Epilogue
I met Drake when I was a child, when I was fifteen. I denied the existence of good things. I hated life. I hated myself. I hated the entire world.I met Drake, and suddenly, the world wasn't as ugly anymore. He gave me the most precious gift of all.
Hope. Faith.
I am twenty-one now. And I live.
I don't care what comes next. Whatever endeavour's awaiting me, I'll face it head on, knowing that I'll be alright if I can forever remember the lesson this particular part of my life taught me.
There's always hope somewhere. We may not see it, or may not want to see it, but it's there, always.
Persevere and new doors will open for you.
Believe in this world and in those around you.
Believe in yourself.
We Believe
By Good Charlotte
There's a woman crying out tonight
Her world has changed
She asks God why
Her only son has died
And now her daughter cries
She can't sleep at night
Downtown
Another day for all the suits and ties
Another war to fight
There's no regard for life
How do they sleep at night
How can we make things right?
Just wanna make this right We believe
In this love
We are all the same
Human in all our ways and all our pain
(So let it be)
There's a love that could fall down like rain
(Let us see)
Let forgiveness wash away the pain
(What we need)
And no one really knows what they are searching for
(We believe)
This world is crying for so much more We believe
In this love We believe
In this love
So this world
Is too much
For you to take
Just lay it down in front of me
I'll be everything you need
In every way
We believe
(In this love)
Author's Note: Well, this is it, guys! The end of a ACIP. It's been a fun ride, hasn't it? What to say? That I immensely enjoyed writing this? Too obvious. That your reviews meant the world and more to me? I would've thought that that was clear by now. That I hope you had tremendous fun reading it? Well, duh! So all that's left I guess is to thank you from the bottom of my heart and soul for having stuck with me through this experience. I appreciate it more than you'll probably ever know.
If you enjoyed reading this, then maybe you'll like to know that I will co-write a story with chibicherrychan, which will be posted on fictionpress, though I have no exact date to give you.
Before going on to the reviews answers, I'd like to say that answers to chapter 18/Epilogue reviews will be given through e-mail. For those of you who do want a reply – it'll be a pleasure for me to answer you individually one last time- please be sure I can access your e-mail address through fictionpress. If it's not there, or if it's unavailable, please leave it to me at the end of your review.
Ddz008: It's over now. I hope you liked it to the very last word. It's an optimistic ending, really. I had in mind a somewhat 'bad' ending, but figured that this one fitted as well and would satisfy most of my reviewers. Can't say it will always be good endings, though. Life ain't perfect, and writing stories in which good always triumphs would be an unrealistic way to represent it.
Eagle Seance: Well, it wasn't fast, but since this is the end of it all, I had to be sure of what I was writing. It had to come out as I wanted it to. I can't thank you enough for your support. You were there from the fourth chapter and that, that is something I love you for. hugs Thank you oh so very much.
Slowlydancingtothestars: Thank you. It means a lot. It really does.
rodeoclown: Wow. You think the title fits? I'd be curious to hear why you think that… My sister didn't get it, I think. I do put a lot of thought into the titles. After all, they reflect the whole chapter. They have to be perfect too. As for Drake and Karl, they'll surely get the happy life they deserve, but that doesn't mean there won't be many other hardships awaiting them. But they're both willing to face them together with confidence and trust. And I believe that's how you should face problems. You're not alone in the world, even if you think you are, so do not try to shoulder everything by yourself. If we all share life's burden, we'll all come out as winners. Thank you so much for your encouragements and for giving me feedback. I appreciated you answering my questions. Thanks a bunch.
ludicrouscow: Here it is. Yes, they got together, but Lex, although disconsolate, will get better. He has already started to deal with the situation and accept it the way it is. Some things cannot be changed, not matter how much we wish it otherwise. At least, he has the strength to salvage his and Karl's friendship, which was in peril. It takes courage too. He's a brave man.
Nothing Profound: Not arrogant. You were probably just making everyone envy you. My 'quill' doesn't always flow, and many authors have frequent writer's block. Aside from that, your penname was fine. As for the present one, it doesn't completely suck as you put it. I can't say I really understand it. Are you saying you write nothing profound? I'd have to disagree. And strongly at that too. I like what you write. It's touching. About Cast Away, Wilson is the best. It's the most memorable moment when he drifts away; I cried. It was heart-wrenching. For the guy to survive four years on the friggin island with Wilson as sole friend and to then lose the volleyball ball, that's horrible. Back to ACIP, Lex will most definitely be okay with time. He got away for a time to think and recuperate. But he's strong and resilient. There's no way he'll be defeated by this. In life, we never know, but we can hope and wish him well(Even though, like you pointed out, he's not a real human being. Though he feels real to me. He's one of my babies.) Thank you for it all.
Abigail Radle: I have a gift? I do?!? Wow, you're the first ever to tell me that. And to compare ACIP to published writings… Wow. I'm flabbergasted. Thank you. As for cloning Karl, well, you'd have to get in line. Many agree he's perfect. I do too. After all, I created him. He's physically jaw-dropping, honest, kind, funny in a sarcastic kind of way but not overenthusiastic… Perfect. Except for one small detail I'd have to change for him to be really perfect for me. His sexual orientation. Ha! As for keeping on writing, like I said, I will post a co-written story, hopefully sometime soon(but not too soon as it does take time to develop a new story… plus school, plus work… so not too soon…). Feel free to check it out once it's posted. Thank you for your cheerful review. I hope you liked the ending as much as the rest!
Thanks also to those who, at one point during the posting of this story, reviewed:
bluefaerie33
brokendagger
tarredglittered
Chibicherrychan
seductivedevil
jenn
Queen of Dawn
Kaika switched
Stefen
Taylor A. Raine
xxfallin
Sh'arra Rie
maggie
Tirefel
Green Forest
Mia Hail
Zeila E
fei-yen
SlateGrey
Mars Demo
dyers-eve
Pink Raine
Swordgirl-amy
rewind regrets
Ghostmoon Dancer
Deadly Beautiful
I hope I have not forgotten anyone(or made horrible mistakes in your pennames). Thanks again everyone!!!!
"Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars." - Les Brown