DIRTY LAUNDRY

35

We got scars on our future hearts,
but we never looked back •

Days were passing by and for the first time in a long time, I can say that things are looking up. By that, I mean everything is exactly how it's supposed to be. Jack and I actually passed all our exams this semester, he even has the highest gpa in his class so far. His dad has accepted us being together, just like my mom predicted and he has also been spending more time with him. May's wedding is just around the corner and I am now a hundred percent sure and excited to be Jack's plus one.
When it comes to my family, my dad introduced me to his two step-children and I have to admit they're pretty amazing. The younger one's name is Jay, he's 21 and an architecture student. The other one is Mason and he's a 28 year old high school teacher. We even went out alone, got together for a meal. It was great; I always wanted siblings.
Mom and dad talked and let's just say that things have cleared up. We're never gonna be a family again, but I put the past where it belongs, behind me.
Andie confessed everything and they checked her into a psychiatric clinic for young women. Jack went to see her once and she apologized a million times more; of course Jack being Jack, he forgave her. He said that life is too short for it to be filled with hatred. As much as it bothered me, I agreed with him on that, I still do. Love just made her crazy, but at least she's now getting the help she needs and what's more important, she finally realized what she's done.
At first I wasn't that thrilled when Jack told me he's going to visit her but it wasn't really my decision to make. I only knew I will always support him.

When it comes to Josh, it took me a month until we actually got together. We were both nervous, him even more than me; I saw it when he was walking in my direction, he was radiating anxiety.

"Hey." I greeted him when he just wrapped his arms around me, pulling me close.

"Hi." He said quietly.

"Everything okay?" I asked. He just nodded and showed a little grin. Then we walked to the coffee shop, where we sat down outside. The sun was shining, it was a beautiful day.

"So..." I attempted to start a conversation. It was so weird, I think we probably only had five sober conversations.

"So..." He repeated. He was looking at his hands that were resting on his thighs, playing with his fingers, glancing at me.

"How are things?" I broke the ice. He seemed relieved.

"Things are good, thanks for asking." He said, smiling.

"Good, I'm glad." I returned the smile.

"I moved out of the house. I'm staying in a dorm." He chuckled. "Finally."

"That's great! What did your mom say?" I asked. I always thought she was too smothering. I dare to say that's one of the reasons he started taking drugs, to escape her.

"She cried." He said, chuckling. "Begged me to stay. I couldn't. She was choking me. I don't mean to be rude..."

"Oh please, I know how your mom can be. I like her, but sometimes she can be a bit much." I replied.

"A bit? Jeez! You don't know the half of it. 80% of all time, I couldn't handle her. I know I put her through hell, but still..." He made that tired face. I laughed.

"You sure did. How are you holding up?" He knew what I meant so I didn't have to explain any further.

"I'm good, not tempted anymore since I got my life back in order, I spent a lot of time with dad, we talked... it's been going well." He explained.

"I'm glad." I smiled. "You better not forget about me when you're a famous lawyer in your dad's fancy LA firm."

He chuckled. "Are you kidding? I could never forget you, even if I wanted to. You mean way too much to me."

"Yeah, we went through some shit together, huh?" I looked at him. If my common sense isn't messed up, I was right. He seemed happy, this time without any drugs. I thought I'd never see this day, but there we were. I didn't even know how to express my feelings, things were just how they were always supposed to be.

"I owe you everything Alex, you bet I'll never forget you, ever." He repeated.
I smiled and gently squeezed his hand.

"Neither will I, promise." It was a promise I was intending to keep.
"When we're adults with jobs and families, we'll barbecue together and laugh at all the funny moments we've had."

"Oh yeah, for sure." He winked.

🌹

"Come on handsome, I don't want us to be late for the wedding." Jack reminded me again. I was looking for my bowtie everywhere, almost going crazy.

"I swear I put it in my drawer, jesus... can you look in yours, please?" I asked him again.

"It wasn't there ten times before, it's not gonna be there now." He huffed.

"Hey Jacob, relax. No growling." Twilight references always made him chuckle and this was no exception.

"Clever." He narrowed his eyes and puckered the lips.

"I'll find it, just give me a minute." I said and kept looking. I then found it in the pocket of my blazer.
"Fuck me." I muttered, dangling the bowtie in front of his face.

"Laters, come on, let's go. You'll put it on in the limo, mom called me twice already." He literally pulled me by the hand, I almost tripped.
"I'm sorry Alex, I know I'm panicking but it's not my wedding."

"Yeah yeah." I replied and tried keeping up with him. May was supposed to ride in the limo with her bridesmaids but she requested us instead. I was of course thrilled, I've never even seen a limo up close, let alone got to ride in it.

"Jump in boys!" She exclaimed when Jack opened the back door. There she was, sitting in millions of tutus. Her gown was pretty simple yet unique. It was very pastel baby pink, slim and skin tight from the waist up. From the waist down it was very Disney movie Cinderella, I loved it. Tiny straps were laying on her shoulders and a silver tiara on her head, in her dark brown wavy voluminous hair.

"Oh my god, you're a Disney princess!" I smiled, sitting next to her.

"Awh, thank you! You like?" She said and looked at Jack.

"Very much, you look lovely. You ready?" He asked, smiling. Yeah, we were all smiles.

"I am." She replied.

"Well then, let's get you married." Jack said.

A magical event awaited us and I was certain we'd have a blast.