Killer Queen | Ben Hardy

14. love of my life

Epilogue.
    1977. A beautiful orange hue paints the sky as the sun just begins to peak over the ocean horizon. Breathtaking. I swear, moving back to the west coast was one of my best decisions yet. I will never get sick of these sunrises.
A sudden breeze dances through my hair, sending it sprawling behind my back. The air is heavy with sea salt, and I inhale a deliberate breath while enjoying the peaceful sounds of waves crashing to the shore. Morning walks along the beach have become my safe-haven—a needed break from my hectic lifestyle.
Accepting the job working with Queen's crew proved to be an  incredible jumping-off point for my career. I toured with the band for nearly two years, but eagerly accepted an opportunity to work for L.A. Cable House in Los Angeles. A theater in the city meant a stagnant job site, and no more traveling! Touring was fun, but after years of hotels and RV trailers, it was nice to finally have my own place where I could settle down. I've been at the Cable House for nearly five years; time really does fly...
Roger and I rekindled our romance quickly after I started working with the crew. Don't get me wrong, I was angry with him for a long time. It was hard to forgive, but with time, easier to forget. I saw him mature as we worked together side-by-side. I fell for him, and even after all this time and all that has happened, I'm still falling. Of course, there were inevitable seeds of doubt sown in my mind. Despite my love, the foundation of my trust in him had cracks that were irreparable.
When the time came for my move to California, we were both ready—in a way. Our breakup was mutual. We both loved each other very much, yet we wanted different things. Rog never fought me on my decision to move. No matter how much it hurt him to see me go, he never wanted to hold me back. And I'm so thankful for it. Because if he had even hinted at wishing me to stay, I would have.
It was hard. For months and months I was heartbroken. I was thriving in Los Angeles, but emotionally, I was only part of a whole.
The band began climbing their way to the top. And now, I would say they're just about there. I hear their songs on the radio every time I turn on the car, and it makes me smile. It's so strange to think that seven years ago they were an unknown band playing at my local pub. Look at how far they've come. Every time I think about it my heart swells; I am so proud of them.
Freddie and I tried to keep in touch throughout the years. To this day, I still have postcards from him taped to my fridge. But with time, even our communication became sparse.
Daisy still lives in the UK. It's hard to keep in touch with her, given that she lives in another country, but we still manage. She's married now and expecting! I miss her dearly.
As for me, I'm in no rush to settle down. I've had boyfriends throughout the years, but none have stuck. I'm still holding out for the one, and hoping I haven't already met him...
But even after all these years, there is a dream I cannot forget—a face I never fail to recall. A fire began burning in my soul when I met him, a flame that has only grown dimmer in the years we are apart. I wish our story had a happy ending, but stories like these are not so black and white.
Yet, a silver lining: there is much of my life to be lived, and much of my story to be uncovered. And as frustrating as it is, even I don't know how it will all end up. Only time will tell...
The End.

~•~

author's note:
that's all folks! it's so strange that this story has been nearly 4 years in the making. i had different plans for where this story was headed, but it's been so long that i thought it better to wrap it up now. i want to start a new fan fiction, but i couldn't do that until i knew this one was over. if anyone stuck around until the end, thanks. i really never thought i would get this many reads. it's so cool. thanks guys! p.s. sorry if it's not the ending you wanted. it's not the one i wanted either. but i wrote this just now and it's what i felt was right in the moment.