The End

♔♔♔

THE GOLDEN DAWN signaled the start of a brand new day. It was gleaming bright, spilling luminous light across the sandy shores, illuminating the walls of our beach villa. The sunlight crept into every crevice it could reach, dancing across ceilings and climbing each wall. Outside my window, the sun had just risen above the horizon, hovering above the fine line that separated the ocean and the sky, both equally blue.

Gulls could be heard gathering on the sand, some gliding through the skies as they searched for food that would fill their bellies. With the rise of the sun, the creatures had come to life and it was time for me to rise too.

I slid off the bed, throwing the sheets off of me before shuffling down the corridor and into the kitchen. The rest of the house was mostly silent, its inhabitants most likely still asleep after a long day yesterday. However, as I crept nearer to the kitchen, I could hear the clinging of cups and plates, along with some hushed whispers. It was only after I turned the corner had I realized that it was Xavier, still clad in his sleepwear, swaying lightly to the beat of his music that streamed from his phone.

He had a few plates and cutlery laid out on the dining table, spatula in hand and a frying pan in another. On the kitchen counter sat a few eggs that rocked back and forth as if threatening to roll off the surface and onto the floor.

Seeing Xavier standing there made my blood freeze. I woke up with the thought that after last night's talk with Harr, I could finally put everything down and tuck it away. However, with Xavier now in front of me, I realized that was impossible. There was no way for me to run away and hide from the problems that plagued my mind. Sometimes, the best way to deal with it was to face it head-on.

Now, do I run and hide or do I muster up some courage to walk forward?

Xavier spun around before I could even make a decision. He wore a bright smile reminiscent of the morning light, grinning brightly and waving once he caught sight of me. I hadn't even realized it until I felt the metal of the necklace chain prick my palm. My hands had automatically reached for the charm that dangled from my neck again.

"Morning, Aiko!" He greeted.

It seemed to be a sacred routine at this point. Smile, adorn a mask, do not show your feelings.

"Good morning," I returned. "You seem awfully chipper today."

"That's because I am." Turning back to the counter, he washed one of the mugs that were available, swiftly filling it up with warm water from a jug before passing it over. I took it slowly, careful not to let my fingers touch his. "It's hard not to be happy when all I've ever wanted is finally in my arms. And it's all thanks to you."

"I wouldn't dare to take all the credit." Sipping at the warm water, I placed it on the table once I was done. "You worked hard as well."

"Yes, but I don't think I would've been able to do it without your help. And Harr, of course, but don't tell him I said that."

Xavier reached up, rubbing his head sheepishly, a faint blush creeping onto the apples of his cheeks.

"I just wrote a simple guidebook, that's all." I shrugged.

"Ah yes, the guidebook."

All of a sudden, the air between us grew tense. Xavier grew serious, standing up a little straighter, expression tight and grim with his fists clenched at his sides.

"As promised, I'm prepared to do anything in exchange for your help, as a fee."

My eyebrows shot up, lips parting a little in shock at Xavier's sudden bold proclamation. The look of determination that glazed over his eyes was accompanied by a stroke of bravery, almost as if he believed I would have him accomplish bizarre requests as a fee. Truthfully, I had already forgotten about the fee. The time where I had asked for it seemed so long ago. I had put it off because I couldn't think of anything I wanted back then but now I could think of too many, all of which were unreasonable requests.

One of them stood out more than the others. A route of pure selfishness, self-indulgence, and perhaps even vanity. The first thought that flitted through my head was just that and I had to consciously seal my lips just so I wouldn't actually put it into verbal words.

Tell me you love me. Even if it's a lie, indulge me just this once.

I wore a mirthless smile, praying that Xavier wouldn't notice the underlying emotions. Reaching out, I clenched my hands into a fist, lightly tapping him on the shoulder. "Treat Jules well. That's my request."

Xavier was a face full of grins, lighting up as brightly as the Fourth of July. He nodded, lips pressed together tightly and eyes glittering, humming under his breath. His own hand raised, fingers stretched before pressing his index finger right above his brow in a mock salute.

"You have my word. I wouldn't dare to dream of anything else," he swore.

"That's all I want to hear."

'Just a second more, Aiko,' I thought to myself. 'Don't crack now.'

Despite my reminders, I could feel my expression slipping from my grasp. The perfected control I had over every smile, every look, every laugh had finally snapped.

"Is that breakfast you're preparing?" I asked instead, turning his attention away from me and back to the ingredients laid out on the kitchen counter.

Xavier turned on his heel, picking up an egg and lightly tossed it in his hands before catching it, repeating the action a few times.

"Yup. I've actually been practicing a little by myself. I want to be someone Jules can depend on. And honestly, I still want to thank both you and Harr for everything. So breakfast is on me today." He turned his head back to face me, grinning broadly and flashing his pearly white teeth. "Why don't you catch a few more minutes of rest? I'll get you guys down when breakfast is ready."

I didn't argue with that. After all, there was only so much pressure a mask could hold before disintegrating into a fine cloud of dust.

"Can't wait!" I replied before quickly turning around to leave, not allowing Xavier a chance to reply, not that he seemed he would.

It was just that I could no longer hold it in. The second I turned, I felt a treacherous tear slip from the corner of my eye, dripping past my lips and onto my arm. I brushed it away quickly, scuttling back into my room before locking the door.

Thankfully, I didn't run into anyone else after that.

♕♕♕

Xavier knocked on all of our doors about two hours later. By then, the smell of eggs and bacon had already wafted through the entire building, accompanied by the aroma of freshly roasted coffee beans and brewed tea. The four of us gathered around the dining table, all at awe that Xavier managed to whip up such a delightful assortment of breakfast foods. There were scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, breakfast pizzas, and even light watery porridge accompanied by various side dishes.

When we were all seated, food laid out before us and a cup of drink in hand, conversations started to fly. Everything returned to just as it was the day before, laughter echoing through the halls of our holiday home, occasionally supplemented by the gushing waves right outside our doorstep or the call of the seagulls in the skies above.

I had been too upset, too immersed in grief and self-pity to realize that this was all I ever needed. The sight before me was enough and now I know that there was nothing else I wanted.

My friends, all gathered and laughing together, bellies full of good food, a nice shelter over our heads, and paired with great sceneries before us all. My best friend was happy, finally allowed some joy to enter her life in the form of newfound love. I made new connections, formed new friendships that would last me quite possibly forever. I had people by my side that loved me dearly for who I was, that cared for me more than I could ever know.

Seeing the smiles on their faces, hearing the peals of laughter they belted, feeling the warmth their hearts shared. That was all I would ever need in my life.

Yellow, the color of friendship and of farewells. The necklace hanging from my neck no longer felt as heavy as it did before.

With the glowing sun that was now well in the sky, a new morning had begun. The previous chapter of my life, the one that brought forth lessons, mourning, heartbreak, and loss had finally come to a close. The time spent had been exactly like summer; beautiful, bright, warm, and immensely colorful despite all the storms that came along with it.

Be that as it may, time passes and with time, wounds heal. There's still another chapter waiting for me and I'll move on just like any other in this world. For now, I'm satisfied with where I stood.

My best friend finally got her happily-ever-after.

And that's the guide on how to love Jules Everett.

————

social media:

instagram: twelvewonderingstars

twitter: aurorayeo

facebook: twelvewonderingstars