The Girlfriend

Part 12

Finally I updated...I know shame on me that it has taken so long. This part is a tumble of emotions buts its slowly inching its way to that moment we are all waiting for: North and Emily's reunion. Anyways, Enjoy, and forgive me for any errors!

*Two Months Later*

My phone buzzed in my pocket, I pulled it out and saw the text "you ready for our date?"

I unconsciously smiled to myself and texted back "yeah, wait for you outside."

It felt weird not to be driving but it was also a nice change for once. I glanced over my clothes, as I smoothed my hands over my semi wrinkled shirt. It would do for now, but I seriously needed to wash clothes. If Gabriel saw me, he would most likely throw the biggest fit imaginable. I laughed quietly to myself at the thought. Gabriel with all his crazy was still a great guy, actually my entire team had been nothing but kind to me since... since... Emily.

I sighed, expecting a sharp pain in my chest at the mere thought of her name instead it had evolved into a dull ache. The vacant hole she had left in my chest would never be filled but I had learned to live with it. I had learned to live in a state of constant pain. It was better than before, when I was stuck in a state of unmoving, of unfeeling, of not living. I shook my head at my dire thoughts and decided to focus on the task at hand.

This "date" of mine would be difficult enough without my mind wandering to painful places. This date was one of many that I had experienced over the past two months. The guys, in a playful attempt of getting me back out there, had each been taking me on their own version of dates. At first I had raged at the unmanliness of it all but it had actually been everything I needed even if I didn't know it at the time.

They had each taken me somewhere special, something that meant something to them. I had gone hiking and camping. I had done yoga and other forms of meditation. I had played baseball, and football. I had gone painting and attended concerts. I had gone to lecture, and been to plays. It all had been in attempt to help escape my pain but also to show me that no matter how hopeless I felt I still had my family.

And while, they managed to distract me...for a while... My nights were always a reel starring my precious Emily. At first I had cried myself to sleep, night after night. But now I watched in awe of her but knowing that great things came to an end. I had finally reached a level of acceptance that I wouldn't have otherwise accomplished without my brothers, without my family.

I heard a honk outside, and realized I had gotten carried away in my own thoughts again. I walked outside, seeing the green sedan I had handpicked, ready and waiting to whisk me away. I opened the passenger door and smiled at my date. Nathan smiled back and caressed my hand which I instantly pulled back and used to lug him in the shoulder. His booming laughter was contagious and I found myself laughing alongside him.

As he pulled out of my drive, he playful teased me "Sorry baby, I should probably leave the touching until the end of the night." I glared at him and that just encouraged him to wink at me. Some of them took this whole date concept a bit too seriously, I thought to myself.

After a few twist and turns, we ended up parked in front of a huge building with crystal clear doors. I huffed but got out and crossed my arms over my chest. I was unsure about this "date" as I had been when Nathan first suggested it. He grabbed my arm and hauled me towards the entrance. We paid the fee and went into the main arena.

The whole place had a blue-ish glow, as Christmas music played from huge speakers. I saw people falling and laughing left and right and realized that this environment just wasn't for me. I turned around in an attempt to end this nonsense but Nathan shook his head.