A/N
I feel horrible for not updating but I had a crazy writers block and if you add two kids on top of that you would understand. So I hope you like this chapter because this story will come
To a end soon. I hope ur still interested
Sincery a apologetic author.
Apov
As I make my way through the crowd of people, I wonder if I've made the right choice by coming. I don't want to cause any problems,I just want to be apart of my friends special occasion. As I make my way to the gift table, I begin to feel a little self conscious about my present. Every box that covers the table is huge and I'm sure the contents are probably worth a fortune. Against my better judgment, I leave the gift anyway. Stepping away from the table, I brace myself for the shocked expression I'm probably going to receive. As the guest of the baby shower wonder around the beautifully decorated venue, I realize I don't know most of these people. I guess that's to be expected; I was gone for two years, Kate was bound to meet and form friendships with new people. Still, I would probably feel a lot less nervous if I found one familiar face.
As if on que I spot a few men hauling in a huge parcel with Jose telling them where it should go. I feel immediate relief and race over to say hi. Before I can reach him fully, Lyla spots me; completely ruining my surprise.
"Ana!" She opens her arms for a hug as do I."Jose said you weren't coming." A smile spreads across his face before he to hugs me.
"I wasn't going to at first, but I think I missed enough special occasions." Lyla gives me a weak smile and Jose laughs.
"Well, I'm glad you're here. I know Kate will be over the moon to see you."
"Speaking of Kate, I haven't seen her." As if I haven't been here all of ten minutes.
"Really? Well, knowing Kate she's most likely around some food." I elbow him in his side, while Lyla slaps the back of his head." I was just kidding."
We walk from one side of the venue to the other and spot the massive table covered with pastries. I want so badly to laugh at the sight before me, but I doubt Kate will appreciate it. Standing in a beautiful white sundress is the mother to be practically inhaling cupcakes. She freezes like a deer caught in headlights at the sound of Jose clearing his throat. Turning around she looks utterly stunned.
"Ana?" It's almost a whisper. Disbelief covers her face as tears prick the corner of her eyes.
"No, no, no! Don't you dare start with the water works. This is a big day for you and I refuse to let you cry."
My voice does nothing to hide my own emotional state. We indulge in a laugh before we hug each other for what feels like hours.
Cpov
If I felt like being a dick, I would definitely be in Savannah by now. But since this is a celebration for the arrival of my niece, I'll stay for a few hours. Parking in front of the venue I mentally prepare myself for all the girly festivities I'm sure Kate has in store. As Taylor and I unpack all of the presents from the car, I can't help but to think of Ana. I asked her numerous times over the last week if she changed her mind about coming, but she still wasn't in the mood to deal with Seattle. I can't really say I blame her, of course I think she should have at least came for Kate, but I'm sure even she knows that Ana is still hurt by everything that happened. As I enter the venue I notice that everyone seems to be gathered around the dance floor. I place my gifts with the rest before I go off to find my family.
As I wonder absentminded around Kate's many friends ,I hear a sound. I stop dead in my tracks thinking I have finally lost my mind. I hear it again; a angelic giggle I know belongs to only one person. I hear it again and practically begin to run in the direction it's coming from. The closer I get, the louder it gets and within minutes I'm standing in front of a very pregnant Kate dancing as best as she can and my beautiful girlfriend giggling like a school girl. They both seem so happy, completely oblivious to the people around them. I couldn't be happier for them both, they're getting back a piece of themselves they so desperately needed. As I get closer to them Kate stops her dancing, causing Ana to turn around. In a few long strides I have her in my arms. I feel her warmth wrap around me as she takes a deep breath and exhales.
"I thought you might have already flew to Savannah." Her voice is full of relief.
"Well, that was the plan. But I'm glad you came." I kiss the top of her head and the smell of her cherry blossom shampoo invades my senses. She pulls away just a little and I notice my gift to her hanging around her neck. "Miss. Steele, I absolutely love your necklace. Where did you get it?"
