The Pretty One (A One Direction Fanfic)

Epilogue

Twenty years later..

Hearing a slam come from downstairs shook me awake instantly. I jumped up, startled and groggy. Louis groaned beside me but immediately went back to sleep.

Tiredly, I escaped the comfort of my bed. Grabbing my cardigan and creeping out the bedroom door on my tiptoes.

I made my way down the stairs, the banister guiding my hand, and heard soft sniffles coming from the living room.

I walked in, the only light visible being the tv, and saw our daughter, Grace. She was sitting on the sofa with her head in her hands and light cries escaping her lips.

Out of instinct, I walked to the sofa and sat beside her, quietly. I opened my arms and without a word, she leaned into my embrace, continuing to cry.

Letting her get all her emotions out, I didn’t dare say anything until she was ready. After a few minutes, her tears settled down and she spoke.

“He cheated on me, Mum.” Her voice broke. “How could he?”

My heart shattered at those words. It seemed like history was repeating itself.

“Honey, he doesn’t deserve you.”

“I thought he was my one shot at true love. We’ve been together for so long but it was all just a lie.” She stared up at me with a trembling lip.

“That’s not true. True love is always waiting for the right person.” I said to her as she leaned back down.

“Then why doesn’t it feel like that?”

“Trust me, it will. I know all about that.” I played with her hair as she lay on my lap. “If you must know, I was cheated on.”

“Seriously? Was it Dad?” I shook my head no, holding back a small laugh. 

“This person and I had been together for 4 years. We’d gone through thick and thin together..we were soulmates. Well. it’s what I used to think at the time. But, one day, I found out that he’d been cheating on me.”

She gasped and her hand flew to her mouth. “That’s horrible, Mum.”

“I know. I was heartbroken. But then came along your Dad. And we’ve been together for 21 years. If anything, I'm thankful because that heartbreak brought me to who my true love is. I guess I’d been waiting for your Dad since..well, forever, I guess.”

She nodded sadly and cuddled into my side. I was waiting for her to say something when, suddenly, the lights flicked on making the two of us jump.

“I'd been waiting for you forever too, honey.” Louis walked in and immediately came to me, kissing me.

I kissed back, smiling and then we pulled away.

“Wow.” Grace breathed next to us. “But Mum, what if me and Tom are meant to be? What if he is my true love?”

“Then destiny will bring you back together, sweetie. Just let life guide you along. Sure you can pull the strings a few times, but sometimes, it’s the shock of things that get you where you are today. Everything happens for a reason.”

She sat up, a little happier and hugged me. “Thank you guys. I love you so much.”

She snuggled into the middle of the two of us after Louis went to sit on the other side of her. “But, who was the person who cheated on you?”

Louis and I burst out laughing as we eyed each other above Grace’s head. “Ironically, our best friend.”

"Uncle Harry?"

"Try a little older." Louis laughed.

“Uncle Niall?” She asked in shock.

“Yes. But don’t worry because in the end..”

Louis finished off for me..”We all lived happily ever after.”