10 Years Later
Part II/II
You have an instant message from Tobias:
Tobias: Where's the letter I mailed Tris eleven years ago? Where did you stash it, Robert?
Robert: What the hell? Who are you and how did you get my number?
Tobias: It's Tobias Eaton, remember? It doesn't matter how I got your number. Just answer my question- where did you keep that letter I left for Tris before returning to California?
Robert: Wha- what is going on? Tobias! I haven't heard this name in years. Jesus Christ, are you talking about that pathetic love letter? I don't know where it is. I probably threw it in the garbage. Why do you want that piece of crap anyway?
Tobias: Of course, you would throw it away. You've always been such a douchebag. God. Can you please search your house once and let me know if it's still there somewhere?
Robert: Why should I do something for you? If you desperately want it, come search my entire house yourself. I'm not lifting a finger looking around for the letter that destroyed my marriage.
Tobias: A letter destroyed your marriage? What about your laid-back attitude, negligence and lack of true love towards Tris? I guess you haven't changed much after all these years.
Robert: Let's not go down that road yet, Eaton. If I start to uncover everything that went wrong, you'd be hanging your head in shame and embarrassment.
Tobias: I'll bet against that gladly.
Robert: Whatever. I'm not wasting my time talking to you.
Robert has logged off.
To: Tobias
From: Leah
Subject: Advice?
Hey, uncle Tobias! How are you doing these days? I heard you finalized your divorce recently. Everything alright? You know you can always talk to me or mom about anything. You're even welcome to stay with us for a couple of days. How is Axl doing? Tell him that I'll come to play with him soon and spoil him with tons of gifts and chocolate.
I'm doing well. I had to go through a bit of a rough patch a few months ago after I broke up with my douchebag boyfriend. I quit my previous job after I got a better offer from another pharmaceutical institute. I'm always mesmerized by the advances they've made in medical science so far. The technology developed for diagnosis and surgeries is so affordable, easy to learn, and non-invasive that we can save lives with minimal damage. The other day, we had a conference on how we've created a new treatment for a variety of cancers ranging from breast cancer to colon cancer which also has a high success rate in increasing the longevity of our patient's lives. How wonderful and reassuring is that to hear! I seriously love the field I'm working in. Sorry, I went off on a tangent there. To be very honest, there's no one else I can talk to who'll understand or even be interested in the details of my profession other than you.
Besides all of that, I wanted to seek some relationship advice from you. Don't worry, I've already talked to mom but I needed different opinions and perspectives from other people as well. I couldn't think of a better person other than you. I hope you remember who Park is otherwise this whole thing will go to waste so quickly. Anyway, I'll remind you who he is again in case if you've forgotten. Park used to live next door to me when mom and I were living in that tiny apartment complex downtown. He sort of became my only best friend throughout middle school and high school. We've spent most of our late childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood together. Every minute of the day, we were hanging out with each other, fighting, teasing, driving around aimlessly, and having so much unthinkable fun. We used to even go on summer vacations together. We've been there for each other through thick and thin.
He's one of the most important people in my life. I could never fathom living in a universe where Park doesn't exist. He's the perfect man too. He's kind, smart, funny, and genuine. We may mess around with each other a lot, but he never shies away from having a deep conversation about reality or have a serious discussion over what is affecting any of us. There are so many situations where I would've not survived if it wasn't for him. He's my rock truly. I love him but I would never say these wonderful things about him to his face otherwise he may get a bit too arrogant and cocky. Just kidding.
A couple of days ago, Park emailed me about catching up over a few drinks. He was coming to town for granddad's funeral anyway so we decided to meet up. It was lovely and I teared up a little because I'd forgotten how fun we used to be together. Both of us were slightly drunk and kept mumbling about being in and out of bad relationships. His ex-girlfriend of two years cheated on him and my ex-boyfriend was a douche and man-child. We were discussing what our ideal partner looks like and somehow, we ended up describing each other. We laughed but what happened resonated with both of us deep inside our hearts. Park said that it was crazy how both of us had never thought of dating each other. People usually made the mistake of assuming that we're a couple when they see us together but we never really tried going down that path before.
