"Hello, Jonathan."

The blond, bearded, gruff man sits behind the glass window separating the two of us.

"What are you doing here, Brinley?" He asks, frowning as his hands are held in fists so tight that his knuckles are turning white.

"I just wanted to talk to you for a while," I tilt my head. "As you can see, I'm still here."

He doesn't answer, he just glares at me in stillness.

"Your plan failed," I say, staring him straight in the eye with no fear, unlike I've ever been able to do before. "And now that I've tipped off the cops, you've got a lifetime in here."

"What, do you want to shove it in my face some more?" Jonathan growls.

"No. I want to tell you a story," I sit back in my seat and sigh, pursing my lips.

"You're kidding me," he looks at me in disgust.

"I'm not, actually," I say, raising my eyebrows. "Once there was a young girl who was too innocent and naive to know what love was. She fell for a man who was too old for her almost instantly. Little did she know that he was the thing that would hold her back for a good chunk of her high school experience."

Jonathan rolls his eyes, seemingly annoyed. "What's the point of this?"

I ignore him and continue. "He hurt her emotionally and physically and she still stuck with him. She was afraid to let go. Luckily she had some very good friends to help her away. Unfortunately, one of her friends offended her. So, she started dating his twin brother to make him mad."

"You're wasting my time," Jonathan grunts.

"You've got a life of time in here. You should be thanking me for this," I clear my throat. "What she didn't know was that this twin brother was exactly like the first bad man. In fact, they were friends. He attempted to kill her when overcome with rage, but the only thing that happened was her memory was wiped."

"I know how this story goes," Jonathan rolls his eyes, leaning back in his chair. "Can you leave me alone now?"

"The girl didn't know it, but she used to love the one who was helping her. But one day he lost track of her and she ran into the first bad man. He tried to steal her away, but she refused. Eventually he even went so far as to kidnap her. He attempted to kill her, too, but luckily the one she truly loved was there to save her."

"You did love me," Jonathan interjects.

"I did not and you know that," I hiss at him. "The first bad man went to jail. Then there was a new plan, formed while the man was still behind bars. The girl found out about the twin brother and he somehow slid under her radar. So did a new neighbor. He tried to kill her and failed. And so did the brother, for the second time. And everyone, even the girl, thought he succeeded."

Jonathan looks like he's about to say something but he doesn't because I continue.

"Her life flashed before her eyes and everything came back to her at once. She could recall all the forgotten events in her life-"

"Wait, you remember?" Jonathan looks shocked.

"I do. I remember how awful you were to me. I remember every terrifying second of it," I say. I am about to lose my temper on the subject, but I stop myself. "But that's not why I'm here. I'm not going to yell at you."

"Why are you-"

"The girl and her love got through all this together. He helped her through it. He had been there the whole time. It took her too long to realize it. But somehow, some way, after years of pain and suffering, everything worked out," I say.

And then I look at him. I look at him for a long time and shake my head. He doesn't even realize the torments he brought to my life. He's a heartless monster who ruined years of my life. But I'm not going to give him the satisfaction of seeing me freak out over that.

"I'm getting married today," I say, looking back at him. "I'm here to tell you that even though you ruined a short amount of my life, I'm happy. There is nothing you can do to hurt me anymore."

"Do you want a trophy?" Jonathan is still annoyed.

"That's all I have to say," I stand up and grab my bag. "Have a good life, Jonathan."

And then I walk out without looking back.

<•>•<•>

"Brinley! Where have you been?" Clarin exclaims as I walk through the door of the church I'm getting ready at.

"I just had something to take care of," I sigh, throwing down my bag.

"Well get up here, we need to get you ready, pronto!" Clarin says, shaking her head in distress.

"I'm coming, I'm coming," I say.

Lucky for me, I have lots of assistance with getting dolled up for this special day. My mom and Clarin are ready to get started on me as soon as I walk into the room. I'm sat down on my bed. Clarin moves to my makeup, applying foundation and powder. My mom stays on my hair, curling each piece of my long, blonde hair.

"You're going to look like a princess," Clarin smiles brightly at me.

"Only because you're helping me," I smirk back at her.

"Heck yes," Clarin nods, applying the first layer of eye shadow.

I thought that Clarin would never be happy again after the whole Lucas thing. I thought she might never heal from that and it made me sad. But she came back home and started at college, and she met a really nice boy named Danny. They started dating about a month ago, and it's turned out wonderfully so far.

It makes me happier than usual to see her happy. Yeah, the engagement is a huge plus on my entire life, but seeing my sister truly happy is just as rewarding.

