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Mariana's bachelorette party had been a success. I was happy that she was happy, but my mind couldn't help but go back to Dylan and I. I wanted to be happy too, but in the end, it wasn't going to be with Dylan. Although it hurt, he would get what he wanted in the long run, and that was enough for me.
Sadly, I had to sip orange juice all night of the party, no liquor in sight due to her pregnancy.
Mariana was getting big now. She was in her second trimester. We kept teasing her about her big belly containing more than one baby. She simply held her nose high, adamant on the fact her doctor confirmed only one child.
I sighed, finally slouching down on the sofa after cleaning up the mess the party had caused in the basement. While us girls got the house, James was dragged to a bar by my brothers.
The wedding was only two days away, and then after... it was the cottage. I didn't feel like going, but I didn't want to cancel either. Hunter had seemed very excited and I couldn't bring myself to be the reason he wouldn't experience the 'cottage lifestyle'.
It also didn't feel right going, especially since Shane was going through his chemo. When I brought it up, he didn't give me a chance to even finish the sentence before he told me I should go and not halt my life because of him. He denied my invitation to come too.
So in the end, I was forced to go.
I sucked in a breath. I didn't know how I would sleep for the two nights. Perhaps I could invite Amber. Not only because of my sleeping arrangement, but I had mentioned the cottage several times to her, and I promised her I would take her next time I would go. Besides, it would be awkward... to say the least with Dylan around the cottage. I needed someone there to take my mind off the gorgeous blue eyed being in the same breathing space as me.
My eyes wandered across the living room where Dylan's piece now lay. I had finished it and it was now waiting to be delivered to his house, as well as his other small gift. Well, his apartment now. However, I didn't know his address. I just hoped Yara or Tristan would hand off the art to Dylan when I stopped by their house later today.
I didn't want to go to drop it off. However, mama made it clear that if it were to remain in the living room for one more night, she would personally take it out to the curb for the garbage truck to pick it up. I knew she wouldn't do that, but at the same time I didn't doubt her, especially when her inner Latina came out.
I forced myself to get on my feet and deliver his gifts. It would only make it worse the more I wait, I told myself as I grabbed the medium sized canvas, his other small gift, his bag of neatly folded clothes, and my car keys.
I was greeted by Yara, an apron tied around her waist when I reached her house. "Amelia, what can I do for you?" Her eyes followed the canvas in my hand to the small box to the bag of clothes that belonged to her eldest son.
"I-I wanted to drop these off for Dylan. His clothes, and belated birthday presents," I gulped, peering into her rich brown eyes.
"I can't help you with that." Her eyes danced with amusement when my face portrayed confusion. "You'll have to go to him. I'm sure he would like to receive these in person." Your son wants nothing to do with me. I didn't get a chance to reply to her. "I'll text you the address of his apartment," and with that she shut the door.
I stood in the doorway for the moment, stunned at what happened. I didn't want to see him. It caused all sorts of animals to throw a party in my stomach and words to catch in my throat. Seeing him brought back all the memories and the future I could no longer have with him.
Gripping the bag and keys in one hand, the canvas and little box in the other, I went back into my car, following the address Yara sent a minute later.
His apartment was in the city, just as Hunter had previously mentioned. Shane and I were looking here a couple of weeks ago, before he was diagnosed. Mama now refused for Shane to move out until his treatment was complete. We weren't going to argue with her maternal protectiveness.
Forty-five minutes later, I was parked outside his apartment. It was located on the not-so-nice part of town and I had to click the lock button on my car keys twice just to make sure. It wasn't really that bad, but just in case.
The apartment door didn't need a key to get past the front door, so I went in and hesitantly climbed the stairs to the third floor. My heart was beating immensely fast. I hoped he wasn't home. I could just leave it outside the door and pray for no one to steal the items before he found them, but I'd doubt that in a place like this.
I stood outside his door, blood pumping in my ears. Before I got the chance to knock on his door, the door opened, revealing a woman, a beautiful tattoo of vines and roses running up her left arm into the sleeves of her shirt. A man behind was behind her, a cigarette in his mouth. I was positive I got the wrong apartment. "Can I help you?" The tattooed girl asked curiously.
