My Cinderella Story (Be Mine Again)

Chapter 22

Ravenswood... Where this all started.

"Why... why are we going there?" A sudden ill feeling took over my senses. What was this, fear?

"It's a surprise," Christian replies still focus on driving. I hate surprises. The last time I had a surprise there was the worst thing that ever happened to me. It almost had me considered taking my own life. The memory of it all still burns bright and fresh in my mind. Even the stench of ketchup and mustard in my hair, I can still smell.

"Christian I don't want to -"

"Amelia, you just have to trust me. Okay." He can sense my fear and gives me a longing look before returning his gaze to the road. Trust...

He sets a large hand over mine and give it a gentle squeeze. The warmth provided little comfort.

Two hours later and we were pulling up into the familiar driveway that leads to the Zain mansion in Ravenswood. When we fully stopped in front of the entrance, Christian exits the car first. Coming over to my side, he opens the door for me but my leg refuses to budge.

"Christian, I don't think I can do this," I whispered. My voice was dry and coarse.

"Amelia, I promise no harm will come to you." He tries reassuring me.

"I... I - "

"Millie? Is that you?"

I look up past Christian towards the sound of the voice. When I spot her, right away a sob escapes my lips.

"Jenny," my trembled lips whispered. She takes a hesitant step towards us with a squint in her eyes like she wasn't sure if it was me or not.

"Jenny," my voice cried louder. I push past Christian out of the car and rush towards her.

"Oh my god, it is you Millie!" she cries running towards me too.

We jumped into each other's arms embracing each other like a mother would after finding her lost child. Tears flow freely as I held my best friend after four long years. She too, cried hysterically.

"Oh my gosh, Amelia," she cried repeating my name over and over.

When we finally created space between us, Jenny takes hold of my hand. With trembling lips she starts apologizing.

"Millie, I'm so sorry! I promise I didn't mean to keep it from you. I know I'm a horrible best friend. It wasn't intentional. I can explain. Please don't be upset."

"Jenny, stop. It's okay. I forgot all about it already." I didn't forget.

The painful memory was too much to digest right now along with seeing Jenny again. I didn't want to be reminded. Truthfully, I had long forgiven Jenny. I don't think I was ever truly upset at her or blamed her for any of it.

She hugs me again and cries into my shoulder. "I'm just so sorry."

I held her close and patted her back. In the short distant to the doors, coming out of the house, Avery, Sarah, and Thomas emerges. All of them looks just as shock as the next person. All looking just as I remember four years ago, just more mature, more beautiful, more handsome. I pull away from Jenny's embrace and step aside. For some reason I was terribly nervous.

"Millie?" Sarah was the first one to approach. I gave a uncertain smile and nod my head once.

"Oh my gosh! Look at you!" I gave her a shy giggle as she nears me and pulls me into a quick embrace.

As if breaking out of a hypnotizing trance, Jenny shouts, "OMG! Millie, I didn't even notice. You look amazing!" Both her and Sarah checked me out from head to toe.