Authors Note: Hi guys, I'm new to writing fanfiction, but felt compelled to write this story because we need a good Chelly story. I'm American and tried to use some Aussie words in here to make it more authentic, so don't be too harsh. Also have only gotten into this show for the Chloe/Elly storyline, so I'm sorry in advance if any character relationships are off, or any au characters I've put in the story don't fit. Thanks! Feedback appreciated!

It's been a full 3 weeks since Mel showed back up in my life, and even though I was furious about it at the time she showed up, I realized it might be worth giving her another go again despite her controlling tendencies. To be fair, she does seem to be trying harder to be a better person now, and if nothing else comes from this new relationship at least I can say I gave it a proper go at getting over Elly. And in the meantime she's a good cover for me doing just that, until my stupid heart can catch up with what my brain knows is right and what I need, Mel is a good distraction. It was Elly, in fact, who convinced me to give her another chance in the first place, I think she really just wants to be friends again and not have the added awkwardness of me being madly in love with her anymore, especially with the wedding fast approaching. The only downfall so far of dating Mel again is I can't just flee the country for the wedding anymore, Mark roped Mel into going, which meant I couldn't be the asshole to stand up my girlfriend's plus one on top of missing my brother's wedding, so go figure I am once again a bridesmaid to Elly for what is bound to be one of the hardest days of my life thus far; which is really saying a lot considering my life hasn't been a piece of cake recently between the hostage shooting situation and getting my diagnosis for the Huntington's gene. But, yeah, Mel's been a decent distraction.

Now I'm not calling her a total cure though either because jeez Elly and I were spending a good amount of time together there for awhile before she arrived. We just really leaned on each other for coping with the whole siege incident and Elly didn't feel like Mark was enough to help her handle everything, so naturally my feelings got even stronger during all that time we spent together. Why does Elly have to be so dang gorgeous and caring and thoughtful and nice, why couldn't she have just been repulsed by the thought of being with me and made this all easier. Instead, my stupid heart seems to have this small glimmer of hope that my feelings could be reciprocated, which is very confusing because there are these rare moments that my brain can see it too. Like when she puts her hand on my arm for no reason other than to be touching me, or gives me these longing glances across the room when she's sitting right next to her fiancé. No no, it's still been proper difficult to get over the girl. And now Mel and I have been invited to Elly's hen night Friday, and I'm dreading it. It's hard enough to keep my feelings in check sober, even with Mark around, let alone when I've been drinking and Mark completely gone from my mind. The only thing that might save me is having Mel with me, and I've already got my excuse at the ready to be able to leave early if I need it; a terrible migraine will hit and I'll just need to rest.

It's Wednesday and I'm out lounging by the pool, we're having a little Barbie with some of Mel's friends later and she's been shopping and getting everything ready all day. I asked if I could help, but she insisted I relax and she would get everything ready, it'll just be a small gathering, but she seems genuinely excited for me to meet some of her best mates. It will be nice to have a get together with people outside my usual circle. I roll over on the lounge and check my phone for the time. Before I catch a look at the time I notice a message notification from Elly. I debate opening it for a moment, but cave and look.

Hey Best Bridesmaid, I was wondering if you wouldn't mind setting up a car or dd for us to get around Friday night? I completely blanked, and have a lot of running around to do tomorrow, I can always ask Bea if you're busy, otherwise I would owe you one! XX

I sigh, of course I won't mind doing this quick favor for her, it's a simple call is all, it's just always hard to hear from Elly when I spend all my time away from her trying to not have a single thought about her. I send a quick text back to her before getting up from my lounge chair to head inside for a quick shower before getting ready.

Of course I can give them a call tomorrow, wouldn't want to lose my highly acclaimed title of best bridesmaid after all.

Elly immediately sends a text back, right as I was getting undressed for my shower.

Thanks a ton Chlo, can't wait to see you and Mel Friday! 3

I cringe at my reaction to the heart at the end of the message. Elly thinks I kind of just magically got over her in the few weeks since Mel's been back just because I don't care to keep bringing up the painful topic of my deep love for her. Now frustrated, I call out the doorway of the bathroom to Mel in the kitchen, "hey babe, care to join me? We'll conserve some water!" The flirty tone in my voice brings her to round the corner, and she wiggles her eyebrows, "I do need to shower before everyone gets here," and she strolls into the bathroom, grabbing my hips and backing me against the glass shower door and giving me a deep kiss. I moan, a good distraction indeed.

30 Minutes later and we're all showered and satisfied. I'm busy bringing the supplies out to the backyard while Mel is finishing getting dressed and ready. All the chairs are set out, and the beverages are supplied in plenty, ready for the guests. I hear the doorbell ring as I'm stepping back inside and shout that I've got it to Mel, unsure if she needs more time to get ready, but then she's right behind me as I'm opening the door. "Hello!" I greet the two of her friends stood on the doorstep. I already know it's dax and grant, 2 of Mel's gay friends, as she invites them in. Mel introduces us all and we get them some drinks when her other 3 friends coming for the night ring the bell. They all rode over to the house together, and they greet Mel enthusiastically. They all seem nice, there's Lena, Emma, and Cassidy. Cassidy is slightly intimidating because her and Mel used to date ages ago, and isn't giving me the warmest introduction, but the other two are very friendly and we immediately fall into conversation as we grab the boys and head to the backyard for the Barbie.

A few hours later and we're all full and slightly buzzed from all the cocktails. The conversation has been great and we've all been having a laugh. I feel like this has opened up another side of Mel I don't see very often, her chilled side. I keep unsettling myself though because whenever I find something really funny I keep looking up to see if Elly found it funny as well, but she's not here, and I should be looking to my girlfriend. It's just things like this where I catch myself not being close to over Elly. Grant and Dax let us all know that they have to get going, and I offer to walk them out. When I get back outside I start cleaning up some of the stuff so there won't be a mess tomorrow, and then I pull Mel aside from the conversation for a minute. "I'm pooped, I'm going to head to bed and give you guys some alone time to fully catch up," I explain. "Okay, thanks Chloe," and she gives me a kiss. "It was great meeting you all, have a great rest of your night, I'm heading to bed," I say to the ladies. They all say goodnight and I go inside.

Before turning off the light in bed, I'm sat scrolling through my feed on my phone. A picture of Elly and Mark pops up, posted by Susan with the caption saying how happy and excited she is for them to get married, and how proud of Elly she is. I nearly barf in my mouth, and have to keep scrolling before I let my eyes settle on how gorgeous Elly looks in that shade of blue. Except now I'm already thinking about it, and I groan out loud before clicking my phone off. I lay back in bed and shut off the light. I contemplate texting Elly something about 'how nice of her mother it was to make a post bragging about her daughter'. I can't though, I just had a really nice night with Mel and her friends and I'm really trying to be involved with Elly as little as possible to make the inevitable heartbreak at the wedding minimally painful for myself. Sadly, I know my brain won't shut off for awhile, but I hope for the best and squeeze my eyes shut wanting sleep to come quickly.