It was the day of New Year's, Elizabeth and Henry drove up to Norfolk early in the morning hoping the roads wouldn't be too bad. It had snowed a lot in the past few days and the traffic in the city was insane. They slowly made their way through the streets with Elizabeth driving the car while Henry was sleeping in the passenger's seat, because he didn't get much sleep the night before due to his brother having a crisis and calling Henry in the middle of the night. After hours of talking and Henry doing some research, they eventually resolved it but by the time they were done it already dawned. Even though Elizabeth didn't like driving that much, she offered to drive them up to Norfolk seeing that Henry would only fall asleep behind the wheel. She maneuvered the car through the slippery streets only putting more pressure on the gas when they had left the city behind. She glanced over at Henry, but he was out like a light, his head leaning against the window frame and his mouth slightly open. Feeling herself getting tired, she decided to take a break in Richmond and get some coffee. Stopping the car on a parking lot, she quietly got out and walked over to the nearest shop. While she was gone, Henry slowly stirred wondering where they were. He turned his head to face Elizabeth only now realizing that she wasn't in the car with him. Looking around he finally saw her exiting a coffee shop and walking across the lot.
"Hey sleepy head." She greeted him upon entering the car.
"Hi. I was wondering where you were." He mumbled drowsily.
"I just needed some coffee and move my legs." She leaned over to kiss his cheek. "Are you feeling better?" They both knew she referred to his grumpiness this morning that was a result of a sleepless night.
"Yeah, I'm sorry about this morning. I didn't mean to be such a jerk." Henry tried to apologize.
"I know. You were just tired. I get it." Elizabeth started the car and they continued their little road trip. "We're only in Richmond so there's plenty of time for you to catch up on your sleep." Elizabeth assured him knowing him well enough to see that he was still way to tired. "Remember you have to make it at least until midnight." She grinned at him before he slowly closed his eyes to go back to sleep.
Later that day, they arrived at the beach house in Norfolk with Delia and her DJ-boyfriend already being there.
"Bess, it's so good to see you! I missed you." Delia came running towards her as soon as she entered the threshold. They hadn't seen each other for two weeks and had only talked to each other briefly on the phone. They shared a long hug that was only interrupted by the phone ringing.
"Excuse me, that's probably Natalie. I'll better get that." Delia excused herself and made a run for the phone.
"Did she just say Natalie?" Elizabeth raised a brow knowing to well that her two friends didn't get along anymore since Natalie decided to date Delia's ex-boyfriend Josh.
"You didn't know?" Delia's boyfriend asked. "They had an endless conversation on the phone last night. Apparently, Natalie and Josh broke up a while ago and she apologized for the whole mess she created. Long story short, Delia decided to give her another chance and invited her to celebrate with us tonight." Elizabeth's face was full of surprise but she couldn't be happier that her two best friends had finally started talking again. She walked over to Delia to talk to her while Henry busied himself with putting their stuff into one of the bedrooms.
When it was time for lunch their prepared a spinach salad with an oven baguette. They used their time together to catch up on recent events and the latest gossip. After lunch, Natalie and her little sister arrived to join the group. Before it could get awkward between Delia and Natalie, Elizabeth proposed to go for a walk on the beach. The group of six made their way to the windy beach packed in warm winter jackets and boots. Delia, Natalie and Elizabeth slowed down a little to put some distance between the two groups before they started talking. Natalie was the first to speak.
"I'm so incredibly sorry for what I've done. Delia, I should have never ever stolen your boyfriend. I don't even know what to say. It was stupid and I was so in love that I couldn't think clearly anymore. Also Elizabeth, I know I put you in a shitty position and I apologize for that."
Natalie, stop!" Delia interrupted. "It's okay. We know you are sorry and I was more than mad at you but let's just leave the past behind. The year is almost over and I don't want to fight anymore. What happened is done and we can't change it now. Let's just forget about it and start from the beginning."
"I agree. I don't wanna think about all of this anymore and I'm sick of being the middle-person between you two." Elizabeth continued receiving nods from both of her friends.
"Thank you. Girls, you know that your friendship means more to me than anything else. I'm so sorry that it took a guy to make me realize that. I love you both so much!" Natalie stopped walking and turned towards them. Elizabeth just threw her arms around Natalie and Delia quickly joined the group hug. They stood still on the beach, their hair blowing in the wind and only their giggles audible to the world. After a few moments, they separated themselves from each other and ran towards the rest of the group to catch up with them.
A little out of breath, Elizabeth reached her boyfriend and took his hand in hers.
"Hi babe. are you okay?" Henry gently asked.
"I couldn't be better. I'm so glad that Delia and Natalie are friends again. It's just such a relief and I'm happy you're here with me." Elizabeth pulled his hand and Henry turned to face her. She quickly cupped his cheek and he leaned down to kiss her. She heard Delia whistling from behind but she didn't care. right now, she was just glad to be here with the love of her life and her two best friends. The new year couldn't start any better!