!! Read the next chapter for bonus chapter information !!

_______________________

6 years later...

"Holy shit, I've got lipstick on my teeth and you didn't even tell me." Raven boomed from the passenger seat, a compact in her hand.

I tutted heavily, flicking my indicator down to turn left.
"Hello? I can't look. Do you want to crash and die?" I retorted before making my way into the driveway. Exiting the car, I adjusted the nude-coloured dress I was wearing. We were currently parked outside Danny and Amelia's house.

"Don't worry, Alexis, you're looking so good, you're making me question the integrity of my relationship with Mason." She spoke out, shutting the door and I laughed at her words.

I brushed my hair behind my ear.
"Speaking of which, I haven't seen him." I questioned and Raven rolled her eyes, coming over to my side.

"He forgot to get them a gift, so he's gone rushing over there now." She said bluntly and I rolled my eyes. That was so typical of Mason.

It was the day after Danny's and Amelia's wedding anniversary- a year since they got married. They had spent the day in each other's company, but today we were all going to celebrate together.

I smiled at the memories. It seemed as though it was just yesterday that they had gotten married. I was one of the bridesmaids, so was Raven and Savannah and a couple of Amelia's friends. Danny had a complete breakdown, not being able to pick a best man from Aaron and Justin, so just ended up having his dad as his best man. I still remember the tantrum he threw when he didn't know how to do his bowtie for the wedding reception and Aaron had to do it for him.

"Okay, you stand here smiling in the cold, I'm gonna take my ass inside." Raven grumbled out, her burgundy dress hiking up as she all but stomped to the door and I chuckled before following after her.

Knocking on the door, I drummed idly against my phone, smiling at the sound of Raven huffing in impatience. The door opened revealing a very drunk Drake. He grinned sleazily, ushering us both in with flailing hands before running into the kitchen area. I shook my head. The party had only started 15 minutes ago and Drake was already drunk. Well, I guess that was how he numbed out his recent breakup. They had been together for around 6 months and she left him without so much as a text. Oh, and how Drake repeatedly likes to mention, by stealing his coffeemaker- his only one true love.

Raven pulled me along to the living area and I smiled when my eyes landed on Amelia, rushing up to her as fast as I could with the heels I was wearing. She squealed as we met in a big hug.

"Hey, Alexis, you look great! I hope you got here okay." She commented, drawing back and I grinned at her words.

"Thanks, you look so good too." I replied as I looked her up and down with a smile. She was a bit more modest than what Danny had usually gone for. She was wearing jeans with a cute cold shoulder top and flats. I watched as she exchanged greetings with Raven before turning her gaze on me, her eyebrows furrowed.

"Where's Aaron. You didn't come together?" She questioned and I shook my head, smiling at Raven as she handed me a drink.

"No, he had to work late. He said he's gonna go home and freshen up and then make his way over here. He'll probably be home right now. He might be here in 10 minutes or so." I explained before taking a sip and Amelia nodded before speaking.

"That man really loves his job." She commented and I smiled at her words. She was right on that account. It was surprising, but Aaron's work ethic had indeed changed over time. He had become involved with business, after University and had joined his uncle's company and he worked hard to get to being promoted to financial advisor. Nevertheless, there was never a time where he let it affect his personal life, he made sure of that.

I, on the other hand, didn't have as tiresome a schedule. I worked as a research associate in health and disease and I was proud to say I loved my job. It helped, not only gain awareness on different diseases, but also allowed me to contribute in combating illnesses that I knew all too much about.

Amelia turned, ushering us to follow.
"Daniel's in the garden." She said and we followed her outside. At first, I couldn't see him through the amount of people that stood around. We had called friends and family to celebrate the occasion and, needless to say, there was a lot of people.

I heard him before I saw him. His booming voice was distinct from all the others, his laughter deep and loud. I smiled as I saw him and his gaze landed on me. He dropped his cup and I watched as the person, he was talking to, scurried back from the sudden action. I smiled as he rushed over to me, gripping me in a tight yet familiar bear hug.

