Fuelled by Forever

Ch. 3

Imogen

This place is full of everyone we love.

My eyes fall on Brittney, who aims for Jude, Roxy, and his brother, Elliott, close by her. Rosie's mum, Julie rushes for me, and I drop Jude's hand, totally shocked to see her here.

We embrace, and a stinging irritates the sides of my mouth from my smile. I can't believe she's here, especially when Rosie is so ill and Julie doesn't have much free time.

"I needed to be here to congratulate you. I can't stay, but I wanted you to see my face," Julie says, kissing both my cheeks.

I kiss hers back. "This means the world, Julie. Thank you! How's Rosie?"

She gulps, whispering, "She's fighting!"

She's a fighter, and we all know it.

"Rosie's the strongest little girl I know. She inspires me every day," I say.

We all know it's terrible news and a fast decline from here, but that little girl never lets it get her down. If she's not smiling, she's giggling.

I give Julie another hug.

She makes a comforting sound. "Oh, Imogen, you mean a lot to me."

I hold her hands. "You mean a lot to me. I'm so glad you're here tonight."

When her phone bleeps with a message, she rushes to get it out of her handbag, reading over her text before gripping her device. "Rosie is asking for me."

"You should go," I say, just as Jude appears. I take his hand when he fishes for my fingers, catching him up to speed. "Julie has to go back to Rosie, but isn't it lovely that she's here?"

Jude reaches to clutch her with his free arm. "It is. Lovely to see you as always, Julie."

Julie kisses his cheeks like she kissed mine. "I brought you guys a little present. It's from Rosie, but she has strict instructions."

I laugh. "And what are those instructions?"

She smiles. "Don't open it until the baby arrives."

Jude chuckles. "We can do that for her."

"She was very excited choosing it, especially after finding out you're having a baby girl," Julie replies, her complexion going pale when her phone beeps again. "I'm sorry, guys. I really do have to go. Hailing a taxi is mad at this time."

Jude nods, kissing my knuckles before letting my hand go. "I have my driver on standby. I'll get him to take you."

She frowns. "Are you sure?"

"Positive," he replies, guiding her out of the room and looking at me. "I'll be back, darling."

"Okay, baby," I reply to him and hug Julie quickly. "You take care, and we'll catch up soon."

They disappear through the crowd, Jude listening to her every word until they slip out the door. Margot skates over with a grin, squealing when she fusses about my ring, and I gush over this party and venue.

"I had Nathan's help. He's been so great," she says, still touching the ring.

My curiosity is spiked.

I clear my throat, spotting Nathan with my mum, whom I've only just seen. I make a mental note to speak to her next. "Oh, did you?"

"What's that voice?" she says, narrowing her eyes playfully.

I raise my voice. "Nothing. It's just a question, babe."

To be honest, I have a lot of questions, several of which require a girls' night to dig in properly.