Afterwards: An "After" Fanfiction

Chapter 27: No Control

Steph hadn't heard Tessa speak for the past 24 hours.

Ever since her heartbroken friend had taken her first steps off of the plane, Tessa had been consumed by a grief so heavy, it stripped her of her voice. At first, Steph was empathetic to the other's pain. She couldn't imagine what she would do if Tristan had slept with an ex.

Though Tessa and Hardin's short-lived love was hard and fast, Steph could see how invested her friend was the relationship's future. Only days prior, Steph had been expecting Tessa to come back with an engagement ring. Now, Steph was running a bath for her guest and watching as she slowly wasted away.

"You can stay at my house as long as you'd like, but you have to eat something." She implored the blonde, handing her a fluffy pink towel and a fresh pair of clothes. Tessa replied with a frown, but took the supplies and trudged towards Steph's bathroom. "I know you're still upset. And trust me, if Hardin ever comes back to the states, I'll be the first to be arrested for attempted murder. But you'll get over him soon...with a little self care you'll be feeling as good as new."

Hearing her ex boyfriend's name caused Tessa's tired eyes to squeeze shut. Her head jolted as if she were trying to shake away a nightmare.

Sighing, Steph mimed zipping her lips. "Ok. I won't say...his...name around you for now. But as I said, you'll get over him soon enough." She bit her lip as Tessa quietly shut the bathroom door behind her. Steph was trying her best, but it was obvious that she would need some serious help lifting Tessa's spirits.

As soon as Tessa emerged from her bath, she was greeted by a room full of people. Somewhat startled, she turned to Steph. "What's this?"

"So good to hear your voice again." Steph grinned. "Just a small 'welcome home' party. New Year, new you, right? I figured seeing some of the people who care about you would make you feel a bit better."

'Small' was hardly the word to describe whatever it was Steph had thrown together. Tessa recognized Tristan, Landon, and his girlfriend Nora. The rest of the guests, she had never seen before. With a blank expression, she started gathering her belongings into a small suitcase.

"Tess," Tristan whined. "No don't go. Come on, have a little fun with us. Get your mind off of--" Steph shot her an angry glare, and she quickly changed her words. "Off of...things that aren't these adorable cookies Nora made you!" Tristan grabbed a Tupperware container out of Nora's hands, holding it out to Tessa.

"I made those for my mother..." Nora muttered, but didn't protest as Tessa held the fresh baked batch in her hand. Steph slid next to her, whispering a quick thank you in her ear:

"Thanks for stopping by on the way to your mom's birthday. Tessa hasn't eaten a thing since she got here though, if you let her have those cookies, I'll Venmo you a couple bucks to pick up a cake for your mom on your way out."

Nora thought for a minute before agreeing to Steph's terms. "Deal."

"Great!" Steph turned towards the rest of her party guests and switched on some music. "Everyone make yourselves at home. Let's get this party started!"

Completely uninterested in attending any kind of celebration, Tessa took her cookies and escaped to Steph's balcony. The others were too busy with the impromptu party that they barely even noticed she had slipped away.

Alone with her thoughts for the first time since her ill-fated trip, she considered the reality of her future. She would have to go back to work in a few days. Facing Vance would not be easy, but hopefully, Trish hadn't told him anything. If not, she could at least spare a few days of awkward conversation until she found a good way to tell her boss she was no longer dating his son.