"Alexis! I missed you! It's been ages! Where have you been!" He exclaimed and I choked from the lack of oxygen. Thankfully, he pulled back and I grinned at him.

"I missed you too! But, it's only been 3 days." I let out, putting one side of his shirt collar down. Danny swatted my hand, a pout on his face.

"Don't change it! I wanted it like that." He whined and I raised an eyebrow at this, folding my arms.

"Oh really? One collar was up, why would you want it like that?" I questioned curiously but, as per usual, I was dreading the answer. Danny put his collar back to the original way, a concentrated look on his face.

"Quora said that collars down give a neat and groomed look while up collars give off a ruggish and messy badboy look. I didn't know which one to go for, so I went for both." He explained, a look of triumph on his face and I didn't have the heart to quash his happiness, so I nodded.

"Well, you hit the nail right on the head." I commented and Danny's eyebrows furrowed at this, a look of pain on his face as he processed my words.

"I built something?" He questioned, shock and awe evident in his eyes and I rolled my eyes, opening my mouth to speak, but Raven interrupted.

"Oh, am I just a piece of furniture? Give me a hug, idiot." She said before hugging Danny tightly and he hugged back. I think it was only Raven who could take his brute strength.

And, that was saying something considering Danny had gotten stronger in the last couple of years. At his tender age of 24, Danny was already very big, his tanned physique was very muscular. His blonde hair, that used to flop into his eyes, was now brushed back. He wore a white collared shirt and I could see his muscles bulging through it. Danny worked as a personal trainer and the job matched his passions completely.

Amelia, on the other hand, worked as a teacher, so both were well off. They were probably the most loved up and mushy couple out of all of us and I laughed, remembering how many times Justin would leave the room when they looked at each other with 'goo goo' eyes. Well, that was how Raven put it before warning Mason that she would give him an upper cut if he ever looked at her in that manner.

Raven and Mason were on the complete opposite end of the spectrum from Danny and Amelia. They acted more like friends, but everyone could tell that they loved each other. Rarely, would I see them hold hands or hug, but I knew how much they cared for each other. They didn't want to get married like Danny and Amelia. Both of them didn't believe in marriage and felt like being with each other was more than enough. Raven currently worked at a beauty salon and Mason as a computer technician.

Suddenly, a voice came from behind.

"Alexis." Was the only word that left his mouth, but I smiled, immediately recognising his voice. I turned around before wrapping my arms around him. His body tensed at this and I smiled at the fact that he still wasn't used to such things even after all this time. Hesitantly, his arms wrapped around mine and I laughed.

"Justin." I said simply, acknowledging him with a smile and he drew back before looking at me with his cool grey gaze.

"I heard you and Aaron went to a check up a week ago." He said bluntly, his  face blank, but by now I could read his emotions. The concern was evident in his tone.

I smiled, shaking my head.
"No, I'm fine. I was unwell, so Aaron got really worried. Nothing was wrong. I'm all clear." I explained and he nodded his head, his gaze looking off into the distance. I looked down to his attire. A black v neck with black jeans to accompany it. Justin hadn't changed much at all. He was still the caring yet protective male he had always been. I tutted before touching his hand and he gazed at me at the sudden contact.

"Justin, I'm telling you I'm fine. Trust me." I consoled to which Justin looked back into the distance, his stance rigid. I knew what it was. After my operation, the doctor had said there was a risk that I would reject the bone marrow and I have been going to check ups since. Over the last few years, I had been going less frequently, but in this past month, the boys were worrying more because I had gotten sick.

Justin sighed deeply at my words, his hold on my hand tightening only slightly before he let go. He turned his full gaze on me before managing a small smile. But, it was still undoubtedly breathtaking.

"I get that. I think I just care too much." He let out bluntly, not realising how much it made me smile. I nudged his arm affectionately.

"I think, I suffer from the same problem when it comes to you." I replied and he smiled at my words.

His eyes flitted to Savannah as she came to our side, greeting me with a tight hug. I smiled at the sight of them; despite their relationship ending, their friendship had only flourished in these past years. Given that Savannah didn't have a job at the moment, she spent much of her time volunteering at church. Justin worked as a chartered accountant and to say he excelled in his job was an understatement. Right now, they both were single, having broken up 3 years prior due to their differences, but were very amicable.

