell. I hated seeing him and not being able to touch or kiss him. Our relationship now was confusing; we weren’t together but neither of us had been with anyone else, and we spent most of our time together. He was probably the most supportive person in my life and came with me to every counselling session I had. He waited in reception for me but he was still there and held me after every difficult session until I’d stopped crying.

He smiled and gave a sarcastic, ‘Thanks,’ in reply. “I’ll give you twenty quid if you tip that box down Henry’s trousers,” he whispered, nodding his head to the little white box of confetti.

Scrunching my nose up, I stared at him in disgust. “I am going nowhere near my brother’s trouser area! You do it.”

“And what do I get if I do?”

“What do you want?”

He smirked and leant closer. “Dangerous game, Sum.” I wanted to say that whatever it was I probably wanted to do it anyway but I kept my mouth shut and rolled my eyes. “You staying here tonight?”

“Hope not. It’s gonna take a lot of convincing to get them to let me stay at home alone though.” I was eighteen bloody years old; officially an adult but they still wouldn’t leave me alone for the night. Of course I understood why but Clover was dead, there was no danger from him anymore.

“I wonder why,” he mumbled under his breath. Every time I thought things between us were more normal he would come out with some little comment like that and I would be reminded of how angry he still was. “Sorry, I shouldn’t have said that.

I ignored the comment and his apology. We already went around in circles a lot. One minute we were getting along amazingly and the next we were having the same argument about how stupid I was to go back and face Clover. I wasn’t sure if there was more to it though, he seemed too fixed on that part.

Lewis was about to say something else when Henry and Becca walked around the corner, everyone cheered and threw confetti over them. I was thankful for the distraction. He put his hand on the small of my back and smiled at the couple walking towards us and being covered in tiny pieces of colourful paper. My body still reacted to Lewis’ touch, even the smallest touch, like his hand on my back made me want more.

“Congratulations, I’m so happy for you,” I gushed, hugging Becca tight when everyone had stopped throwing things on them.

“Thank you. I’m so happy for me too.” She hugged me back and whispered, “We made it.” I knew what she meant even though she didn’t say. Smiling, I let her go and nodded. We did make it. It wasn’t completely over but the worst parts were behind us and we could live normally again.

We were called to the back of the hotel to the gardens for the pictures and drinks reception. I was the only bridesmaid so I had to pose for quite a few but I didn’t mind at all. One of the pictures was me, Lewis as he was the best man, Henry and Becca. I couldn’t wait to see that one and would definitely be ordering a copy for myself.

Once pictures were over we mingled in their designated room with more drinks and canapés while we waited to be called for dinner. Becca and I grabbed a fresh glass of champagne off the tray and thanked the waiter. She sighed happily. “I’m officially your sister-in-law now.”

“Yep,” I said with the biggest grin. From being down in the cellar she’d been like a sister and now she really was.

“Excuse me,” some lady said to Becca. She was dressed the same as the other staff members here so she must work for the hotel. “This came for you this morning.” She handed Becca a small white envelope.

“Thank you,” Becca replied politely, handing me her glass as she opened it. “It’s a card from Chantelle! She said congratulations and sorry again that she couldn’t make it.” After what happened Chantelle was cleared of murder, she was only trying to help us after all. She was currently living three hours away with her cousin. I was worried about what would happen to her at first but once her name and face was out there her cousin came forward, they hadn’t seen each other since they were children but she said Chantelle should live with her and be around family. Her loser father didn’t even get in contact. At least she had someone real now.

Chantelle was so upset and apologetic about everything but it wasn’t her fault, he took advantage of how lonely she was. Everything was right now though, we were moving on with our lives and Clover was buried in the grave yard, next to his mother, the person that was really on the receiving end of his apology. We later found out from someone at the hospital that Clover’s final words were actually, ‘Sorry, mum.’ Michael was apparently just trying to give us closure. At first I was upset but then I realised that nothing he could ever say would actually make anything better so it didn’t matter in the end.

