Guarded Hearts ✓

Epilogue

Epilogue 

3 months later 

Our hands were entwined and were playfully swinging back and forth. Our spare hands were both tugging at our individual suitcases towards the airport's exit line. 

The queue was long and there were crowds of people up ahead on the outskirts. Couples and families reuniting. Smiles and tears. 

"How do you think they'll react when they see us?" I asked. Not from nerves, but from curiosity. 

I knew I made the right choice in leaving. After everything that happened with Damien, I knew I had to figure out my priorities and take some time to myself. 

When I had finally gotten back home. I still didn't feel like I was truly home. 

My mother, father and brother had no idea who I was. I was completely erased from their memory. As much as I wanted to go to them, I couldn't bare to deal with them treating me as a stranger. I would rather them safe and distant from this new life I lead.

Kathy was gone. She was back there. No matter how much I wanted to hate her, I couldn't. All I could feel is guilt that she was there in my place. All I could hope for is that Alyanna kept her word and was there to watch out for her.  

I didn't want to go back and deal with the aftermath of pursuing romantic relationships and the complexities it will lead. I didn't even know my own feelings. Before going to a guy for love I had to learn to understand myself and grow as a person.

"I'm sure they'll be fine. We had to do this for us. Not for them. If they don't understand that then..I don't know. But all I know is although I loved travelling and actually getting out and seeing the world, we need to face reality."

"Yeah," I mumbled. 

The three months we spent away had been amazing. We travelled around Asia and although I was perfectly content with sleeping in hostels we had compromised, meaning Rose had gotten her way, and we ending up staying in 4 star hotels. We took a carry on luggage bag each, which resulted in us wearing the same outfits more than may be deemed hygienic. And about 60 per cent of the time we both had no idea what we were eating. But it was an experience and it solidified and strengthened our relationship. 

We started walking down the aisle and I anchored our hands, causing us both to halt. 

"Listen. Before we see the others, I just wanted to say thank you."

"For what?"

I laughed lightly, my hand sweeping across my head to push my hair away. "Coming with me. It means a lot."

"Don't-"

We were cut off when we both saw two familiar faces rushing over to us.

"Rose! Violet!" 

We both turned towards each other and laughed at their synchronisation. 

Jay and Alex both looked the same when I last saw them. Except...

"Are you both friends?" I asked shocked when I saw Alex's arm casually over Jay's shoulder. 

I laughed nervously and an awkward smile took over my face when I realised how that sounded.

Alex laughed and came over and gave me a bear hug. "Don't worry. You're still my friend too."

"Hey I haven't seen her in a while either." Jayden groaned and squeezed in the hug.  

"Guys...guys...guys, get off me."

As much as I missed them. The lack of oxygen I was getting thanks to their hug was making me slowly un-miss them.