I never know why. I only know who. (AU)

Chapter 42

17th August 2019

"So what brings you guys here?" Clara asked John and Annalisa, who were sat around her dining room table. It was a pleasant surprise to find them at her door on a random weekend, although she wasn't entirely sure why they were there.

The happy couple smiled at each other, happy glints in their eyes.

Clara knew Annalisa very well now. In fact, she'd even call them better friends than some people she saw all the time.

They were very different though, not just in appearance, although that was the obvious one, but in personality too.

Annalisa was tall with blonde hair and blue eyes for a start. And she was stunning. You'd be a fool to not admit it. Clara often wondered why she bothered with the high paying maths jobs when she might as well be a supermodel. Clara teased John that she was way out of his league, but it seemed john was amongst that crowd at Cambridge, which also made Clara feel a little uneasy at the sudden contrast.

But she was very kind. She was a soft person who was very perfect in everything she did. She was the kind of girl who always knew what to say and when to say it, unlike Clara who just blurted everything out. Annalisa was nothing short of a barbie model in short, and Clara didn't hate her for it, but it often felt a bit strange.

"We have something to ask you." John said happily, and Clara eyed the two suspiciously.

"Go on..." Clara began, taking a sip of her tea and she tapped her fingers against the ceramic mug.

"Well..." John began, "Annalisa and I were wondering if you would do us the honour of being a bridesmaid at our wedding."

Clara choked on her tea as she quickly spat it back into her mug, eyes widening as she returned the tea to the table.

"You're getting married?" Clara exclaimed in shock.

They both nodded.

"Oh my God, congratulations!" Clara exclaimed happily, standing up at the same time as them to pull them into a group hug. They all smiled as clara held them extra tight.

"So, is that a yes to our question?" John teased Clara. She leaned back and lightly punched his shoulder.

Leaning back to face Annalisa she asked unsurely "Only if you're sure about it? I don't want to be a pain."

They both shook their head instantly. "No, no!" Annalisa cried. "My sister and two friends and bridesmaids too, and we wouldn't have it any other way. You're John's best friend and we want you to be a part of the wedding. John wanted you to be best man, but I had to tell him three times that you are a girl, he has a brother and that you would probably punch him for that idea."

"Spot on." Clara laughed. "I'm honoured. Thank you. And congratulations! Really!" She gave them both hugs once more to emphasise her joy for them.

John left the room a few minutes later to go to the bathroom, leaving the girls alone to chat at the table.

"Clara?" Annalisa asked softly.

"Yeah?" Clara replied.

"I was wondering....no, it's stupid." Annalisa mumbled.

"no, what is it?" Clara asked, concern etched into her face.

"Well....I was wondering what you'll do when yours and John's child turns eighteen? I'm sorry, I just don't want to intrude by asking, but it's on my mind." Annalisa half-whispered.

"Don't be sorry." Clara said gently. "Believe me, it's fine. I think.....I think we'll just meet him for coffee or something. That's if he wants us to. John and i knew we probably wouldn't be together by then, so it's not an issue."