Throughout the next hour and a half, everything is a blur of brushes, pins, and mascara. Here and there are commands such as, "Hand me that lipstick," or ,"Brinley, don't turn your head! I'm going to burn off your ear!" And every once in a while, there would be an, "Ah, you'll be the most beautiful bride."

By the time the two of them are finished with me, I'm almost afraid to move my head. They seem far too pleased with how I look. My mom had tears in her eyes as she looks at me. Clarin is grinning like an idiot.

As stupid as it seems to me, they've refused to let me look at myself in the mirror. They want me to only see myself as the finished product. I can't help my curiosity! I'm pretty much ready to ram past them and straight into the bathroom to see what the big fuss is about.

"Now for the dress," Mom can hardly contain her giddiness as she pulls the full length, pure white gown out of it's bag.

She and Clarin help me into it, zipping me up in the back. It's a gorgeous dress, easily my favorite in the entire store. It has a sweetheart neckline with thin lace reaching up to my neck and down my arms to my wrists. There is a lacy and pearly waistline until my dress falls like silk down to the floor. The last touch are the silver shoes I've chosen to wear with it.

And then they pull me towards a full length mirror in the hallway. When I find my reflection in the mirror, I gasp. I don't think I've ever been more shocked at my own appearance.

"Owen's going to die when he sees you," Clarin says with a giggle.

<•>•<•>

And then it's all just happening at once. My uncle, Randy, is going to be walking me down the aisle since my dad can't. He died before I was born. I never knew him. My cousin, Jenna, is preparing to throw flower petals down in front of me. Owen hasn't seen me all day.

My mom wanted this to be the most traditional wedding.

"Last check," Mom says, looking me over behind the church doors. She stands there with her hand over her mouth, tears in her eyes, shaking her head. "Lovely."

"Time to go, Brinley," Uncle Randy says, holding out an arm for me. I take hold of it, hands shaking.

I want this. I've wanted this for so long. I will never not want this. Owen and I are about to be one.

The doors in front of me open and I suck in a deep breath. Randy gives me a reassuring pat on my arm before we're walking.

I see everyone around me. They're smiling and proud and it's the best moment of my life. Clarin, Joey, Jamie, my old best friend. All my many relatives. Even Drake, Phill, Jake, Parker, and Ben are here supporting us.

And then I see him. He's in a dark suit with a white tie to match my dress. He's smiling at me, telling me with only that look in his beautiful green eyes that he loves me.

I finally make it up the steps and Uncle Randy lets go of my arm with a bright smile. Owen takes my hand and watches me with sparkling eyes.

I almost can't even pay attention to the words being spoken because I'm so consumed by my own thoughts. I am his. He is mine.

When I hear the words, "I do," come from his mouth, I almost die inside. And I speak the same.

When he leans over to kiss me, he takes far too long. He teases me with his eyes, holding his hand on my cheek for what seems like years. I end up grabbing his tie and pulling him in myself. Our kiss is short and sweet, but that's probably better for now. My mother is in the room.

And when we leave, hand in hand, I know I'm the luckiest girl alive.

<•>•<•>

My reception is held in my backyard. It was completely left up to Clarin and Mom. I trust their judgement probably more than my own. There are dozens of tables and chairs and flowers. The entire place is decorated in yellow and coral colors. Little twinkling lights hang above everyone. There is a huge table piled high with desserts and treats, and I know I'll personally enjoy sticking around that area.

Owen hasn't let go of my hand since we got married. Married. I like the sound of that. I'm no longer Brinley Shane.

My name is Brinley Michaels.

I am Owen Michaels' wife.

I smile even brighter than I had before.

There is music blasting through the speakers surrounding us, and all my guests have run up to congratulate me. I'm blessed beyond belief. Looking out at the crowd of supporters for me brings tears to my eyes. I love every one of them.

"Are you okay, Mrs. Michaels?" Owen asks with a grin.

I nod my head, wiping away a stray tear. "I'm just so happy."

"Well that's a relief," Owen laughs, pulling me closer to his side and wrapping an arm around me instead.

"Are you happy?" I ask.

"No," he says. "I'm far greater than happy. I just was wedded to the most beautiful girl on planet earth. And I'm the luckiest man alive."

"You're too cheesy for your own good," I roll my eyes. "Come on, let's dance."

I drag him out into the crowd and even though I'm awful at it, I do something that resembles a dance. Everyone around me claps and hollers. I laugh, letting my head fall backwards. Owen just stares at me, shaking his head as if he doesn't believe me.

"Regretting it already?" I yell over the music.

"If I'd remembered how awful of a dancer you are, I would never have gone through with this," he says, eyebrows raised.

"I'd like to see you try to do it any better," I smirk at him.

