Her Name Was Summer

Dirty Laundry

At long last, Elena was engaged. Zack picked out a princess cut yellow diamond on an 18k gold band. It fit perfectly on her finger, like it was always meant to be there. Her smile lit up the room. I have never seen my best this radiant, full of joy. This was all I ever wanted for her... and now she has it.
My eyes wandered around the room and caught the eyes of none other than Alex. He gave me a soft smile, and then she walked up to him with two glasses of champagne in hand, Lisa. I didn't think I would see them back together so soon, but I should have. I knew since senior prom that they belonged together. She never brought him drama or trouble, she's only loved him and shown him that everyday. I can't say I've done the same... my love for Alex was always selfish. He deserves better, and that's what she is... better.

Jack grabbed my hand and pulled me aside to the patio. "I just wanted to warn you, Mel is on her way into the restaurant. I saw her car pull up a few minutes ago." He stated and I sighed.

I chuckled to myself, "It's fine, let's just go back inside." I said making his brow arch.

"Since when are you so calm when it comes to Mel?"

I smiled, "This is Elena's day, I'm not going to ruin it with my drama."

He smiled at me, "Did you take some sort of edibles earlier without me?" I laughed and took his hand.

"I wanna be with you, but it can't be the same as before. I'm not gonna let myself get involved with Mel, because you're worth more to me. I want this to work Jack."

"You have no idea what a relief it is to hear that." He said and I took his hand.

"I've been wanting to say that to you all day. Buy me a drink?" I asked and he nodded, leading us back into the party.

Jack headed for the bar as I sat down with Rian at our table.

"Elena and Zack, Alex and Lisa, and now Jack and you. It's almost like the last year never happened." Rian joked.

"I wish that was true... have you talked to Alex and Lisa tonight?" I asked.

"I have, I'm guessing you haven't." I shook my head. "Probably for the best, Lisa isn't your biggest fan at the moment. I think she told Alex not to talk to you." My eyebrows rose. "Maybe I wasn't supposed to mention that."

"Maybe, but that stops me from embarrassing myself tonight."

Jack came back to the table with our drinks. "What did I miss?" He asked.

"We were just talking about Alex and Lisa." Rian stated.

"Yeah, we should probably steer clear of them for the time being." Jack commented.

"Why didn't you tell me that Alex can't talk to me?" I asked Jack with crossed arms. Jack shot a look at Rian, causing Rian to chuckle.

"I figured you were going to find out even if I wasn't the one to say it. You understand why he can't, don't you?" Jack asked and I nodded.

"I do, I just wish it didn't have to be this way." I stated.

"Give it some time, she can't keep you two from being friends forever." Jack stated.

"Hello friends." Mel said as she sat down next to Rian. I could tell from his expression he was tipsy from the champagne and holding in his laughter over all the drama unfolding in front of his eyes. If I wasn't in the centre of it all, I would be in the same boat.

"To what do we owe this pleasure?" I asked her.

"As you know I've been friends with Zack for such a long time, there's no way I would have missed today." She said and sipped on her champagne.

"I'm not sure Zack would agree entirely with that statement, but as his best man-" Jack was interrupted by Rian clearing his throat, "sorry, as one of his groomsmen, I was in charge of sending out invitations, and you were not on the list." Jack said and she smirked.

"Yes, which Lisa sought to make right by making me her plus one. Bet you didn't count on that." Mel said and Jack rolled his eyes.

I turned to Jack, "You wanna dance?" I asked and Jack nodded.

"Before you two officially get back together, maybe ask Jack about the night he broke up with you." Mel said and left the table. 

Jack pulled me onto the dancefloor and we slow danced to acoustic guitar.

"She's really trying to get a reaction from us, isn't she?" I asked and just nodded, making my brows furrow. "What don't I know?"

"Please don't be too upset." He started.

"I'm not promising anything." I stated and he nodded.

"The night we broke up, I was a total wreck. Mel came back to my hotel room and had drinks with me, and things got out of control... I'm sorry."

I took a deep breath as a tear ran down my cheek. Jack went to brush the tear away and I backed away. "I just need a moment." I said and headed to the restroom.

I grabbed some tp from one of the bathroom stalls and began to fix my smeared eye makeup. Lisa walked into the washroom, ignoring my presence she headed into a stall.

"So now we don't even say hello?" I asked and she ignored me. I sighed and threw out my tissue.
"You can't keep him from talking to me, Alex and I have been best friends since before you knew him." She exited the stall and washed her hands.

"If he wants to be with me, then he'll do as I asked." She stated and I scoffed.

"Is that what it's come to?" I asked and she turned to face me, to look me in the eye.

"It what I need from him because of you. I'm sure you feel like I'm punishing you, but imagine what it may be like to be in my shoes for a change, to not be able to trust the man you love with his best friend. I used to think that you understood that considering the Mel drama."

"Is that why you invited her?"

"Nevermind why I invited her. The way I see it we are going to be in each other's lives for a long time, just give Alex and I some space for now and I'll try to learn to trust you both again." Lisa began to walk towards the door.

"I'm sorry... for everything." I said and she sighed.

"I know you are, but talking to you still hurts." She said and exited the restroom.

I took a few extra breaths before exiting the restroom myself. I headed back to the table with Jack and Rian, and Jack handed me my glass. I placed his hand in mine, "I'm sorry." He whispered.

"We'll talk about it later."