4 years after Alexander left...

" Your masterpiece is absolutely stunning Mr Harris!" Pablo, a wealthy CEO of the Fine Arts Museum complimented. I beamed in pride, my art work titled stounding race hung against the white wall.

Tonight, this painting will leave my embrace, the auction will decide its fate. Its been 4 years since I drew this, on the day Alexander Wilde left me...I started my very first stroke.

The artwork was a beauty in chaos--- I would have just written Alexander on the art paper but no one would have understood the masterpiece in his name.

Call me obsessed, but I still see those honey brown eyes everytime I close my eyes. I still see his face in the crowd, and today I realised, maybe he's not coming back...

Maybe he needed more time...

I needed to move on, and this artwork was just reminding me each day of our love.

I let my eyes run over the painting once more, it was probably the last time I was going habe the privilege to admire it. I never thought my final art assignment would turn out to be worth millions, throwing my first draft at my art teacher was definitely worth it.

The artwork had a large lighthouse drawn on it, the same lighthouse Alexander and I spray painted. Beside it was the small brown hut, our spot where we confided with each other. A long paintbrush was drawn below it all, it was acting as a stable ground that held everything up. Just like how painting built up our relationship.

A helmet was drawn hovering above the hut, acting as protection just like how Alexander forced me to wear his helmet to prevent me from getting hurt in the accident.

Behind it was a large ferris wheel, reminding me of the Unicorn Carnival we brought Angie to. The same day I found out the Alexander was Angie's father. Behind the ferris wheel was a large juke box, reminding of the time we danced away in the diner.

The background was spray painted with a series of colours to represent the ups and downs in our relationship. Lastly, all of this was painted with my fingers.

Just the way Alexander liked it.

I wiped away the tear that rolled down my cheek, I really did miss him.

" Sir its time for the auction." Kathryn, my secretary reminded.

▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪

" Welcome Ladies and gentlemen to the annual Fine Arts Auction where the most valued painting are being sold to the highest bidder! I hope your pickets are full because we have some extraordinary paintings lined up for you!" The emcee, Mr Hart, introduced to the large crowd.

Over time, the various paintings were sold for thousands of dollars. I held my artwork close to me, I was dreading every bit of the events that were to follow.

" Now, settle down everyone! We have come to our last painting. Mr Harris will be introducing it to you, and giving a brief description of the artwork he created." It was my cue to waltz onto stage, in front of the numerous cameras and people loaded with cash.

Placing my painting on the stand, it got the attention it deserved --- everyone's eyes widened as how exquisite each stroke was.

" Good evening everyone, I rather go by Gabriel instead of Mr Harris, as cliche as it sounds, this painting speaks a thousand words. It tells a story of its own, one that started on one summer evening. It started all because of one person who holds my heart till today," I scanned the crowd with a longing smile.

" She must be a lucky girl!" I heard a lady in the first row comment to her friend which made many around her agree.

" I fell for the most beautiful boy in the world, his soul was young at heart, he showed me how to live again." I heard some gasp in surprise, and I wasn't the slightest bit of ashamed.

The old me would have never let those slip my mouth but what was the point of lying to the world?

" All the different structures I drew from the diner to the lighthouse represents the things that helped us built our love. He was my everything, but I don't think he's coming back so I hope whoever buys this artwork will keep it well. I hope it brings you as much joy the boy I love brought me." Before I could move to the side, someone from the back asked.

He kept his low and asked in gruff voice, "Do you still love him? And is the rumour true that you painted this with your fingers?"

I smiled geniunely.

" I never stopped loving Alexander, he was the one to introduce me to finger painting, it was something he enjoyed very much..." I clasped my hands together, trying to mask my sadness.

Mr Hart, the emcee, sensed my nervousness and took the mic with a smile.

" Alright folks let the bidding began!" Whispers ran through the crowd before a lady in a cocktail dress shouted out.

" $5000!"

" I say $8000!" Another elderly man countered.

" pfft I'm going with $15000!" Another snickered.

" $22000!" My mouth was slightly ajar. That was alot of money but a small part of me knew that this artwork was priceless, not even money could represent its worth.

