Part Two

"Unforgettable in every way

And forever more, that's how you'll stay

That's why darling it's incredible

That someone so unforgettable

Thinks that I am unforgettable too."

-Unforgettable (Nat King Cole)

Tahani had been consoling Eleanor for three days now, and she was starting to get very irritated. She was fine, everything was fine, this was something that her best friend didn't need to worry about anymore.

But no, Tahani was too wrapped up with the news of the love confession and refused to stand down. But really, all it did was make Eleanor mad. Her beautiful friend could be so annoying sometimes.

"Just promise me that you won't go to Chidi about this?" The blonde asked seriously one day, laying her hand atop hers, "I don't need that shit."

Tahani bit her bottom lip and averted her friend's eyes. The blonde moved her head and narrowed her eyes at the taller girl, "Tahani?"

The Aristocrat bowed her head and twiddled with her thumbs, wanting nothing more than to be relieved of this situation right now.

"Tahani?" Eleanor pushed, snapping her fingers in front of the brunette's milky brown eyes.

She cleared her throat, "Well there's a possibility that I have already had a conversation with Chidi."

"Are you fucking kidding me?" The blonde shouted.

"I am deeply sorry, though. If I had known that was not what you wanted, I would never have—"

"God, he probably thinks I'm a total shitface right now."

"He did apologize for his actions."

"Of course, he did." She spat, "Because he's a fucking saint." She got up off her seat and paced around the room, rubbing her temples, "You know what? I'm tired about all this gooey lovesick nonsense." She growled, "I'm going to class tomorrow and you and I are going to sort this out."

"The both of us? Why am I involved?"

"Because you made this a bigger problem than it already was, Legs."

"That's a fair point. I suppose I should apologize for my actions."

"Ya think? Now c'mon Hot Stuff, I need to get some sleep. All this love shit is giving me a headache. So, you go ahead and head home babe, I'll see you tomorrow."

The taller girl frowned at the thought and considered offering to spend the night at her motel. But then she thought of the lumpy pull-out, all the sticky surfaces, and the stains on the wall. She adored her best friend, but she had to draw the line at some point.

"Call me if you need anything." Tahani said instead, squeezing her friend's hand before walking out the door. The blonde smiled and waved goodbye, crashing in her bed just minutes later.

Eleanor walked into Chidi's office the next morning late. It wasn't a huge surprise, as this was often the case, so nobody really minded all that much.

The Professor waited for everyone to get settled but was greeted by his best friend instead. She looked up at him nervously, "Hey, man." She plopped her bag down onto the nearest chair and crossed her arms, "I just wanted to come out and say that I'm sorry about all this awkward shit. I did not know that Tahani was going to come over here and throw all her fancy British swear words on you. That must've been awkward for you, bud."

"Elea—"

"So, from now on let's try to pretend that none of this bullshit happened? Let's just go on like we used to. Whaddya say? Best friends again?" She held her hand out for a shake but was surprised when he pulled her into a hug instead.

The blonde tried to hide her smile and she hugged him right back. When he released her, he was smiling too, "Sounds good to me."

She took her seat and paid attention through the entire lesson. The Professor caught himself staring at Eleanor as the lesson planned on. He had to snap himself out of it multiple times, which did not go unnoticed by Tahani.

Three hours passed and finally, it ended. It had been another excruciating day for the Soul Squad, and everybody was thrilled to leave.

The blonde approached her oldest friend who was erasing the whiteboard in front of him, "Hey, Teach?"

"Yeah?" He asked, trying not to look at her.

"I'm glad this worked out, bud. You really are the best." She patted him on the back, "Later, man." The blonde said, waving goodbye to him as she walked out the door.

He felt a pang in his heart and his body slowly grew warm as he stared at the doorway. He felt his cheeks redden, a stomachache grew in his chest.

But not because of stress, but because of guilt.

Various emotions and memories about her flooded his brain, and he felt heat grow on his cheeks.

Chidi knew what this was.

It was only when Eleanor walked away did he realize how much he loved her.

She had been with him through and through, knew him better than his parents did, and helped him with his indecisiveness.

But was it too late? Had she already left the building? Eleanor had said so herself that she wanted to be friends but was that just because she didn't want to ruin their friendship?

Pushing his thoughts to the side, he ran after the girl. She was about to leave when he called out her name, which made her jump.

"Hey, chief." The blonde greeted, "What's up?"

He didn't know what to do. He didn't know what to say. What if he said the wrong thing? What if she didn't love him anymore? There were so many different outcomes that could happen.

Not quite knowing what he was doing, he grabbed her face gently and pulled her into a kiss. It wasn't that long, but it was long enough for him to realize his feelings were real. This wasn't some fluke, he truly loved Eleanor.

"Hot diggity dog!" She explained, making him chuckle.

"I... I didn't know what to say...I didn't know—" He cleared his throat, "I love you, Eleanor."

She stared up at him, shocked.

"U-Unless you don't feel the same wa—?"

"I love you too."

Wrapping her arms around his waist, she nuzzled his chest and stared up at him, a bright smile on her face.

She never thought she'd say or hear those words from someone. But here they were, happy and relieved.

Everything was fine.

3 Years Later

Eleanor stood by the altar, smiling up at Chidi. He lifted back her veil, smiling straight back when he saw how excited she was. The blonde looked back and smiled at her best friend Tahani, her Maid of Honor, standing there in a exquisite violet dress.

The shorter girl turned her head back to face Chidi and took his hand. After reciting their vows, putting the rings on and all that romantic shit, they kissed.

"I now pronounce you man and wife."

The audience stood up and clapped very loudly, Tahani & Jason the loudest.

If someone had told Eleanor that she would grow up and get married one day, she would never have believed it.

But here she was.

With her husband.

As Mrs. Shellstrop-Anagonye.

And it was perfect.

The End