Amanda

I pulled to a stop next to the curb that surrounded the small park, admiring it as I did so. It had been a while since I've visited it, but it looked exactly the same.

Several families were sitting on the benches, and little kids were running around in the grass, squealing delightfully. The trees were as green as ever, and the sky was a clear blue tone that made the day absolutely perfect.

I was wearing a short, floral dress that was excellent for the warm weather that lingered in Miami all year. Closing the car's door, I began casually walking around the park.

Slipping my phone out of my pocket, I read the text for the millionth time to make sure I was on time. I was a little early, so I chose to sit down and enjoy a few moments of peace.

This last year had been exhausting, but I had definitely enjoyed it. UCLA was a dream come true, and my teammates were like my second family. I really couldn't ask for anything better.

Saying goodbye to my mom and Tyler was extremely hard, and I missed them terribly, but we always managed to find a way to see each other throughout the year. I had come back for the summer because my friends were going to be spending it here in Miami as well.

Tyler and Heather were really serious about their relationship, and I just knew they were bound to get married, even if my brother insisted it was too soon to be thinking about that stuff. However, Heather had confessed she was already considering it.

Meanwhile, Hailey had left gymnastics behind and began studying medicine at the University of Miami, and Riley was having a blast in New York City. Pilar had also decided to stay in the country and chase her goal of becoming an artist.

I grabbed my phone again, my leg fidgeting with anxiety. Should I call him? He's probably running late and is on his way here. I needed to calm down.

Before I could react, the phone was ringing as I waited for him to pick up, but it ended in his voicemail. Clicking the device off, I stared at my hands. They were obviously shaking, but I had no time to think about the reason why.

"What are you doing?" I jumped in surprise as soon as I heard the voice. Slowly rising up, I turned around to face the source of the sound.

Noah was standing still with a small smile tugging at his lips. He was firmly gripping his motorcycle's helmet and had a black backpack slung over his shoulder.

He was wearing a pair of dark jeans and, of course, his leather jacket over a sweater. His dark hair was longer than when I had last seen him, and his blue eyes still made me weak at the knees. Noah extended his arms towards me with an implying look on his face.

"Did you miss me?" he asked. I didn't think after that.

I ran and wrapped my arms around his neck before he could react, slightly pushing him back. Noah let his helmet drop to the floor and embraced me back.

Tears were falling down my cheeks as I laughed into his shoulder. He stroked my hair and placed a kiss on the top of my head.

"Of course I missed you, idiot," I muttered.

"I missed you too, Mandy," he replied, "It's good to know the gymnast didn't forget about me."

"As if I ever could," I scoffed. We hadn't seen each other for a year now, but we tried the long-distance relationship thing, and it worked. Noah had been on the road the entire time, living his dream.

He pulled back and held my face in his hands, smiling down at me. Wiping my tears with his fingers, Noah leaned down and placed his mouth on mine.

The kiss was long and sweet, making me melt in his arms. I wanted to stay like that forever, but we eventually broke it off.

"How is traveling?" I inquired. We were swinging our intertwined hands back and forth between us as we strolled through the park.

"It's everything I wanted," he said.

"And what about Zoey?"

"She is as healthy as ever," Noah smiled, "And doing great in school."

I was happy everything was going well for him; I really was. He deserved it after all that had happened during our last year of high school.

We came to a stop right in front of his motorcycle, and he smirked at me as I gazed at it.

"I happen to have another helmet," he commented, making me laugh.

"What a coincidence," I said, "Mind lending it to me?"

"Sure, but first," he paused, removing his jacket, "Take this." I thanked him before putting it on.

When he handed the helmet to me, I slid it over my head and waited for him to get ready. Noah straddled the vehicle, and I followed his movements, placing my arms around his waist.

Soon enough, we were speeding through the streets, and that old familiar feeling of euphoria had returned to me. Being with Noah was one of my favorite things in this life, and I hoped it would never end.

I was glad Noah had given me his jacket since the wind blew harshly on my hair and dress. Gazing at the rushing landscape, I let out a laugh and kept a smile plastered on my mouth.

We were on the road until sunset, and that's when Noah came to a stop near the beach. I got off the motorcycle and, unbuckling the helmet, I pulled on it.

When my view was clear again, I admired the several colors tinting the sky and illuminated everything with a faded, orange glow. The ocean mirrored the hues flawlessly, and all I wanted to do was freeze the sun from sinking any further.

Noah came up next to me and stuck his hands in his pockets, whistling as he stared at the scene. I was still grinning when I turned to him.

"What?" he smirked.

"I love you," I burst, and I watched his body grow still, "I feel like I should have told you that a long time ago." I sighed. "But I wanted you to hear it in person; I'm sorry."

Abruptly, Noah seized my hands and pulled me to him. He kissed me before I could realize what was happening. I buried my fingers in his dark hair and relaxed into his body.

"Don't apologize for saying that," he chuckled, pressing his forehead against mine, "I love you more." I hugged him for what felt forever.

Thinking back on that fateful day when I met Noah freaking Brown, I felt like the luckiest girl ever. I could never forget the boy that had turned my harsh reality upside down, and I would always be thankful for him.

Even in the darkest of times, he managed to make me smile, and I liked to think I helped him too. He was my everything, and I was scared of what the future might do to us, but deep down, I had a feeling we would be able to face destiny with no problems at all.

*&*

and just like that, it ended.

honestly, this feels surreal. i first published this story in 2018 and i finally finished it. im glad i did :)

writing this has been an incredible journey with too many ups and downs, but its done. this was a short chapter for a closing one, but i think there is nothing left to say.

amanda and noah will always have a special place in my heart for being the first characters i ever created, but they will not have a sequel or an epilogue.

thank you so much to everyone who is reading this :) the little reads i got motivated me to close the story. i will see you again soon.

farewell,

miss lp