FIONA | ✔️

Epilogue Part 2

We were currently in the hall for the reception and Rosa had just finished giving her speech as the maid honour making all of us teary-eyed but even with the tears, Lauren was sporting the widest smile ever and I had never been prouder.

It made me happy to see that all my friends were doing so well and happy too.

I turned to see Joshua talking with Alex, Justin and Louis and I couldn’t help but smile at them.

It had been a while since the four of them had hung out together mostly because Joshua refused to come back since he left even after we settled everything.

We all knew that Dylan and Lauren sleeping together had taken its toll on Joshua but the straw that broke the camel’s back was finding out that Lauren was pregnant and that she was keeping it.

The Christmas of the year Amy was born, we all came home so we could see them but when Joshua didn’t, we knew he was never gonna be okay with the two of them together.

Lauren was his first love and they were together for a long time, we thought they’d for sure get married and I couldn’t help but wonder if that would’ve happened if she and Dylan never slept together.

Our relationships were complicated especially theirs because they still tried to work it out after she had Amy but it just never happened.

Most times, I wondered how lonely and sad Joshua must have felt leaving us all and moving to a country where he knew no one. I tried reaching out to him personally on several occasions but he completely cut off communication with all of us.

Sometimes, I wondered if he had a personal resentment towards me because Dylan was my brother and I was the one that brought him into the circle and introduced him to Lauren. Alex told me I was overthinking it but I just couldn’t help it.

Now that he was back, we still hadn’t had a personal conversation apart from when we all hugged him but it was mostly because the guys had dragged him away.

“It’s so nice to finally meet you in the flesh Ines. I have to say you’re prettier in person.” I told her and she gave me a warm smile.

“Thank you, Fiona. I have to say I was really scared of meeting you all even after Josh told me you were all cool. I’m just really relieved.” She said with her French accent and I couldn’t help but smile at it.

“Joshua is family and I’m just glad nothing is weird, especially with him and the guys. They’ve missed him a lot and I know you had something to do with you guys coming down for the wedding so really, thank you.”

“Oh, I didn’t do much because he missed you guys like crazy too. He just needed a little push and once again, I’m sorry you guys couldn’t make it for the wedding.”

“I’ve told you that it’s okay already. I’m honestly just glad you guys found each other.”

“Thank you, Fiona. I’m really glad to be here, it’s like seeing a different version of him, a much younger one.” She said looking at her husband fondly.

“They were always such a pair when we were in high school. They have a way of bringing out the kids in each other.”

“I’m glad to see that.”

The server placed a plate of food and as soon as the smell hit my nose, I felt like I was going to throw up.

“Are you okay? You suddenly look pale, are you ill?” Ines asked and I shook my head at her with a small smile.

“I’m fine. I just don’t think my stomach agrees with this meal.”

“Oh sorry about that. Should I ask them to get you something else?” She asked again and I shook my head at her.