One Shot: The Return

The beginning and the end

Chloe and RJ were together for almost three years while they were in University. A couple of weeks before things changed between them, they were still a fairly happy couple. Then one day, Chloe completely changed her demeanor towards RJ. Something only the latter noticed and understood. Without knowing what the real issue was RJ did her best to win back Chloe, but Chloe shut her down. They remained "friends" for they belonged to the same group of friends but that was all that's left.

They haven't seen each other for a while now for they both migrated to different countries to chase their separate dreams. They kept in touch through chat groups and from time to time private messages but nothing more than small talk. Peter and Raffy's wedding is the primary reason that the gang is all finally getting back together.

Girls hanging out at Raffy's while preparing stuff for the wedding...

Reese: RJ is due to come back soon. Are you ready to see her again?
Chloe: What? What do you mean?
Raffy: Chlo... come on, you know exactly what we mean.
Chloe: Girls, it's at least been a decade, I think it's time we moved on.
Reese: You do realise she will want some closure this time around right?
Raffy: Chlo... she's still hurting. You owe it to her to at least have a proper closure.
Chloe: Look, I love you both and I hate to say this but I don't owe her anything.
Reese: Sure. Keep telling yourself that, whatever makes you sleep at night.
Chloe: Why are we on this subject anyway?
Raffy: Because she is arriving in 5 days and we have never seen you more flustered than this.
Chloe: I am not!
Raffy: Yes you are! We've known you for way over a decade Chloe and you can lie to yourself but you can't lie to us.
Chloe: I... alright fine! You caught me! Happy?!?
Reese: Chloe we're not trying to fight with you but this time you need to face her for real.
Raffy: She hasn't been the same since, did you know that? I do, because I was there the whole time. You are one of my best friends Chlo, but she's my "sister." I watched her go down when you left her hanging and I couldn't do anything. I can't let that happen again.
Chloe: I... I didn't mean to.
Reese: We know... but you have to make this right. This time you can't just run away.
Raffy: We're not asking you to get back together, we're just saying... give it a proper closure. It might be over to you and you might think the chapter has closed, but it has always been an open page to her.
Chloe: Isn't she with someone else now? She can't still be so hung up.
Reese: You know her more than any of us and you know in your heart that's not true.
Raffy: They broke up. They were together for quite some time though. She initially settled for far less than what she deserved because she thought that's all that she deserved. She was still punishing herself for losing you.
Chloe: What? I'm confused.
Reese: She was with someone who can't reciprocate the love that she gives and she knows that but she wouldn't leave her because she thought that's all that she deserved. Every relationship after you failed and to her that's just a confirmation that she doesn't deserve to be loved.
Raffy: Do you remember what you said to her when she asked you if you still loved her? You told her it was depleting. She believed that and she blamed herself for it. She hated herself for it. She thought she pushed you away by being who she is.
Chloe: I didn't mean for her to feel that way. But I had to protect myself.
Reese: She doesn't know that.
Raffy: Look, we don't know what will happen when you two meet but could please at least not go cold turkey on her again. Please at least talk to her properly.
Chloe: I don't know Raf...
Raffy: Please... Chlo...
Chloe: Okay... I'll try.

5 days later at the mall...
Raffy: RJ!!! (hugs RJ tight)
RJ: Hey sis!
Raffy: (whispers) I missed you.
RJ: I missed you more. (hugs Raffy tight then turns around to Peter) Peter, my brother (shakes his hand)
Peter: Oh no... you don't just shake my hand bro, you gotta give me a hug. I missed you man!
RJ: I missed you too bro.
Raffy: Alright... Alright... enough bromance already. Our friends will arrive shortly shall we head to the venue?
RJ: Yeah sure.
Raffy: Peter, baby, you know I love you right? But I am going to spend a lot of my time with my sister here ok? Don't get jealous ok?
Peter: Of her? Of course not! I'd be more jealous of you if you're planning to hog her all to yourself. (cheekily)
RJ: (laughs) Oh how I missed you guys!
Raffy grabs RJ's and Peter's hands then they all walk together.