Found Along The Way

Chapter thirty-six

How do you help a friend with grief as sudden as Caleb's?

This was a question that ran through Anya's mind an unbelievable amount for five months. She watched him cry his way through the whole of spring and into summer. The pain was unbearable for her to see, and even worse for him to feel. But he remained a good friend, and he kept his word for his mother, projecting his pain into his passion. He painted, and laughed for the woman who couldn't, living passionately, yet sadly. Oh, so sadly.

"Are you sure I shouldn't ask Lina for a party at home, something quiet, for you Caleb?"

"It's your bachelorette party Anya, it shouldn't be anything less than legendary! We're going with whatever Lina plans."

He still sounded like himself, he kept his enthusiasm and smiled the same in conversation, but it seemed watered down, probably by all the tears he'd cried.

"You're incredible." She whispered with a hug, appreciating his strength now more than ever.

He'd ask how he could ever be strong when he seemed to cry at everything he saw, everything that reminded him of Daiyu. Anya would tell him "Letting yourself cry shows that strength more than anything." And he'd wonder how he got so lucky to be friends with someone like her. Many people wondered that, and they were sure that tonight would be the celebration she deserved. Her bachelorette party.

It had nothing to do with being her 'final night of freedom', because Anya knew she felt at her freest with Lucas, and everyone saw that. Tonight was going to be her first night of a new excitement, a new chapter in her life.

Anya had been a party girl when she was about nineteen, and partied with Lina until she grew out of the whole nightclub scene and took on quieter Friday nights. Less dancing, more painting. Typically because of Daniel keeping her home, but she grew into it. She preferred the calm hum of her TV as she read or painted, rather than the deafening bass of an obnoxious pop song.

Anya hadn't been partying in what felt like forever, and she was admittedly excited... but nervous. That was until she got the dress code text from Lina, which said:

'Nothing nice, something you don't mind getting dirty, wear trainers and have hair tied up, meet @ my house 4pm xoxo'

Anya's face was far from impressed at this message, and confused as ever she dialled Lina's phone.

"What the hell lady?! Tell me what we're doing tonight right now."

"No way Anya! It's a surprise!"

"Lina!" Anya whined.

"Anya!" She mocked her voice, receiving a loud sigh from her before the phone cut off.

Lina was not following the bachelorette party guidelines Anya had set, this was meant to be just a fun party, expensive dresses and all, but she was now regretting letting her maid of honour take charge of the plans for the night. Seriously regretting it.

But she turned up to Lina's house at four, wearing a light pink shirt and blue jeans with her hair in a tidy French braid, and her face showing disapproval in each crevice. Lucas was with her, the same instructions were given to the guys for his bachelor party by Joey, and Rosie was with a babysitter which gave the scheming couple full control of the night. Soon enough a group of guys and girls were gathered in the living room, dressed as if they were going camping instead of partying. Anya doubted there would be any alcohol involved at all at this point.

Heads turned when the loud sound of vehicle engines began to pull up the street, Lina announcing their rides were here, and the door opening to two huge military-style buses.