Same But Different - Chapter 65: Chapter 65

Jason's POV
I wrap my arms around Paige as we cuddle on the couch. She isn't as distant as she used to be. I stroked her hair, parting them aside so I can have access to her neck. I softly start leaving trails of kisses down her neck as she giggles.
"Ticklish now, are we?" I smirked.
"Stop it" She says giggling louder.
"I love the sound of your laugh" I whisper in ear as she turns her body around so she can lie on my chest. I lift her chin with my finger, so she could see my face. "I love everything you do"
"Stop it" She smiles shyly.
"I love the fact that you moved in with me. The fact that you opened up to me" As I began to talk, I feel her body slowly shrinking into mine. I wrap my legs around her. "I also love that I can make you stay on top of me for days because my legs are quite strong"
"I'm not going anywhere" She says quietly.
"Oh you can't, I'm not letting you go. You see, I'm very territorial" My hands caressed her skin softly.
"You're Jason Haynes, I should be territorial of you, because you're quite the catch" Paige responds.
I laughed at her response, thinking if she only knew how I have evolved. I'm not the same Jason Haynes anymore. "I'm not the same Jason Haynes anymore" I repeated my thoughts out loud.
"I know, but I'm the same Paige, so insecure" She replied burying her face in my chest.
"You're doing much better now. Look at us, we're both in such a good place in life. I've seen so many things in this life, many things beyond my belief. But all I know is that, no matter what everything falls into place just fine" I lifted her chin up, so she could look into my eyes because what I was about to tell her came truly from my heart. She is a god sent gift, even if she believed it or not. She is so special to me, and you only get one life to live. And I'm not going to waste anymore of mine.
"Paige, I have always told you how much you mean to me. And I don't know if you believe me or not, because I sincerely mean it. My feelings for you are sincere. And that coming from a guy like me might be hard for you to comprehend because of your history and I get that. But if you give me a chance, I will prove to be worthy of you."
"It's not like that . ." She placed her soft hands in my cheek disagreeing with me.
"I love you Paige. I am so in love with you. When I first met you, I was intrigued by you. I didn't know how things would change, or how you will become someone so important to me. It took a really long time to gain the trust of your father and his approval, because I know how much he means to you. If you give me a chance, I promise to put you first. I promise to love you more than anything in this entire world. I know how tacky this sounds, but this is how I genuinely feel" I feel my heart pound hard against my chest as I look into her eyes and slowly reach for the ring box in my pocket.
"So Paige Johnsons . ." I sniff a little opening the box and bringing it in front of her. "Will you make me the luckiest man on earth by marrying me?"
Her eyes gleamed at the ring that was waiting to sit on her finger. "Jason . ."
"I would kneel down but you're sort of on me" I chuckle as she laughs.
"Are you sure that you want to . ."
"If you're not sure, don't answer me right away. Take your time" I tuck her hair back and lean to kiss her soft lips. "I love you" I whisper underneath my breath.
"I don't want a huge wedding, just a small friends and family dinner is fine with me" She answers quickly.
"Was that a yes?"
"I don't know you tell me?" She smirked leaning in to kiss me.
"No seriously, I need to hear a yes or no, because I'm really stupid when it comes to reading between the lines" I protested.
"I thought the changed Jason Haynes was smarter"
"What can I say, I'm the same but different?" I laughed at my own joke. In so many ways Jason Haynes stayed the same, maybe for the better but I have evolved with what I have experienced so far. I look at the love of my life, hoping she had a yes or answer this time. "So was that a yes?"
Paige wraps her arms around my shoulder and kisses me hard. "Yes, yes a million times, yes!"
Louisa's POV
I tuck her hair at the back of her ear while pulling away from her just to stare at her face for a little longer. I've seen her face in the mirror a dozen times, I've been this face. But it was her. A portal didn't give it justice as to how she feels in my arms here in the reality. I cannot even fathom how lucky I am to have met her, to have loved her this long.
"Hi" I whispered under my breath as our noses rubbed with each other. I was closing my eyes but I could sense her smile.
"Hi" She whispered back. "You remembered" She says with some hope. "You really remembered!"
I nodded shyly. "Of course I did. How can someone like you just slip away from my mind?" I gave her a side smile. "Well to be fair you slipped away from me, so I'd never know" She joked. I just wanted to hold her and not let this moment go. She gave a small peck on my cheeks. "You look beautiful" Her eyes gleamed.