"Where's Aaron?" Justin asked, turning to me and I opened my mouth to speak, but was interrupted by the devil himself.

"Right here." He spoke and his deep voice sent shivers down my spine. I hadn't seen him for a day and a half now because he was busy with a presentation for work and, needless to say, I missed him like crazy. I stilled when my gaze landed on him. He walked in our direction, his ocean eyes on me. He was wearing a navy blue smart shirt and his midnight black hair flopped carelessly onto his face. I smiled and he smiled back, his gorgeous gaze fixed on me. The look of his smile evoked so many memories from 3 months ago and I felt the heat rise to my cheeks.

*****

"Why are we here?" I questioned yet again, smiling when he wrapped his arms around me from behind. The familiar warmth of him made my heartbeat race faster. I looked to the side and my eyes met his.

"Why are we in Dubai? Or, why do we exist?" Aaron questioned and I nudged him with an elbow. He laughed before speaking.

"I wanted to take you out. Sue me." He retorted and I felt the need to elbow him again. Raising an eyebrow, I turned to him, looking at him expectantly.

Aaron covered his face with his hands, groaning in frustration.
"Don't do that. Don't give me that look" He complained and my eyebrows furrowed at his words.

"What look?" I questioned curiously and Aaron moved his hands away from his face before putting them around my waist.

"It's this look you give me when you want to know something. I can't explain it, you look so beautiful and it makes me feel strange. It scares me." He explained and I felt the need to blush, but pursed my lips and looked down, a look of mock seriousness on my face.

"Oh, so I'm scary now, is it?" I joked, but Aaron panicked, moving me closer into his arms.

"No no! I didn't mean that!" He let out and I laughed before making my way off the balcony and into the living room of the apartment we were currently staying at. Aaron had brought us to Dubai so spontaneously; he had only told me 2 days in advance. He had given me no reason. Currently, we were on day 3 of being here and I was having the time of my life. We had gone and seen a lot of attractions, gone to the beaches, museums, quad-biking and I was enjoying myself so much. Only, I still didn't know what incited such a trip. It wasn't my birthday nor was it his. It wasn't any holiday occasion or anything, so I was left completely confused.

"Where are you going, princess?" He called out from behind me and I pointed towards the bedroom without saying anything. I heard him coming up behind me.

Making my way, I smelt the room before I saw it. Roses. I walked in, shocked to see the whole room scattered with roses and scented candles set up everywhere. The smell of sugared vanilla hit my nose and I smiled.

"I didn't plan for you to come into the room this early." Aaron's voice came from behind me and he entered the room, shutting the door behind him. I didn't say anything and looked to him for an explanation, a shocked look on my face. Aaron moved in front of me, a small smile on his gorgeous face as he scratched the back of his neck- a habit of his when he was nervous. He moved closer and I felt the aching need to melt into his arms, but I stayed rooted, waiting for his response.

He looked at me with burning blue eyes, his gaze scanning me and I felt suddenly wary of myself. Did I have something on my face? I looked down at my attire. I was currently wearing a mid-thigh white floral dress. Aaron had said we'd be going out to eat this evening, so I dressed up for the occasion, my brown hair in loose curls. I let out a deep breath when his hand touched my face and he moved even closer, his face leaning in. His lips touched mine and I felt my whole being react to his touch. I immediately responded. Our lips moved in perfect synchronisation, our bodies melding together as if they were meant to be. He reached behind me, his hands slowly encircling my waist and pulled me tight against his chest. My own hands entangled in his soft locks that were always too tempting to touch. His lips were soft, but firm over mine and I smiled at the intensity of it. I could feel the emotions he was trying to relay to me. Love. He smiled in response before pulling back, but still holding me close. His fingers grazed against my cheek.

"Why does everything about you drive me crazy?" He murmured and I blushed deeply at his words, gazing down. He laughed quietly before tipping my chin up, making me look him in the eyes. I looked at the smile on his face; his kiss on my mind. He kissed my forehead quickly before speaking.

