And Then There Was Us

EPILOGUE

EPILOGUE

Today is my last day of school. And honestly, I don't know how to feel about it. It was my last couple of months, with everyone we were all growing up, and spreading into different paths.
"Last first day of school" will shout as he gets into the back seats.
The front seat is taken by Ella, Of course. "someone's a bit too excited", I declare. "You know that it's still the first day of school" Eleanor retorts.
"Buzzkiller."
"What are you guys planning on doing in college?" Will asks.
"I want to take over my dad's company. I'm studying business." I replied.
"I think I'm doing something in the fashion industry. What about you?" Ella answers.
"I'm still very confused. I thought that I liked Petroleum engineering but I just don't feel the same about it. It's just not my vibe. I really like biology. I don't know if I'm smart enough for it." Will confesses.
"Will you never have anything below an 85 in biology . I think you're more than smart enough." I say as I pull into Daisy's drive way.
Daisy and I maintained a good friendship, she's really important to me.
"Do we really have to pick up Sandy today?" I ask Will jokingly.
"If you don't start making your way over to her house right now I'm going to kill you."

~promposal day~

I woke up that day so anxious. I don't know why. The girl i am asking to be my prom date is my girlfriend. There is only one answer. Right?
I had planned this big thing for her. First of all, a car was going to pick her up and take her to the park. There a bunch of people will be handing her various stuff like roses, chocolate and jewelry. Then after that an airplane was going to shoot the big question.
"Look up." I ordered Ella.
"Berty you did not." She says as she covers her mouth in shock.
"What do you say?"
"I would love to go to prom with you."

~prom~

This is it. The end of an Era. High school is really never appreciated enough. People are always angry that they are going to school. It's honestly one of the best places on earth. You basically hang out with your friends everyday.
Our school, every year, is known for its prom. It's the biggest one in all of New York. Paparazzi were always there.
"Want to dance?" I asked Ella.
"You know I don't like dancing."
"Come on! It's prom."
"No." She said sharply.
"Want to get out of here then?" She inquires.
"And go where?"
"I don't know. Just not here."
"I would love to."
"Where are you going?" Will asks me.
"Ella wants to leave." I reply as I follow Eleanor.
"So where are you taking me?" She asks as we get into the car.
"Just wait and see."

"You're taking me to the park?" Ella says shocked.
"No, I'm taking you to the place where I asked you to be my girlfriend."
"You know what. I love this place. This place holds so much memories. It's my favorite place."
"I love you, darling." I say as I lean in and kiss her.

~4 years later~

I took Ella to Paris for summer break. It was during my last year of college. I had just graduated from NYU. We were straddling along the champ elisé when I dropped down on one knee and pulled out a ring.
"Eleanor Reed, you have put me through the best time of my life, I cannot imagine it without you. You're my world. Will you marry me?"
"It'll be my pleasure Bertrand. I do. I would love to marry you." I proceed to put the ring on her finger, pick her up and spin her in the air.
"I love you forever."

~a year later~

As I watched her come down the aisle, I couldn't stop crying. I couldn't believe i was marrying someone like her.
"You look stunning." I shout.
"You look lovely." She responds. I could tell that she was crying.
As she made her way over to me, I took her hands in mine and squeezed them.
"Bertrand Burke, do you take Eleanor Reed for your lawful wife, to have and to hold, from this way forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do you apart?" The priest starts off.
" I do." I replied.
"Eleanor Reed, do you take Bertrand Burke for your lawful husband, to have and to hold, from this way forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do you apart?"
"I do." Ella responds.
I do not wait for the priest to continue. I immediately cup her face and i kiss her.

~two years later~

"Berty." Eleanor screams.
"What is it?" I say as I rush over to her.
"Look. I can't believe it." She says as she hands me a positive pregnancy test.
"I'm gonna be a dad." I was shocked.
"We're going to be such a cute little family."

~nine months later~

I woke up that morning and Ella was feeling a bit uneasy.
She was expected to have the baby very soon.
On my way to work I received a call from her.
"Berty." She says in a tired low voice.
"Should I turn back?"
"Yes. My water broke."
"Stay put. I'm on my way."
When I arrived back home, I took the bag that she had prepared and helped her get into the car.

When we arrived at the hospital, she was already in labor. Everything was going very fast.
When they were done, the doctor asked me what I wanted to name her.

"Ella, in memory of her mom." I replied.