Revive -Zalfie (BOOK 3)

2. The announcement

Chapter 2 - The announcement

Everyone had arrived and they were all chatting along nicely. Tanya, Jim and Megan were talking excitedly to each other, Thomas and Helena were playing with little Rose and Poppy, Sean, Joe and Emma were talking to Alfie and I. But no, Joe and Emma were not a couple. Although they were clearly into each other and everyone invited them together as if they were together, they weren't. I guessed that one of them had friend zoned the other, just as Alfie and I had done years back.

As much as I liked all of them to be here, I couldn't keep my mind focused on the conversation. The fact that Alfie and Thomas were hiding something made me feel sick to my stomach. What if William was back and he wanted to get revenge? What if he decided to not get me but to go after all the ones I loved instead? No, this couldn't happen. I wouldn't let it happen.

Suddenly the people I was having the conversation with all started laughing, so I faked a little laugh too, although I had no idea what was so funny. From the other side of the room I could feel Thomas' worried gaze on me. I looked up and he indeed was looking at me, frowning. If I didn't know any better I'd think he could read minds. How was he so incredibly talented at sensing other people's emotions?

"Little one," Alfie suddenly whispered in my ear and I jumped a little.

"Yeah?" I asked surprised.

"Maybe we should tell them now," he said while grabbing my hand to squeeze it a little.

"Yes, we should," I nodded with a smile. They probably were all wondering why we wanted them all to be here.

"Everyone?" Alfie raised his voice to get people's attention. Everybody went silent and looked at Alfie, even little Rose was looking at him. "You're probably wondering why we invited all of you over."

"Yes, we are. We aren't hanging out with you for our own pleasure," Jim joked and made everyone laugh. Even I had to smile at that. He was such an idiot.

"Just kidding, I love you all," he added because of the warning look Tanya was giving him. "Yes, even you," he continued while pointing at Thomas. At this I genuinely laughed. I remembered so well how they hated each other when they first met.

"I feel flattered," Thomas replied, making an impressed face.

"Zoe and I actually wanted to say that you're all great friends and we wanted to let you know the news personally," Alfie continued with a chuckle. He looked down at me with a proud smile as to tell me that I could continue.

"Alfie and I are engaged," I smiled proudly, forgetting about the strange things he was talking about earlier. This was just a perfect moment. Everybody cheered and soon the both of us were embraced by all of them, turn by turn.

After all the hugs and a million congratulations, Alfie and I went over to the kitchen to prepare some snacks for our guests.

"See, that wasn't so bad," Alfie nudged me between my ribs.

"No, it wasn't," I had to admit. "I don't know what I was so nervous about."

"You were nervous because of Thomas, weren't you?" Alfie guessed. I stared at him, astonished at how he knew.

"Well... I..." I stuttered, not knowing what to say.

"It's okay, little one," he assured me. "I understand."

"Thank you," I let out a sigh of relief. For just a second I thought he would get mad at me, be jealous or worse.

Alfie stopped getting snacks on plates to grab both my hands. "My beautiful fiancée, could you please do me a favour and stop worrying about every little thing and just enjoy."

I opened my mouth to speak but he shut me up by kissing me. A sweet, gentle kiss, that only lasted for a few seconds, but it was enough to give me an energy boost.

"I love you little one," he whispered to me. I smiled, but couldn't ignore the twisted feeling in my stomach that started to come back. What were he and Thomas hiding from me and Helena?

"You wouldn't lie to me would you?" I whispered, looking him straight in the eyes.

"Of course not," he said, but I knew that he was lying right now and it hurt my heart.

"You'd tell me everything?" I questioned.

"That's what fiancés do, right?" he chuckled. I faked a smile at him, while my stomach made a few back flips.

"Not even if you think it's better for me?" I looked him in the eyes again, trying to detect any sign of him lying to me, but strangely I didn't. He could look me straight back in the eyes, without any hesitation as he said: "Not even then."

Suddenly we heard a little cough coming from beside us. We flipped our heads to the direction of the noise together and saw Megan standing there.

"I just ruined a moment, didn't I?" she shuffled awkwardly on her feet.

"It's okay," Alfie chuckled. I giggled too, but I did not feel good. Alfie had just lied at me, straight in the face and that did not feel great.

"I'm going home now," she announced.

"Already?" Alfie asked surprised.

"I still have some work to do in the shop," she shrugged with a sad look on her face. "I see you tomorrow, Zoe?"

"I'll be there," I promised. Megan now owned a clothes shop and she was so kind to let me work in it. Finding a job while having the worst anxiety was horrible. But Megan understood me, and often let me go home early if I was feeling anxious.

"Alright," she smiled politely before she left. The rest of the day proceeded nicely. After Alfie's sweet words, although he had lied, made me feel a little more relaxed. Whatever it was that was going on, it wouldn't be too bad. Alfie wouldn't be able to hide big things for me. At least, that's what I hoped.

A/N: Thank you for the support this story has gotten already :) you're amazing! Sorry that the updates are slower than the other two books, I'm trying my best! Hope you enjoyed, love you so much xxx