One Last Time Part 2 (Tribute to Manchester)
Dedicated to our angels, my fellow Arianators, and to the one and only, Ariana Grande ♡. I love you please continue smiling and stay strong.

Arianne's POV

"What happened?" I said, opening my eyes. It took a while for me to adjust before I saw everything clearly.

Everyone was running away. I massaged my head before standing up. I was about to run away when I suddenly remembered Harmony.

"Harmony!" I called whilst searching. I found her lying a few blocks from where we were seated.

She was unconscious and was laying on her own pool of blood. I knelt beside her and called for help. No one was listening to me. They just kept running away, not minding the people who are unconscious and lying on the floor.

I was starting to lose hope. I don't want to leave Harmony here and run away like what everyone is doing.

I then saw Aiden enter. He was looking around. I called him but he didn't hear me instead he ran to the other side of the arena.

I quickly ran after him and I fell on my knees when I saw him crying beside... my unconscious body.

♡・♡・♡

"How is this possible?" I asked whilst they were taking my body to the emergency room. I know they can't hear me but I'm still in shock. I have a lot of unanswered questions running in my mind. Am I dead? If I'm dead, then why am I still here?

I stood beside Aiden. He was standing at the entrance of the emergency room. It hurts so much to see him cry. He looks so helpless.

"Aiden, what happened?" a familiar voice asked. Aiden and I faced that person and there I saw my Mum and Dad. Mum's eyes and nose were red which means she has been crying and Dad displayed a worried expression.

"They're treating her wounds. She also badly hit her head, " Aiden explained and my Mum started crying again.

I feel my world crumbling before me. All I can remember was I'm happy watching the show and then an explosion happened. That caused me to lose my consciousness then I woke up, discovering that I'm not in my body.

"Ms. Arianne Grant's family?" the doctor asked and all of us walked towards him. "We have done certain measures to treat her wounds but we have to get her in the operating room this instant. We just need your approval."

"Yes, of course, please do everything to save my daughter," Dad desperately answered.

I sat down and held my head. This is all too much to take in. How can one night full of joy turn into this?

♡・♡・♡

"You can go home, Mrs. Grant. I'll stay by Arianne no matter what happens don't worry," Aiden assured my Mum. She sighed before nodding and picking up her stuff.

"I'll see you tomorrow, love. Stay strong for me, okay?" she told me, kissing my forehead. She said goodbye to Aiden before walking out of the room.

"How are you, baby? Did you miss me?" Aiden asked whilst dragging a chair to my side. I rolled my eyes before laughing. "Will this wake you up?" he said before tickling my sides. I can't help but laugh because he looked so weird.

He sighed. "I miss you. When will you wake up?" he asked, holding my hand. I can't help but feel down. I miss him too. I miss him more than anything. Yes, he hurt me but that doesn't mean that my love for him faded.

It's been two weeks since the attack. I was operated immediately. It was successful but I am currently in the state of comatose. No one knows when I'll wake up. It could be months or years from now. I wanted so bad to get back in my body too, but I don't know how.

"Remember when we first met?" he asked and I looked at him attentively.

Of course, I still remember how we met. It was one I would not forget.

4 years ago...

"Okay, Harmony. I'll see you later, love. Bye," I told my best friend, Harmony before ending our phone call. I am currently sitting here inside the coffee shop.

I tried looking for a job again today, but I was not lucky enough to get one. I don't know why I'm having a hard time. I have a college degree but it's still difficult.

I broke out of my trance when my phone started ringing so loud. People gazed at my direction because Ariana Grande's song, 'Put Your Hearts Up' blasted in the whole coffee shop. I immediately picked my phone up and out of shock, accidentally pressed the decline button. Harmony's gonna give me an earful, for sure!

"Love your ringtone, " the man sitting on the table beside me said.

"Uhmm... thanks, " I answered.

"That's Ariana Grande, right? The red-haired girl in that show 'Victory', " he said and I stopped myself from laughing at his mistake. "I'm a fan of her as well."

"First of all, sir, " I started, trying so hard not to laugh hysterically. "It's 'Victorious'. How can a fan of hers not know that?" I said before finally bursting into laughter.

He furrowed his eyebrows before laughing as well. "I'm Aiden, by the way, " he introduced, holding out his hand.

"Arianne, " I said, taking it when I finally recovered. He smiled at me and for some reason, it made my heart pound like crazy.

"You seemed down that day. It's a good thing that I was there to make you laugh, " he said, still holding my hand and chuckling at his own mistake.

He was right. That day when he sat across me after introducing ourselves, I felt better. I forgot that I just got rejected all thanks to him.