“That’s nice of her. We should visit soon.” Becca nodded in agreement. We kept in contact with Chantelle by Facebook, phone calls, texts and had visited her twice but the last time was months ago.

“In a month or so. I have a new husband that I need to take advantage of for a while first,” she said with a smirk, clearly enjoying my discomfort.

“Lovely,” I said sarcastically, turning my nose up and making Becca laugh. It wasn’t even a slightly amusing to me. She giggled and bit her lip, looking at something behind me. No doubt it was my brother. I turned around and of course it was Henry. He was chatting to Lewis and laughing about something. Lewis’ eyes lit up when he laughed. Sighing, I took a big gulp of champagne, and then regretted it as it fizzed in my mouth, almost choking me.

“You love each other! I don’t see why you’re both still pretending that just being friends is working,” Becca said, shaking her head.

“It’s complicated,” I stated.

She rolled her eyes. “Of course it is. Just let me know when you’ve both come to your senses. I need to talk to people, since it’s my wedding and all! I’ll catch up with you in a bit.” I nodded and walked towards my grandparents. I should really make the effort to talk to people too.

“Sum,” Lewis called, just as I was about to walk past him. Henry slapped his back and quickly jogged off.

“What’s up?”

“Your drunk Uncle was about to come over to you,” he explained, nodding his head towards Billy. My dad’s older brother was a borderline alcoholic; he always drank a lot when he was out but he didn’t drink at home alone or during the week. Whenever he was drunk though, he would talk and talk and talk. You were literally stuck listening to him for hours.

“Thanks for the save.”

We fell into silence. It wasn’t a weird silence either which was nice, it was good to know that we could be together, not say anything and it would still be comfortable.

Lewis finally spoke first. “You look beautiful by the way. I meant to say that earlier but I was too busy perving on you.”

I tried not to grin but jaw ached after a few seconds and I couldn’t help a smile slip onto my face. “Thanks. You look pretty good yourself,” I told him, trailing my finer along the collar of his shirt, melting inside at the feel of his soft skin.

Lewis smirked and stepped a little closer to me. “I especially like how low cut it is,” he whispered in my ear. The dress had a plunging neckline down to just under my breasts but in a classy way, nothing was too on show and the dress was to the floor. Of course though, Lewis like the little bit of side cleavage.

“Wow, what a surprise!”

“Would you all like to come through to the dining hall now?” the hotel’s wedding planner asked, as if it was actually a choice.

I sat down beside Lewis and pulled the napkin over my lap. My dress was light yellow and each course had something fun coloured that I could spill on it. On our table with me and Lewis was his parents, Theo and his girlfriend, Alisha. It wasn’t a big wedding, they just had family and close friends but it was perfect.

Theo grabbed a bottle of chilled white wine off the table and started filling our glasses. “You’re drinking wine?” I asked Lewis when he held his glass out to Theo. He hated it!

“No way,” he replied, turning his nose up. “This is for you.” He smirked and placed the glass beside mine. “You’re getting drunk with me tonight!”

“That sounds fun but if I’m drunk I’ll have even less chance of them agreeing to let me go home alone.”

“I’ve thought about that too. We’re getting a taxi back to yours and I’ll stay over, protect you from whatever they think will happen.” He waved his hand and picked up his beer.

“You’ll protect me from axe wielding murderers?”

He laughed. “Yep.”

“Ghosts?”

“Yeah.”

“The Oogie Boogie Man?”

“The Nightmare Before Christmas still freaking you out?” he asked, looking amused.

The answer to that was yes. It was not a child’s movie and I should never have watched it when I was younger. I narrowed my eyes. “Just answer the question.”

“Fine, yes.”

“Good. You can stay then.”

“Oh thanks!” he replied sarcastically. Taking my wine and handing it to me. “Cheers.” I played along, smiling happily as we were getting along, and he had offered to stay at my house.

Dinner was really nice, not only was it one of the best meals I’d ever had but I was also spending it with Lewis and his family. They still treated me like one of the family, and Lewis spent pretty much the whole time chatting and flirting with me. When it was like that it was almost as if we were still together and I couldn’t keep the smile off my face.

