Impractical Jokers, Practically

Chapter Twenty-Four

He reluctantly lets go, still holding on to my upper arms and gazes at my face, seemingly soaking me in. 

"Finally, the wait is over," he says. "No more hiding it or sneaking around. No more fake slash real marriage. No more obstacles! Just me and you." He stops to lean in and give me a kiss on my forehead, before continuing. "Ugh, I'm so happy. So unbelievably happy." 

We stare in each other eyes for several long moments, I don't know how long really, before we hear several people clear their throat. Looking away from Sal's face, there's Murr, Joe, and Q who are all milling near us with amusing looks on their faces. 

Q clears his throat again, saying, "Sad to see our marriage come to an end, Alexa. I'll miss you." Choosing to ignore Sal's glare, Q looks down at his own ring sitting on his finger. "I guess it's official." He slowly slides his ring off and then puts it in his pocket. 

"Aw, don't be sad, buddy. I'm sure you'll get married soon. For real this time." Murr says, slapping Q on the back. 

"You should keep it on, let the ladies think that you're taken." When we all give Joe a questioning look, he proceeds with, "What? A lot of females like what they can't have. They'll find you more attractive." 

Sal shakes his head and then cuts in, "Guys. Alexa and I will be upstairs. Please, try not to bother us."

We ignore the remaining three's cat-calls and whistles, and head upstairs. 

I can't believe the month is up. And the punishment is ultimately lifted. I mulled over everything that happened in the past few weeks. We reported Abby to the police, but they still didn't catch her yet. Even so, knowing that we changed the locks, added a security alarm, and with the cops looking out for us, we all feel much better and much safer. The punishment aired on TV and the fans loved it. We got a lot of social media love over those next few days as fans were pouring in with the "oh my goodness" comments and the "lol" comments and the "I feel sooo bad for the hate towards Alexa, that wasn't even necessary" comments. We also wrapped the season. And as of a half hour ago, we annulled the marriage and the rings are off. I'd say, things are looking up. 

Sal and I shuffle into my room, making sure the door is locked behind us. Sitting on the bed, we cuddle into each other and sigh softly. We just want time to ourselves. To appreciate the moment. To appreciate us. This feels right. So right, that I reminisce of how far we've come. 

"Penny for your thoughts?" Sal says jokingly, nudging me. I giggle for a second before his face turns serious. "But no, seriously, what are you thinking about?" 

"Just thinking about how happy I am to officially be with you. After everything that's happened."

"Me too. I can't believe that you're mine." Sal pushes me closer to him.

"Do you remember when we first met?" I ask, as I flashback.

'

I'm super nervous.

Like, I've been nervous before, many times, but this...this takes the cake. 

I still can't believe that I'm about to meet the jokers. And be on Impractical Jokers. No big deal. Try to stay calm. Careful, Alexa, I tell myself, because your whole world is probably about to change. 

I can't believe how right I was. 

truTV wanted to make Impractical Jokers even fresher by bringing in a fifth joker. And, they've decided that having a girl be the fifth joker would make for better TV. Better chemistry. Shake things up a bit. The network announced that it would hold auditions for any girls that wanted to take part. I figured I fit the qualifications enough. After all, I am a girl, I'm in my twenty's, I'm a huge fan of the show, I can be funny, I have nothing--no real job, no family--to tie me down, and I live in New York. I figured, why not? What's the worst that can happen?