I take the train down to London on Friday afternoon, texting Louise the whole way, both of us getting each other more and more excited. I get a taxi to meet Louise at a hotel that she was booked into and we spend the evening having a long bubble baths, painting our nails, watching rom-coms and gossiping. It's the most fun I've had in weeks and I realise how much fun I appreciate having a friend as supportive as Louise.
"Thanks Louise, for doing this for me." I say after we finish the film. "Aw, it's my pleasure chummy! I know that you don't want to talk about it but I really feel for you, having to go through that with Phil. I really thought that you two would stay together." "Yeah…me too." I say, allowing myself the moment of reflection. "Are you in contact with him?" She asks, bringing me out of flashback mode and back into reality. "Um, no. I haven't spoken to him since I moved out." "Oh wow." She remarks, switching the TV off, "Oh wait, hold on! Does this mean that you don't know that he'll be there tomorrow?" Her face is an expression of horror as the news dawns upon us both.
"Umm, no! Louise! Is he really going?" I jump up, full of panic. "Well, kind of, well yes." She admits, "But I think that you'll be okay. It's a chance to prove to yourself that you are stronger now." She quickly adds.
*Time Skip*
Finn and Jenna's wedding is at a beautiful, huge, country house just outside of London but it feels like it's in the middle of nowhere, not even a road was in sight. The ceremony is in a grand hall, white roses and lilies all along the aisle. We find a couple of seats next to Zoe, Joe and Alfie nearest to the alter. As we are so close to the front, I do not see Phil or Dan, so I relax and enjoy the ceremony. I was moved to tears as Jenna gracefully walks towards Finn and as they exchange heart touching vows and rings.
Phil's POV
The reception is in a reconverted, covered in fairy lights and bunting. My table is on the other side of the room to Jess's, so whilst we eat and hear the speeches I am relaxed. But I cannot stop looking over at Jess's table and seeing her laugh, I was almost in tears at how happy Jess looks. The whole room sobs at Finn's speech and my heart throbs at the way he looks at Jenna, as if he can't believe his luck. I used to look at Jess the same way.
The dancing starts around 8pm, as the room gets louder, the lights get dimmer as the only light source is now candles. We gather around in a big circle as the happy couple slow dance to their chosen song, it's truly magical. After the first slow song, the DJ puts on some faster, upbeat songs and we all run onto the dance floor. About half an hour later, all the other girls except for Jess went to freshen up but I decide to walk over to her as the songs fades away and 'Tom Odell- Grow Old with Me' starts to play, the same song that Jess and I had once danced to. Couples around me slowly dance and when I finally make my way over to her. Jess was the beautiful in that blue dress.
I reach her and we stand looking at each other for a moment, until I take her hands and loop them around the back of my neck and I rest my hands on her waist. We dance subtlety together, looking into each other's eyes. It's like everything around us pauses and all my thoughts disappear as I lose myself in the song. "You look stunning." I whisper in her ear, "Come with me?" I ask, taking her hand as I lead her out of the room. I take her outside into the darkness and find a bench away from the barn.
"Look, I've made a huge mistake Jess, I love you so much and I can't bear this second any longer. I need you back, back forever." I take her hands into mine and kiss her fingers. "I love you too Phil, this last month has been the hardest month of my life without you." "God, I've missed you Jess. I'm never going to lose you again, okay? This is it, you're the only one for me and I want to spend the rest of my life loving you. If you'll let me?" In reply I kiss her and I pull her close, tears roll down both our cheeks and she holds me tightly. Above us the fireworks start to go off but neither one of us looks up, we are in our personal bubble of warmth, security and love.
*End of Phil's POV*
