Chapter 24 – Alex

It was a cloudy Friday afternoon and me and the guys were headed to the frat party Tyler told us about. It was a quick walk, since everything was on the campus and I must admit I was kind of nervous. I just never saw myself as a part of a fraternity. But it's like Jack said, there's nothing to lose.
We arrived a few minutes later, stopping in front of a huge house, with all kinds of party decorations. People were already puking on the lawn, lying there passed out, making out on the porch. We glanced at each other, all shaking our heads.
''How bout a pizza, some beers and the beach?'' Tyler asked.
''Yeah, come on. I don't wanna get puked on.'' Jack said, putting his arm over my shoulders.
Tyler took Josh's hand and we all went to a pizza place close to the beach.

''I was willing to try, I swear.'' Josh said. ''But I think it's not really my thing.''
''Yeah, I know. If I wanna get drunk and make out, I can do it, like right now!'' Jack said, laughing out loud.
''Yeah, no thanks babe, I don't want to clean your puke off me.'' I chuckled.
''Hey! I have a good alcohol tolerance.'' He replied, pinching my cheeks.

And there we were, a couple of non-party dudes, sitting on the beach, drinking beer and having pizza. Now I was the happiest I've ever been. All these high school years have gone by and Josh was always somewhere in the back of my head, making me wonder why he left and why he chose to make decisions he's made. I have never in a million years thought I would see him again, let alone in my dorm in college. I'm so lucky I have Jack, because without him I'd never grow as a person. He truly helped me be myself and taught me so much about life already, that I'm looking forward to the rest of it with him.

---
4 years later

''Well hello graduates! Congrats congrats!'' I've heard Tyler say when he took a seat next to me and Jack. It was the end of our graduation ceremony and we were sitting on the benches outside, where the people were gathering. Josh was talking to his mom and caught up quickly. He took a seat next to me, putting his hand over my shoulders.
''Who would've thought, you and me graduating together, sitting here... talking.'' He said, smiling at me. To be honest, niether have I. Like I said, I thought I would never see him again.
''Yeah, look at us. Congrats. And...'' I softly said. ''I'm really glad you're in my life. We've been through so much and I love you Josh, you're one of my best friends.'' I returned the smile, leaning my head on his shoulder.
''Likewise and... I love you too Alex.'' He said.

We have all grown up so much. At first I was so afraid of the adult life, I wanted to stay in high school forever even though I started quite rough. Having Zack by my side has made it so much easier, I mean he was my only friend at the time. Then I met Jack and started this amazing journey with him and now, now Josh is back and he brought Tyler. They are both amazing and I'm happy we're all friends and got to spend 4 amazing years together. I will never be the same after this.
''Hey hey hey, look at you! The graduate!'' I heard a familiar voice say. The voice I've missed too much. I turned around to see Zack.
''Oh my god! You're shitting me!'' I said and ran to him, hugging him as tight as I could.
I felt tears already forming in my eyes and I hate to be the one to cry but I just couldn't help myself. I haven't seen Zack in a while now.
''You're here! Why didn't you tell me?'' I said, my voice almost shaking.
''It wouldn't be a surprise if I told you, now would it.'' He said, wiping my tears. ''Oh, Alex. Don't cry, I missed you too!'' He said, pulling me into another hug.
''Jack skyped me, told me when you were graduating. Sorry I missed the ceremony, my plane was delayed.'' He apologized.
''Jesus, I don't care, you're here now! Oh my god.'' I looked at Jack and asked myself, what did I do to be blessed with this amazing human being.
''Hey Josh, long time!'' Zack said, shaking his hand, giving him a hug.
''Yeah, it's been forever. How've you been?'' Josh asked him. He then introduced Tyler and they started some small talk.
''So, how does it feel?'' Jack asked me, taking a seat next to me.
''Honestly, it feels pretty damn good.'' I replied. His eyes met mine and he took my hand.
''Now I was thinking about this for a while, killing my thoughts, figuring out the best way.'' His hand reached into his pocket. I was not expecting this at all.
''This here is a promise ring, so don't freak out. I know it's not the most romantic way to go, but it's not a big deal yet and I wanted to give you this as a graduation present.'' I gasped, smiling the widest I have ever smiled. He handed me the litle box that I opened two seconds later. Inside I found a silver ring, very simple, with our initials and the date of graduation engraved on the inside of it.
''Oh Jack, this is... wow!'' I mumbled. I couldn't believe it!
''I love you and I just wanted to let you know I'm not letting go of you anytime soon, soooo... try it on. I hope it fits.'' He said. I put the ring on my finger and guess what... it was a perfect fit.
''Awh, it looks great!'' He leaned in, kissed me on the lips and then shouted.
''Guys! She said yes!'' I was flushed but I didn't care. Tyler, Zack and Josh gather around us, whistling, cheering and clapping.
''Oh my god!'' I said, covering my face with my hands.
''Oh damn, look at the ring.'' Tyler said. ''Congrats Alex, I'm happy for you two.''
Tyler was always so sincere, I was happy Josh had someone like him, he deserves someone like Tyler.
''Thank you.'' I replied, staring at my ring. It was a promise ring but the feeling was unreal.

Luck has finally found me. I had Zack, my best friend since I can remember.
I had Jack, the best boyfriend I could ask for, not my first love, but it's definitely my last. Jack brought Rian, an amazing guy I was honoured to being friends with.
Josh came back into my life and after thinking I'd never see him again, there we were, 6 years later, graduating together, being friends that we shoudl've stayed for all these years. Then there was Josh's little bean Tyler, the most real guy I've met and they were just perfect together.
There we were, wondering and looking forward to what life has in store for us.
Curious what's next to come.
But we were certain about one thing; we will always have each other.
And as long as we do, everything will be okay.
As long as we do, we can get through anything.

Notes

This is the last chapter, I will end this story with an epilogue.
It has been quite a ride and I'm always emotional when I end my fanfics, but hey... there will be more, that's a promise!

I want to thank you all for bringing this story to life, giving me lots of love and nice feedback, you inspire me and without you, this story would just be empty words. Thank you for reading, 11k reads, that's HUGE.

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