Before You Say Goodbye

CHP 43: FAREWELL

He drove to the party. Oliver was self-assured, yet nervous and anxious. He still found it difficult to go to the party just like that. But, he had to. He'd made up his mind and he was not going to change it. As he reached the party hall, he saw a big farewell message on a banner for Michel and Cheryl who were going abroad. Both were placed in different countries, but they were both going away. The message said, "BON ADIEU" which meant bid farewell. Everything at the party was worth remembering, there were Polaroid-style photos hung all over the walls of the hall. The pictures were of everyone in their group, solo pictures, group photos, pictures of them in high school, prom, parties, hangouts together. There were even photos of them with Catherine. As Oliver entered the hall, his eyes were taken straight to the picture of him and Cheryl at Prom, holding each other's hands. Another lovely moment from the Prom was captured in a photo; it was during the dance. It was such a naturally lovely image that almost anyone would take them as an actual couple or at least root for them to date. The way those two looked at each other was truly adorable.

"Oliver? Oli? buddy!!!!" Called Kate out loud to Oliver who was frozen in front of those two pictures, lost in his own thoughts. "Huh! Yes?" Responded Oliver snapping out of his dreams and back to reality.

"What are you thinking about so much? I called you thrice!"

"Oh sorry...I just remembered something."

"Are you okay?"

"Yes absolutely...what could possibly go wrong with me?" answered Oliver with a small smile, placing his hand over Kate's shoulder in reassurance.

"Umm...okay... if you say so. But, you do know you can tell me anything, right?"

"I know Kate. I know you've always been there for me. But right now, let's just enjoy the party. I have a lot many things to say but that will just ruin the party mood. And, I don't wanna do that. Can we talk about this after the party ends?"

"Oh of course Oli!" said Kate and then took him by the shoulder and they both started walking together.

"Oh! Here is our legend...making their appearance after eons! Your Majesty, Welcome! Do accept our hospitality!" Said Michel, bowing dramatically.

"Oh stop it...you're too happy today Mike...Good good!"

"Hi Oli," said Jennifer and hugged him.

"Yoo boiii" exclaimed Felix and him and Michel squished Oliver in a triple hug.

"Hey- Hi!" Said Cheryl, stammering at first, but then smiled and went in for a hug, but Oliver put out his hand for a handshake. When Cheryl was about to take his hand he followed her lead and stretched out his arms for a hug. In and all, it was a quite awkward meet and greet.

After a while, everyone sat down and started talking about their future plans and some career challenges they might have to face ahead.

"I mean...I don't know whether I'll be able to become an amazing psychiatrist but, I'll surely try my best..." expressed Kate.

"Law is quite tough and a lot of studies. But, I know I can do it" said Jennifer with optimism.

"After you become a lawyer Jen, don't sue me for eating candies from yo bag" joked Michel, who was almost back to his cheerful, funny, jovial self after so long.

Everyone laughed and fooled around but, throughout the party, there were some awkward eye contacts between Cheryl and Oliver. Both wanting to try and act normal and not get affected by the other so much, but failing miserably at it.

Later everyone started having their dinner and as Oliver saw Cheryl sitting alone at the table, he thought this was the perfect opportunity to confess to her and rushed over, only to get obstructed by Michel who was calling everyone to click pictures!

Oliver tried his level best to get Cheryl alone and speak to her in private. But he couldn't, at times he got too anxious, too scared, at other times when he was emotionally prepared, someone used to call Cheryl away for something.

Amidst all the party fun, when Oliver got a moment alone with Cheryl, he started saying, "Umm Cheryl..can we talk right now?"

"Oh? Sure..what is it, Oliver?"

"Umm..I.. uh..I.."

"Hmm?"

"I wa..wanted to give you these gifts before you leave," said Oliver with a lot of effort and a hint of fear on his face. He handed her the flowers, the novel, some Psychology books, and the expensive pen he had got for her.

"Oh my God Oliver! I hadn't expected this...These are so many gifts Oli! You didn't have to spend so much on me...This is so sweet! Thank you so much!" Said Cheryl with a big smile since she had wanted those psychology books for a long time but couldn't find them anywhere due to the copies being very less in number.

"Oh, it's nothing..Glad you liked it!" Oliver was just really happy that Cheryl liked the gifts. He had seen her this cheerful after a very long time and didn't feel like ruining the moment and her happiness by confessing to her and making it awkward. He wanted to live in the moment and hence, he just went and sat on a couch in the corner, looking at Cheryl smiling and having fun. He kept observing her with a tiny smile on his face. Looking at her so long made him realize why he had fallen for her in the first place. He realized that she was as beautiful as ever and that he still might have feelings for her.

"Oliver! Everyone's leaving bruh! You coming right?" Called out Kate, getting Oliver out of his dreams.

"Uh? Oh! Yes yes, let's go!"

Everyone said goodbye to Cheryl and Michel, wishing them Goodluck and giving them hugs.

"Kate...Do you want me to drop you? It's quite late to go alone" asked Oliver.

"Yes, please. I was gonna go with Mike.. but he has somewhere else to be. Felix and Jennifer live in the exact opposite direction..so yeah. Oh! And yes.. you wanted to tell me something too, right?"

"Yes. Let's get in the car, and then I'll tell you."

Both of them sat in the car with Oliver in the driver's seat and Kate riding shotgun. He started the car and after a brief silence, Oliver said "I still love Cheryl..."