"No, you do!" I smiled.
I could hear dad questioning Ms. Williams and her stuttering from downstairs. Sadly, it was time for me to go. If dad knew how I know Yuri from Ms. Williams, he'll be very confused.
"I don't think I can stay very long" I told her while pulling her closer. There wasn't a part of me that wanted to let her go, but I knew I'll meet her again tomorrow.
"But you just got here" She pouted. "I've missed you"
"It has been a couple of minutes" I eyed at the clock. It has been half an hour to our kiss, my body was in a state that required immediate physical interaction. But I controlled myself from getting any further with her. I need to ask this girl out on a proper date.
Although there were many questions unanswered and we were confused, I didn't want to think about any of that. Just as I turned out, I see the door open wide and someone waving his arms in the air. "Yuri! I have something to tell . . "
"Sasha?" He blurted out as soon as he saw me.
"Haynes!" I threw my arms out for a hug.
Jason hugged me back. "Oh my god Sasha, you literally took us on a freaking rollercoaster ride"
"Her name is Louisa" Yuri corrected him.
"It's okay, it'll probably take a while to get used to my real name." I smiled.
"No, we want to know you, Louisa" Yuri stepped forward. She held my hand and gave me a genuine smile. I knew she wanted to know who I really was. And why I did what I did. Questions she is afraid to ask me right now. But questions, I would eventually answer.
"Yeah me too" Jason spread his arms out and hugged both of us.
"We should go out then, I'll tell you all about me even though there's not much" I asked Yuri not breaking away.
"I'd love to" She leaned in for a quick kiss on the lips.
"So I'm assuming I'm not invited because you just asked her out on a date?" Jason poked his head inside the hug bubble.
"Yes, you dumb man" Yuri yelled out.
"Ugh fine. You guys never let me in on the fun" He chuckled. I stared at Jason wondering what was up with him. He seemed extra happy today. "Alright but can we all have lunch tomorrow, I'll bring Paige as well. She will be excited to meet you" Jason said quickly.
"Umm actually I was thinking of inviting everyone over for dinner. I want to officially introduce myself to you all" I looked at Yuri as she nods. I needed to tell everyone the truth. Even if they'll believe me or not. They deserve to know who I really am. Who Louisa is.
"Don't worry I'll arrange everything" Jason smirked.
- - - - - - -
It was time. The first guest had arrived. I stared at Yuri who got up from the couch and reached out for me. Was I ready for this? To be introduced formally as Louisa? I don't want to change who I am. In fact, here is the irony, I love myself. Even though hurting myself was a bad move, I cared about myself. I know I did. I hope I did.
Right now, nothing else mattered. Because I am reborn, even with the same scars and the bad memories, I was ready to change my life. For the better. I stared at Yuri as she eyed at the door nudging me to open it. Taking a huge breath and I opened the door to our first guest. Belle.
As our eyes met, I see her gasp. She had a bouquet of flowers in her hand, and to her right there was Whitney.
"Hi" Belle whispered under her breath staring at me from head to toe. "Hi" she says again still in awe.
"Hey Belle" I smiled seeing her as Louisa. I was comfortable with myself, something I never felt before.
"Hello to you too" Whitney replied. She had her arms wrapped around Belle. Meanwhile Belle stared at her and gave her a kiss. Probably to sooth the baby from all that whining afterwards.
"I .. I got you these, you told me you like blue so I picked these out very carefully. You still like blue, right?" Belle asked taking off her coat. She was nervous, I could tell. Yuri was trying her best not to give me the look. It was my night, she kept saying all morning.
"Yeah, blue is the warmest color there is" I gave her a side smile as I take the flowers into my hands. I look at Whitney who did not seem pleased with this dinner plan at all. But I could see she was here for Belle.
The second guest was Dr. Nick. "Well I'll be damned" Dr. Nick says stunned after taking a long glance at me. I knew everyone was curious as to how I looked like or how I was like, really after everything we've been through together. It didn't take too long for everyone to gather in. How do I begin to say this? There were people present in the room who were new to the story. Our story, I thought taking a glance at Yuri. I liked the fact that I could now stare at her from a distance without having to wish for it.
I walked up to the table and looked around at the faces that stared back at me. After clearing my throat, I began talking. It was indeed my night. A night I had to tell the people closest to me, about who I really am.
