3rd Person
The evening of the D'Amelios' dinner party has arrived. They invited Dixie's friends and relatives from home and school, as well as the Becks. Dixie and Noah dressed up and left. She was practically living at Noah's now, and he didn't mind, except when she pestered him about having a baby, which she did on a daily basis.
Noah donned a long sleeved shirt and black plants, while Dixie wore a modest silk spaghetti strapped red dress with tiger print heels. There were no stylists needed because the gathering was casually elegant.
The celebration turned out to be larger than she had imagined, but her mother was always the extra person. She walked in with her and Noah's fingers interlocked. Everyone was staring at them; it was a shocking moment for everyone, but she didn't seem to mind. Everyone else could fuck off with their opinions because it was her time and her moment.
Kate left the country to study in Sweden, while Larray started a Mac and cheese business. They did, however, always keep in touch. Her friends continued to taunt her about the professor, edging on rumors that she was expecting a child, but she wasn't. She underwent numerous tests and even saw a doctor. As of yet, there is no baby in her boat or sail.
"Good night, everyone. Thank you so much, Mom and Dad. Thank you so much for everything you've done for me. You've always been there for me and never dismissed my ambitions. It's always the D'Amelios...me, you guys, and Charli, and it'll always be that way. I'm happy I made you guys proud because you certainly deserved it. Thank you, Charli, for being the best little sister and best friend I've ever had. You always have my back and are a great source of encouragement. I sincerely wish that everyone on the planet has a Charli. Thank you to everyone who came out tonight to celebrate my accomplishments with me, especially Noah. You're my yellow and you've saved my life. I never want to lose you, and I appreciate everything you do for me." She was such a tease. "I don't care who judges or talks crap because we're never letting each other go and I mean it, sir."
Dixie reflected on everything. The highs and lows of life. It was an incredible experience to stand in front of the people she met, grew up with, and those who led and supported her. It was even better knowing she had not only made them proud, but also herself.
Noah instilled in her the value of self-love. She wouldn't have had the same level of confidence or assertiveness a year ago if you brought her back in time. Through it all, he reminded her of her beauty and abilities, and they, like any other relationship, had their fair share of drama, especially when it came to the past. But time is the ruler of all, and tranquility is always available; all you have to do is look for it.
This was a magnificent speech that moved everyone, including Charli, to tears. She was a bubbly emotional ball. She had never felt gratitude like it before. Life as she knew it was difficult, but it was well worth it.
She spent the rest of the night photographing and partying, but she didn't drink too much.
Dixie approached Noah and gently stroked her fingertips across his lips. He was quite impressed when she used his own tricks against him.
"You're such a tease, Ms. D'Amelio, but once you find somewhere private," he smiled.
"Home. Sir, let's go home."
Home. Despite everything, they were able to return home. Love triumphed over all, yet theirs wasn't an easy love. Denying feelings can only take you so far and do so much harm.
Who'd have guessed a professor would fall in love with one of his students?
THE END