I walked to where he was sitting and hugged him. "Thank you for doing that, baby. You don't know how much that made me feel better."

♡・♡・♡

"You're losing a lot of weight. Does this machine give you the right nutrients you need?" my Mum said pointing at the Nasogastric Tube that is placed in my nose.

It has been a month since I've been in a coma and I'm still here, floating. It still feels so weird that all day and night, I can only look at and stare at my unconscious body.

"Your boyfriend will be here probably any minute," she said. I'm always looking forward to Aiden visiting. I always have fun when he's with me. He'd never shut up when he's here. He's probably hoping that he'll wake me up by talking to me.

"You're lucky to have him, Arianne, " Mum said, smiling. "I still remember when you introduced him to us, " she added and I laughed when everything that happened flashed in my brain.

3 years ago...

"I'm nervous. What if they don't like me?" Aiden said, wiping the beads of sweat that are falling from his face.

I giggled before grabbing his hand and squeezing it. "They'll love you. Don't worry too much, baby, " I assured him.

I guided him inside. He was greeted by the smiling faces of my Mum and Dad. I introduced him to them and they welcomed him with open arms.

As soon as everyone was settled, we walked to the dining room and enjoyed the delicious food Mum made.

They asked him a lot of questions regarding where he works or where he lives. He's so nervous that just by hearing his name being called by my parents, he drops everything like his fork or knife.

My Mum adored how he's so respectful and polite. That's why I love him so much.

"Hey, Mrs. Grant, " Aiden said, entering the room.

"Aiden!" I chirped.

"Take care of her, alright? I'll be back tomorrow, " my Mum said before kissing the top of my head and walking out of the room.

"I missed you. Did you miss me? Please say yes, baby, " he said before sitting on the chair.

"Of course, I missed you. Who wouldn't?" I answered.

"Want me to sing for you? It's a good thing I brought my guitar, " he said before grabbing his guitar that he placed on the couch. He sat on the couch and I sat beside him. He cleared his throat before playing the intro of 'One Last Time'. That made me smile. Not once did he forget my favourite song.

"Remember our first date? You wanted to go to concerts so I took you to see a live band. You looked absolutely beautiful then," he said and everything that happened that night flashed in my mind.

4 years ago...

"You seem excited," Aiden said when we entered the venue.

"It's my first time attending a live band concert so of course, I'm so excited," I said, jumping up and down. He laughed before holding my hand and guiding me to the crowd.

I was really amused by everything. The lights, the sound, the large crowd. Everything seemed perfect.

The band also sang a lot of songs I know so I bopped to them the whole night. A smile plastered on my face the whole time I was there. I glanced at Aiden once and saw him watching me, he seemed amused by my reaction.

"You look really pretty. Happy looks good on you," he said and my heart fluttered. I felt my cheeks heating up. He chuckled before pinching them and looking back at the band.

Then and there, I knew that I want to be with him again because he makes me happy in a lot more ways than one.

"I need to be the one who takes you home," he sang. I looked at him and smiled when he slowly opened his eyes. One thing that he does the most without even noticing is closing his eyes while playing the guitar.

He sighed before placing the guitar down and walking to my bed. "Hey, love. I'll let you in on a secret," he said whilst pulling something out of his pocket.

I held my mouth in shock when I saw him holding out a small black velvet box. He opened it and inside was a raindrop-shaped diamond ring. "Pretty, right? I was actually about to propose to you on your birthday, but a lot happened," he said, shaking his head. "Raindrop because it reminds me of the first time we said I love you to each other."

3 years ago...

"Surprise," Aiden said, taking his hands off my eyes, revealing the most beautiful scenery I have ever seen.

He took me to a rooftop garden and it's so high that you can see the beautiful lights of the city. We just had dinner at a restaurant and I thought the night will end then and there but he took me here.

He hugged me from behind. He kissed my cheek before whispering, "I love you."

I looked at him in shock. "You do?"

He spun me around and gave me a sweet kiss. That was our first kiss!

"I love you, Arianne. You and only you," he said, placing his forehead on mine.

"I love you, too, Aiden. You're my world, my moonlight, and my everything."

"It's still you, Arianne. Only you," he said, holding my hand. A tear escaped from my eye while watching him.

"You're still my world, my moonlight, and my everything. I love you."

♡・♡・♡

"Why are you still here? You still have work!" I scolded Aiden who is still sitting on the chair beside me. Even though I know he can't hear me, I still talked to him.

"I don't want to go to work. I don't want to leave you," he said and my eyes widened in shock. Did he hear me? I doubt that he can. Was it just coincidence?

"Aiden, your ex-girlfriend is outside," my Mum said when she entered the room. My eyebrows knitted from confusion. Aiden's too.

