She kisses me, right there in the middle of campus, snowflakes falling around us.
"I love you," she says.
"I love you too. Always have. Always will."
"Even when I'm being impossible?"
"Especially then."
She laughs and pulls me toward the student center. "Come on. I'm freezing and you're buying me hot chocolate."
"Demanding."
"You love it."
I do. I love everything about her. The stubbornness, the strength, the way she makes me want to be better.
We have a long road ahead, grad school applications, figuring out life after Thornhill, continuing to build trust.
But we'll do it together.
No more secrets. No more running.
Just us, figuring it out.
And that's everything I need.
Epilogue
One Year Later
Senior year is different.
Better.
Ivy and I are applying to grad schools together, business programs that will take both of us. We're building a future deliberately, carefully, with both of our dreams considered.
I'm working two jobs to pay my tuition after my parents cut me off. It's hard, exhausting, but also freeing. Everything I achieve now is mine. Not bought with their money or connections.
Ivy got a summer internship at a Fortune 500 company. I'm doing research with Professor Hendricks. We're both building careers we actually want.
My parents haven't spoken to me since that call. My father sent one email, offering to restore funding if I "came to my senses." I deleted it without responding.
I don't need them anymore. I have Ivy. I have real friends. I have a life I'm proud of.
"Stop overthinking," Ivy says, noticing my distant expression. We're at the end-of-year business banquet, celebrating senior achievements.
"I'm not overthinking. I'm appreciating."
"Appreciating what?"
"This. Us. The fact that we made it through everything and came out stronger."
"We're pretty great," she agrees. "But we're also late for Isla and Sebastian's engagement party. Come on."
She pulls me toward the door, and I follow willingly.
Because wherever Ivy goes, I go.