"I think I got the wrong apartment," I chuckled nervously.
"Who were you looking for?"
"Dylan. Dylan Sage," I breathed out. Even his name was hard to get out.
"No, you got the right apartment." The man simply grunted, moving out of the way as the tattooed girl poked her head in the apartment. "Dylan! There's a pretty girl here for you!" She sent me a wink before ushering me inside. She followed me in as the man waited outside.
The inside of the apartment was barren; the walls empty and the floors without furniture. What I did take notice of was the marks and one or two holes along the walls, the strong smell of cigarettes, and the light layer of smoke covering the rooms. There was another smell I didn't recognize, it smelt faintly like skunk. However, something tells me, these weren't of Dylan's doings.
I didn't move, waiting for Dylan instead. He strode into the room surprised to find me waiting for him. He took a deep breath before continuing his walk to me.
"Your m-mom wouldn't take them," I said quietly, unable to look away from him. He was dressed in a grey button up, sleeves rolled up and dark colored pants. The tie was loosened around his neck, a few buttons were undone, displaying his tan chest. I could only assume he came back from his internship. My mind wandered back to the small love bites he placed on my neck days ago. I couldn't help but think to want more.
The door opened behind me, the same man walking into the apartment now with another man trailing behind him, both with cigarettes lit. Dylan's eyes wandered to behind me, breaking me out of my thoughts. He muttered a few words under his breath, then speaking to me. "Come," he said, leading me away from the men and the tattooed woman. He led me through the narrow and short hallway before stopping at a door which I assumed was his room.
His room was similar to the room at his house, however, with a few more personal items. Thankfully though, the smell of smoke didn't reside in his room, allowing me to breathe without having a coughing fit. Several picture frames were placed on his bed side table, desk and dresser. A family picture, ones with just him and his sibling, and one with Hunter. I stilled when my eyes caught the frame on his dresser. It was a picture I hadn't realized he kept.
It was at Hunter's parent's house. It was after we had snuck into the kitchen for dessert and Hunter had caught us red handed, his phone taking a picture as proof of us as thieves, as he called it. I had icing on my cheek, my teeth on display, clearly laughing at something Dylan had said as he was unwrapping his own cupcake.
Dylan stood still in his room, eyes finding what I found, before tearing his eyes away, clearing his throat. "How are you?"
Not good. "Good. You?"
"Good," he answered, keeping it short.
"I-I just came to give you t-these," I spoke, breaking the silence, holding up the bag of clothes. "I also have b-birthday presents. I'm s-sorry they're late," I said, mumbling the last part.
"I thought I mentioned I didn't want anything for my birthday."
"You did," I answered, not being able to meet his eyes for any longer. "I—"
"Just return whatever you got, that's okay," he sighed quietly.
I shook my head, looking down at my shoes. "I-I can't return it. I made it. Just open it," I whispered. He didn't. He placed the wrapped canvas against the wall, along with the little box on his dresser, not another look sent to its way.
"Thank you. I'll walk you out, come." Not another word was said. I felt him walking behind me, goosebumps rising on the back of my neck, desperately wanting him to be closer.
"Promise me you'll open it," I spoke, my voice wavering, not steady. He didn't say anything.
I should have expected this. After what I did.
His eyes finally met mine as he closed the apartment door behind him. Something told me he didn't like his roommate. He stepped closer, closing the space in between us. I stilled. If I breathed out, my chest would be touching his. He rested his forehead against mine, closing his eyes. I felt my heartbeat in my ears, my lips pressing together. He pulled away before I got a chance to close mine.
"Soon," I heard him call out softly before returning to his apartment.
I took a wavering deep breath in and out until my breathing returned to normal. With small steps, I finally managed to return to the car. I looked at the sweater laying in the passenger seat. At the last moment I pulled out a hoodie from the bag of his clothes. I couldn't let go of him just yet.
The hour drive back home due to traffic left me in my thoughts, none which were pleasant. When I managed to make it back home, I slipped on his hoodie, and snuggled into my bed, hugging the piece of clothing tighter around me, desperate to take in the remaining scent of his that was clinging onto it.
