Page 3 of Rewriting the Story

“Like what?”

“Your walls are down, and I’m going to take advantage of this time. If you want to say a bunch of other really kind things, then—”

“Shut up.” I push on his chest.

“Ah, there’s my girl.”

For the rest of the morning, Henry and I enjoy one another's company before we host everybody at his apartment for game night. It’s a fairly normal day, but it reminds me of what’s really important in life.

1

Then — The Day After Graduation

“It was the end and none of us knew what to do. We knew we were surrounded by reality, but none of us wanted to admit the end was near.” —In A Room With Death,Henry Hayes

IconsidertellingPaigeto flip the car over; it would be a whole lot better than where we’re headed.

Today is the day Amelia leaves for London. I wish we had more time, but it has officiallyrun out.

When she told me she got her dream job in London working for National Geographic, my heart stopped. I knew that was her goal, but I also assumed it would be something a little closer to home.

She never even told me she applied to the London office, and the wind was knocked out of me when I found out.

But this is what she wants, and the two of us agreed to make long distance work.

I’m simultaneously excited for her and disappointed in what this means for us. I know she’s always felt this itch to leave, but some days, it feels like I’m going to miss her more than she’ll miss me. I know that’s not true. I know she’ll miss me; she’s just not very good at showing it.

It’s going to be fine.

“Paige, turn this song up! We need to have one more car performance before you leave, Ames,” Ella says from in front of me.

We’re all tightly packed into Paige’s Jeep as we head to the airport. By all of us, I mean, the book club girls—Hads, Paige, Ella, and Amelia…or Mills or Ames. There's no shortage of nicknames with these women. Paige and Oliver take up the front row while Grant and Hads sit in the middle. Her head rests on his shoulder, and I fight the jealousy that they get to continue their relationship like this, that Hads isn’t flying across the world away from Grant.

I’m the third boyfriend inaugurated into this circle of girls who became friends over books, and I wear my title with honor.

These four are something special; anyone can see that. Books may have brought them together, but that has morphed into something much stronger, and I know this transition is going to be tough. With Amelia in London for who knows how long, she’s going to miss book club every Wednesday. I assume she'll still call to discuss with them, but I know it won’t be the same. I have to keep reminding myself she is leavingallof us. It’s not going to be easy, but I feel lucky to be surrounded by people who will feel the same way I do.

“Ella, I’m not in the mood to perform,” Paige says, her voice breaking. Paige already cried twice today, and my heart breaks for her.

Amelia and Paige have been glued to one another since freshman year, when they randomly got assigned as roommates. They’ve lived together for the past four years, and I’ve never seen two people so opposite from one another who fit so well.

Our group has been through hell and back this year, and I’m excited to finally be starting life with them all by my side.

Amelia won’t be with me, but she’ll still be here in spirit.

She’s been a little too quiet on the drive to the airport. I don’t think she’s rethinking her decision—once she makes up her mind, it’s hard to change it—but something is wrong.

Instead of pressing her on it, I slip my hand into hers and softly squeeze.

“Paigey, come on.” Grant pokes his head through the center console. “I know for a fact you’ll feel better after the chorus.”

“He’s absolutely right! And I need someone to duet with. Everyone knows Grant can’t sing that high.”

He throws his hands up. “Ells, as your go-to karaoke partner, I’m hurt but—”

“But as a human, you understand. Hearing you sing octaves higher than your voice when you don’t actually know the words is like hearing a chicken's neck get snapped,” Oliver says. A little harsh, but he is right.

“Oliver, be nice.” Hads grabs his seatbelt, stretches it out, then lets go of it. A loudthwackrings through the car.

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