"It's been almost 7 years that we've known each other, but it doesn't seem like it. Honestly, I feel like I've known you for decades, but it also feels like just yesterday was the day we met. It's weird, isn't it?" He questioned and I opened my mouth to speak, but he put a finger to my lips.

"Let me speak, gorgeous." He let out, an apologetic tone to his voice and I nodded in permission, a confused look on my face. Aaron smiled in response before speaking, his hand stroking every part of my face.

"I don't think I can describe how much you mean to me. Everything about you just makes me want you even more. No, it's not want. It's need now. I need you. More than I've ever needed anything or anyone and that's what scares me. I'm scared of losing you and I don't know what to do about it." He explained, his hand stroking down the bridge of my nose. I shook my head at his words.

"You'll never lose me; you should know that." I reassured and Aaron nodded, a breathtaking smile on his face. He tapped the tip my nose.

"I know I won't, I'll make sure of that." He said to himself and I felt all the more confused. Just as I was about to ask, Aaron moved back. I watched in shock as he knelt down on a knee, his hand reaching into the pocket of his jeans. He pulled out a black velvet box with a gold rim and I felt tears fill my eyes as I looked to him. He looked at me with nothing but love and adoration.

"Everything you are, it's everything I want. I'm so in love with you and my life wouldn't have been the same without you. I wouldn't have been the same. You changed everything and I need you to live and I'm so glad I asked you for that favour. So, just do me one last favour ... will you marry me... lexi?" He let out, breathing deeply and I stilled at his words, looking at the beautiful ring as he opened the case. In the last year, I had dreamed of this happening and now that it was, I had no absolute idea on what to do. I felt warmth rush through me and all I could feel was happiness. All I could hear was the sound of my blood rushing through my ears. He had proposed. The golden boy of Redwood High was sat here gushing about me. He wanted to spend his whole life with me and I choked, sobs escaping my mouth.

Aaron's eyes widened at this and he abruptly stood up, coming towards me. He pulled me into a big hug, his musky scent filling my nose.

"Shit, I didn't mean to make you cry." He blurted out and I laughed through tears. At this, he pulled back, scanning my face. I raised a hand and flicked his forehead to which he winced.

"You idiot. These are tears of happiness." I teased, wiping at the tears. Aaron seemed to process this for a second before smiling slightly, his hand resting on my jaw.

"Still, you know I hate seeing you cry." He replied and I grinned widely at his words. He pulled me in for another hug and I thought about his speech from before.

"Yes." I let out simply and Aaron pulled back from the hold.

"Yes?" He questioned and I rolled my eyes. If I didn't love this boy, I would honestly have killed him.

"Yes, I'll marry you, Aaron." I expanded, feeling myself blush at the mention of marriage. At this, Aaron's grip tightened around me and he smiled. The excitement was excelling off him in waves.

"You're gonna marry me, there's no taking that back." Aaron said to himself in a finalising tone and I laughed at his words.
Giving him a quick kiss on the lips, I moved back. His face was amazing, but what I loved the most was the look that he had on his face when he looked at me. Not just when we're alone. I felt the looks we shared when we were with everyone and when he gave me that look I couldn't concentrate on anything anyone else was saying.

"Why'd you propose?" I asked to which Aaron moved closer, his scent so familiar.

"I think the question is, why hadn't I done it sooner?"

*****

I watched as Aaron greeted Danny and Amelia, handing them a gift bag. He spoke a few words to Danny, both the males laughing and then his gaze was on me. He walked towards me and I felt my breath catch in my throat. He halted in front of me and I opened my mouth to speak, but he pulled me into his hold suddenly. I relaxed into his arms, hugging back as I felt his breath tickling against my ear.

"I missed you way more than I thought I would." He said with a small laugh and I felt like butter in his arms. The feel of his deep voice, reverberating against my ears, was enough to make me feel like putty.

He stepped back abruptly and greeted Justin with a hug. They both whispered to each other and I narrowed my eyes jokingly as they laughed.

It was clear that I was the third wheel in this little mix.

