AFTER PARTY

LYDIA

The morning sun filtered through the curtains, and I groaned, pulling the covers over my head while trying to convince myself that everything that had happened last night was a dream. From seeing them having sex to Julian's engagement announcement.

My phone buzzed continuously beneath my pillow, and I picked it, sitting up on the bed. My eyes widened as I glanced at the screen.

There were messages undoubtedly from Julian. He hadn't messaged me since I left for Australia, and now, he had gotten my contact from who knows where and texted me. I felt a knot tie in my stomach as soon as I tapped on the message.

Julian: Hey Lydia, I couldn't send the details last night. Was busy. Anyways, the engagement is a week from now. Friday by 12 noon. Venue is the Blaze mansion. And the party is still in the Blaze mansion immediately after. Still hoping you'd be there.

I frowned, tossing the phone by the edge of the bed. Whatever happened last night was real after all. He was probably busy with Ava last night, to text me this morning.

I scrunched my pillow at the thought of them putting rings on each other’s fingers like they would be together for a long time.

But I had a choice. I could go to the party or fly back to Australia today. I had initially returned only for my parents anniversary, but later, I decided to stay for a year, just for Julian.

I thought he wouldn't be together with Ava. Because it was like him. His relationships never lasted up to two years, so I thought if I came back different, I would have a chance with him again.

He hadn't given me a good enough reason as to why he broke up with me. I thought he was upset because I was going far away. I thought if I returned and stayed this time, things would change. I still believe that things would change.

My bedroom door flung open, and Tanner walked in, a boutique bag in his hand.

“This is for you," he said, dropping it on the bed near my legs.

I opened it, taking out a long, slim, bright yellow gown, with a small bow at the back and a short parting by the side.

"Woah,” I exclaimed, admiring the gown. "You bought this for me, Tan?”

He glanced at me, arching his brows. "Nuh-uh girl,” he flicked his hand. "Definitely not me. Just found it outside your door with your name on it."

“Really? Just like that? No name or note from who it's from?”

He shook his head, settling on the bed. "I think there's a letter in there, though.

I glanced inside the boutique bag again, searching for a paper or envelope. I found it.

Opening it, I read its contents. The sentence was simple, yet confusing.

“Wear it to the engagement tomorrow."

But who was it from? And why did I need to wear the dress when I had options of dresses to pick from—if I would go at all.

My mind instantly flashed to Julian, and a smile appeared on my lips. He must've been the one that sent it, because he was the only one who wanted me to show up at any cost.

EZEKIEL

I didn't think she'd return for a long time, but suddenly, she showed up right in front of me, and I instantly recognised her. She still had freckles on her face, though it was less.

Every memory I had of her before she went to college was when she was shy, timid but smart. She was a nerdy freckles girl who had always loved Julian way before high school. And I had noticed it before anyone else did.

Now, she has arrived for the engagement and I stood by the corner of our large front yard, watching her look for where to sit.

Damn, she wasn't just pretty now. She was bold and breathtaking. She wore a long, bright yellow dress with a side slit that reached up to her knee. I had bought if for her because she always looked gorgeous in yellow.

All the young men's eyes were on her, watching her as she shifted in her chair, or as she pulled strands of her auburn long flowing hair away from her face.

“She's way more pretty that I had thought she would ever be," Marcus, my buddy said, standing beside me. He also went to the same school with Lia, Julian and me.

I glanced at him, and a smirk was tugging at the corner of his mouth.

"Eyes off, Marcus,” I ordered. "She's Ezekiel's.”

He instantly looked away. "Sorry, boss. I trust you can get her if you want. You're an all time playboy and girls would swoon around you anytime.”

I didn't react or smile. Being a playboy is far from this. And Lia, she wasn't the type to get swooned easily by looks or status.

####

“Will you marry me, Ava?" Julian asked, going down on one knee, gazing at her.

“Yes, I will boo," Ava responded, giggling lightly.

Julian picked Ava up from the floor, swirling her around, before dropping her and kissing her intensely.

I glanced at Lia again, my eyes narrowing. She had been shifting in her chair every minute, her head lowered.

She blinked twice, then looked up at them again. No smile, just a sad face. I was right. She really still loved him.

When the engagement was over and people began clapping, she subconsciously clapped too, stifling a smile on her face.

A few minutes later, it was time for the after party. I glanced around the living room and everyone was inside—everyone except for Lia.

I stepped outside and saw her heading towards the gate, her hand gripping the strap of her bag tightly, her legs shaking slightly.

“Freckles," I called, my voice loud. She stopped, whipping her head around to face me.

I strode towards her, my hands tucked loosely in my trouser pockets.

"Already making an escape?”

She rolled her eyes, sighing. "The engagement is already over. Besides I have somewhere else urgent to be now.”

I tilted my head, staring at her face. Her face was gloomy and devoid of happiness.. Her voice was unsteady as she talked.

"You still have to be at the after party, freckles.”

"I'm not a fan of parties. And besides, watching him put a ring on Ava's fingers is already memory enough. I don't want to witness kissing or any other annoying sight from them.”

The words slipped out of her mouth before she could stop it.

I grinned. But I would make sure she stayed back for the party.

"And what about Julian? He clearly sees you as his best friend, so what kind of best friend would you be if you didn't show up and congratulate him properly."

Guilt talking always got to her. It was the only habit she hadn't changed. And also at the mention of Julian.

For a moment, she bit upper lip, exhaling deeply. Then, with a low voice, she muttered “fine, I'll stay for the party."

I placed my hand around her lower waist, grinning. “Let's go."

She pulled away, glaring at me. “Just stay away from me, Ezekiel. Throughout the party."

She walked away, her steps quick. I stood there, gazing at her, my lips curling up in a faint smile. Having her at the party would be enough.