I Do...

Chapter 17

Jake pulled into the car park where we were supposed to be catching the buses and as we approached the buses I could see Aria standing in front of one of the large white buses. She looked up and smiled as we got closer. Jake pulled into a space close to the second bus. I went to open the door but was trapped by Pash who was now trying to lick my face. I smiled trying to push her off my lap but she pushed hard against me. I eventually managed to push her off enough to open the door. She jumped out of the car and looked up at me affectionately. I knelt down beside her and ruffle her coat making her wag her tail quicker. I looked up and could see Louise standing by the doors of the bus. I couldn’t believe it I hadn’t seen her in years after she had moved away to Brokedell. We had invited her to the wedding so naturally I didn’t expect to see her. I stopped stroking the dog and got up from the ground to go and greet her. As I did so I noticed that I was covered in small black dog hairs. I quickly brushed myself down removing the majority of them and continued to walk over to her.

“Louise. Wow, how you doing? Haven’t seen you in years!” I said hugging her with a broad smile across my face.

“I know it has been a long time. We can’t leave it this long again. Promise me?” I nodded in agreement. “So marrying Liam?” she smiled. “I was nearly jumping up and down on the spot when I read your invite. Rob was looking at me like I had gone mad or something.” She said smiling. Rob? Who was Rob? The only Rob I knew was the one that was in our year at school.  My confusion must have been spread across my face because she chuckled before filling me in. “You do know I’m with Rob Fuller now don’t you?” I shook my head. It was the same Rob after all.

“No I didn’t know. Wow how long you two been together then?” I enquired.

“Oh a couple of months now.” She chuckled again. “What am I saying! I must be what....six months. Yes six months this Saturday. Whoa I didn’t think we’d be together that long I must admit but yes it’s got to be because we got together like last December after my works Christmas party. Met him in a bar in Rayford and let’s just say things went from there.” She said winking.

I laughed. “Louise! You’ve changed a bit...there was a time when you wouldn’t say boo to a goose.”

“I know. Well things changed when I was with Connor. I did come out of my shell a bit. I suppose that’s one thing I’ve got to be grateful to him for. Probably about the only thing I have to admit.” A sad look washed across her face and I could tell that there was something on her mind. I could see by the look in her eyes that it was paining her so I didn’t prise and instead thought it best to change the subject.

“So...” I said trying to think of something but failing. My heart raced as I panicked over trying to find something to talk about because I had started the conversation and now creating an awkward silence.  Thankfully Ben who was carrying a black duffle bag dropped it on Cassie’s foot and she started hitting him with her handbag furiously whilst he tried to apologise and avoid the blows; this distracted Louise and caused us both to giggle.

“Look I need to leave before long!” I heard one of the bus drivers say to Aria who was looking very flustered.

I excused myself from Louise and went over to see what the problem was.

“Everything alright?” I enquired despite knowing that there was something wrong.

“Yes this lady reckons that I can’t leave yet because ‘not everyone is here’” The bus driver said in rather a grouchy tone.

 I smiled sweetly at him hoping to win him over before putting him in his place. I’d seen a woman on the weakest link doing the same to Anne Robinson yesterday so I knew how it was done...sort of.