Almost You

Epilogue

Chapter 49

Epilogue

The sunlight filters through the windows, sprawling open light across the wooden floors. The world is awakening to a brand new day, in glorious sunny California.

My hands smooth over the light blue album cover, sun worn and well used, this old little photo album was nearly bursting at the seams with countless memories-- Good and bad.

I shift, folding my legs neatly underneath me as I crack open the large book, opening up so many memories. The room is completely silent, a peace full quiet.

I flip open to the first page, pictures filling every slot. Starting with pictures of Ryan and I. There wasn't very many, and as I was prompted to through them out... Something always holds me back, good or bad, at the time he was what I wanted.

A quiver of sadness washes through me, remembering that this boy is no longer with us, his funereal had been one of the hardest events I had attended. After all, it had been me who had pushed him to an edge of insanity.

I close my eyes for a second, and the whole event flashes before my closed eyes. Mrs. Parks had explained the mystery of the intrusion, and accomplice of Ryan's who had shot at him ages ago.

Remember Ashley? Jealous boss? She had confessed to her crimes shortly after the funeral. She confessed to be working with Ryan, desperately trying to gain his approval of her. She went so far, I shake my head disapprovingly, that girl got what she deserves-- The ten year sentence in jail for attempted murder and trespassing.

Alright, where was I? Oh yes, pictures.

And, of course, there was Evan's old relationship pictures. Some of them had scorch marks from where I'd almost burnt them... Convinced that if Nate looked at those blonded bimbos anymore then he would adapt the Player gene passed through Evan.

Laughing, I flip the page again, moving on to a more memorable moment of my life. Pictures of Evan and I, during the early stages of our relationship. Pictures of Adam and I, Evelyn and her many boyfriends, and Liz with her fair share as well. I run my finger over the glossy, laminated surface of the plastic guarding the pictures from harm. Katelyn's and Marks picture together, had that little spark in it. They were fighting, both of them with angry faces trying to contain laughter. In their eyes, however was a bond that couldn't be explained.

With each picture something was different, sometimes, with a sad feeling, you could notice as some friends were seen less and less in the photos, and others there was more and more.

A picture of Liz, on the day she was leaving for her one-year trip around Europe, determined to find herself or some of that mojo. A loved-filled page of Adam and Jessica's wedding (no one was surprised that they got married first), pictures of Evelyn, simply glowing as she tried on her wedding dress at the boutique, with a big diamond sparkling on her left hand, flashing to the world that yes, she and Shawn were tying the knot. A picture of Gracie, that she had sent me while on her backpacking trip around Canada with her athletic, Canadian boyfriend. More pictures of Katelyn and Mark, either kissing or fighting-- that's pretty much what they did. Then, a picture Evan had snapped the day he had proposed.

I twirl the diamond ring on my left hand, remembering the night I had first slipped it on.

It was nothing like my first proposal, that was for sure. Nothing flashy, tacky, and definitely no running out into the rain. It was simple, creative and honestly just... Perfect. A smile slips on to my lips sub-consciously.

The pictures from our wedding day brought back a flooding of good feelings. It was like nothing I had ever imagined, and it was only five years ago today.