FORTY
Monday morning
(Seven months later)
The sun is blinding as Bella stands in the middle of the bustling square, throngs of excitable students milling around in their caps and gowns. Proud parents watch on as they emerge from the lecture theatre, hugging their friends, and wiping tears away from their rosy cheeks.
Beside her, Esme grasps onto her hand tightly, straining to find Edward in the crowd.
He is one of the last to emerge.
Bella feels her heart swell with adoration as she watches him laughing with Leah and Ben, the three of them clutching a roll of paper in their hands. She lets him have his moment with his friends.
She doesn't want to interrupt his contentment just yet.
"You should go and say hello," Esme suggests. Bella shakes her head.
"No, I don't really want to. I wasn't in the best state when I last saw them."
"I think they'll just be pleased to see you're doing so well."
Bella grimaces.
"I don't know…"
"Go on, I'll grab us all some coffees," Esme squeezes her on the shoulder before disappearing into the ebbing crowd.
She gingerly approaches the trio.
"Hey, Leah. Ben."
"Oh my God, Swan!" Leah immediately pulls Bella into a hug, wrapping her arms tightly around her shoulders. The gown she wears smells floral, welcoming. "Long time, eh!"
"Yeah, I know. Sorry. Just had some stuff going on."
"No need to apologise, Bells," Ben says. "It's just good to know that you're better. We've all missed you up here."
"Thanks, guys. I missed you all too."
When Leah eventually releases her, Edward's arm is the replacement. Bella cuddles easily into his torso, enjoying his reassuring presence.
"So, what are you two gonna do now that Eddie's graduated?"
The pair look at one another.
"Not sure yet. We haven't made any solid plans. Maybe travelling, find a job abroad? Who knows? It's just nice to know things are good – right, Bella?"
Bella stares into Edward's eyes longingly.
"Yeah, it's pretty good."
And that's a wrap! Wowza - it feels quite amazing to have written those words. This is the first fanfic I have completed EVER so I feel a lil bit emotional, not gonna lie.
Thank you to everyone who read, favorited, followed, reviewed, or even just put it mentally on their radar - you are all the absolute best & I have loved having you along for the ride!
I have a lot more stories planned, in the pipelines, however you wanna put it - if you enjoyed this fic, hopefully I will see you there!
See you all soon!
missyouforever xx