It's Always Been You

1.

'"What would you do, if given a second chance?"

A short story about the one who almost got away, inspired by the trailer and release of the final instalment of the steamy romantic After franchise.

'It's Always Been You'

I feel like my head is going to explode.

"Come on, man," Aidan—my best friend and royal pain in my ass—says as his elbow jams into my side. "It's been ages since you've been out. I've missed ya."

Aiden's hair is long and dishevelled, and he combs his hand through it, making it stand up in even more odd angles. His eyes meet mine, morphing into a pleading look as he holds out a red cup full of a dark liquid that smells like bourbon. My favourite drink.

I exhale. It's true. It has been a long time since I've been out. If someone told me two years ago that I would be staying in most Friday nights, asleep by ten, I would have laughed. It was unheard of back then. But everything is different now. I feel empty, cold, like nothing really matters anymore. Ever since my break up six months ago...it's been difficult. Like my life went from full, vivid colour to black and white.

Loneliness gnaws deep in my bones as I sweep my eyes around the room, seeing more unfamiliar faces than known. I used to know everyone. Other than Aiden, there isn't a single person here I feel like I can walk up to and strike a conversation with.

Being on my own, living the single life—it's what I thought I wanted. Needed.

Turns out, all I needed was her.