I looked down to the ring on my finger. I hadn't told anyone we were engaged yet. I don't know, it just didn't feel right yet. I smiled at Savannah as she came over and hugged me. She was wearing a maxi floral dress with flats and her hair in a low bun.

"How are you?" She asked before pulling back. I rolled my eyes before gesturing to the boys who were too engrossed in the conversation to notice me.

"How do you think I am? My boyfriend is practically being stolen right in front of me?" I retorted to which Savannah laughed.

"You can't use the term stolen, if he was never yours in the first place." Aaron teased, his gaze suddenly on me and I raised an eyebrow, giving him a challenging look.

"If that's the case then you don't need to come home with me. Go with Justin." I remarked, latching onto Savannah's hand with a smirk. Aaron smirked playfully in response before moving closer.

"But, if I take Justin home, who am I going to make out with halfway through the movie." He said in a teasing tone and I blushed at his words.

"Don't look at me." Justin muttered from behind, his eyes on his phone and a tired expression on his face.

I blushed deeper at his words. Aaron and I had shared a house for 4 years now. When Aaron's mom had gone, Aaron was allowed to live alone as he was 18. After that time, I came over frequently and then Aaron had suggested I move in. I was shocked at the huge step he wanted us to take, but happy. I had agreed and since that day we had been living together. I smiled at the thought.

When did life get to be so amazing?

********

"Thank you for coming, everyone! It was nice to see all of you again and I hope we do this again!" Danny let out before taking a seat at the head of the table beside Ameila. Currently, we were all sat on an outstretched table in the garden. Danny was at the head. To his right, was his family and to the left was us, his friends. Amelia was sat next to him then it was me, then Aaron, then Justin, then Savannah, then Raven and Mason, then Drake and last was Danny's cousin sat next to Drake and they both had been flirting immensely tonight. Well, glad to see he was getting over his breakup.

"I used to take your food in school and I won't hesitate to do it now, if you don't eat." Aaron warned, a smile on his face and I rolled my eyes before eating. He laughed before putting my hand through his and resting it on my lap. I thought back to a few weeks ago.

******

"Aaron?" I called out.

"Hmm?" He responded lazily, his fingers running through my hair. I was lying down on his chest; the sound of his heartbeat was slowly putting me to sleep.

"When would you want to get married?" I questioned curiously, my gaze on the ring on my hand that was strewn across his naked torso. I could feel Aaron's smile as he spoke.

"You just say the word and I'm there." He commented and I nudged him before looking up at him. His striking blue eyes never failed to amaze me, especially when they looked at me with such intensity.

"I always wanted to get married at 25." I let out, a blush on my face at the subject. Aaron raised an eyebrow at this, a teasing glint in his eyes.

"Oh really?" He drawled out and I nudged him harder. He laughed for a second before removing his hand from my hair and resting it on my bare back.

"Lexi, if that's what you want then I'd love that."  He said simply but it was enough to make my heart race that much faster. I nodded at his words.

"Okay, good I'll see you in a year." I teased, trying to get out of his hold, but Aaron held me tightly to him, a dangerous look in his eyes.

"If you think I'm going to stay away from you for that long then you're crazy." He remarked before lying me down on his chest again, his hands stroking through my hair. I tutted loudly before sighing.

"Fine, I guess I'll just have to live with it." I teased, resigning to his touch and Aaron laughed before pulling me higher, so we were face to face. His heated gaze seared through me.

"Good, now where were we?"

*******

I smiled at the memory, looking around the table. Danny and Amelia were currently feeding each other and laughing. Had anyone told me before that Danny would have got married at 23, I would have laughed in their face. Yet, here we were at his wedding anniversary party. I looked to Amelia. I had gotten to know her in the time since we met and she truly had become like a bigger sister to me. She gave me advice on things like Aaron, my career and it felt good to have someone there. I remembered a time when I didn't have anything.

I looked towards Justin who was currently talking to Savannah and she nodded intently as he spoke. Savannah had always been shy, but she had gradually coming out of her shell. She was probably the sweetest here out of all us.