A smile spreads across her face. "Well, my very sweet boyfriend gave it to me. I didn't want people to get the wrong idea, so I thought it would be appropriate as a necklace."
"Either way, I'm just glad that you're wearing it."
She leans in closer and gives me a soft lingering kiss and for a few seconds it's just the two of us. But reality sneaks in and I realize we're standing in front of almost a hundred and fifty people. As I scan the room, all eyes seem to be on us. I grab hold of Ana and we make our way over to Kate who is now standing with Jose and his fiancee. They welcome me with broad smiles.
"Christian! I'm glad to see you finally made it. I was starting to think I was going to be the only male here." We both begin to chuckle as Ana and Lyla roll their eyes.
"Nice to see you to Jose. Speaking of males, where's Elliot?" Kate takes a break from stuffing her face and comes up for air.
"He had a last minute work thing, but he should be here soon."
As the times goes by, we begin to talk about high school and our small group of friends before we became so estranged. Luckily for me, no one brings up anything that would upset Ana. Jose brought up how close Kate and Elena use to be but she brushed it off. Other then that, our conversation flows freely as we reminisce over our youth. I'm happy that Ana came, not so much for me but for Kate. Before Ana had me or Mia or even Jose, she had Kate. I know she made a few mistakes over the years, but I know she misses her friend. And Ana choosing to come proves the feeling is very much mutual.
As I'm stuck in my thoughts, Kate jumps up and bolts across the room. Well, it's not really a bolt, more like a fast wobble. Non the less she's rushing to get to something. Our table erupts in laughter, but once she returns with Elliot in hand silence consumes us.
" Elliot, look who came." He stands shocked as I'm guessing he didn't expect Ana to be here. I love my brother dearly, but he has one time to disrespect her before I knock him out cold.
"Ana? I'm so glad you came. Kate missed you."
Ana's grip on my hand becomes tighter and I see a small storm brewing in her crystal blue eyes. Gone is the girl that was dancing and laughing with her friends, the woman in front of me is angry and resentful.
"I've missed her to." That's all she says as the silence stretches betweens all of us.
If this situation didn't involve my brother and my girlfriend, I would be doubled over in laughter at the awkward faces Lyla and Jose are giving each other. The look on Kate's face is less amusing, she looks utterly defeated. Elliot takes a seat across from Ana and I pray this doesn't turn into a screaming match.
"Anastasia, can we talk?"
All of our heads snap in Ana's direction, no doubt waiting for what she might say.
"You can talk Elliot, I'll listen." No one moves from the table as we all hold our breaths for what might be said.
"Ana, I could never tell you how sorry I am. When I said what I said to you, know I was just upset. I never stopped to think of the repercussions, or how it would effect you and Christian. I wasn't thinking like a friend, I was thinking like a man who didn't know if his brother would make it."
He takes a moment to compose himself while Kate rubs his back. He isn't crying, but I can tell that remembering me in the hospital is hard. "When Christian was unresponsive the first time, I didn't know what to do. I felt completely useless; I couldn't console my mother or my sister and I had to stand over my brothers motionless body and try to prepare myself for the worst. So you could only imagine how relieved I was the moment they told us he was awake. I like to believe that he pulled through because he knew how much we wanted him to be ok, but I know the thought of you is what really pulled him through and I was okay with that." He smiles a little smile " I've known how much he's loved you before he did, and I always wanted you to be together. But to find out that same love was the reason behind my brother almost losing his life, pissed me off. So instead of being angry with whoever hurt him, I became angry with you. I knew no matter what, he would never leave you. No matter how many times he nearly died, he would always be with you. So I thought it would be best if you distance yourself from him. Over the years I've regretted the situation more and more. Now I know I have no right to ask you this, but please try to forgive me. I never thought you would leave and I damn sure never thought I would lose one of my closest friends. And I know it will take time, but I hope we could get passed this."
