2brown-eyes rocks!

THEN
AUGUST 1992

End of the Road—Boyz II Men

"To being seniors," Alice says, holding up her beer. "May the tests be easy and the underlings be jealous!"

We smash our cans together in a clumsy, drunken crunch, and the sour-smelling liquid splashes on my shirt. "We da bomb."

"It's about time we ruled the school," Jane says, turning up her strawberry daiquiri wine cooler.

"'Sup, girls." Mike interrupts our little gathering.

"Yadda-yadda-yadda." Lauren throws up her hand. "Talk to the hand."

He makes this weird expression, and we burst into laughter as he backs away. "I know where I'm not wanted."

"You go, girl," Ali says, high-fiving Lauren. "It's time for us to take point, to show everyone that this year is the best year. We're the best they got. Congratulations to the Class of 1993!"

We whoop and holler and drink and dance. The boys mostly leave us alone and let us do our own thing. It's two nights before the start of senior year, and all is right in the world.

It's almost two in the morning when designated driver Rose shows to pick us up. She's on the way home from her shift in Port Angeles, so it's a win for all of us.

Alice and I stumble to the Mercedes, belting out End of the Road as we leave Boyz II Men behind on the beach. There are only a few stragglers left, including a drunken Emmett who's passed out in the sand. He's been down in the dumps since Kate told him hasta la vista, baby. It didn't stop him from running straight to Rose, but so far, she's held the line.

"I refuse to be the backup," she'd said when everybody found out about his two-timing at the fireworks show.

"How was it?" she asks, her headlights passing over the beach as she turns the car around. "Shit. Is he going to be okay down there?"

"He'll be fine," Alice slurs, leaning her head against my arm. "He sleeps there at least once a week."

Rose doesn't say more and neither do we, both of us barely alert for the ride. But when she leaves as soon as we're out of the car, Alice and I know where she's going.

"Night, B," Ali says, wiping her eyes. "Want me to stand here 'til you make it inside?"

"Nah, I'm good."

She leans against the door anyway, and I wave as soon as I have my door opened. Upstairs, the rectangle on my blue bedspread catches my eye as soon as I turn on the light.

It's stark white against the deep blue, and I already know what it is.

Bella,

It's been a minute, but I want you to know that I'm good. Happy, even. You were right. I've carved out a life here that doesn't revolve around Forks.

You.

Not that I couldn't have also led that other life, the one where I come back every chance I get, but I see what you were hoping for and I'm thriving in your wishes.

I don't want this to be weird, but I need to do this. I met someone, and we're just friends, but I think I want more. Her name is Bree, and she's put up with all my dude brooding for two months straight. I know I don't need your permission; you've made that clear, but it'd help if you'd tell me one more time that it's okay.

I still love you.

I still miss you.

But I might could love her too.

One day.

And I think I'm ready to try.

Help,

Edward

I'm crushed and relieved in the same breath.

I grab my legal pad to whip up a reply. The lines are blurry, due to the tears and too much alcohol, but I poise my pen and get to work.

Edward,

It's okay.

It's always been okay.

Your happiness is all I've ever wanted.

Ask her out, or for a study session, or whatever it is you college types do, but do it now. Don't let some frat douche come along and steal your girl.

Bree sounds lovely.

Tell her I said hi.

Have fun,

Bella.

***CRIES***

We have 1 more present and a small epilogue that fits perfectly at the end here. So, that's Mon & Tues, and on Wednesday, I'm going to post the EPOV chapter 1 of this to my page: Fyregirl Fics.

We'll start fresh the following week with WDBHG!

See ya Monday :)