Tears after tears flowed out of my tired eyes, unable to stop. Leaving him hurt more than I ever expected it to. Heartbreak hurt more than they ever showed on television.
At sometime, the door to my room creaked open. "Oh, mio Tesoro," mama's gentle voice called, walking into the room. I felt the bed slightly plunge at where she sat, taking me in her arms. There I wept for a while longer.
--
I squinted my eyes, the light shining in through the window way too bright. I grunted as a hand smacked me. I narrowed my eyes at Mariana who came over last night.
She wanted to set up the rehearsal dinner with the way she wanted, so she decided to sleepover seeing as it would take place here. My eyes wandered to her growing belly that was poking out of her shirt. I sighed, getting up, ready to start the day.
"Morning sis," Mariana groaned, turning in the bed, getting up and scratching her head.
"Morning," I grinned, jumping back on the bed. "Ready for tomorrow?"
"Sort of," she admitted. "I've been waiting for this forever, and especially with this little bub, it's all real and I can't believe it's happening."
"Well believe it baby, because tomorrow you are getting married to your high school sweetheart." Mariana gasped, her hands immediately flying to her belly. "What's wrong?" I sat up.
A smile formed on her face, her hands reaching for mine and placing her belly. "Bubs has been starting to kick now. Little flutters," she explained. I waited, then let out a gasp as I felt a soft nudge on the palms of my hand.
"Oh my God." I grinned, keeping my hands on her belly to feel more.
"Bubs has been kicking a lot recently, although they're just flutters. It's supposed to get harder in the next weeks," she giggled.
"You still don't want to know the gender?"
"For the last time," she hit me with a pillow. "No, I do not," she stated, laughing. I've been pushing to learn the gender of the baby, but obviously, James and she didn't want to know the gender until birth. "Just about four more months."
I sighed loudly. "Fine." I made my way to the bathroom, taking a short shower for the first time in forever.
I laughed out loud when I exited the bathroom and went into my room to find Mariana on the floor stretching in various funny positions. "What are you doing?"
"What do you think?" She retorted, holding onto my bed and slowly getting up. "Doctor said it's supposed to be good for the baby and I," she shrugged.
I went to my dresser, not being to help myself by stopping at the window and lingering too long the house in front of me. The blinds to his room was open, however, I knew there was no one in there.
"How is everything?"
"I saw him yesterday," I admitted, turning away from the window. "I went to his apartment to drop off his late birthday presents."
"What did you get him?" She asked curiously, sitting up.
"I painted him something." I pulled out my phone to show her the picture. "He had a ripped picture of him and his dad," I showed her the picture. I had to ask his mother weeks back to take a picture of it when he wasn't home. "I recreated it with acrylics." I swiped my screen to show her the canvas. "And then when I asked his mom about the watch in the picture," I pointed, "she gave it to me to give it to him.
"Holy shit. That's amazing Amelia. Fuck me." She took the phone out of my hand, inspecting the picture of the painting carefully. "How long did that take you?"
"Quite a while. Thank you," I mumbled, blushing.
"Did he see it?" I shook my head, head falling.
"I don't think so. He placed it to the side when I gave it to him, so I don't know," I shrugged. Don't cry. "And I-I don't know why I'm so upset with this anyways," I murmured. "I was the one who broke up with him, not the other way around."
She put a hand on my arm. "That doesn't mean that you'll stop loving him like that," she snapped her fingers. "Feelings never go away like that sweetie."
I sighed, pulling my hair away from my face. "I just don't know how to move on."
--
I stirred away at the pot on the stove, adding in the garlic, hearing the satisfying the sizzles. "Where do you want these?" Julian asked, holding up the chopped raw meat.
"That can be put to the side. And can you grab another cutting board and knife, and cut up the veggies please?" I demonstrated exactly how I wanted him to cut them. "And you," I turned to his twin who was snacking on the fruit. I smacked his hand. "Follow this, hopefully you know how, and make the sauce." I handed him a hand-written recipe for the sauce, stating exactly what he needed to do.