I almost understand why Elliot did what he did, but it will never make it OK. Ana facial expression gives nothing away. She seems completely unfazed by Elliot words and I'm afraid that he might have done more damage than good. She begins to speak and her voice is dripping with annoyance.
"Elliot, I get that you were scared. Still, that gave you no right at all to talk to me the way you did. That night was horrible; I was already beating myself up because of the letter and the accident, so the last thing I needed was for you and Mia to verbally attack me. I understand why you two said what you said, but what really bothered me over these last two years is the fact that two of my closest friends could turn on me so easily." As her eyes become glossy it becomes painfully obvious how deeply hurt Ana feels about what happened. I want so badly to console her but she keeps talking.
"We we're our own little family and I loved all of you as such. But after that night, I felt alone and abandoned. I lost everything I held dear to me and no one cared. While you all were celebrating each other birthdays and holidays together, I was starting over and trying to find a way to be happy again. It was so hard and as much as I hated it, I missed every single one of you. And I know I should put this behind me but I feel it will take a long time."
As everyone sits in silence, shocked by how much Ana has been carrying around for the last two years. Elliot stands and walks around the table and pulls her from her seat. Jose and I stand abruptly not knowing what Elliot might do. To my surprise he has her in a friendly embrace. Ana arms make no attempt to return his hug.
"Ana, I'm truly sorry. I never meant to make you feel that way. You're like a little sister to me. I don't care if it takes another two years, we'll get past this." As he lets her go she gives him a very small smile. And I think this is the first step to the way things use to be.
Apov
After Elliott's and I very deep and emotional talk, we went back to enjoying the party. We all danced and laugh as if all is well, and I think we're on the road to being just that. I don't want to be angry anymore. I want to enjoy being around the people that once were like family to me, but some small part of me is far from forgiving. I can tell them how hurt I was until I'm blue in the face and they still will never fully understand. That doesn't mean I'll be some type of cold hearted bitch whenever we're together, that just means I'll be taking my time getting to know them again. They're all different in some way or another; Kate is a wife and soon to be mother, with a husband that adores her. Mia and Ethan seem to be headed to the alter and Jose has made a career out of his passion, and I've missed it all.
I try not to sit with my thoughts to much as everyone around me seems to be having a great time. Grace has arrived and she to joins in on the fun. Every once and a while Christian gives me a smile that I return. He and I have been super giddy, I suspect it has something to do with his brother and I clearing the air. I know I'll have to talk to Mia but she hasn't arrived yet. Kate has danced to every song that has come on and dragged me to do the same. I hate dancing but for Kate I'll do it as long as she likes, I've never seen Kate this happy and to think it has somewhat to do with me being here. After a while we finally sit back down and rejoin our significant others. Elliot immediately starts to rub Kate's feet. I burst into laughter.
"Elliot, please tell me why you felt the need to do that." Everyone around the tables shares in a small chuckle.
"Well if you must know, if Kate is on her feet for more then a half and hour they begin to swell up."
See, he absolutely adores her. "Awww, how sweet."
As Elliot tends to his wife feet we all fall into a conversation about high school yet again. It's feels good to talk about all of our special moments. Jose and Christian admit they didn't necessarily like each other at first but they couldn't imagine life without the other now. Of course Kate brings up every embarrassing yet hilarious thing we've ever done and I laugh as if I haven't laughed in years. I lay my head on Christian's shoulder and he kisses the type of my head. I want this moment in time to last forever but the high pitched voice of one Mia Grey ruins it.
"I'm so sorry I'm late." She stands before us all with present upon present upon present.
"As long as you're here." Kate has finally put her shoes back on and gives Mia a hug as best as she can with her belly in the way. She continues to hug everyone and then she gets to me. I think she isn't sure what to do she reaches for a hug as I reach for a hand shake. I feel eyes on us and hate that this awkward exchange is in front of everyone. "Ana, I'm glad you're here."
"I'm glad I'm here to." Everyone continues to steer as neither one of us say a word.
"So, how long are you in town?"
" a few days."
