Hellfire On The Other Side

Chapter 28

   Tina, Tiana, and Naveen sit in silence as they watch Shane, who is focusing on freeing Tiana's parents from the Soul Realm. Suddenly, Shane speaks. "Don't be afraid, I'm a friend," he says. Only one side of the conversation can be heard by the others. "I can get you out of there. If you'll let me," says Shane. "Why can't we hear what they're saying?" Tiana asks Tina. "Because Shane's the only one who can communicate with the souls of the dead," Tina answers. "How do we know that it's actually Tiana's parents that Shane's talking to?" Naveen asks. "I'm assuming it's dependant on the location. Or maybe a place that the souls are drawn to. There's no way to know for sure," Tina answers. The three continue to watch. "Please, trust me. I know your daughter," says Shane. Tiana smiles with excitement. "Yes, she's here with me. I'm sorry, I can't have her speak to you. I would lose focus, and therefore, lose contact with you. And I highly doubt that I'd be able to find you again." Tiana gets an idea. "Tina, can you get the gumbo pot from the kitchen?" she asks. Tina nods and walks into the kitchen.

   "Please, I assure you. I mean no harm. I just want to help," says Shane. Tina walks in, carrying an old gumbo pot, and sets it down next to Shane. "What? What gumbo pot?" Shane asks. "Is that the same gumbo pot that Gramma gave you?" Tina asks Tiana. "Yes. If she recognizes it, then everything should go well," Tiana answers. "Really? You trust me now?" Shane asks, excitedly. "Alright! Help me pull you out!" In just a matter of seconds, the souls of Tiana's parents are now visible to all. Shane opens his eyes. "Yes! Two for the price of one!" he exclaims.

   Tiana approaches the souls of her parents. "Mama? Daddy? Is it really you?" she asks, her voice breaking. Tiana's father turns to face her. "Look at my little girl! All grown up!" he shouts. "So you finally got that restaurant. I'm proud of you, babycakes." Tiana cries tears of joy. "I knew you would. I did all of this for you, after all," she says. Tina walks up to Tiana's mother. "Hey, Gramma. It's been a while!" she says. Tiana's mother turns to face Tina. "Tiana, are you playing tricks on me?" she asks her. Tina chuckles. "No, Gramma. It's me! Tina? Last time you saw me, I was three years old," she says. Tiana's mother looks at Tina closely. "Well, I'll be! I could hardly tell the two of you apart! You look just like your mother when she was your age!" she says. Naveen approaches Tiana's parents and bows. "Nice to see you again, ma'am. And an honor to meet you, sir," he says. Tiana's father looks at him "I assume you're Tiana's husband?" he asks. "Yes, I am. I am Prince Naveen of Maldonia." Shane watches the result of yet another successful freeing. He leaves without saying a word, leaving the family to get caught up.

   He walks over to Charlene's house, thinking back to his conversation with Claytin. "It's probably too soon, but I really want to ask her. And knowing her, she probably thinks that I won't. I can't leave her in suspense like that." He reaches into his pockets. "No ring. And no money to buy one, either. Shoot. What am I gonna do now? Uh, I'll think of something." He knocks on the front door of Charlene's house. "It's Shane," he calls. The door swings open, Charlene grabs him, then pulls him inside. "I hope you're ready, Shane!" she squeals. "Ready for what?" Shane asks. "Just follow me! And close your eyes." Shane closes his eyes reluctantly and continues to hold Charlene's hand.

   Once they enter the kitchen, Charlene says, "Okay! Open your eyes!" Shane opens his eyes to a small surprise party for him, complete with a small cake and decorations. "Whoa! What's this for?" Shane asks. "You've done so much for this family, Shane," says Lottie. "Yes, indeed! You've given me the son that I've never had," says Big Daddy. "You allowed me to see Charlene again," says Lottie. "I can be a part of my family again," says Travis. "And you're the best boyfriend that I could ever have asked for," says Charlene. She kisses him. "We know that this isn't much, but we knew that you'd refuse anything more. You're so modest, Shane." Shane chuckles awkwardly. "Gee, I honestly don't know what to say. Thanks for taking me in," he says. "Not like I had much of a choice," says Big Daddy. "Charlene was very adamant about it. She really wanted to spend every day with you."

   "By the way, how did you two meet?" Lottie asks. "Yeah, I've been wondering, too," says Travis. "Well, I-" says Charlene, before being interrupted by Shane. "I'll answer that," he says. "I was just walking to my house when I found myself staring at this handsome piece of work. It was love at first sight! Naturally, I approached him, put on my best flirty face, and introduced myself. Next thing I knew, we were in love! It all happened so fast, yet I remember every detail. And I couldn't have asked for anyone better," he says, imitating Charlene. The others stand in shock. "Well," says Charlene. "That was exactly like how I would've said it. How many times have I told that story?" Shane removes his cap and coat. "Enough for me to do what I just did," Shane answers

   Charlene wraps her arms around him and kisses him again. "Aren't you gonna eat the cake?" she asks him. "Well, not yet. I've got something I'd like to say, as well," says Shane. He grabs Charlene's hands. "Charlene, if someone were to tell me that I'd end up dating such a pretty, loving, kind, and caring girl with a bubbly personality and amazing sense of style, I probably would've doubted them. But now, I wish I'd met you sooner. You are, by far, the best thing that's ever happened to me. If it weren't for you, I'd probably be just like my dad. And the best thing about us is that we're so different, but we go together so well. Anyone can just look at us and know that we're in love. You mean so much to me, Char." Shane gets down on one knee and puts his hands behind his back. "I've been thinking about this for a long time. Like, a really long time. I was thinking that it'd be too soon, but now's as good of a time as any," he says. He summons a pink rose ring and holds it up in front of Charlene's face. Charlene gasps and is on the verge of tears. "Charlene Alya LeBouff, will you do me one last favor and marry me?" Shane asks, blushing harder than ever before. Charlene, speechless, simply hugs Shane and cries tears of joy.

   Lottie, Travis, and Big Daddy celebrate the proposal with applause. Shane hugs Charlene back, awaiting an answer. He tries to clutch his charm, but decides against it. "I don't need to do that." Charlene kisses Shane once again, then smiles at him. "I thought you'd never ask! At least, not with all of this stuff going on with Clara!" she says. Shane chuckles. "Can we forget about Clara for a moment?" he asks. "This is just us right now. We'll tell Clara next time we see her." Charlene nods and takes the ring. "Oh, it's so pretty! Where'd you get this?" she asks. "Made it myself, actually. Right before I asked," says Shane. Charlene looks at Shane and giggles. "I really picked a good one, didn't I?" she asks him. "Yes. Yes, you did," Shane answers. He and Charlene stand up and share the cake to celebrate. Quite possibly the happiest day for both of them.