27| epilogue

I was finally dead.

They tried to save my life, shock after shock.

I was gone.

Every body's tears felt like hot water on my skin. I don't know if it was real or if I just imagined that.  Probably the second. I think I was at peace.

I could no longer feel and that somehow made me me happy. It was something I once hated- I was numb, a good numb? Is there really such a thing?

Well, whatever it was, I didn't mind it. These past years of my years have been a rollercoaster of emotions, most bad but at least I had some good. Maybe not everything had gone to waste.

I'm sure everyone had forgotten about me.

In a way, it made me content. It used make me feel like I was nothing, it made me feel lonely, helpless and hopeless. It was most definitely the opposite now.

I was happier.

I rest assured knowing even though they all cried, they'd be okay. They'd heal.

No matter how long it took, they'd be happy.

And fortunately for them, they didn't have to wait so long.

"Girl you have to wake up!" I groan, rubbing my eyes a bit.

"You guys are acting like I'm getting married or something," I roll my eyes, finally sitting upright.  "Well, aren't you?" I shoot Levine a blank stare. "I still have a life to live," I state as a matter- of- factly.

"It's your 21st birthday, come on!"

"Okay, okay, calm down," I chuckle and Levine shoots up brightly. "Oh and, make sure the Dj is sick," I say.

"Serine Williams, I am offended," She holds a hand against her chest. "Do you who I am? I am life of the party, I plan it, I do it, and I show out. How could you?"

"I won't don't it again," I raise my hands up in surrender. "You better not. You got my blood pressure going through the roof," I roll my eyes  as she continues her dramatic ramble.

***

I saw a lot of familiar faces as I entered through the curtain.

Dramatic Levine for you.

It made me so happy that everyone was here.

Genesis was here, she looked absolutely stunning with her natural curls reaching her lower back. I swore I could still spot her little freckles. She was in a silk orange dress that looked like it was made for her.

Lesley, the girl who looked good in black, was in black. Her now short black hair, had red highlights from the back. She had her leather jacket on her shoulder, a tube top and leather pants. I even spot Kelly. Her blonde hair was in beach waves, she wore a white cami dress. They made an even bigger pop on her blue eyes - I think this the best I've described Kelly.

The minute my eyes land on Williams, I beam. I see Conor and every one of my classmates. Even Angelo who was now speaking with Kelly, she had just laughed at something he just said and he was smiling.

I was happy for them, genuinely. I just hoped it'd actually go somewhere. For both they're sakes. I still don't know how it crosses my mind. How I never  knew she felt something for him.

Oh well.

The Dj hits the music and Mr Dj by Rihanna comes on.

Every body starts getting comfortable and people start dancing. "You. Look. Gorgeous," William hugs me and I smile. All I was dressed in was a sparkly, black slit dress. It was a very revealing dress, but I loved it.

"William, have you seen yourself?" I eye William, they wore a see through, long sleeve crop kind of top - with sparkles all over.

"You're literally serving?"

"We're serving hun,"

"Yass! I love this energy," Genesis joins and engulfs me in a big hug. "You look absolutely stunning and your gift, I hope you love it,"

Right, I'm sure Levine made everyone bring something.

"I'm sure I will and honey, you look just as gorgeous," I say honestly. Then my eyes see something. Or rather someone, I almost think I imagine it.

I couldn't believe it.

I just couldn't.

I could hear my own heart beat race in my ears, it's like time had stopped and I was dreaming.

She walks, hand in  hand with Darek who's radiating with happiness. It's been a while since I'd seen him so alive and refreshed. It was like he had never gone through all that suffering all those nights.

She keeps walking towards me but I don't move. "Well? Aren't you going to give me big ol' hug?" I don't hesitate and wrap my arms around her and she does the same and a tear escapes my eyes. I exhale deeply,  everything else around me not mattering.

"Who still says ol'?" I chuckle with a playful eye roll "It can only be you, Sarah."

And as if it wasn't enough, Levine joins us.

Everything, was falling back into its place.

***

"At least you didn't have a boring life without me,"

"Sarah don't you dare, without you, everything fell apart. Literally." I say. "What  ever happened with, you know who,"

"Suicide." I mutter. "He killed himself, thinking I was already gone."

"Okay, let's stop with all the sappy stuff, let's leave the past in the past, yeah?"

"In with new, out with the old," We all say in unison. "Evening ladies," I turn my head and make eyes contact with  familiar brown eyes.

Was that- he was- I look at Levine and she innocently shrugs, winking at me. "Enzo?"

"Oh well, we have places to be and guests to feed," Nina says and they all disappear.

They definitely planned this.

I shake my head, not believing this. "I'm glad you have your friend back, Serine. I almost couldn't make it happen,"

I take second to think about what he just said. "Wait- you knew Sarah?"

"As much as our mothers knew each other, yes,"

"Wow. It really is, such a small world,"

"Oh remember those shoes you left?"

"Huh?"

"Rooftop? College party? Ring a bell?"

"Right..." I trial off only remembering that but not the shoes. "Well, happy birthday," he hands me a box, that had a red wrap and gold bow on it. I place my glass  on the table and open the gift slowly.

Inside I find a box, Versace.

I look at him before opening the box itself, a tiny gasp escapes my lips once  I see the pair of heels.

"Happy birthday, Cinderella," he winks at me.

"I still prefer, Serine."

I don't know why- but I just felt special. Like the only girl in the world, at this moment.

For the first time, not like the victim of someone else.