The Aftermath

Chapter Sixteen

It was later that evening, after a long talk with Toby. We settled on the plan
"Are you sure this is what you want Bryony? I'm certain that they would be here in a heartbeat if you let them" he warned me and I nodded
"That's the problem Tobe, I can't" I muttered watching as he nodded taking my suitcase out of the room with him

I looked down at the pile of letters in front of me, one for Allie, One for Nath, One for Jase and One for Hayden.. 

I couldn't help but reread Hayden's letter. I hope it was saying everything I needed to get across, I hope that it was going to lessen the blow of what was to come 

'Hayden,

I can't believe I'm writing this. This is not where I anticipated I would be this time last year. It's safe to say we've never had the smoothest of sailings but this takes the punch

This isn't your fault, that is a promise
I'm struggling more then I care to admit, I just need to isolate myself enough that I can rebalance myself, I know if I told you this in person you would be begging me to stay and I would probably listen

But this is what I need in the long run..

Whether I want to admit it or not, I'm not okay and I don't know how to work through this so as you are reading this. Toby is driving me up to see Megan's family. I'm not leaving for good, I just need some time with some old faces
Some people who know how I'm struggling, some people who are going through similar things

I love you and I love everyone around us, I wish it hadn't come to this but at the same time. It'll help us come out stronger

I'll be back in no time, I just hope that in the mean time you and the gang don't hate me..
I hope that you'll understand 
I hope that when the time is right, I'll come back and you'll all be there with open arms 

See you soon

Bry x'

"Right everything is ready to go" Toby said coming back in, I looked up at him nodding before following him out to the car

I watched as the house got smaller and smaller until suddenly we were at Hayden's and just as expected everyone's cars were dotted around the place, giving me the chance to attach the envelope with corresponding cars before we left again 

Not even being noticed at all...

--

After a couple hours, we got to Noah's and as much as I would have loved to hang around to talk to everyone, I think I needed a minute or two to sort myself out. Toby reluctantly left after a dramatic goodbye, Noah was hovering until I managed to escape to the treehouse. The same sacred spot from last time I was here..

This place was sill exactly the same, it was covered in photos. Ones from all of mine and Megan's adventures..

She truly was my rock, I don't know what I would do without her. I mean if I'm being honest, I can whole heartedly say I would not still be here without there

There have been many a times during our friendship where I just wanted to give up, but Megan reminded me that I was not a quitter, she reminded me I wasn't alone. I was just dealt a poor choice in hands of cards 

There was a light at the end of the tunnel with Megan on the ball with the situation, but without Megan here.. What if there is no end? no light at the end of the tunnel? no reason to keep on trying? 
No reason not to give up..

But right as that thought entered my head, it left the same second as my phone lit up with 4 notifications.. The guys had created a new groupchat without Lucie and Cassidy. Each of them leaving a message for me

-

Hayden: We aren't mad Bry, we never could be. If this is what you need to do then do it. We'll be here when you need us, I love you x

Allie: I love you so damn much, just please if you need anything call one of us. You aren't alone and it will get better

Jason: B, you've got this whether you see it or not. We'll see you soon

Nathan: Well everything took what I was going to say, so first off screw you all. Secondly Bryony, like everyone said. Things will get better, we'll be right here waiting for your epic comeback

-

Maybe.. just maybe.. There could be hope?