"Err .. hi guys" I began. "The reason why you're all here is because . . you all changed my life" My voice cracked as I spoke. "Some of you have seen only one side of me. Majority of you, know me as the alter girl. Sasha. The only who really knows who I really am is my father. Who is still confused after I told him what happened to me after I went to a coma. Since I am so nervous, I actually wrote it all down on this piece of paper." I heard laughter in the room as I look at my father who smiles across the room.
"So I'll start from the very beginning. My name is Louisa. Louisa Peyton Morgan. Perhaps you've heard of me on the television. Yes, I was the girl that tried to commit suicide. I was naive. I thought it'll end all my problems. So one night I took a knife, walked out to the balcony and cried. I cried for some relief, I cried out for help looking up at the skies. I wanted to see if things will get better, I wanted a sign that eventually there is a time I will finally be happy. A time when I won't be bullied for my sexuality. A time I won't be the clumsy girl I was then. What can I say? I was naive." I paused for a split second just to stare at the scar in my wrists and back at the room full of people that loves me. I watch my father hiding away his tears. I looked at Yuri who was already crying. I watched Mrs. Williams rubbing her eyes. I watched Whitney pull Belle closer to comfort her as Jason did the same with Paige.
"I think I exaggerated how bad my life was, in my head. There are people who has had it worse but they were doing much better than I was. After that fateful day, I don't remember what happened to Louisa. When Louisa went to a coma, that was the moment I was woken up again. Not as Louisa but as Sasha. I think my cry for help was answered when I got the chance to be an alter to Yuri. As Sasha, without any memories, I was not the clumsy nerdy girl. I was strong willed. For the longest time I thought I was sent to comfort Yuri during her tumor surgery because I couldn't figure out what my purpose was. Slowly as challengers grew, I ended up falling in love with Yuri. And mind you, that was the best thing that ever happened in my life. I think I was destined to meet her later in life but I was too impatient when I hurt myself. While sharing thoughts and a body, I was able to see how Yuri overcame her hardships, not once she thought about ending her life. She fought and when she was about to give up, the irony of it all is that, I was the one that pulled her up. I needed her as much as she needed me if not maybe a little more."
"I know me being here talking to you all right now seems like a miracle and my story probably sounds as mystical as unicorns. But it's not something that happens to everyone. Not everyone gets a second chance at life. Sometimes all it takes is a small understanding or a realization that things are meant to happen for a reason. So dad, I want you to know that I am sorry for trying to take the easy way out and for thinking no one cares when I had you in my life, always protecting and looking out for me. I know things now more than I ever did before. Let's just say I've evolved. And I love life no matter the hard days and the good days. Thank you for taking care of me while I was in a coma, for never giving up on me."
"Anything for you Lou" He says with a smile whilst wiping his tears with his handkerchief.
"Mrs. Williams, nice to officially meet you" I smiled at her respectfully and she waves at me. "The reason why I'm thanking you is because just like my father, you never gave up on Yuri. When she came out to you, you were super supportive and when she finally told you about me, you still didn't doubt her. You always had her back and I'm not speaking for her, I think I've done enough of that. You showed me the love of a mother. A mother I lost ages ago. I was glad Yuri had you and I'm happy she isn't as closed off as she was before"
"Next I want to thank Dr. Nick. Even though you were wrong many times in terms of Yuri's condition. I don't blame you, we are an exception. I'm thankful to you because you were always there for us whether we wanted help or not. You were thoughtful enough to open 'The Circle' and help all those hosts and alters deal with their switches and challengers. You're giving them hope for a better future. And you're the coolest doctor I've ever met."
"Next is Belle. If it weren't for your stubbornness I wouldn't have met Dr. Nick. I know you were looking out for me. You were my first friend. The only one at the time I could come out to. Despite many things, I am glad I can still call you my friend." I stared at Belle honestly thankful of her. She might never know this, but she played a huge role in shaping up my life.
"Is it my turn yet?" Jason whines.
"Paige"
"Oh come on" he whimpers.
"You're new to the family. I'm happy I met you, because I think I was able to get to me after having that long talk with you. Every advice I gave you that night was something I hoped someone gave me. But it must have triggered something for me to go back to my old self. Thank you for letting me in. For sharing your story, you've opened the door to mine." Paige smiles and takes wraps her arm around Jason. Something shined on her finger.. is that a ..? I wondered. I must have been nervous, because I couldn't face anyone properly, all I could do was just read from the piece of paper hoping I won't breakdown trying to explain how much each of them mean to me.