“Summer, where did you get the dress from?” Alisha asked, sipping on her wine.

“The bridal shop in town.”

“I love it, I want one! You should just wear it all the time,” she said, smiling admiringly.

“I fully support that,” Lewis cut in, grinning like a pervert.

I quickly changed the subject because Lewis’ mum was looking at us all gooey eyed and it was only a matter of time before she said something about us being perfect for each other. I’d lost count of the times she just burst out with something like ‘Just bloody get back together’ or something like that. It was embarrassing and made things a little awkward.

Once dinner was finished we all did our own thing for the two hours before the evening reception started. Quite a few people congregated in the bar to continue the celebrations and some went back to their hotel rooms or went for a walk. Henry and Becca went to the bridal suite so no guessing that they were doing!

I sat at a table in the bar with my parents and grandparents. “So about me staying at home tonight,” I started. “Lewis said he’d come back with me so you don’t have to worry.”

“Summer.” Dad sighed. “We’ve booked your room and already Lewis has one. Please just stay here tonight.” Great, they’d already spent money so I couldn’t go home and waste fifty five pounds. “Please?”

“Yeah, okay, fine.”

“Thank you,” Mum said, kissing the top of my head as she stood up to get more drinks from the bar.

“It really means that much to her?”

Dad leant a little closer. “She worries when you’re not around her. I don’t think she would be able to relax tonight unless you stayed.” Wow, that made me feel bad. I hated that I hurt them and made them worry all the time. “Smile, sweetheart, everything’s fine.” He was always saying things like that, always the strong, positive one.

“Yeah, I know.” I really believed it too.

After another two rounds of drinks it was time for the reception. The room had been transformed, the tables moved to the sides of the room, a huge buffet laid out and giant board games to keep the children entertained. There was a DJ at by the dance floor that had just started playing, the disco lights reflecting shapes on the floor and walls.

“This looks good,” I said to Becca as she smiled, admiring the room.

She nodded. “Yep. This is the best day ever.”

“Well good, that’s kinda the point.”

“Let’s go get a drink,” Henry mumbled against Becca’s shoulder as he wrapped his arms around her. She giggled and linked her fingers with his. That was my cue to leave. I was so happy for them, but from a distance.

The evening guest soon arrived and the night was going perfectly. Becca and Henry’s first dance made me cry, and then Lewis made me do a shot for being such a big girl!

I was currently leaning against the bar moaning about having to stay. Lewis shrugged. “At least you get a free room.” That was true, if I was forced to stay then I was going to pay for the room myself.

“Yeah, there better be complimentary chocolate, cookies or something!”

“Chocolate chip cookies. Already ate mine.”

“Alright it’s worth staying here.” Lewis laughed and shook his head. Two more shots were placed in front of us and I sighed. For some reason I just couldn’t get drunk, I felt a little tipsy but nowhere near drunk. I guess it wasn’t a bad thing; at least I wouldn’t have a hangover in the morning.

When Lewis was dragged off by my brother to have a man drink, whatever that was, I went outside for some freezing cold fresh air. I walked down to the bottom of the hotel grounds and stopped at the lake. It was really pretty, the moonlight reflected off the water, casting shadows from the trees. It was peaceful and a nice change from the loud music and crowds of guests.

I was only alone for a few minutes though. “You okay?” Lewis asked, stopping beside me. His voice making my heart rate increase.

“Yeah, just needed some air but I’m regretting it now, it’s really cold,” I stated, rubbing my goosebump covered arms. He took his jacket off and wrapped it around my shoulders; I immediately pulled it tight around myself. “October’s a stupid month.”

“You’re just cold blooded.”

I frowned and turned to scowl at him. “Was that an insult?” He laughed and shook his head. “Thanks for the jacket.” He smiled and turned to look at the lake that ran along the back of the hotel’s garden. “It’s pretty out here.”

“Yeah,” he replied, snaking his arm snaked around my waist. Neither of us said anything. I laid my head on his shoulder and smiled to myself.

“I miss you,” I whispered.

