The Great Thing About Ships

Closure (Andie vs Joshie - Epilogue)

"Sorry guys, you two go on first. I forgot to do something for ma'am."

The two left the scene quietly, the voices of the students around filling the atmosphere.

"You okay?" His voice called her out of her thoughts, right before they reached the stairs.

"I'm doing alright," she smiled.

Walking to the office continued in the same silence, but there were a few things Judie couldn't help but notice.

She noticed that she did love his weird jokes. She did love his caring nature. She was absolutely grateful when he'd find a way to distance her away from the bastard.

But she realized this warm feeling wasn't the one to fill her heart again. Rather, it was a warm feeling that encouraged her to heal herself. It was a feeling she would compare to being surrounded by multiple puppies.

It was comfort, but it wasn't love - not romance.

And she wouldn't have it any other way.

She noticed how he fidgeted from the silence as they walked. She can tell that there were words practically at the tip of his tongue and questions swirling all around his thoughts. However, she didn't feel like potentially being lectured by a teacher for 'public display of affection' if she ends up hugging him in the middle of their little trip, and she knows she will. So the heavy silence continued as she kept a little countdown in her head, planning to talk before they enter the office.

"You're an amazing friend," she spoke up, "Thank you so much."

"Huh?"

She couldn't help but laugh, he looked like a deer caught in the headlights.

"I know you've been keeping me away from him," she explained. "And for everything actually, thank you." Her arms naturally spread out, waiting for a hug. Finally getting out of the headlights, the other chuckles and embraces her.

"I'm sorry for suddenly ignoring you before," he said.

"Gee, you just decided to apologize?" She said in a joking manner; it was kind of her way to say 'I forgive you, it's okay'. He gave a little laugh saying it was better late than never.

"Hey! No PDA in front of the chief!" They break the hug and look at their friend who looked like a dying donkey, probably from trying to run. When she finally reached the two, she put an arm around both of them and pulled the two closer to the office door.

"I'm flattered you two decided to wait for me, but we have work to edit!" She removes the arm around the tall boy to open the door, almost immediately pulling Judie inside. Josh blanked for a bit, but figured it a sign to walk in as slow as possible.

"So, how'd your talk go?" Her friend whispered.

"Talk?"

"We both know I wouldn't voluntarily tell you two to go first to do something I probably have little to no will to do."

"That is true..." She nodded, "besides, what did you end up doing? I don't remember ma'am calling you for any task in the first place."

"Well," her friend drags on. She had furrowed brows, waiting for her to continue.

"Someone was just asking an interesting question," the self-proclaimed chief shrugged. "I wanted to make sure I explained as clearly as possible." The two laughed it off, walking closer to their adviser's table where some already gathered at. It seemed Josh found a way to go pass by the two, already helping the adviser with some complications on the latter's laptop.

"You're telling me everything later," her friend reminded.

"So, what do we need to do today?"

For some reason, the feeling of relief just came over her now, as if all the boulders suddenly rolled off her shoulders.

Now she can stand and pick up her own pen. 

Now she can smile as she signs, "The End."

Now, she's ready to write a new story.