It was a silly idea but both of us agreed to take each other out on a date just so we could rule out the possibility that we're not meant for each other. Do you think this is insane? Because I still can't wrap my head around it. I mean it's not morally wrong to date your best friends but it's a tad weird. Did you ever think about dating mom when you were young? I don't mean to be rude but both of you were young, went to the same school, and joined at the hip. Surely, either of you would've thought about such a possibility. Anyway, please help me out. I don't know what to do. The idea of going on a date with Park of all people isn't the worst thing in the world. If nothing, I'll get a nice meal out of it at the very least. Tell me what I should do, uncle Tobias.
To: Leah
From: Tobias
Subject: Re: Advice?
It's good to hear from you, Leah. Honestly, I never thought this day would ever come. You of all people would seek me out for some professional advice. Oh, how the world has changed. You've grown up so much before my own eyes. Time flies away so quickly. I'm doing fine and so is Axl. He misses you a lot. Also, yes, I did get divorced recently but you don't have to worry about a grown man's troubles.
Anyway, I won't waste much time and come straight to the point as I can sense that this is a time-sensitive matter. Of course, I remember Park. The way both of you would play together, talk to each other, constantly tease and fight with each other often reminded me of how your mom and I used to be. Trust me, we still are the same but we're kind of old now. The magical touch of childhood is long gone. Did you ever ask your mom about this? What did she say? Let me know.
I don't see why you shouldn't give Park a chance. As far as I can recall, he's a trustworthy and honest individual. He's always been such a nice and gentle kid. Believe me please when I say it's no coincidence that both of you ended up describing each other as your ideal partner, there's a slight chance you're meant to end up together. I do agree with you that it's not morally wrong to want to date your best friend as long as it is done with the right intention and nobody ends up getting heartbroken. You're young and still experimenting. Give him a chance. If it's slightly awkward or doesn't work out, at least you'll know that both of you are meant to be friends only. And if the opposite happens, you'll have something so wonderful and lovely to cherish and nurture for the rest of your life.
Take my word for it.
I've made quite a few mistakes not going after what I truly want and have regretted it for the entirety of my existence. If I had gotten the timing right the first time, I would be in a much different and a whole lot happier place at the moment. I don't want you to end up like me, Leah. I don't want you to spend the rest of your life thinking about the things you couldn't attain and not going after the person you deeply love. I want you to have the best of everything in life. So, if you really adore Park, go for it. Do not hesitate. Make the best of it.
Remember, Axl and I are always here for you no matter what happens.
You have an instant message from Zeke:
Zeke: So, do you think they're ever going to get together? I'd say it's tough but may the odds work in their favour.
Christina: Huh? Who are you and what are you talking about?
Zeke: Christina! This is Zeke Pedrad. We're in a group chat together. How have you not saved my phone number yet? It's been years…
Christina: Oh, Zeke! Uh, I don't save people's numbers that often. Sorry.
Zeke: I'm hurt but I'm willing to forgive you. Answer my question now.
Christina: Are you talking about Tris and Tobias?
Zeke: Yes, of course. Who else do we know that is stuck in an agonizing relationship together?
Christina: I get your point, Zeke. I'd say they still have time but if nothing happens this or next year, they should just move on and find someone else. Or they could start adopting cats.
Zeke: Let's hope they end this shenanigans soon enough.
To: Tris
From: Leah
Subject: Your love advice worked?!
Mom! Something wonderful has happened to me.
A couple of days ago I finally went on a date with Park. Initially, I thought it would be awkward and uncomfortable. I was going crazy thinking about it. But when both of us sat at the dinner table, everything was so easy and natural. Our conversations were just as good as before and our occasional flirtatious remarks seemed more natural now. I never imagined a date with Park, my insane childhood best friend, would be this easy and surprisingly romantic.
He booked a private table for the two of us. The restaurant was quite busy but we were seated in a secluded room with candle lighting and tasteful decorations. Not too cheesy. I was impressed by Park's impeccable taste. I thought even if everything worked out tonight, transitioning from a friendly relationship into a serious, romantic one would be a challenge but it doesn't seem like a hurdle anymore. I feel as if we're already there. We just need to realize that it's in our reach now.