"I'll be right back," he said, looking at me. I sighed before sitting on the couch and watching him walk out the door.

I don't know why I feel so uneasy whilst waiting for him to come back. I don't know if it's the thought of him talking to his ex or the thought that... I heard him say I love you to her before.

"I can't take this anymore," I said before rushing out.

What I saw outside was not something to be happy about. I fell to my knees and clutched on my chest while crying. It hurt so much seeing Aiden hugging another girl while she's whispering I love you to him. I remembered everything that Aiden has done to us. She cheated on her with me.

3 years ago...

"I can't contact him, Harmony. He of all people should know of this." I sighed. I tried to find a job again today and I finally did it. I got a job! I am so happy which is why I tried calling Aiden to tell him the good news.

I just ate with Harmony, trying to set aside my worries. I really don't know why, but for some reason, I feel nervous.

I was startled when my phone rang. I looked at the caller ID and it flashed Aiden's name. I then answered with, "Baby!"

The person on the other line chuckled bitterly. "So it is true," that person said. My eyebrows furrowed because it was the voice of a girl.

"Can I speak with Aiden, please?" I said and she sighed.

"You're a f*ckin' b*tch, you know that?" she cursed and my blood immediately boiled.

"Excuse me?! Who the f*ck do you think you are?"

She giggled. "I'm Aiden's girlfriend," she answered and I was taken aback. "Stay away from him, you f*ckin' whore!" she yelled before ending the call.

"Arianne, are you alright?" Harmony asked. I shook my head before crying my heart out. "Hey, what happened?" she said, transferring to the seat next to me.

I just shook my head before hugging her and crying on her shoulder. God, it hurts so much. I love him. I'm willing to give my life for him, but he hurt me.

"Don't you cry anymore, love," a familiar voice said from behind. I turned around and saw Harmony. She was standing there with a smile on her face, wearing a white dress.

"Harmony!" I called before running to her and giving her a hug. I cried on her shoulder. "I miss you. Where have you been?" I asked when I recovered.

"I'm sorry if I showed up just now. I just want to say goodbye," she said and I looked at her in shock.

"You're leaving me?"

"I have to. My time is up," she said, stroking my hair.

"Take me with you, please," I said and she looked at me like I have said the dumbest thing ever.

"I don't want to. No, you stay here."

"Please, Harmony."

"What about your family? Aiden?" she asked and I reverted my gaze to the ground. She's right, I would leave them behind, but for once, I wanted to be selfish.

Tears started falling from my eyes again. I shook my head. "Just take me away. Take me away from everything because it's painful. Take the pain away. Just end all of it."

"Your wish is my command," she said before holding my hand and guiding me to a hallway. I used my hand to block the bright light that greeted us. "No more regrets?" she asked and I nodded. We walked towards it and I started to feel carefree.

I looked back and thought of Aiden. I sighed before continuing to walk.

Thank you for everything, Aiden. Thank you for making me smile. Thank you for caring. Thank you for choosing me before.

3 years ago...

"Aiden, I don't want to see you! How could you ask for my forgiveness after making me your side chick?!" I irritatingly said. He has been following me around and I'm getting sick of it. I lost my job because of him. Because I was too busy mourning for him.

"I broke up with Tanya because I have realized now that I love you more than I ever loved her, " he said, holding my hand.

I cried again. I thought I don't have any more tears left to cry because I've let them all out. "It still doesn't make everything right."

"I know but I'll make it up to you, please. I love you."

Thank you for the memories. Thank you for everything. I'll cherish them forever. I hope you'll live a good life... with her on your side.

♡・♡・♡

"What are you doing here?!" Aiden whispered, pulling Tanya a few steps away from Arianne's room.

"I came to visit your girlfriend, " she casually answered.

"Bullsh*t!" Aiden denounced.

Tanya looked at him in disbelief. "For once, I did something right and that's how you'll treat me?"

Aiden sighed. "Just leave. This is not the perfect time for this, " he said before facing back.

"Why can't you love me like how you love her?" Tanya asked, making Aiden stop at his tracks.

He took a deep breath before facing her. "Why was it so hard for you to tell me you love me? And when it comes to her, you let that word out easily, " she said before placing both of her hands on her face to hide her crying state.

Aiden walked towards her and gave her a hug. "Why did you ask me to be your girlfriend six years ago if you're just going to ditch me in a snap?" she said, burying her face in Aiden's shoulder. Aiden just patted her back and calmed her down. "I love you, Aiden, " she whispered.

