Page 4 of Rewriting the Story

“What the fuck?”

She only shrugs at her brother. “I don’t have my ruler. I had to be creative.”

I see Amelia’s mouth lift, and even though she’s smiling at Oliver’s misery, I’m glad to see it on her face.

“That’s my girl,” Grant says as he presses a kiss to Hads’ head. She leans into him ever so slightly.

It’s hard to believe those two ever hated one another, but according to Amelia, it was a whole thing—Hads and Grant not getting along. I wasn't around back then, but Mills told me the entire story of their relationship in PowerPoint format.

I was around when Paige and Oliver got together; it was obvious to me they liked one another before they got together. They even solved a murder case on campus. It was adorable—if you’re into that sort of thing. Everyone in our group still thinks they’re both insane, but it worked out okay in the end.

Paige drives slowly, but we somehow end up parking a few minutes and a silent car ride later. I thought we all had more time with each other. This is the moment I’ve been dreading since Ames told me the news.

My throat has been tight all morning, but I’m not going to cry—not in front of Amelia. She doesn't do emotions very well, and even though I’m not much of a crier, I’m going to miss her.

A lot.

We all sit silently, suspended in time. It’s almost as if each of us knows that the moment we get out, reality will crash in and, in order to keep it at bay for a little longer, everyone hesitates.

A few seconds later, Oliver opens his door, and I should have known he would be the first to get out. He keeps joking about throwing a party after Amelia leaves, but I think deep down, he’s going to miss her.

Ella, Grant, and Hads slide out next, and Grant folds his seat forward so Mills and I can get out. All of us stand outside Paige’s car in a circle, staring at one another. Awkward is an understatement, but the boys and I know this goodbye is more for the girls than us. It’s the end of an era, of them all being in the same place.

Paige hasn't even gotten out of the driver's seat yet. Oliver steps up to the door and opens it for her, but she doesn't move to get out.

“Come on, love.”

“I can’t, Ol.”

“Yes, you can. You’ll see her again. This isn't goodbye.”

I see him reach over and wipe her eyes before she slides out of her car, her shoulders slumped and her head hanging low.

She looks exactly how I feel.

“Let’s give them a second,” Oliver says as the three of us guys shift to the back of the car to grab Amelia’s suitcase. She had most of her stuff flown ahead of her, so it should already be at her place in London, courtesy of Ella’s friend Alissa, who is visiting her family over there.

“Hen, how are you feeling?” Grant asks as he pats my back.

“As expected. I knew it would be tough, but I can’t shake the feeling that something is wrong.”

“You’re probably adjusting to the air after dealing with Amelia for so long. Welcome back to Earth, buddy,” Oliver says as he drags her carry-on from the trunk.

“Ignore him. He’s going to miss her—”

Oliver cuts Grant off. “I’m sure as hell not going to miss her climbing into Paige’s bed every morning to debrief. She shoved me clean off my own girlfriend's bed and then claimed she didn't know I was there.”

I stifle a laugh. “I remember Paige doing the same thing a few times, but I was allowed to listen in. Ames didn't do that for you?”

Oliver rolls his eyes. “No. She only gave me bruises from pushing me off Paige’s bed. I sure as hell won’t be missing that.”

Fifteen minutes and lots of tears from the girls later, it’s my turn to say goodbye to her before she gets on the elevator and heads up to security.

“I’ll miss you guys. I promise not to fully disappear on you. I know I always joke about that, but I won’t,” she says, a few tears falling from her eyes.

“We’re a phone call away, Amelia. That’s all.” A stray tear falls from Hads’ eyes.

“I know,” she says before looking over at me, a strange but sorrowful look on her face. “Can we talk?”

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