Three's A Crowd

Epilogue

~Three months later~
A feeling of peace washes over you as your toes sink into the warm sand of the Gold Coast beach. You can't help but smile as happy memories flood back. After wandering along for a while you settle down on the short wall that separates the shore from the street, legs crossed, admiring the view.
The loud ringing of your phone breaks you from your thoughts; the caller ID that shows is one you've seen a lot recently. Elliott. Usually you decline the call immediately but this time you hesitate. I guess it's now or never, you think before answering.
"Elliott," you sigh.
"Oh my god (y/n), I'm so glad you're okay," he rushes out.
"Huh?"
"Look I know, I'm not looking for an apology or to make you feel bad. I'm just glad you've not done anything stupid."
"I..." You stutter, struggling to find words.
"I heard about Lannan, and I can't say I was hoping for it but part of me expected this outcome when the day came. I always knew deep down that I was second best-"
You cut him off, "Elliott no-"
"No, it's okay, really."
"Elliott, please. You weren't second best, it's not that I wasn't happy with you..."
"There was just something missing?"
"Lannan broke a part of me off and took it with him."
"And no one could fix that."
"Yeah," you sigh.
"I understand, really."
"You were wonderful to me. You were everything I needed when I needed it most and I'm so grateful for the time I had with you but I think it's only fair that we go our own ways. You deserve to find someone who'll make you so much happier than I ever could."
"I feel the same darling. But it doesn't mean I've stopped loving you, I just want you to be happy."
You smile genuinely for a second before whispering, "You're far too good for me."
He chuckles lightly and goes quiet for a moment before speaking up again, "I might have to move you over in my heart though, I think I've found someone else."
"Really!?" You ask excitedly.
"Yeah, she's lovely, I'd really like it if you'd come meet her, give me your brutally honest opinion as someone who knows me far too well."
"I can't wait," you sigh sincerely,"it's been good to speak to you."
"You too. Don't be a stranger, okay?"
"I won't," you say softly.
"Bye."
"Bye Elliott."

You hang up and are brought back to where you are and what you're doing here. You open your phone to send a text to Lannan.
I fucked up. I fucked up so bad. You're the best thing that ever happened to me and the biggest regret I could ever have. I love you. Please come back.
After hitting send you put your phone away in your bag, swapping it for the small metal container that has brought you back to this beach. You walk out to the spot where once upon a time Lannan had made a promise to you, his voice in your head is as clear now as it was all those years ago, "One day I'm going to marry you."
A hot tear rolls down your cheek as you unscrew the lid and begin to flow steadily and silently as you scatter the contents of the urn lightly into the sand. Once you're done you squeeze your eyes shut in an attempt to control your crying.
"Please. Please come back," you whisper against the cold metal pressed to your lips.
In the distance your phone pings with a notification but it's drowned out by the sob that escapes your lips.

Lenny(1): Message undeliverable.

The end.