Page 84 of The Final Rose

“From the moment I signed up forThe Final Rose, I knew that would be a hard question to answer. I met so many incredible women in the last months…”

The screen shows the three girls smiling at him.

“I made so many friends. But I came here to fall in love. And the thing is… I did.”

The image changes and it’s not footage of the mansion during the season finale anymore.

The footage is ofus.

I sit upright, my eyes opening wide when I see myself on TV. I’m in the background, my hair a mess on top of my head,The Final Rosetee and shorts. The camera zooms in. I can’t hear what we are saying, but it’s clear we are laughing.

“I came to this experience with an open heart and ready for it to take me in any direction,”says his voiceover.“Again and again, life proves love is never predictable.”

The footage is endless. We are at the mini-golf course laughing and I’m fixing his tie.

We walk through the set, clearly arguing, my hands moving in all directions and he’s making a face.

Sebastian’s saying something silly on camera, but it pans to me and I’m laughing, holding my earpiece.

I’m sleeping with my head on his shoulder on an airplane seat.

“I know everyone is invested in this show. I’m truly grateful for the fans and all the support you have givenThe Final Rose,so that’s why I chose to tell the truth. This is real. I’m a real man who fell in love on a reality TV show.”

The bastard pulls all my heartstrings, and I make a sound that isn’t human. I feel myself shaking, having an experience outside my body.

“It wasn’t like I thought it was going to be, but life hardly is. I know this isn’t the finale you all wanted, but I’m asking you to bear with me and let me talk to the girl who stole my heart when she wasn’t even trying.”

On the TV we are in England now. It’s night and no one can even make the silhouettes of our bodies. But it’s clear when we kiss. I hold my breath, not sure how to react. I’m kissing on camera, but before I even react, Sebastian is back to the screen.

“Love, I know you never wanted something like this, but we deserved a grand finale. You taught me how to be unapologetically truthful, and this is what I am doing.”

I only realize I’m crying because Mom grips my shoulder and asks me not to cry. I hold my own words in my mouth with a shaky hand.

“You’re the only one for me, Callie. Hands down, you’re the one with the final rose.”

For the first time in the eleven years ofThe Final Rose, the episode ends suddenly. Fade out and the lettering appears.

“Sebastian Riggs will wait for his chosen one at the mansion.”

I gasp and stand up, the blanket falling from my shoulders. More lettering appears.

“Until she comes.”

“Oh, my god!” It’s the first thing I’ve said since the episode started.

It ends like always, with a line of credits and an upbeat song, but I’m rooted in the spot. I can’t move a muscle until a jingle of keys interrupts my thoughts.

Ben is over to the side, throwing his car keys up in the air and grabbing them with ease. He smirks at me. “I drive.”

“Great, let’s go.” Dario is unfolding from the couch, stretching his body.

“I—I–” I stutter.

But Mom grabs my arm and turns me toward her and Dad.

“You have to go.” she’s firm.

I want to ask if she’s disappointed. If she thinks it was wrong to let all that happen between Sebastian and me. She doesn’t let me talk, though.

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