" $30,000!" The crowd fell to silence upon hearing the lady in her 30's claim.

" Calling once...twice..--" Mr Hart got interrupted.

" 60,000!" The man with the gruff voice shouted out, astonishing everyone, including myself.

Mr Hart chuckled in disbelief, "Calling once..twice...thrice! Ladies and gentleman this last wonderful artwork is sold to the young man over here! Come on up to collect this painting." Mr Hart encouraged.

The man stood up, holding his cap down. I picked up my artwork, ready to pass it to him.

I wanted to plant a kiss onto my artwork, maybe even throw a tantrum as I slowly feel my heart fall apart.

The man walked up to me and I reluctantly hand the artwork over to him. However, my throat went dry when I noticed his left wrist.

There it was. The tattoo of the paint brush.

" X-Xander...?" The man pulled his cap off with a grin.

" The one and only," those enchanting honey eyes smiled back at me. My eyes began to well up with tears, I wanted to pinch myself just to make sure this wasn't a dream.

" You know Gab, you can't get rid of me that easily..." he entwined his fingers in mine which made my knees weak. I was completely at the loss of words, my feet rooted to the ground.

Alexander grinned cheekily, tapping his chin in thought.

" So I was thinking was placing this picture in our new home, maybe the living room or how abou---" I cupped his face in my hands and smashed my lips into his.

I swear I heard angels sing the moment I felt his soft lips on mine, skin to skin, my fingers running through his silky fawn hair.

" I misse-ed you," I whispered out in between the kiss. I didn't give a care in the world, knowing that the whole audience was watching us.

" I love you Gabriel Harris, " Alexander pulled away, letting his finger trace the end of my lip. We stared into each eyes, I didn't forget an inch.

" In your speech, you kept saying that it started with me but I want you to know...that now, it ends with us. You and I against the world, Gabriel." He wiped the tear that rolled down my flustered cheek.

" You and I till our last breath?" My smile reached my eyes.

" I'm not leaving you, not now, not ever." Alexander wrapped his arms around me, swaying side to side. The sudden applause and standing ovation fron the crowd shook us out of our little bubble. Smiles of approval filled the crowd, some even wiping tears fron their eyes.

It then hit me, I found my place in this world, in Alexander's arms. Finally, I was accepted just by showing the world the me. While Alexander had his eyes on the crowd, I glanced to look at him.

I never thought this boy would turn my life upside down, pull me out from my comfort zone, pushing me to my limits and bring life to my life.

Alexander Wilde, you were worth waiting for all my life...

" So are you up for some milkshakes by the diner?" Alexander whispered into my ear with a mischievious smile.

Perfect.

T H E E N D

▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪

|| yes im crying because we are at the end of this beautiful journey! ||

I know many of you are a bit upset that Alexander took to get his act together but I wanted to emphasise the fact that love takes time and you can't just let everything into place after having stumbles like losing your memory, he needed to time to find himself once more before he could wholeheartedly love Gabriel. BUT he should be grateful Gabriel waited for him cause damn, I couldn't have waited honestly, it just shows how in love Gabriel is in him too. Either way I hope y'all enjoyed this book, thank you so much for taking the time to read my book, it make my heart burst with happiness!

I enjoyed every bit of writing this book and I wanted to bring across two main messages:

1. Always remember that there is someone out there who is meant for you and all your friends may be in love, but do not force yourself to get into a relationship because of that. You will always be loved, trust me.

2. Accept yourself the way you are. If you're in love with a person of the same sex, go for it!

There is no problem in that, as long as it brings you happiness, you are on the right track.

3. I wanted to make this book more realistic : its hard to love someone, all their flaws. A relationship takes time and Alexander & Gabriel waited for each other till the very end because love takes time.

It's fine if you disagree with my opinions but I hope you still found happiness in reading my book, I cannot take each of you enough for all the support and motivation yall gave me! I love you all so much!

Also!! is next!!

I hope y'all will check it out when it gets published in June 2020!!

You are loved always,

Celine!💓