Last Chapter
AJ leaned over and picked up another rock, tossing out into the frothing waves. He watched at the stone hit the water with a splash, then sunk quietly to the ocean floor. Beezus lifted her skirt, stepping across the sharp rocks slowly as she approached. His tie and jacket were slung carelessly over the hood of his rental car, which sat up on the grassy knoll above the beach.
"AJ?" He spun around sharply, dropping the rock he held in his hand.
"Beez, hey. . . .How did you know where to find me?" She grinned, sidling up next to him.
"I played detective and caught a cab, following you out here from the hotel. I wasn't going to let you go without thanking you immensely for tonight." He shrugged, burying his hands in his pockets.
"It was nothing," he replied, gazing out over the dark waters. He snatched up another rock, tossing it from hand to hand before letting it sail across the waves. Beezus caught his arm, and he turned to face her.
"AJ?"
"Yeah, Beez?" His heart ached at the questioning look she was giving him. Another stone flew into the sea.
"Remember when I asked you to be honest and tell me is you really did harbor those secret passions for me, and you dodged the question like it was a snake about to bite?"
"I said something to the effect of, 'it's another story', and brushed it off," he answered. A wistful sigh melted with the lapping of the waved on the shore. "I remember."
"Do you really harbor those feelings or were you just being a moron like always?"
"I've been dreading this night for weeks."
"AJ, you're not answering my question."
"The truth comes out," he said with a forced laugh. "You always did think I was an unbelievable fool and never thought to tell me. Wonderful friendship skills." With an air of exasporation, she sighed, throwing up her arms. "Fine, you got me. I can't avoid this any longer, so . . ." He reached over quickly, sliding his hand around to the nape of her neck, and kissed her softly. After pulling away, an awkward silence settled over them. "If that doesn't answer your question I don't know what will." He stuffed his hands roughly into his pockets again, kicking a small pile of pebbles.
"AJ I am so sorry," she managed, struggling to keep the tears from spilling out onto her face. "If I had realzied this sooner, I--"
"Beez, there's nothing you can do; you're not supposed to do anything. It's an unrequited love that never can be," he interrupted dramaticly. "Like Shakespeare; Romeo and Juliet or Othello. It's not as if something you could have done would have changed anything. I would have loved you more, if that's at all possible." Beezus couldn't stop herself, and tears coursed tiny rivers down her face. AJ pulled her close, kissing the top of her head lightly as he fought to keep his own tears from falling.
"Oh no, I'm sorry," she sobbed, tearing away, "I got your shirt all wet."
"You are the funniest girl I have ever known," he sighed. "God, if only . . ."
"What?"
"I was about to that that if only I hadn't helped you figure out how perfect you are for Brian, I would have you to myself right now," he finished defeatedly. "But I guess this proves how far above everything fate is."
"Yeah, well, fate can go . . . lick the pavement for all I care," she replied with a sniff, wiping the salty tears from her face. "We could have worked something out if you hadn't pushed Brian and I to realize that we. . ." She chuckled at the irony. "That we harbored secret passions for each other. He laughed, ruffling her hair.
"Did I ever mention that you have excellent taste in hair color? Red looks good, babe," he added.
"Why thank you." They made their way up to the car, and AJ collected his coat and tie from the hood. "Now, Age, I am starving right now. Care to escort me to the nearest McDonald's for a Big Mac now?"
"With pleasure." They climbed into the car, and he glanced across at her. "Maybe this wasn't such a horrible evening after all."