Ending The Chapter

By: Obscurus Lupa

A/N: I figured this needed a nice, heartwarming ending. :)

Merton grinned softly, sipping his hot cocoa and reminiscing over his dream. It had seemed so real . . . He found it impossible that it really hadn't happened. Maybe he had just slipped on the ice like Lori had told him. Either way, he had learned an important lesson: Pleasantville needed him. He had a place in life. He glanced over at Tommy and Lori, who were chatting in a corner, holding their steaming mugs of cocoa close to their faces. Many other people had shown up for the party (Merton had a sneaking suspicion that they had just come due to Tommy being there.).

Despite his joy at returning to his old life, Merton was deeply troubled by something. His brows furrowed as he thought about it, his gaze focusing on a lit candle that was nearly burnt down. The small fire reflected in his crystal blue eyes as he thought. Images flashed past his mind: Tommy's death, the chain yards-but what stayed on his mind the most was the thought of April.

He had fallen in love.

It may have sounded silly, but Merton had truly been smitten. The problem was, he could never have her and he felt bad. He didn't just feel torn inside because he could never have her, but he felt stupid that he had fallen head over heels for a figment of his imagination . . . the girl of his dreams, so to speak.

He could almost feel her gentle hand again-see her smiling face. It had all seemed so real. This girl couldn't have been just a delusion. She was so . . . human.

Merton shook his head, his gaze returning to his friends. He smiled once more. Sure, he couldn't have April, but he still had his friends. He had his old life back, but from a whole new perspective. This was what Christmas was supposed to be like. This was the epitome of happiness.

But why did he still feel bad?

The door opened, letting in a small figure. Merton gasped and stood up, dropping his mug of cocoa to the ground. He ignored the sound of the breaking cup and rushed over to the girl. It couldn't have been . . . could it? Sure enough, April was standing there, covered with flecks of snow.

"Ap-I mean, hey; what are you doing here?"

"I just heard about a party and decided to stop by," she explained, grinning, "I'm not too late, am I?"

"Of course not!" Merton helped her remove her coat, setting it on the near-full coat rack.

"Great." April flashed another smile, making Merton nearly melt. "I'm April." She removed her mittens and extended a pale, delicate hand. Merton gripped it, feeling the wonderful touch of her hand once more. He returned a toothy grin.

"Merton."