After a delightful and delicious dinner, Park drove us to a beach. It was quite late by the time we reached there but it was definitely worth it. The atmosphere was a bit muggy but the cool breezes compensated for it. We walked barefoot and sat on a couple of big, jagged rocks that left questionable marks on my delicate behind. I think they're tiny bruises. Anyway, we got to talking about what it would really be like if we dated each other without thinking whether it would end horribly bad or indefinitely good.
He was mumbling a bit before I realized that he was confessing to being in love with me ever since we were young teenagers. The truth is I also had a tiny crush on him but I buried that feeling deep inside of me a long time ago. I was afraid I'd do something stupid and ruin our friendship. But this was different. A good kind of different. It felt like a pot of honey was spilling inside of my heart and dripping into my veins slowly then all at once. I think I'm in love with that stupid, wiseass too. I wonder how I'll ever admit that to him.
After he told me that he had been waiting for this moment for the last two years and how deeply in love he is with me, there was a pregnant pause. Both of us were quiet for a solid moment. We just patiently listened to the sound of waves crashing against the shore and the distant sound of laughter coming from a nearby bar. The silence wasn't uncomfortable or weird at all, instead, it indicated that something absolutely magnificent was going to happen. I looked in his aurora green eyes and we kissed. I'll always cherish that moment of silence. It was wonderful and magical.
Thank you, mom, for your advice. You and uncle Tobias really helped me figure this one out. I love you!
To: Leah
From: Tris
Subject: Re: Your love advice worked?!
Oh, Leah! I'm so happy for you. I'm so excited for you and Park. I'm over the moon right now. I wish I could hug you and squeeze you right now. It's so good to hear that my only daughter had found true love. And the guy is Park! He's always been such a naughty yet sweet boy. He reminds me so much of Tobias when we were both young and naïve.
I didn't know you asked Tobias for advice. What did he tell you about? You know funny enough the silence you were talking about in the end reminds me of something that happened years ago with me and Tobias. The whole ordeal was rather awkward but that moment of silence was beautiful. I still remember how it felt. I wish I could turn back time and relive that day over and over again.
All the best for your future, love! I wish you and Park a healthy relationship full of love, joy, and laughter.
You have an instant message from Robert:
Robert: I found some stupid old letter Tobias had written for you years ago. Apparently, it was rotting under one of the kitchen cabinets and didn't let me close the door properly. At least that's resolved now. Anyway, I have mailed that piece of trash back to you. Do whatever you want with it and don't let that boy of yours ever contact me again.
To: Tobias
From: Leah
Subject: Re: Advice?
Thank you for your advice, uncle Toby. Everything went as amazing as you said it would be. I'll just call you and tell u everything. I can't bear writing another email, sorry.
I asked mom about whether she ever thought about dating you or had a little childhood crush on you. She didn't answer the question directly but she did go off on a tangent about some kind of silence she experienced once. She didn't describe the situation well enough but it involved you and it happened years ago. She seemed pretty happy about it and kept talking about how she would love to relive that day again and again. This is all I can tell you. You should talk to her about this. Maybe something will happen…
Take care, uncle Toby and CALL mom!
To: Anna (Personal Assistant)
From: Tobias Eaton
Subject: URGENT!
Anna, I know this is very last minute but can you please find the address to a local beachside bed and breakfast called 'Firefly B&B' and book me a flight to wherever it is located as soon as possible. It's kind of urgent and I won't be available for the next few days. Let everyone know and keep me updated about anything important that happens.
A/N: Hello everyone! I'm back with the second last chapter in this series. I hope you guys enjoyed reading this one, especially the Leah and Park storyline. I admit it's a bit shorter than my previous updates but the story is coming to a halt soon so I don't have much left to say, unfortunately. I'm pretty excited about the ending. I have been working quite hard on it and I really hope you guys will enjoy the effort I have put into it. The ending is written in a much different format than the rest of the chapters. It's written in a way that expresses my true feelings about this story. It has been a long journey with all of you. Literally. Three years in the making.
I've been thinking about writing one-shots for my next project. If any of you have any prompts you want me to attempt writing, please either drop them in the review section below or PM me!
Thank you for being patient with the updates and encouraging me to constantly do better! I appreciate all of you. See all of you soon when I upload the last chapter in a couple of days.
P.S. Don't forget to leave a review, please!