Road trip

40- Forever

Everything following New Years was a haze. Between an epic Valentine's Day, Easter at home, and the constant annoying presence of Savannah at every party we attended I was ready for the year to end. Just not quite ready for what usually came at the end of the school year.

Since we only had a week of exams we actually would be done before high school summer, meaning we would be able to go home for Molly's Annual Memorial.

This year would be a little different since Olivia was going to come stay. Marcus and the guys would be staying with Austin, and Molly with me. Other than no longer living together it was set to be a good summer break, after our celebratory one year graduation.

"Let's go to the fair before we leave town." Olivia pleaded at the apartment as I loaded my last box. We had already agreed to rent the place next year, but I wanted to make sure I had everything just in case. I mean going home was one thing, but the new clothes and stuff I had bought were too cute to leave in the closet for over a month.

"Fine." I smiled, "to the fair!".

"Yay! Marcus is going to bring Austin to meet us there. They had to run an errand real quick."

I shook my head and just went along with it. It didn't matter what they were doing, I trusted Austin. After claiming in Olivias car she drove us the short ride to the fair which was in town for the week. The students all got free tickets, and Austin had somehow managed to get two of them.

"There's my amazing girlfriend!" He wrapped his arms over my shoulder and kissed my cheek as him and the boys joined us.

"I'm just glad you weren't late. We are ready to ride the rides." I grinned before stepping out of his hold and grabbing his hand.

A few hours later and we had managed to ride almost everything worth riding twice. We had moved onto the fair games and I was pleasantly surprised when I noticed Marcus reaching for Olivias hand. Clearly she had noticed too because a shy smile crept on her face and she closed the gap, slipping her fingers into his.

"They are adorable, I don't think Cole is going to like it though." I said to no one in particular.

"Who do you think told him to finally make a move?" Coles voice came from beside me. "I was tired of watching them pining over each other. He's always going to be my best friend, but since he started hanging with you and Olivia he's been a prude. Maybe livvy will lighten him up." He chuckled.

"I'm gonna grab a drink you want anything?" Austin asked as I just stood, shocked at what Cole had just said. I mean, sure we were cordial, but the more I actually spoke to him, the less of a dick he became.

"Just a coke." I smiled at him as he made his way to the food truck.

"What?" Cole asked.

"Nothing, I think I misjudged you. Let's agree to let go of the last year Kay?" I said sounding more sure than I felt.

"I didn't realize we were holding grudges?" He smirked. "But deal I guess, I mean we are definitely going to be around each other more now." He motioned to the new love birds who were currently smiling at each other as Marcus handed her a stuffed unicorn.

I put my hand out to shake his hand and was surprised as he pulled my hand and hugged me. He smelt of some expensive type of citrus cologne, but unlike I had thought, he released me soon after.

"Friends." I smiled.

"Friends." He grinned as Austin returned with my drink. "For now." He whispered at the same time as Austin spoke.

"You guys ready?"

"Yeah, let's go. I got one last night with you before our parents embarrass us." I laughed.

.....

My parents loved Olivia and the guys. We had basically spent the first few days lounging at either of our houses, only separating to sleep, which was strange since I hadn't slept without Austin in a year.

Still today was a day that was off limits to everyone else. It was mine and Austin's day, the day we went back to see Molly. Our parents had assured us they would keep our friends busy and I hoped they wouldn't mess this day up.

Austin picked me up that morning as everyone else left for whatever trip my parents had planned.

"You okay?" I asked Austin, noticing the subtle shaking of his hands and the nervousness radiating from him.

"Yeah, it's just, this day is hard."

"I know." I sighed.

We made our way to her headstone hand in hand as I clutched the flowers in my free hand. Once we had arrived I set them in the vase on top of her headstone, letting the bright sunflowers bring some life back to the slab of concrete.

"Sunflowers for the girl who always looked at the bright side of life." I smiled sadly.

"Hey Mols," Austin said kneeling in front of the headstone. It was as if he phased out as he spoke, yet his words had tears falling freely from my face.

"We just wanted to let you know that we did what you asked of us. We have been taking care of each other and I don't know if you wanted us to be together like we are but I hope that this is what you meant because you gave me two people who I love more than anything."

He dropped my hand to touch her headstone as I stood beside him. "First I had you and you were so good, you taught me everything I needed to know about how to love another person through the hardest parts of life. We knew our time was limited, but because of you I also met the second love of my life. It was you Molly who brought Anna into my life. It was you who made sure we could never leave each other, and it was your memory that brought us to where we are today."

He took a deep breath and shot me a teary smile before turning back to the headstone.

"I wish you were here to see us, but as much as I miss you, I would never change what happened. I would never want to take back what I found with Anna because of you. I hope you approve, because one day Mols, one day I'm going to marry your best friend and I hope that wherever you are, that it makes you as happy as she makes me each and everyday."

I felt myself crying as I tried to swat the tears from my face. I didn't have it in me to say much after that so I just said a quick hello and followed Austin back to the truck for our annual ice cream.

"Austin I .."

"I meant every word Anna. Molly may have been my first love but you will be my last. You, me, us, it's forever." He leaned down to kiss me as I held him tightly. "Now come on, it's time for our traditional ice cream binge."

"I love you Austin."

"Love you too Anna, and I will for as long as you let me."

...........
END