Love Me(The Keatyn Chronicles #4)

Stupid glow.

12:30am



It’s late when we get back from the long bus ride home. I’m packing when Maggie barrels into my room.

“I really need you and Katie’s help,” she says.

“With what?”

“I ordered a bunch of new dresses but I can’t decide which ones I should take. We’re doing dinner at my house and then going to his house the next day. I want to look perfect.”

“Come on,” Katie says, pulling me out of the room. Then she whispers, “Let’s stop and get some cookies. I think this is gonna take a while.”

We stop at the kitchen and then go to Maggie’s room.

I watch as Maggie tries on five different dresses and parades across the room in them.

“What do you think?”

“I like the second one and fifth one. But I didn’t like shoes you had on with the fifth one. It needs tights and boots.”

“Oh, that would be cute,” Katie agrees. “Try it back on.”

She puts it back on, gets two thumbs up, gives each of us a hug, and lets us go back to our room.



As usual, Katie passes out quickly.

I’m jealous of her ability to fall asleep so fast.

I finish my packing, double check that I have my passport, and then lie in my bed.

I close my eyes and try to sleep but I can’t because the 29-song playlist is playing in my head.

Maybe I shouldn’t have listened to it for three hours straight.

I open my eyes and stare up at the ceiling, forgetting about the stars.

But then I see a moon glowing directly above my head.

Are you kidding me?

That must be why Maggie had a fake fashion crisis tonight. She wanted me out of my room. She thinks this is like the big gesture.

But, it’s not.

I close my eyes tightly to shut out the sight of the moon, but even with my eyes closed I can feel the moon mocking me.

“I officially hate you!” I say to the moon. “I never should have made a stupid wish on you!”

I stand up on my bed, rip the moon off the ceiling, and then toss it on my bedside table so I won’t have to look at it.

I lie back down.

Toss and turn.

Try to get comfortable.

But I can't.

Because the damn moon is glowing from my table.

I slam my phone down on top of it.

Still glowing.

F*cking moon.

I grab it, shove it into my purse, zip the purse up tightly, and then throw it across the room.

Killing the moon and hiding its stupid glow.
    

Wednesday, November 23rd

Write my name in the sand.

10am



I’m not sure why it’s necessary to have a partial school day today because everyone, including the teachers, has mentally checked out already.

I’ve checked out because something amazing has happened. I’m pretty sure that when I yelled at the moon last night, it reversed my wish.

Because for the first time since I came here, I’m able to write down a script for my perfect life.





FADE IN: MALIBU BEACH

A YOUNG COUPLE IS STANDING IN THE MOONLIGHT ON THE UPSCALE PRIVATE BEACH OF THE MALIBU COLONY. PANNING SHOT OF THE OCEAN WAVES SHIMMERING IN THE MOONLIGHT.



MALE LEAD: YET TO BE CAST

(Taking Keatyn’s hand in his)

Happy Birthday.



KEATYN

(Leans in to kiss him)

It’s been a long year.



MALE LEAD: YET TO BE CAST

But we’re here. Together on the beach. That’s all that matters.



KEATYN

That and the stalker is in jail.



MALE LEAD: YET TO BE CAST

I was worried when he kidnapped you.



KEATYN

I’m just glad it’s over, and so happy we’re together.





MALE LEAD: YET TO BE CAST

(Grins adorably)

There were times when I didn’t know if we’d make it. We’ve both grown up a lot. It’s like everything and nothing has changed.



KEATYN

We’ve changed. Our love hasn’t.



MALE LEAD: YET TO BE CAST

I told you fate would bring us together.



KEATYN

I didn’t believe you.



MALE LEAD: YET TO BE CAST

It’s not where you’ve been that matters; it’s where you end up that does.

Wanna know a secret?



KEATYN

Of course.



MALE LEAD: YET TO BE CAST

I wished for this.



KEATYN

What do you mean?



MALE LEAD: YET TO BE CAST

I made a wish on the moon. For you.



KEATYN

(Happy tears stream down her face)

I wished on the moon too. For my perfect boy.



MALE LEAD: YET TO BE CAST

(Brushes away her tears)

A thing of beauty is a joy forever.



KEATYN

You told me that before. I thought it meant I was pretty.



MALE LEAD: YET TO BE CAST

What do you think it means now?



KEATYN

I think it means love is a thing of beauty.



MALE LEAD: YET TO BE CAST

We’re a thing of beauty. I love you.



KEATYN

I love you too.



(They share true love’s kiss)



THE END