Nightshade: A SimLit | Chapter 36: Nothing Lasts Forever

"I know it must be really hard for you that your dad can't be at our wedding..." Brynn sighed as she ran a hand through Alexander's hair, taking in the comforting warmth of the fireplace. "Are you sure you don't want us to move it out a few months? He died so recently, I know you're still hurting, and--"

"No," Alexander interrupted. "I want to marry you... he wouldn't have wanted us to postpone it just because he died, Brynn. He'll be watching... I know he will."

"You're right," she replied with a smile. "He will be..."

"That reminds me," Alexander began, "there's something I've been meaning to talk to you about..."

"Yeah?" Brynn looked down at him, her hand running across his chest. "Go ahead. You can talk to me about anything. Is something bothering you? ...Did you get into trouble?"

"No, nothing like that, but..." his voice trailed off and he sighed. "You... really don't mind vampires?"

"Alexander, if you're worried I won't accept your family because your sister's a vampire now, you're being ridiculous." Brynn stated and shook her head. "I think vampires are pretty cool. Onyx has always been nice to me, and so has Amelia."

"That's not what I was worried about, but if you think vampires are cool, then that does make me feel better, because..."

Alexander gave her a wide grin, baring his fangs. "I'm a vampire now, too."

Brynn's eyes widened. "Alexander! When did this happen?"

"The day dad died," he frowned. "I... I'm sorry. I should have told you a little sooner. I know it's been almost a week now..."

"No, it's okay. I don't mind at all." Brynn smiled. "But... you living forever now, that... doesn't change anything between us, right?"

"No. But..." His smile faded. "I don't want you to die. I want us to be together forever, just like my sister and Onyx. So... I was going to ask you... if I can turn you. Tonight."

Brynn frowned and abruptly pushed him off of her lap, turning away.

"Brynn?" Alexander sat up and turned to her. "What's wrong?"

"I... I can't, Alexander," she said quietly. "I don't mind vampires, but I don't want to be one. Immortality... it's terrifying to me. I don't want to live forever... I can live my days out happily with you, and when they end, you can find someone--"

"What? No!" Alexander cried. "Why wouldn't you want to...?"

"We are born to die. It's natural... it's meant to be," Brynn said. "We aren't meant to be immortal. Nothing lasts forever, Alexander."

"But we could last forever..." Alexander placed a hand on her shoulder, but she stood up, her back turned to him. 

"I'm sorry. I love you, Alexander. I hope... you still want to marry me, even knowing I won't live eternally..." her voice trailed off, tears coming to her eyes. "But we will last forever. Just because I'm not in this world doesn't mean I'm gone. I will live forever, in your heart. And in this world, my forever is until I die... and I still want to be happy with you for as long as my forever lasts."

Alexander's heart was in a thousand pieces, but he stood up and walked over to her.

He put his hands on her waist and pulled her closer to him, managing to smile. "Of course I still want to marry you. I'm going to make the most of every moment. You're going to have a happy forever. As long as your forever lasts." He leaned in closer, and their lips met in a kiss filled with emotion.

Sadness and happiness mixing together was such an odd but satisfying sensation, and as he felt her wrap her arms around him, the sadness started to melt away. 

Brynn pulled away just enough to speak, her lips grazing against his as she did. "I love you, Alexander. Forever..."

---

"Dearly Beloved, we are gathered here today to witness..."

Amelia didn't pay attention to the minister's endless monologue, focusing on how happy her brother looked at he stood hand in hand with Brynn. "This wedding venue is beautiful," she whispered to Onyx. "They look so happy..."

"I'm glad Brynn's family was able to afford this," Onyx whispered in reply. "I wish I could have--"

"Shh, don't start with that," Amelia hushed him. "Our wedding was just as perfect, okay?"

As the minister spoke out the vows, Alexander hardly heard them, completely lost in Brynn's eyes. He took in every last inch of her face, the way she looked at him, and her beautiful smile... and although he was smiling, he only felt an intense ache knowing that one day, she would be gone. He convinced himself to hold onto the hope that she would one day change her mind...

"...for better, for worse, until death do you part?"

Alexander blinked back his tears. Is this how Onyx felt when he heard those words, standing in front of Amelia? It was an indescribable sadness, but he smiled warmly. "I do."

Brynn's smile widened, and in that moment, Alexander had never felt more in love. She looked so beautiful, so full of life...

"I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the--"

Alexander didn't wait for him to finish, lunging forward to wrap his arms around her and dip her down. 

Brynn squeaked in surprise, but smirked up at him. "Alexander, you do realize we're in front of everyone?"

"Yeah, why?" Alexander smiled innocently at her, leaning in even closer, their lips nearly touching...

Brynn rolled her eyes. "Your hand is on my butt."

Alexander's smile turned to a smirk. "Good." 

And then he closed the gap between them with a passionate kiss.

---

Amelia was mentally going over the list of things to pack for the hundredth time in her head. "Okay, I think that's finally everything..." She looked around the room, suddenly realizing how empty it was. "...I can't believe you're really moving out. I'm going to miss you..."

Alexander gave her a sad smile. "I'm going to miss you, too. But... Brynn's apartment is perfect for us right now, and her lease isn't up for several more months, so it's much more convenient for me to move there," he sighed. "And it's a little closer to the college. I can't believe this is my last semester... I'm about to graduate..."

"I can't believe it, either," Amelia smiled. "Time has gone by so fast... now we're both married and going separate ways..."

"No, this isn't separate ways," Alexander frowned. "I'm going to come see you all the time.  I'll text you every day, even if it's just to ask how you're doing. You're so important to me, Amelia. Don't forget that." He stood up, and offered his hand to help her up as well.

As soon as she was on her feet, he pulled her into a hug. For a moment, it felt like they were little kids again, in a much simpler time...

Alexander smiled and tightened his grip. "I love you."

Amelia finally let the tears fall. "I love you, too."