Annie's POV

Have you ever heard that people get this feeling? Like they know they're going to die?

I got that feeling.

I got that feeling the moment I woke up. I had woken up the day Brennan was going to leave back home around 4 AM with that feeling. I just felt it coming, and I knew it was going to happen.

I got up and went over to my desk and pulled out a piece of paper. I began to write a note to Brennan, and in it I put a picture we had taken back home with my camera. I folded the paper and put the picture in it, and I was going to give it to Brennan when he came over to say goodbye.

I had fallen asleep for a little while before I heard a knock. I woke up and sleepily opened the door to see Brennan, and that's when I knew; this would be the last time I ever saw the boy I loved.

I hugged him and gave him one last kiss before handing him the note. I watched as he went down the stairs and I stood by the window. He looked up and waved to me as I waved back. He continued to wave until his car was out of sight. I sighed and made my way back to my room, knowing what was going to happen.

The feeling of death approaching me was growing stronger. I didn't feel like myself; I felt sick, weak, tired, yet at the same time, I felt nothing.

I laid in my bed and closed my eyes, allowing all of my feelings to go away. I eventually drifted off back to sleep, and I didn't wake up.

I could feel my body shutting down, my heart slowly stopped beating, and then I woke up to bright lights, just like I had once before in a hospital.

"Julianna Grace," I turned around to see none other than my own guardian angel, Caleb.

He made a tsk sound with his tongue. "Now what did I tell you about coming back here?"

"I died, Caleb. For real this time," I explained. "And this time I wasn't scared; I was sure of what I was doing. I had said my goodbyes, I felt at peace, and it was time."

Caleb nodded. "I know, little sis."

Just then behind him, a white door appeared. It slowly opened on its own, an even brighter light appearing. The light slowly dimmed to reveal Heaven, and it was beautiful.

Caleb held out his hand with a smile on his face, his angel wings shining behind him. "Welcome home, Annie."

I smiled and took his hand, and we walked together through the bright white door, and I was finally home.

•••

Brennan's POV

I was on the plane heading home when I got the call. Ms. Katie was on the other end in tears as she told me the news, and I was already crying before I even accepted the call.

Part of me wanted the plane to turn back around and take me to Annie's house so I could see her one last time. The other part of me, though, knew we had already said goodbye earlier, whether I wanted to accept that or not.

Even though I saw this coming, I was still in shock. I got home crying, but it still hadn't really hit me yet. I just couldn't believe that my best friend and the love of my life was gone, just like that. She had suffered a hard and long battle, but now it was finally over.

Then I remembered the piece of paper Annie handed to me before I left. I grabbed it and unfolded it, a picture of us flying out. I smiled and held onto it as I read the letter.

Dear Brennan,

I wanted to start off by saying thank you, for everything. For being one of my closest friends, for being there for me throughout this entire battle, and for being the boy I love and who loved me just as much. I know we have had our ups and downs, but I wouldn't change anything.

I still remember the day we met like it was yesterday. I still remember our first trip together, our first kiss, I remember everything, and I'll never forget it. I hope you'll remember, too.

I'm going to try to keep this short and sweet, because I know you already know everything. I love you with all my heart, Brennan Donnelly, my shooting star, and I always will.

Sincerely,

Julianna Grace LeBlanc, The Self Destruct Button ♥

•••

"I wouldn't call Annie's death a loss, but more of a win, in a way," I said as I looked out among my fellow students. "Because now, Annie is in Heaven living with her older brother and cousin in peace. I'll miss her dearly, but love her forever. You'll always be in my heart, Jules; thank you for making me who I am today."

Everyone clapped in the auditorium as I stepped off the podium.

"Congratulations, Mr. Donnelly," the principal said as he handed me my diploma. I thanked him before joining the rest of my classmates.

"Brennan," I turned around to see Nicole. "Your graduation speech was really touching. I'm so sorry about Annie, and I'm sorry for the way I treated her too."

"Thank you, Nicole," I said. She nodded and turned away. I appreciated her kindness and forgiveness, and I know Annie would, too.

•••

~ 2 months later ~

Summer vacation was about to end, and I had decided to spend part of it in California with the Summerall family. Even though we all tried to hide it, we all knew that Annie's death was still lingering with us, and leaving a heavy weight in our hearts.

Today was my last day, and I decided to visit her before I would fly back to Maryland for college.

"Hey, Jules," I placed a bouquet of flowers down as I got on my knees. "It's me, Brennan." I took a shaky breath before continuing.

"We all miss you a lot, Jules. I know for sure that I miss you terribly, and your passing left a really big hole in my heart. You meant the world to me, you were my everything, and I'll always love you. I'll never forget you, ever, and I know you're always going to be with me." I held the necklace around my neck and opened up the locket. Inside was a picture of Annie and her thumb print, just like one she had of Caleb, which she never took off.

"I love you, my self destruct button, forever and always. I hope you're resting peacefully with Caleb and David," I gave a small smile before standing up and walking away. Although at the moment I felt alone and empty, I knew that Annie was with me, and she would always be in my heart forever.

"Brennan?" I turned around, and a grin spread across my face as a tear fell down my cheek.

"Hey, Jules."

•••

A/N: and that, ladies and gentlemen, after 16 months of my writing and your reading, is the end of "The Self Destruct Button".

i have been working on this story for over a year and have had many ups and downs with it, and it's become one of my most successful stories, and i couldn't have done it without any of you. you all kept me motivated to keep writing, and the positive feedback from this story is just mindblowingly amazing!

truly, from the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for being the greatest readers i could ever ask for. this has been an incredible writing journey, and i can't wait to continue writing for all of you. you all mean so much to me ❤️

so, moving on from my sappy thanks, what did you think of this story? if you don't mind answering a few questions:

1) what was your favorite part/chapter of this story?
2) who was your favorite character and why?
3) what made you cry the most?
4) if you could have changed anything, what would it be?

anyway i hope you enjoyed this book! if so please don't forget to vote comment and share because i love your feedback!

***also please please please check out my newest story, "Til The End Of The Line", which is a spider-man x bratayley story that i'm very excited to share with you all! it would mean a lot if you gave your feedback there!***

*if you're confused about the ending, brennan saw annie in spirit form*

(so i ended this story like 11 days ago and i went back and just realized that in this story's timeline, annie passed away in october :'( i didn't even realize that until just now oof)

thanks, until next time, my loves ;)

- kathleen <3