Adopted by Zalfie Sequel

59

"Happy birthday Alfie!"

Yes thats right, it's now September.

It's almost been a year since my life turned into a whirlwind. One minute I had the same routine everyday, the next the year had been crazy. I've had something different to do every week, and travelled to a lot of places that I never thought I would.

I've become so independent, I don't even think about my anxiety most of the time. I've been on planes by myself, I've travelled around in different countries by myself, and I've been out of my comfort zone so many times, but I've made it through.

I think that's the part of my journey that matters the most; I've overcome my anxiety. There's still times where I get a bit anxious, but it's very rare.

I've lost people this year that I thought would be in my life forever, but met people that I know will stay.

For example, Kendall. I've had no contact with her ever since my split with Logan. She hasn't even sent me one text message. It makes me wonder how people can do that. How can you cut someone out that you speak to everyday?

And then there's Kyle. Random example I know, but ever since I met him, he's been the one person that can make me laugh like no other.

So now it's September, and it's Alfie's birthday to be exact. All immediate family are here at the Zalfie household, so Amanda, Nick, Poppy and Sean, as well as me, Zoe and Harlow of course. The party's about to start in a few minutes, and we're just preparing by singing our personal happy birthday to him.

"Thanks guys." Alf smiled.

"Does anyone want some cake?" Amanda asked, picking up some bowls.

"Mum we've only just sang happy birthday." Poppy moaned.

"I know but I want some cake." Amanda said defensively.

"So do I." I put up my hand.

The house soon filled up with people, very quickly actually. All of Alfie's friends and family arrived, but my friends didn't because I hadn't invited them. From other experiences, I knew that my friends would turn the party into their party. They'd be getting drunk and making fools of themselves. I did invite Taylyn though, but she couldn't make it because she was ill. I knew the party wasn't going to be as fun without her presence, but if I had to put a smile on to make Alfie happy, I would.

A couple of minutes passed, just consisting of me sat eating my cake whilst sat on a bar stool, watching everything around me. Alfie and Sean  were messing around with some sort of technology Alf had gotten for his birthday, Zoe was catching up with Tanya about her recent break up with Jim, who just happened to be across the room talking to Marcus over on the conservatory sofa and of course, Joe and Dianne having cute coupley moments in the kitchen. There were other people scattered around, like all the management team, Alfie's old friends, and family too. There were plenty of people for me to socialise with, but I was content sitting up high with my cake.

That was, until a face walked into the crowd that make me freeze, with the fork still in my mouth.

"Hey Logan man!" Marcus greeted, giving him a brotherly hug. Logan returned the smile and words, and then placed his eyes on Alfie.

Now, I'm pretty sure that Alfie had his 'chat' with Logan, and it went okay. There was no bad blood between them, obviously seen as Alfie's invited him to his birthday party without me knowing.

My heart began to race as he greeted everyone, especially when he spoke to Zoe and Alfie. None of my parents know about that night Logan saw me smoke and drink, and I'm hoping it'll stay that way.

Thankfully Zoe didn't notice that her cupboard was raided, and a couple of bottles were missing.

Logan continued to say hello to everyone, and then his eyes landed on me. I gave him a small and quick flash of a smile, and then turned away. I continued to eat my cake in peace.

What was I meant to do? It's weird being across the room from your ex that you know has written two songs about you, and you haven't even spoken about it.

It's also weird knowing that he knows I'm single, and that I split up with Ian like a week after he dropped his song. The world thinks it isn't a coincidence that it happened that way, and to be honest I'm not so sure myself.

I think Logan's song was a tiny part of why I broke up with Ian, because it kind of topped off my reasons to.

Once I had finished eating, I placed my bowl and fork in the rubbish, and then decided to get away for a bit and go to my old room.

It was still decorated in my style, seen as mum wanted to leave it like that for a bit, just in case I went over the edge again and had to move back here. It's almost been a year since and I've been perfectly fine living alone in my apartment. Harlow needs a nursery and she isn't getting one because of me.

Once in my room I closed the door and took a couple of deep breaths.

Why does Logan seem to be the cause and the solution for my anxiety?

I sat down at my old makeup area, now where there's just a desk left, empty. I looked in the mirror and saw that my appearance was kind of glowing, and there was something in my eyes that screamed 'you're dying to smile'.

And maybe I was.

I came out of my room after brushing through my hair and making sure I was ready to socialise- with Logan or not.

But that thought flew out of the window, as it turned out I would be socialising with him, as I got to the second floor of the house, and bumped into him on his way to the upstairs bathroom.

"Hey." He smiled gently, unsure of what to say or what my reaction would be.

How can you be mad at him?

"Fancy seeing you here." I said, smiling back.

You're so in love with him.

"Alf invited me, I didn't know if you knew." He said questioningly.

"No, I didn't. It was quite the surprise."

"Are you good though?"

"Yeah."

"Well, ill speak to you in a bit, I've had one beer and I'm already desperate for a wee."

Oh Logan, don't not speak to me for a year and then come back and act like we did when we were together, telling me all the TMI details.

The night turned out pretty good, although I didn't speak to Logan once again. I spoke to all of the girls instead, and had a really good time with a smile on my face.

I was left with one thought though:

I'm still very much in love with Logan Whilston.