ER [wlw]

Epilogue

The warm glow of the afternoon sun pours through the car windows, and the hum of the engine fills the quiet between us. It's the last day of middle school for Bellamy and Will, and I can see the mix of excitement and nervousness on their faces. They're both growing up so fast, soon to be fourteen. Bellamy, with her long hair pulled into a messy ponytail and a school hoodie that's too big for her, gazes out the window, her fingers tapping absently on her lap.

Will, on the other hand, is practically bouncing in his seat. He's been talking nonstop about his plans for high school, already imagining the classes he'll take and the friends he'll make. But Bellamy... she's quieter than usual, more withdrawn. I notices it the moment she slid into the car, the way her usual energy is absent, her smile not quite reaching her eyes.

Bellamy?" I ask, my voice soft. "What's wrong, sweetheart?"

She doesn't respond immediately, and for a moment, I think she might just brush it off. But then Will, sitting beside her, glances over at me with a worried expression.

"Melanie is moving, to Egypt with her mom." He supplies.

I feel my heart tug. That's news to me too.

"Oh, I know that hurts. But you'll always have her, even if she's far away. Nothing can take away what you have with Melanie. I'm sure you'll still keep in touch." I say softly.

She sniffles in the backseat. "I-It doesn't m-matter it w-won't be the same w-without her."

I glance back at her in the rearview mirror, my voice softer. "I know it's hard, baby.But you've got so many memories with Melanie, and that's not going away just because she's moving. It doesn't mean it's the end."

She stay quiet so I give her a small smile through the rear view mirror. "You'll figure it out. You always do. Plus you've still got CJ and Jordan going into highschool with you, and Will of course." CJ and Jordan happen to be two of her other close friends. Although I know out of everyone her and Melanie have the strongest bond.

She still stays quiet, wiping her eyes, and I reach my hand back to give her a quick pat on the leg. "It'll be okay. I promise."

I shift in my seat, glancing at her through the rear view mirror again. She's staring out the window, still a little quiet, her lips pressed together.

"So," I decide to switch the topic, keeping my voice light. "Do you two plan on being in the YMCA this summer? Bellamy, I know you'll be back on the court. Will, you sticking with baseball?" Bellamy has grown to love basketball so much so that it's her sport now and she's amazing at it. Will tried it in Primary school but in the end he's decided to stick with Baseball.

Will perks up at the mention of baseball. "Yeah, I'm definitely doing the summer league again. Gonna make it to the championships this year."

I can't help but smile at his enthusiasm. I glance at Bellamy again, hoping to see the same excitement, but she's still distant. I press on, keeping it casual, hoping she'll warm up. "Bell? You still planning on showing them who's boss on the court?"

Bellamy's lips twitch just a little, the faintest hint of a smile, but it's enough to make my heart feel a little lighter. "Yeah. I-I'm g-going to train hard."

"That's what I like to hear." I smile, trying to keep the conversation going, knowing it'll help take her mind off things for a while.

We pull into the driveway, and I kill the engine. The house is quiet, but I know my wife will be inside with Iris— our three year old daughter. Me and Ramona got married three years ago and a year later through IVF we had Iris, and she's brought nothing but more joy to this house. She's the light of our lives along with Will and Bellamy.

"You two okay?" I ask once we're out of the car, trying to gauge their mood. Will nods, but Bellamy just shrugs, offering me a small, tired smile. I guess that's as good as it's going to get right now.

Inside, the house is filled with warmth. The sounds of the TV hum from the living room, and I can already hear Ramona's voice, light and cheerful, chatting away with Iris.

I walk in to find them sitting together on the couch while the kids go their rooms to put away their book bags and change out of their uniforms. It'll be the last year they have to wear those, it's bittersweet honestly. I don't want them to grow up but I know they make amazing adults.

Ramona, as beautiful as ever, her dark hair pulled back in a loose bun, holding Iris in her lap. The little girl looks just like her—dark, wavy hair, her big brown eyes sparkling with excitement. She's bouncing in Ramona's lap, a huge smile on her face.

"Hi, my loves." I say, walking over to them and leaning down to kiss Ramona on the cheek and then Iris.

Ramona looks up at me, her eyes lighting up. "How was their last day of middle school?"

"It was good." I say. "A little bittersweet though, for Bellamy. Melanie's moving away."

Ramona's face softens, understanding in her eyes. "My poor little sirenita. I know that's tough."

I hum. "Yeah."

Ramona straightens up with Iris, holding her hand as she stands. She pulls her close and leans down to whisper something in Iris's ear. Iris grins and looks up at me. "Mommy, can we go get ice cream?"

I chuckle and shake my head as I smile. "Sure baby. But is it you that wants Ice cream or Mamá?"

"Mamá." She tells the truth.

Ramona tickles Iris making her giggle. "Snitch."

I laugh again. "We can all go for ice cream, I'm sure Will and Bellamy won't mind either."

As if on cue Will walks into the living room, now changed into some everyday clothes. "You're right we don't mind." Will says.

I hum, amused. The Bellamy walks in, still looking upset. My chest tightens at the sight. "Baby, how about I get in contact with Melanie's mom and I'll take you both out tomorrow so you can hang out one last time."

Her eyes seem to light up a little at that as she nods with a small smile. "Y-Yeah I'd l-like that."

I smile. "Great. Now both of you go get some shoes on we're going for Ice cream."

Will runs off to his room, while Bellamy walks at a more reasonable pace.

When I look at Ramona, her eyes are full of warmth. "I'm glad we have this." Her voice is soft.

I nod, smiling as I squeeze her hand. "Me too."

We've built this beautiful life. Now it's just a matter of living it. And I wouldn't change a thing.

~KC