the after effects

one, hello

two years later

"i honestly thought you were dead considering you were asleep so long. I should be used to it but for some reason, I don't seem to get used to it," Lou says when Jack comes out of the room, stretching his arms and yawning. He chuckles slightly and hugs her.

"Hi best friend," He says and squeezes her. She groans in pain from how tight the hug was and he loosens his grip a little.

"Where's Joe?" He asks.

"He's at the gym, he'll be back later today."

"Oh alright. Anna's coming by today." Jack says.

"Fun, is she bringing her boyfriend?" Lou asks.

Jack had a cupcake in his mouth so he shook his head no and swallowed the food, then saying, "No, they broke up last night. I wanted you to go shopping with her, cheer her up a little. Since I can't and Conor isn't here." Jacks chest tightens up and he sighs.

"Okay, are you paying? i got fired," lou says, she'd ben struggling for money for a while so she got a job as a barista, but got fired because she fucked up the drinks most the time.

"I wouldn't make you shop with Anna without at least giving you some cash."

"You would but okay thanks." Lou laughs.

"Anytime."

The door opens and a sweaty Joe walks in.

"I've got to say that's the most packed that gym has ever been."

"Joe, the last time you went you said that." Lou laughs.

He rolls his eyes and stands on the stairs.

"I'm gonna shower, do you want to join Lou?" Joe asks, hinting that he wanted her.

"Of course babes!" she says.

"You're going to have a bloody orgasm fifteen minutes before anna gets here? you freak," jack says.

"i know, shut up, you would do it too."

"i can't argue about that, i've done it before," Jack says.

"ew you weirdo!" she laughs.

joe and lou go upstairs and he kisses her. "i'm so glad you're in my life. you're the best friend i could've asked for." joe says.

"you are too, i love you," she says

"I love you too. did you notice the date?"

"No, what the date?"

"Its September 15th," Joe says.

"Oh my god. Its been a year since you asked me to be your girlfriend!" she jokes.

"Not yet, its been a year since we moved in officially together. we need the champagne!" joe laughs.

after a much needed steamy shower, lou walks downstairs and sees anna.

"Hey babes. how are you doing?"

"i'm alright, i just wish Conor was here to comfort me, ya know? he was my best friend, its weird not having him here. i should be used to it. last night i called his number just to hear his voicemail but someone else answered." she says, tearing up.

lou hugs her and anna cries into her shoulder.

"he was the last one to get his number assigned. it's almost like they don't exist anymore," anna cries.

"they'll always exist babes. in our memories and in our hearts forever, i miss them all too. i really miss simon." lou says.

"i know they're in our memories but everyone is just gone. i'm so lucky you guys lived, i probably wouldn't have made it without you." anna said.

anna was more upset about Conor's number being assigned than her own break up, which, under the circumstances, anyone would be just as upset.

"i have a surpise for you all." joe says.

he hands the three of them plane tickets.

"it's time we go back to america."