What Happened to Goodbye? (Jack Gilinsky Fanfiction)

Chapter 40

Andria-

"And you haven't seen him the entire time you've been here?" Hannah asks, widening her eyes.

Hannah and Becca, two of my (and Emily's) girl best friends growing up were also bridesmaids in the wedding. The three of us were getting ready for the rehearsal dinner together.

"Nope," I said, unplugging the curling iron.

"That's crazy," Becca stated, applying mascara to her lashes.

I shrugged and looked at my reflection. I really have changed in the past five years. For one, I've grown taller, and I'm more...developed. My hair is somewhat shorter than it was before, but not by much. My face has matured, as Cass says, and my wardrobe has most certainty changed. I look different, just as anyone would after five years.

Who knows what I might have worn to a rehearsal dinner in the past, but it definitely would've been tight and revealing. Now, instead, I'm wearing a classy black dress with pearls.

Very Audrey Hepburn-ish.

"You look hot," Hannah said with a wink. "He is going to fall to his knees when he sees you."

"I'm not...I don't...no, Hannah. I'm not looking to get back together with him," I said, walking out of the bathroom.

"But he's your lobster!" Becca yelled.

"What, Bec?"

"Your lobster. Lobster's mate for life, and Jack is your lobster."

Lobster or not, there's no way I'm getting back together with Jack, let alone talking to him.

///

Jack-

"Yeah, so, anyway, I'm trying to be an actress and-"

I sighed as the redhead in front of me droned on about her rise to fame. One of Emily's cousins, I believe. Yeah, she's hot, and yeah, I need to get laid, but Jesus Christ, can't the whore talk about anything besides herself?

"That's fantastic, and I'm sorry for interrupting you, but I need to go somewhere...its very urgent, you know, being the best man and all," I grinned at her. She nods apprehensively and turns away.

Thank god.

The rehearsal dinner was actually quite nice. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves and I had yet to see...her...which was a relief. There was only one thing that could prepare me for our reunion- Alcohol.

Once I had consumed enough, but not quite enough to ruin this evening for everyone, I decided to take a step outside.

The venue was beautiful, if I must speak honestly. It reminded me of something in Europe- it was classy and elegant, and had a nice, private garden where I could really think.

I sighed and sat down on a stone bench, admiring the twinkling lights and colorful flowers around me. I couldn't help but smile when I saw a Lilac, Andria's favorite.

No, Jack, stop. It's been five years. Five years. Why am I still thinking about her? Why does her voice haunt my dreams? Why do I crave the soft touch of her skin? Why am I still so helplessly in love with her? It's not right. I should be over her by now. But I just can't help myself- I just can't.

I stood up, feeling as if I needed to do something with myself. I walked farther into the garden, looking around me and just enjoying the peace and quiet.

I stopped when I saw a woman standing in a small nook of the garden near a fountain. She was breathtaking.

I couldn't quite see her face, but I just knew that she was beautiful. Her dark hair fell in waves down her back, and her hands caressed a small rose.

"I'm sorry to bother you," I said shortly. I was sure she noticed my presence.

"Don't worry, you're just fine. I'm sure you were looking to get away from that crowded room too, weren't you?"

I stopped breathing. I stopped thinking. I stopped functioning when I heard her speak. I wouldn't forget that voice.

"It's you," I said, walking towards the fountain. "It's really you."

Andria looked up, and once again I lost the ability to do anything. Over five years time, she changed. She became a beautiful, classy woman, and I found myself wanting her all over again. I met her green eyes and sighed.

"Why are we doing this to ourselves?" She mumbled, standing up. She was taller now. Not as tall as me, of course, but she was taller.

"Why did I let you leave? My heart is literally aching as I stand in front of you. I don't know why I did this to myself, I don't know why I did this to you. All I know is that by some farcical tangle of events here we are again, and I just don't know if I can leave you once again," Andria sighed, stepping closer to me.

"Alexandria, I never wanted to lose you. I loved you, and it's crazy, but I still love you. But you said it yourself. You said if it was truly meant to be, it would happen. Here we are...what does this mean?" I asked, grabbing her and pulling her body in to mine. I didn't give her a chance to answer, but instead captured her lips with mine. The passion was overwhelming. Five years apart did us wonders, and the euphoria contained in the kiss was unimaginable.

Andria pulled away, and her eyes fluttered open. She stared at me for a long time, before mumbling,

"That was the only answer I needed."