Raven, on the other hand, was the least sweetest. Well, in the way she acted, but I knew she loved the deepest. Whenever Savannah,  Raven and I hung out, it was always Raven who would get us into crazy situations. I remembered fondly about a time when Raven had spontaneously taken us to Las Vegas and we spent 4 nights out. She hadn't even told the boys and to say they were angry when we got back was an understatement. They were seething, especially after we told them where we had went. After that, the boys were extra cautious around her.

I looked to Raven to see her playing a game on her phone, a concentrated look on her face. Mason sat beside her shouting advice on what to do, the same concentrated look in his eyes. They both groaned in frustration when she lost before handing the phone over to him. He began playing and she watched over his shoulder as he did.

Drake, on the other hand, was already gone from the table and so was Danny's cousin. I didn't have to think that hard to know where they went.

Lastly, I looked at Aaron. In the years that I had gotten to know him, I loved him more and more. Everything about him enticed me and I felt thankful on having met him. He was the one.

All of this, everyone here. It was all too much. They had been here for me through all the ups and downs. When I got my job, when I didn't get into the University I wanted, when I was sad when my parents left to live in Belgium for their work. In fact, we had all been there for each other. When Danny dropped out of University because it was too stressful, when Amelia had a miscarriage over 2 years ago. When Savannah's parent's didn't approve of her relationship, when Justin had nearly moved to another country for his work and when Aaron had an episode on his Mom's death anniversary. We had always been there like a rock for each other and I felt thankful for all of it. I always felt that life wasn't worth living because I wasn't happy. But, I didn't realise that I just wasn't living it the right way. Everyone has a life out there for them. If they're not happy then they haven't found it yet, like I hadn't. But, giving up is never the option. I had chosen it at one point and I nearly suffered the consequences. I didn't believe that anyone loved me until they proved it for me. This was my family. These were my loved ones. I looked to Aaron who gazed at me, a loving look in his eyes.

"Why are you crying? The food wasn't that good."

******

Somewhere in Rome....

She brushed her blonde hair out, smiling as she heard her spouse enter the door. Standing up, in her short spicy dress, she sauntered over to him.

"Luca!" She greeted the 68 year old male in front of her before pulling him into a bone crushing hug.

"My darling Avalon." He greeted back with a smile, making his wrinkles all the more prominent.

Avalon smiled before pulling back and giving a languid kiss to his lips. He responded with an intensity that matched. She pulled out and closed her eyes.

"What did you get for me this time?" She questioned, an excited anticipation in her voice. Luca drew out the bag from behind him, his hand trembling, but not out of nervousness.

She snatched the bag from his hand before pulling the gucci bag out of it. She loved the bag and he loved her.

"Oh Luca!" She exclaimed before pulling the senile millionaire into another kiss, but this one had a more suggestive intention, Luca could tell by now. He retrieved the pill from his pocket and sauntered towards her.

"It's time then."

******

Somewhere in Birmingham....

He put down the glass bottle of beer before popping open another one and taking a loud sip. He wiped at his mouth before flicking through the channels. It had been one of those times where she had left him yet again and gone back to her mother's house. He still remembered her words.

"How can I live with a man who doesn't even work for a living?! You just sit here all day, Elliot! I.. I just can't do this anymore. I'm leaving."

Those were her words, but Elliot didn't pay heed. She always seemed to come back and things went back to the way they always were. Elliot rubbed at his tired eyes, he was up late the night before, betting away into the night. He hadn't even gotten home and had fallen asleep there. Only when he came back in the morning, did he see his wife with a suitcase. He sighed heavily.

She'll be back and I'll be here waiting.

The End

**********

!! Read the next chapter for bonus chapter information !!

Hey, guys! Thank you for reading the epilogue! I hope you guys liked it!

Please vote if you liked it and comment on what you would like to see!

I have mentioned it before, but I do have a new book on my page and would love it if you guys checked it out. I update every Friday (or twice a week). Please, check it out! I'd love your support.

I just want to say that this was a bumpy journey with you guys, but it was so special and unique. It's been so good and I'm so glad that you guys stuck around despite the breaks.

I love you guys so much and I loved writing on Wattpad because of you guys. Thank you for your support!

S. A. A