In This Life (Sequel to 'In Another Life')

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I told Colby what happened with my parents, with disbelief still in my voice. I couldn't believe that it had went like that. In a way, I kind of understood what my parents were saying, even if it still hurt that they were more worried about how they looked rather than how their daughter felt. I understood that they didn't know how it was affecting me. I fell silent after I told him, kind of taking in everything, while we took the long drive back to the airport. I was going to miss my old home, the house, everything. I would miss my parents, surprisingly, but I would miss Mrs. Gail the most. I sent up a silent prayer, hoping that her guardian angel would keep her safe and healthy until I could get back to see her again. On the flight home, Colby and I joked around with each other, and talked about how we would announce this engagement to our friends. I asked him again, if he were upset that I didn't want to set a date yet. He just smiled, and shook his head. "Even if we stay engaged forever, it still symbolizes that I want you in my life forever." I let him take my hand in his. He lifted it, examining the ring that sat there. "You know, I think I did good with this," he said, winking at me. I rolled my eyes and smiled. "You did, I'll give you that. OH," I exclaimed, realizing something. "The house. Our house. Was that an engagement present?" He pursed his lips and got a bashful look on his gorgeous face. "Technically yes, but even if you would've said no, it was still yours. So, it was just a gift to make you happy." I bit my lip, wondering again how much my safe place had actually cost. I knew Colby. He usually only spent large amounts of money on his clothes. It was his guilty pleasure, but when it came to the people he loved, there was no limit when it came to making them happy. "Colby," I said quietly, looking over at him. "Yeah, what's up?" "How much did the house cost?" He cocked his eyebrow at me, and gave me a half smile. "Does it matter? I could afford it, and it made you happy. I really love it too. Plus, if you want to make an investment out of it, we could rent it out sometimes. Like an Airbnb, or something." "So it was a lot. Like a lot lot," I replied, twisting the rings on my fingers nervously. He reached down and took my hand in his, looking me right in the eyes. "It wasn't too much. It was actually kind of cheap, especially according to LA standards. It's a good investment, for our future or just to have as real estate. It didn't hurt my bank account. I promise. Now, it's rude to ask how much a gift was so hush." I almost smiled, but turned it into a glare instead. "Whatever," I said, rolling my eyes. I couldn't stop a small smile from breaking through. He laughed at my childish pouting, and went back to whatever he was doing on his phone. I ended up almost nodding off, right before the plane landed, so I was a little groggy. We pushed our way through the crowd in LAX, and finally managed to get outside with our few carry on bags. Colby already had an Uber waiting for us, thankfully. I fell asleep in the car on the way back to my home. I guess all of the traveling and all of the emotions that I had felt had drained me. I heard my name being whispered, close to my ear, while a hand patted my thigh. I cracked my eyes against the harsh LA sun, and met Colby's gaze. "You're home," he said, grinning. I sat up fully, and stretched my stiff muscles. "Thank you," I said to the Uber driver, before climbing out and going to get my bags. I unlocked the door, and walked inside, sighing as the cool AC hit my face. "Anybody home?" I yelled, as Colby followed me to my room to put my bags down. I received no answer, so I frowned, turning back to him. "Wonder where everyone is?" I mused, sitting on the foot of my bed. I held my hand out and looked at my ring. I had wanted to tell my best friends immediately. It wouldn't feel real until I told them. "They're at my house," he said, texting someone. I furrowed my brow in confusion. "But why? They knew that I would be back today." He shrugged, but I caught a secret little smile before he hid it. "What did you do?" I asked, worried now. He was trying to do some sort of surprise and I didn't know why. I didn't believe that he would tell everyone before I got the chance to tell my friends...would he? "Colby, please tell me that you didn't tell everyone! I wanted to tell my friends." He grinned at me and shook his head. "I didn't tell anyone. I wanted to let you do that, because I knew you would want too. I did, however, text Sam and tell him to get everyone together at our house because we had an announcement and wanted to tell everyone at the same time. I thought that would be easier, but if you'd like to tell Denise first, just text her when we get there and tell her to come outside alone. Is that okay?" He sounded unsure of himself now and I hated that. I nodded, and smiled. "Of course it is. Well, I guess we should go." Honestly, I didn't feel like going anywhere, because of all of the traveling but I was excited to see my friends. I texted Denise right before we got there, and told her to come outside. I knew it might be weird to them because we left to go to my friend's funeral, and now I was coming back engaged. Strange how some things worked out, I guess. When we pulled into his driveway, I saw so many extra cars there. Denise was standing next to Elias's car, a smile growing on her face when I stepped out of the car. "Oh my God, I missed you," she exclaimed wrapping her arms around me.