"I'm sorry, Tanya. I was an a*shole, I know that. I was so sure of you before but we started drifting apart. I wasn't happy anymore and then, Arianne came. She showed me the brighter side of life. She made me feel things that I couldn't feel with anyone else. I was ready to end things with you but I had a hard time doing that because you never had the time to hear me out, " Aiden explained. Tanya got out of his embrace.

"I'm sorry. I didn't know that you felt that way but I only did that for us, " she said before wiping her tears.

"Aiden!" Arianne's Mum called. She looked worried and frustrated.

"Mrs. Grant, what's wrong?" Aiden asked, confusion is evident in his tone.

"Arianne is in a critical condition, " she said and Aiden immediately got ready to run to her room.

"Aiden, " Tanya called and he faced her. "I hope she gets well soon, " she said, smiling.

Aiden gave her a quick nod before rushing to Arianne's room.

Nurses and doctors were rushing to revive her. Aiden started crying. It was painful for him to hear the flatline sound of the heart monitor.

All he could say was, "Please don't leave me, Arianne. I can't lose you."

♡・♡・♡

"Get well soon, Arianne, " a female voice whispered. A tear slid from my eye to my cheek. I slowly opened my eyes. It took me a long time before adjusting to the light.

"Oh, my God! Arianne!" a woman called when she saw me waking up.

A lot of people quickly rushed to my aid. They checked my vital signs and everything. I was so confused about everything that is happening. Why am I in a hospital? What happened?

"Arianne!" a guy called before running and hugging me. I was shocked by his gesture so I quickly pushed him away. "Hey, baby. It's Aiden."

"Stay away from me! I don't know you!" I asserted before looking away. I wanted to cry because I feel so frustrated. I don't know anyone in this room. I don't even know my own name! Bloody hell!

"Why did she act like that?" the guy who hugged me asked.

"It looks like she acquired amnesia due to the trauma, but it is temporary. She will get her memories back in a few months or so, " the doctor explained.

I signed before looking at my now trembling hands. I can't believe everything that is happening to me. I can't even remember what I did to deserve this. Everything is so messed up.

"I'll leave you to catch up. Excuse me, " the doctor said before exiting.

"Hey, Arianne. I'm your Mum, " the woman introduced. I smiled at her before nodding. I looked at the guy who hugged me and saw him looking at the ground. "That's your Fiancè, Aiden, " my Mum said and my eyes widened. He was shocked too.

"I'll call your father. You should talk to him, " she told me before stepping out of the room.

"Hi, " he greeted, sitting beside me.

I avoided his gaze. "I'm sorry. I didn't know you're my Fiancé."

"It's alright. Are you okay now?"

I nodded as a response, still not looking at him.

"Hey, Arianne, " he called, holding my hand. I looked at him and he smiled at me. "You look really pretty, " he said and I felt my face heating up. He chuckled before kissing my hand.

That simple gesture made my heart flutter and it's such a good and familiar feeling.

♡・♡・♡

"You'll help me once I get discharged, right?" I asked Aiden, referring to retracing our steps so I can remember.

"Of course, love. Don't worry," he said and I smiled. I looked around and my eyes landed on the phone placed on my bedside table.

I grabbed and examined it. I looked at the back and there's a picture of Aiden and me inserted in the case. The phone case looks girly too so I assume it's mine. I pressed the power button and a picture of a beautiful young woman holding a microphone showed up.

"Who is she?" I asked, pointing at my lock screen.

Aiden chuckled. "That's Ariana Grande, babe."

"She's a singer?"

"Yep, " he answered. I slid the unlock button and it asked for a 6-digit passcode.

"What's the passcode?" I asked.

He chuckled before answering, "062693."

I tapped on the numbers and it did the trick. I shook my head. "Why did I choose that passcode?" I whispered to myself.

"It's Ariana's birthday, " he answered for me.

"Oh, that's how much I love her?"

"Yeah, I think you love her more than you love me, " he snickered. I can't help but feel sad. I can't even remember my favourite singer.

Just before I can apprehend anything, I already felt myself tearing up.

"What's wrong, baby?" Aiden asked, sitting beside me.

"I'm sorry." I shook my head. "I'm sorry I can't remember."

He hugged me. "It's alright, love. Baby steps, okay?" he said, stroking my hair. "I love you, Arianne. Never forget that, okay? You're my world, my moonlight, and–"

"My everything, " I said and we looked at each other in shock. I don't know how I knew about that, but I think I heard it somewhere.

He hugged me again. I hugged him back tighter and for the first time after I woke up, I had the sudden urge to tell him, "I love you too, Aiden. I love you more than anything. Thank you."

♡・♡・♡

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R.I.P. our 22 angels. We love you! 🐝