I turned around, looking over to the island which already held a variety of dishes. Although the rehearsal dinner was traditionally from the groom's side, James' family lived across the province, and they had to come here for the wedding. So, I volunteered myself to cook for the rehearsal dinner and neither party minded. I also roped in the twins to help me the prep work.
Mariana was outback in the backyard setting the table with James who arrived not too long ago. Mama had just come back from work and needed to freshen up while Shane and Papa went out to get drinks, because they obviously forgot, even though I had appointed them the task weeks ago.
I dumped in the rest of the vegetables in the pan, stirring them around with the addition of olive oil. While I waited for them to cook, I turned to the salad, preparing the pomegranate dressing that I know Mariana loved.
About an hour later, we were finally done. The dinner was supposed to start in about twenty minutes. If I knew Mariana, and I did, she would start exactly in twenty minutes, not giving a shit for anyone who came in late. I, however, wasn't even ready yet. I threw off my apron, setting into a frenzy mode.
"Thank you," I kissed the twins on their cheeks, rushing to my room to get ready.
My hair fell in waves once I released it from the bun. I shrugged, guess that will do. I slipped on the dress Mariana had picked out for me. I didn't bother with caked makeup; only concealer to hide my bags from last night, some mascara, and minimal eyeshadow. A gloss would do as well.
"Let's go, or Mariana will have your head," Shane called, poking in his head into my room from the bathroom.
"Wait! Let me see what you're wearing!" He stepped out of the bathroom, a smirk on his face.
"I cleaned up nice, didn't I?" I couldn't lie, he did. His burgundy button up with dark jeans and a nice hat to go along with it.
"Yes. Yes you did." I heard the doorbell ring. My eyes widened. "Let's go!"
After the initial introductions, we were all settled at the table in the backyard. Mariana had done a great job of putting everything together, and even gone all out with putting out name tags. I sat across from the best man, James' best friend, Akio, and between the bridesmaids, Sammy and Lexi. Lights decorated the backyard and gorgeous flowers spread around on the table. Since Mariana had wanted to keep this small, because the wedding was going to be huge, it only included our and James' immediate family, and the bridesmaids and groomsman.
It wasn't long until food was spread into everyone's plate and light chatter filled the backyard. Drinks were handed out, and I secured myself a nice heaping glass of red wine.
Papa clinked his glass with a fork, causing our attention to fall to him. "I'd like to start by congratulating my eldest child on finding her happiness with none other than James. It wasn't that long ago when I wanted to kill James for moving out with my daughter," my father chuckled, causing the table to follow. "James, you've been part of this family for several years now, and although we might be colleges, I won't hesitate to bury you six feet under if anything happens my daughter," papa warned. James sent my father a nervous smile, but then replaced by a grin when Mariana whispered something in his ear. "Anyways, I congratulations on your future together, especially with my grandchild on the way."
James' father and mother followed after, giving a short and sweet toast, leaving a smile on all our faces. I took a deep breath, standing up. Akio and I had agreed he could have the wedding speech, especially since I would just end up stuttering. Besides, public speaking isn't my best. I was going to keep this short.
"Mariana," I breathed. "I remember when you first brought James home and you w-were scared, to say the least. I-I remember thinking, that girl has balls. You clearly did, seeing as you moved out on your eighteenth birthday with lover boy," I laughed. "Despite the quick and unpredictable choices you make, you were my role model growing up, and you still are," I reassured. "Now, James on the other hand, was the fourth brother I never asked for." That caused laughter to chorus through the table. "He stuck his big head in every sticky situation I got myself into, and managed to pull me right out of them, every single time. Whether it be a conference with a teacher because I failed a class, or damaged one of your cars, he'd be there," I winked to my parents and brothers who were staring at me with jaws dropped and eyes wide open. "Thank you to Mariana and James for being my very, very, young parents whenever I needed you to be," I laughed. "Now, here we are, couple years later, pregnant with my future godchildren," I winked.
"Godchild," Mariana coughed.
"As I was saying, I cannot wait to see what the future holds for you two, and just know I'm counting down the days until I get to see my niece or nephew."
"Nieces or nephews," Shane corrected, chuckling.
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