“I’m right here, Sum.”

Shaking my head against his shoulder, I sighed. “You know what I mean.”

“I miss you too.” He doesn’t have to though. That’s what I didn’t get, if he wants to be together then why aren’t we? It’s pretty obvious that I want to be. “I got scared,” he admitted quietly, as if he was telling me something really embarrassing.

“Scared?” I turned so I was facing him, our chests pressed together. His other arm wrapped around me too, holding me against him. “What do you mean?”

“This is going to sound stupid and pathetic.” He winced and his body stiffened uncomfortably.

“Come on, tell me,” I prompted. Was he about to tell me the biggest reason why we broke up? He was right about one thing though, I did need to be alone for a while to get my head straight. Being in a relationship while I was having so much counselling would have been too much, it was almost too much just talking about everything so I knew having to think about and give attention to someone else wouldn’t have been possible for me. “What are you scared of?”

“Getting you back and losing you again.”

“I’m gonna need more than that,” I said, frowning in confusion.

“I lost you once. I was starting to think I’d never see you again and then I got you back, and then you were almost killed. Twice is really enough. I guess I was just scared of being us again and losing you, if something happened again it would be easier if we weren’t together. But that’s crap. I love you just the same, whether we’re together or not.” He sighed. “Stupid, isn’t it?”

I shook my head. “No, it’s not stupid if that’s how you feel. I guess I can understand it.”

He smirked. “That’s just a nice way of saying I’m a complete idiot.”

Shrugging, I tilted my head to the side. “Yeah it is.”

“I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay, you were right that we both needed time. I had to concentrate on getting better or whatever.” I was getting better too; there were still things to work on though, when I started talking it brought up all kinds of things that I didn’t think would affect me, like the flowers. They’re just flowers, they won’t hurt me but I was still terrified of having any in the house. My mum got some from work when she left and I was so scared that I threw them out after a day. I felt awful but I couldn’t breathe with them in the house. My shrink suggested I couldn’t have them around because I was scared of them dying, I hadn’t even realised but it seemed so obvious when she said it.

The front door being unlocked was another one, especially if I was alone in the house, it sounded too similar to the cellar door being opened. There wasn’t much I could do about that though. The door locked as soon as you closed it and you could only open it from outside with a key. I’d done some work on that one, unlocking it myself to get used to that noise not being associated with something bad.

Knives were also a big issue. I’d seen too many people being stabbed and hated using them for anything. Whenever I cut something up I just pictured whatever it was as someone’s stomach and it freaked me out. I had to use knives though; I couldn’t just never cook anything.

Everything was getting better slowly, I still couldn’t be around flowers but the lock made me jump less and I could use a knife that didn’t look like the ones Clover had.

“You’re doing really well, Sum. I told you a crazy doctor would help.”

I shook my head. He was always teasing me about my ‘crazy doctor’ even though it was him that suggested it, researched the best one in our area and pretty much forced me to go. Even though we weren’t together he was there the whole time, whenever I needed him.

“Yeah, yeah.”

He grinned and pressed his forehead to mine. “Do you feel better?”

“I feel more like me but I don’t ever think I’ll be exactly the same as I used to,” I told him honestly. “What about you?”

His fingers lightly brushed down my cheek, sending a shiver down my spine. “I’m fine. And you’re perfect as you are now.” That was a big fat lie. I still had a lot of fears, but I wouldn’t let them completely stop me from doing anything. I still cried some nights and kept everything clean and tidy, although, not living like a tramp wasn’t exactly a bad thing. I just hated it because of why I did it. It was a habit that I couldn’t seem to break.

“Really! You think?” I said sarcastically.

“I do. You made one really big, stupid decision but to me you’ve always been perfect… Well, apart from your choice of pizza toppings!”

I sighed dramatically. “One day you’ll admit that you actually like that pizza!” He smiled and stared into my eyes making me feel a little self-conscious. I was waiting for a little comment back but he said nothing. “Lewis, what?”

“Marry me.”