I take a huge breath and begin my appreciation towards someone who isn't aware of his importance. Maybe I never took the time to tell him how helpful and kind he has been to me." Jason, I can't begin to express how much I sometimes hate your guts. But honestly you were the backbone that kept us in track. As much as Yuri needed you in her life, I needed you as well and you were always there for us. I .." I tried to go on but my throat tightened. I knew I was at the verge of tears. "I swore I won't cry"
"It's okay" Jason gets up from his chair and gives me a hug.
"I just want you to know .." I hug him back only to cry on his shoulder.
"I know.. I know" He strokes my hair and whispers.
"I saw the ring. When are you .. going to tell them?" I whispered through my sniffles.
"Err.. tonight?" He says while scanning the room. I stood aside of the table keeping him in the center to encourage his announcement. I guess right now, everyone is need of some good news to lighten up their emotions.
"Err Umm .. As Sasha, I mean Louisa said, I think we live in a world where we all should be accepted for who we are. And I think I've learnt many wonderful things by hanging out with these girls. I've changed a lot and I'm grateful for that. Nevertheless it made me open my heart to someone fully without being so closed up. So right now is a wonderful time to announce to you all that Paige and I are getting married"
The whole crowd cheers and everyone congratulates them. Times like these are rare but when it comes, you've got to embrace it. So I put on the stereo and start dancing while Jason follows me. I was happy, and I wanted to embrace it. We both bust out moves while Belle and Whitney joins. Yuri just stands there not knowing what to do.
"Come on" I grab her and pull her closer.
"Hi" She whispers locking her eyes with mine.
"Hi" I smirk while twirling her. She was in my arms, and life was perfect. Maybe this was the side of me no one knew about. The overly emotional girl. Life had given me a second chance and I'm definitely not complaining. It's true what people say, even though I have misjudged their ways of thinking. Life gets better. Everyone faces challenges in life and that's why we're here. We were born to face the rough patches that gets thrown at us, some worse than the other. But at the end of the day there is always one or two things in a person's life that gets them going. Giving up on life is not the answer even if it seemed like the easy way out.
I lean in closer and whisper "No words will ever describe the way I feel about you"
"So I was not there in your appreciation notes?" She asked curiously.
"Yuri"I say with the biggest smile. "How do I begin to explain what you mean to me? I don't think words would suffice but I will spend the rest of my life proving you how grateful I am to have met you. You .. you are the most beautiful girl my eyes ever laid on. Even though at first we had our differences, I had this uncontrollable urge to protect you and keep you safe. Despite blaming it on being an alter, I knew deep down it was because I was falling in love with you. It has been one hell of a ride but I'm ready for so much more with you by my side. I love you." I wiped away the tear that crept its way out and leaned in to kiss her lips.
"I love you too"
I stared at her a little bit more, just being entirely grateful to God that she is here in my arms right now. All my life I have been oblivious to the powers of a miracle or a higher power. But I just realized that moment when I was about to end my life, I looked up at the sky and wondered if there was a higher power and if there was to give me a sign. And maybe I was one of the million people that got a clear answer. Just like how dad says, my mom always used to say, all our prayers will be answered, some sooner than the others. My stubbornness to believe things would eventually get better, had gotten the best of me. One day in the future, I was destined to meet Yuri. It could have been 15 years from now or even tomorrow, I was destined to meet her but I was too impatient. I was placed inside Yuri's mind only to think I was there for her as an alter, as the person who helps her cope with the tumor and protect her. But it was much more about me than her.
I've realized that without any memory I was strong and fierce while with all my memories I was fragile and weak. Little did I know that from that fragile self I eventually become a stronger person. I was fast forwarded into my future without my knowledge and I am the luckiest human being on this planet to get another chance at life and embrace what my reality brings.
For now I will just take life as it comes.Because I have everything I've always dreamed of. Friends, who would be at yourdoorstep in the middle of the night if you called. A girlfriend who is destinedto be with you and last but not least, my dad who never gave up on me. If thishad all been a dream that I saw after I had died, I think my soul would weepfor a million years. But I'm lucky that it's not the case, I'm lucky I got tomeet Yuri Williams. The girl of my dreams.