One and a half years later:

I watch the birds flutter in the trees.

I feel the wind on my face.

I see couples walk past me, their hands holding each other.

All this time in New York, and I still haven't gotten used to how big NYU is.

It's been one and a half years since the shooting of Xavier, the love of my life. I just have not been able to get over it. Jordan and his wife, Linda were reluctant to let me move, but I had to – I had to get away from the memories of the danger that both he and I had faced.

It seems so unreal, the months after the shooting. Beatrice was instantly arrested and placed on trial. She was also sent to a mental institution. She confessed to everything, and even got jail time, but by then it was too late – the damage had already been done. I didn't testify at the trial, but I watched the trial every day from Xavier's hospital room. I refused to leave him, until the doctors told me that he wouldn't need me by his bedside anymore. That was when I decided to move to New York.

Usually, after classes, I go straight to my apartment where I remain for the rest of the day. However, today I am appreciating the beauty of the world.

Then I see Daniel running towards me, his gorgeous dark skin reflecting the sunlight – Daniel is one of my friends. He's a frat boy, and a total playboy. I like him though; he has had a dysfunctional life like mine, and we relate on a lot of issues. I've told him almost everything about me, and my life one and a half years ago, from how Xavier and I met, to the more recent details.

"Yo, Candy. What are you still doing here?"

"I was just leaving", I say, getting up from the bench where I am seated.

"Want me to walk you home?", he asks, and I smile and nod. I can hear his friends cheering from behind us. Everyone ships me and Daniel, even though they all know that my heart belongs to another.

We walk together in a comfortable silence until we reach my apartment. It is small and comfortable looking. I didn't really want a big house, I just wanted a place where I would be comfortable. The apartment is a simple one-bedroom flat that serves all my needs.

"So, I guess I'll see you tomorrow?", Daniel asks, and I nod. I've never invited him in – trust me, it wouldn't end well.

I nod in answer, and I make my way to the door of the apartment. I grab my key from my handbag, and shove it into the keyhole, then open the door and enter my new home. Once inside, I immediately lock the door. Then I lean against the door and sigh – university is totally exhausting.

As I stare into the vast space, I can't help but think of Xavier – the moment he jumped in front of me, ignoring the risk to his life, intent only on saving me. Even though Beatrice is in jail, I still feel like killing her; if the police hadn't come when they had, I probably would have.

I walk into my bedroom, my thoughts still on Beatrice, and hop on my bed, cuddling in the duvet.

"I have to remember to thank Daniel for walking me home", I think aloud to myself.

"That Daniel needs to learn his boundaries", Xavier's voice comes from behind me, as he enters the room, and hugs me from behind. "I don't think he understands that you are mine."

I smile as Xavier sits beside me on our bed, placing kisses on my neck.

"Jealous much?", I ask with a smile as I place a hand on his cheek.

"With you, I always am."

A/N: Hey loves.

Hope you're happy to see Xavier still alive. Did you really think that I killed him? Lol. I would never do that to Candy. She has gone through so much, and I think that she deserves the happiness of spending her life with her 'true love'

We have one more chapter to go, and then I'll probably post some bonus chapters.

See you all soon loves. 💋💋💋