Starting Over Anderson || ✔

Epilogue

Things are finally back to normal, or about as normal as things can be.

I'm back in action, ashamedly having to get around with big ass crutches. Of course, even that is better than being confined to the hospital. Anything is better than being confined to the hospital.

Keith has gone back to London, before repeatedly promising that he'd visit as soon as possible. Aaron is back at Jacksonville too, sending my regards to the boys. I miss them a lot, though I have Ryan's graduation to look forward to. He's a child prodigy, graduating already at the age of fifteen, and I couldn't be more proud of my little brother.

I don't know what Noah did, but apparently with a wave of his wand, my name is cleared from the cops' wanted list. Which means I'm no longer a criminal of the law, technically speaking. He even made them air a short film on BBC to apologize for misjudging me. I've seen the footage, and I must admit I'm impressed. At Noah, that is. He works magic.

The bell rings, signalling the end of last period. My classmates are out of the class like a tornado, pushing and shoving all at once. I shake my head at them, picking up my miserable crutches and slowly hopping over to the door.

Erin and Isaac are waiting for me at my locker. They click their tongues at the slowness of my pace. I roll my eyes, used to their antics. If I could get around any faster, I would have.

"We've got practice after, you know that right?" Isaac says even before I reach them. Impatient whimp. "And you can't drive 'cause -" he jerks his head at my crutches. Like I need reminding for that.

"I know, I've called Chris to get me."

Erin smirks. "Ah, of course, the boyfriend."

I blush beetroot when I hear that, I always do. Chris had asked me to be his girlfriend, officially, a few weeks ago in the hospital. I could never get used to hearing that, me being Chris's girlfriend. Never gets old.

"Okay, gotta run, see you later." Isaac holds out a hand for a high five. I smack his hand half-heartedly, bidding the twins goodbye.

"And don't forget to put on the condoms before you do anything, " Erin adds, throwing her head back to wink at me.

I groan, cheeks burning. I hobble out to the main entrance just as Chris's car screeches to a stop. Perfect timing.

He opens the door for me like a gentleman, kissing my temple before helping me in.

"How was first day back?" he enquires, starting up the ignition, smiling a million watt smile. My heart leaps.

"It was extremely slow," I say, smiling as well.

We talk about school the whole drive back to the Baxters. He laughs at snail speed everywhere and I pretend to be mad, though I can never stay angry at Chris for long. He pokes my cheek, breaking my frown. I swat his hand away just as we turn into the driveway.

"I wish I can go in for awhile but I have a class starting in ten minutes babe." He opens the door for me again, retrieving my crutches from the back and helping me down. Chivalry lives. I don't know what makes me blush - his chivalry or the word "babe". Maybe both.

"It's fine, I can manage an afternoon on my own."

He flashes me a dazzling smile before driving away. I watch his car until it disappears down the bend.

I reach into my pocket and a sense of deja vu rushes over me as I realize that I have forgotten my keys. Looks like I'll have to pick the locks again. I hear the final click of the gate, the lock springing free, when I freeze, feeling a presence behind me.

"Jenna?"

I don't know what to do, whether to feel relaxed (it isn't Link, afterall) or angry. It's a voice I haven't heard in three years, and a voice I've never dreamed of hearing again.

I spin around on my heels, forcing a smile. "Rachel."

She takes a step closer to me. "I'm really sorry, Jenna."

"So you finally had the decency to apologize." I turn back to the gate, swinging it open so I can step inside. I don't make another two steps when she speaks again.

"Can you at least hear me out?"

"Keith sent you, didn't he?"

She bites her lip. "He only wants the best for us, for you. I know that no explanation can justify what I had done, but I think you have the right to know."

"Get talking then, I have a lot of schoolwork waiting." I ignore the hurt flashing across her face.

"Thanks, Jen. It's just that, I have a massive crush on Keith, and I saw how he's always so close, so loving towards you, I got jealous. And then Liliana came along, and she somehow convinced me that you aren't what you seem to be. Then you were gone and your picture started coming up on the news, stating how you're wanted and can't help thinking how it's my fault and I was just - oh god I can't believe I betrayed you just like that. I'm the worst best friend in the history of humans."

"Yes you are."

She sighs. "I know I'm asking too much, but will you ever forgive me for my stupidity? It doesn't have to be now, maybe in a few months, or years, or decades, but I need to know if I could ever have you back. I miss you so much, Jens."

I think about that. Rachel was my best friend, and I had trusted her so much, only to find her conspiring against me with my ex-crush's ex-girlfriend. It had stung like a bitch, and it would be easier to go on being mad at her, but it isn't right. A life full of hate isn't a life worth living - just take a look at my mother. And so I choose to the right thing, the harder thing. I choose forgiveness.

"How about we start over again?"

Rach's eyes light up like stars in the night sky. "Yeah, sure, I'd like that. Thank you, Jenna."

I smile, a genuine smile this time. "Hi, I'm Jenna Maxson. I'm seventeen, and I study at Islewick High. You're standing in front of my house." I hold out a hand and Rachel shakes it.

"I'm Rachel Delmonico, seventeen, too. I live in Jacksonville, but I'll be here for the week to meet with an old friend. Nice to meet you, Jenna."

The sun starts to set over the horizon and I pick the last of the locks as Rach stares, wide-eyed. I smile sheepishly but don't say anything.

"After you," I invite her inside, sweeping out my arms like a butler.

"Thank you," she repeats.

And as I close the door behind her, I feel the empty hole in my heart filled.

***

Author's note

It is done! I really can't thank you guys enough and I'm really very emotional right now. :')

Though I've written a lot before, it's the first time I've actually completed a story. There are many times when I feel like giving up, when I feel like my story is absolute shit, but I'm glad I pulled through, finishing what I started.

This is an achievement to be remembered.

Thank you guys for everything!

xoxo marmaladebreeze
p.s. stay tuned for bonus chapters ;)