"Well, maybe we could get lunch or something." Everyone seated around our table head snaps in my direction, eagerly waiting my answer.
"Yeah, that sounds nice." U hear a collective sigh of relief. Mia makes her way to place her gifts with the others and Kate decides it's the perfect time to open all of her presents. I excuse myself and head to the bathroom. Walking around the other party goers is weird, I feel eyes all over me. I try to ignore it since my bladder feels like it's about to explode.
After a couple of minutes I'm done in the stall and washing my hands. I dry them with a towel and fix my hair in the mirror.
"Hello Anastasia." I turn to face whoever just greeted me and come face to face with Ashley. Crap!
"Hi Ashley." This can go either way and I really don't want to ruin my good mood and Kate's baby shower with a fight, so I try to push pass her and exit only to have her plant herself firmly in front of the door.
"I have to say I'm surprise to see you here." She's smiling and her voice is cheerful as always but something is off.
"Well, Kate's my best friend and she wanted me here."
"Oh, I'm not talking about that. I'm talking about the letter."
"What?" The nerve of her bringing up that damn letter. I become instantly annoyed.
"I'm just saying, If someone sent me a letter threatening the man I supposedly loved, I wouldn't come within a mile of him." Once again she smiles sweetly as if I don't know what she's trying to do.
" Christian and I love each other, so that stupid letter from two years ago won't get in the way of that."
We stand glaring at each other and I honestly think she wants to hit me, and I'm completely ready for it, instead her eyes drift to my necklace and for a small moment I think she's speechless.
"That's a nice necklace, if I didn't know any better I would think the ring that hangs from it was a engagement ring." She's no longer trying to hide her anger and I still don't seem to care.
"If it was a engagement ring, it would be on my finger. But hey, you never know what the future brings." I muster up the best fake smile I can before I bump her out of my way.
I rejoin the party as Kate begins to unwrap presents. Christian gives me a concerned look and I place my head on his shoulder to assure him I'm OK. But in reality I'm fuming over my encounter with Ashley. Turning my attention back to Kate and Elliot as they open up some of the most outrageous baby gifts I have ever seen.
One woman got the baby a few dozen pair of designer infant shoes. I guess that'll go perfect with all the designer outfits Mia gave her. Elliot opens all of Christians gifts and commends him for being able to pick out little girls clothing and we all begin to laugh. As the pile of presents becomes smaller, I'm dreading Kate opening my gift. Everything she received cost so much money and I would hate for my gift to fall short. She picks up a small blue tiffany box and the only thing I could think is, who the hell buys a baby something from Tiffany's?
"I wonder whose this from." Kate squeals with excitement as she reads the card aloud.
To Ava
Love always aunt Ashley.
Christian tenses up beside me and Kate looks at me with a confused expression. I'm sure Ashley and Kate have been friendly over the years, but I'm sure they're aren't that friendly. She opens the box and removes it's contents. It's a white gold charm bracelet with the letters A-V-A dangling in the middle of the rest of the charms. Everyone gasp at the beautiful piece of jewelry. Kate and Elliot both search the crowd for Ashley and she seems to have left. Moving on to the next present, Elliot holds in his hand a pink box with a purple bow as he reads the card.
To Ava
From Ana
Kate and Elliot give me a huge smile as I hold my breath and pray that they like it. Elliot opens the box and removes the light pink blanket. It's a 100% cotton and 100% handmade with Ava hand sewn across it.
"Ana, did you make this?"
"Yeah. I wasn't sure what to get and I thought I couldn't go wrong with a blanket. It's really soft and it'll keep the baby warm but you don't have to use it if you don't want."
"Ana that's crazy, it's a lovely blanket. I just can't believe you made it. Thank you."
I'm passed relieved that they actually like it. I haven't felt this content in a while and if I'm honest, I almost don't want to fly back to Savannah. Christian arm drapes over my shoulder and he pulls me closer to him. As I look around the room, I see nothing but love and I'm glad I came.