I felt like I’d just been hit by a bus, the shock was that huge. Did I hear that right? “What?” I choked out.

“Marry me, Summer.”

“You’re asking me to marry you?” I said slowly.

“They could really use you in MI5!” he joked. “Yes, Summer, I’m asking you to marry me.” I stared at him blankly, with my mouth hung open. “Your silence doesn’t really look good for me.”

His face slowly fell and that was when I snapped out of it. “Yes! I mean, if you’re really sure and-”

My sentence was cut short by his lips crashing down on mine. I hadn’t kissed him properly since I was first rescued from the cellar. My heart soared and butterflies erupted in my stomach. He pulled away for a second to whisper, “I love you.” His lips returned to mine straight after, not even giving me time to say it back. I stepped forward, closing the tiny gap between us and clung to him so tight I was practically cracking his ribs.

When we finally broke apart, both breathing heavily, I had time to actually think about what just happened. “Oh my God, you just proposed!”

“Seriously, MI5, look into it,” he stated sarcastically. “Wait, I just asked you to marry me without a ring. Shit, I’m crap at proposing. I’m sorry, Summer.”

Shaking my head, I pressed my finger over his lips. “It was perfect to me, and we can go choose a ring together…that way I won’t get a hideous one,” I joked.

“The way you’re going you’ll be getting a haribo ring!”

I shrugged. “As long as it’s one of the red ones, they’re my favourites.” I couldn’t care less about a band of metal. That wasn’t the important part. He wanted me; he wanted to bloody marry me! I could have practically burst I was so happy. I always hoped we would get back together but I never imagined it happening like that.

Suddenly realising something, my face dropped. “No, it’s Becca and Henry’s day!” As happy as I was, I didn’t want to take anything away from them.

“Technically, their day was yesterday.” I gave him a what the hell face. “It’s after midnight, no longer their wedding day,” he explained. “As much as I don’t want to though, I think we should wait a few days to announce it though.”

I nodded in agreement. Waiting sucked, I wanted to shout it as loud as I could but that wasn’t fair. “We can tell them at dinner on Thursday.” Becca and Henry weren’t going on their honeymoon until December, they wanted to go skiing and thought it would be even nicer with Christmas decorations in the lodges. We were all having dinner on Thursday before Lewis’ parents went to the south of France to visit his Uncle.

Lewis smiled and kissed me, sending my body crazy. “I love you,” I mumbled against his lips.

He kissed me for another minute and pulled away. “I love you too.”

We started walking back towards the hotel. “So when do you wanna get married?” he asked with the biggest grin on his face. “Soon? I can’t wait to make you my wife.”

“Definitely soon. I don’t care where or when, I just want to be married.” When I was younger I imagined a huge later spring wedding but now we could get married in a shed in the middle of winter and it wouldn’t bother me.

Just before we got to the French doors leading back to the function room Lewis stopped and turned to me. “I promise I’ll never let you down again, as soon as I get a ring on that finger we’ll find a place just for us and I’ll take care of you forever.”

I pressed my body against his and buried my face in his neck. Lewis’ arms tightened around me and he kissed the top of my head. I sighed happily, closed my eyes and whispered, “That sounds perfect.”

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IT'S DONE!! IT'S OVER!!!! *HAPPY DANCE*

How many of you thought that Summer and Lewis were getting married at first? Hehehe!

So, so, so, so glad I don't have to write this anymore! I had loads of plans for it but it's not turned out how I wanted, one day I'll re-write and make it how it is in my head.

Thank you all so much for sticking with the story, Ihonestly don't know how you did but I appreciate the support :)

As some of you already know, I'm going to try getting The Cellar published. There is going to be so many changes. Lots more Clover and his life with his mum and starting the cellar/kidnapping the first girls etc. I can do a lot more with it now I don't have to keep it all PG-13 LOL! The layout and how it's told is going to be different and I'm only having one Lewis chapter, if at all so fingers crossed someone will want to publish it!

Happy belated birthday to Jello95 - chapter 14 is now yours ;)

Now off to mark this as complete and grin at the green tick for a bit!

<3