And then someone, probably Joey, starts a chant. "Owen! Owen! Owen!" I join in and soon everyone is forming a circle around him. He glares at me and I just endlessly laugh.

"Fine, fine," Owen sighs. There are some cheers. "You can form a line near the water cooler afterwards if you would like any pictures or autographs."

And with that, he attempts to do some Michael Jackson moves. He adds in some 80's style, and then he gets on the grass and tries to to the worm. It's more like a flipping fish than anything and I start cracking up. Finally, he gets up and bows for everyone.

"Thank you, thank you," he smiles at everyone and acknowledges the wolf-whistles. "No, none of that, I'm taken!" He holds up his ring finger to prove it to the girl that just screamed 'I love you!'

It takes almost an entire minute before all the clapping dies down. When it does and people begin to disperse, someone taps my shoulder.

"Brinley, nice to see you again," Danny, Clarin's boyfriend, says with a huge grin. He pulls me in for a hug and I can't help the easy smile he always brings onto my face. "Congrats, you're officially off the market." He winks at me.

"Aw, thank you," I release him and notice there are people standing behind him.

"Oh! I almost forgot," Danny turns around and smiles at them. "I brought some friends. Really nice people."

"Nice?" One of the two boys says, snorting.

"Shut up," Danny rolls his eyes. "That's Drew." Drew nods to me with a smile. "This is Brendan." He waves. "And this lovely lady is Lily." She grins at me.

"Hi," she says brightly. "Sorry about these dorks, I didn't want to bring them." Brendan gawks at her in disbelief. She smiles sweetly and blows a kiss at him. "But I had to meet Danny's girlfriend's sister! Oh, Danny talks about Clarin day in and day out."

Danny elbows her in the side and she retaliates with a good punch to the chest.

Clarin rushes over when she spits the group of us talking. She gives Danny a quick kiss before turning her attention to me. "Brinley! Guess what? You might see Lily and Brendan around school next semester. They go to Pearlin too."

"Really?" I turn to the two of them. They nod. "Good. I'll be glad to have some friends when I start out there."

"And the heavens know I could use some friends," Lily laughs. I like her already.

A slow song comes on and I look around in confusion. Isn't this supposed to be a fun reception? This isn't a funeral. But then a few notes in, I realize what song it is. My eyes widen as I whip my head to Owen. He's standing in the circle that has formed without my knowledge. He holds out on hand.

"Would you dance with me?"

I press my lips together and nod, trying not to cry. He knows. He knows I love this song and he knows I love him and all the happy emotions are finally catching up to me.

"Of course." He takes my hand and leads me to the center of the circle. Then he pulls me so close that I can rest my chin on his shoulder. We spin around in slow circles, not saying anything.

"Let me take you down because I'm going to strawberry fields. Nothing is real," Owen sings quietly in my ear.

"There's nothing to get hung about. Strawberry fields forever," I finish, leaning back only slightly.

"I love you," Owen says. "I thought you should hear that for the millionth time. But standing here right now... I know this is right. I know my world is you."

"Well then this is awkward... I was about to tell you that I have no feelings for you whatsoever and go pick up some divorce papers on the drive home," I shrug.

When is start walking off, he takes my wrist and pulls me back to him, grabbing my face in both hands and kissing me. Not like the dainty one earlier in the church building. He kisses me as if there aren't dozens of people around us right now. He kisses me like it's me and him and it is. It's me and him now, and that is all.

"Okay fine, I guess I do love you," I say.

"Good," he says, pulling me in for another kiss. "Do you know what's also good?"

"Peanut butter cookies?"

"Well yes, but no," he smirks. "You're mine. Nobody else can even attempt to make you theirs. We're married, Brinley. You're my wife."

"I don't think I'll ever get used to that," I say.

"You're my wife," he looks as in awe as I feel.

"I know I've also said this a million times... But thank you," I tell him sincerely. "You held onto every last piece of hope. You helped me through the roughest part of my life so far. You never once wavered in your loyalty. You were constantly there for my every need. I didn't know who I was. I had no hope. And there you were, the man I love, standing beside me through it all. You were the only one who could remind me who I am."

And then we dance without any cares. I let go. Because I don't want to think back to my past. It was crappy, yes. But that's how life is! It shoves crap at you all the day long, and we have to take it. But I have to look to the future. I can't change the past. But I can always brighten what's yet to come.

And I have the perfect companion to reach it with.

///////

Sadly, this is the conclusion of the magical tale. BUT WAIT, DON'T DELETE THIS JUST YET!!! I'm still going to write a chapter in Owen's POV.

Anyone want to suggest a chapter?