37. A Day

3 Years Later...

In the last few years, time has literally flown by. It's almost been a blur for me.

It was only at the end of the year, would I actually realise this. In the midst of all the work and exams, I would think that time was going really slow, almost to the point I couldn't stand it. However, when the term was over, I would think where did the time go.

I had left for college before we moved into the new house. My parents wanted me to leave from our home, assuming that it would be easier and so that there wouldn't be too much moving around.

At first, it was hard knowing this was the last time I would be leaving this house, since I would be moving to a new one.

It took a while for us to all adjust to the new surroundings. For a while, I didn't even call it home, it was just 'the new house' to me.

When I came back for the holidays the first time, that's when I tried to decorate properly. I tried to make it my own and I think that really helped.

However, what really helped the change was introducing a new family member. Not a sibling, but a pet. We adopted a German Shepard puppy, naming him Rocky.

Initially, we thought about possibly adopting a guard dog, but then we saw this cute little guy, with his black and brown fur and deep brown eyes, we just couldn't say no to him. He was an immediate favourite.

Every time that I would come home for the holiday, he would just want to play with me, sleeping by the foot of my bed for those nights. He was the cutest.

The entire college experience was quite an odd one, but so great at the same time.

I was so glad to have Sara and Chris with me, since I never really felt lonely. Our second year, the three of us even shared an apartment together, which was so fun. We went to some amazing parties, even threw some ourselves, which occasionally got a bit out of hand, but it was still worth it.

Throughout my studies, I made some new friends as well. At first, it was a little weird forming a new group of friends. I couldn't help think back to my friends from high-school. It was just different.

After three years we were all still pretty much in contact with each other, but just not as much as before, which is understandable I guess, although it was a little sad.

Of course, I was still pretty close to Danny. He was still at school and had a lot of learning to go through. His journey of being a doctor, still continued. I just couldn't wait to see him in scrubs, he'll look so handsome.

During college, I was asked out by a couple of guys, but I turned it down each time. After Liam and then Holden, I think I needed a break. I just wanted to focus on my work and my friends right now, I didn't want to add someone else into the loop.

Honestly, I don't think that I could add someone else into the loop.

Although, it worked out for me. As I seemed to have thrown myself into my studies, it actually proved to be a good thing, since I graduated with honours.

I knew after my high-school graduation, that my parents would be emotional and embarrassing during graduation at college, and they did not disappoint at all.

My Mum couldn't stop crying and my Dad shouted out 'that's my girl' when my name was read out, as I walked on stage. I'll be honest, it was really sweet and I loved seeing them so happy, I just wish their happiness was slightly more contained.

Three years had just seemingly flown by and I couldn't help but wonder, would it continue to do so?

***

It had been a few days since I moved back completely, with all of my stuff.

Mum was not happy about the mess in my room that occurred when all my stuff came back from college. Somehow, I've managed to accumulate a load of crap without realising, sorting and organising it has become tiresome.

Even Rocky left my room, probably bored of watching me struggle.

I've spent an hour doing this and it still feels like no progress has been made. I need some music.

Grabbing my laptop, I was just about to put on some music until I saw an email notification appear on my screen. I see Liam's name attached to it, before it disappeared.

I saw there was an attachment and immediately realised what it was.

Over the last few years, I managed to say in touch with both Liam and Julie.

I wasn't really sure how that happened, not that I was intentionally trying to avoid it or anything, but I had assumed it'd just go that route, but it didn't.

Liam and I would text or call each other occasionally, or even just send posts on social media. We stayed connected. He would even sent me pictures of our town, like when it snowed and everything just looked so beautiful.

A couple of times, he'd drive up to see me and we'd grab lunch. It was sweet, because he knew I wasn't a massive fan of driving long distance - mostly because if something went wrong on the way, I'd have no idea how to fix it. Plus, our parents still liked to get together for dinners, like when we were younger, which we would also go to.

With Julie, she seemed determined to keep in touch. We'd FaceTime each other so often and even visit each other. Julie came over to see me a few times and I'd surprise her the same. She made sure to give me a full tour and we visited some amazing restaurants that were near her.

I liked that we remained friends. I was especially grateful for her when I had modules related to maths and Julie would tutor me over FaceTime some nights, like the sweet soul that she is. In return, I send her a little care package.

A few days ago, I received a call from Liam.

Other than his weird pleasantries, he asked me if I could attend Julie's graduation, which would be around next week. He was obviously going to be the nice boyfriend and be there, but he also wanted me to come for some reason. He said that there was no pressure to attend but that he'd like me there and knew that Julie would too.

I hadn't exactly made my mind up about going, but I guess Liam just sent me the attachment anyway, since it was titled 'If it's a yes'.

I was just in two minds about the whole thing, since I saw both pros and cons of going.

As I stared at my laptop, my phone began to buzz with Danny's name flashing on the screen. Without even picking up, I knew what this would be about.

"Hello-"

"Have you made your mind up?" Danny asked, as soon as I answered the call.

I let out a deep sigh. "No, Danny. I haven't."

The day I got the call from Liam, asking if I would attend, I happened to be with Sara and Danny. Sara and I were trying to pack, whereas Danny was helping, which is when he overheard my conversation.

"I don't get why you're even considering this," Danny spoke up.

"Plenty of people go to their friends graduations," I told him, placing my laptop beside me on the bed.

I could practically hear him roll his eyes at me. "Well, this isn't just a friends' graduation."

"Why do you keeping making a meaning out of things that aren't there?" I asked him.

"Why do you keep insisting they aren't there?" He argued back.

Danny has this idea that I still may have feelings for Liam, even thought I insist that I don't. I mean, after Julie and Liam got together, there was a brief period that it was hard for me. It hurt and I won't deny that, but I'm over it now. I...I'm not in love with him.

In the last three year, I haven't been on a date, but that doesn't necessarily mean anything. I'm just not willing to try again, at least not yet.

The entire concept of trial and error seems great for scientific experiments and learning to ride a bike, but it's a little harder when it comes to putting yourself out there.

"Rena, what are you doing?" He asked me. If he was in front of me, I bet he would be rubbing the creases on his forehead.

"Listening to you," I replied.

"Don't be cute," Danny replied.

Despite the serious conversation, I couldn't help but grin. "Can't help it."

"You're going to get hurt," Danny stated, after which there was a slight pause. He'd always been blunt about things, so I wasn't too surprised by the way he said this, but it did take me back a little.

As if sensing my conflicted emotions, Rocky padded back into the room, placing his head into my lap. I gently stroked his fur, smiling at the way his tail wagged. He's such a good dog.

"It's just a graduation," I told Danny. I didn't think I had made my decision, but maybe I subconsciously did.

"No, Serena. It's not just a graduation and we both know that," he replied, so sure of his words.

"Danny, it's fine. I'll be fine," I tried to assure him.

"If you say so," he said, before pausing for a moment. "But you better have this same attitude for when we get there."

I mainly focused on one word he said. "We?" I questioned him.

"You're going to need someone," he said instantly, as if there was no question about it. "Whether it's to hold your hand or tell you 'I told you so'."

This caused me to let out a chuckle. "I don't think anyone ever wants to hear that."

"I hope you know what you're doing, Rena," Danny spoke up.

Again, I laughed. "Not a clue."

With all other things in my life, I would know what I'm doing, I would do it. Or at least, I tried to make that a habit. Feelings...well, I just don't really know how to deal with those it seems. I haven't quite mastered that skill yet.

"You're an idiot, cupcake," Danny said, but with amusement in his tone.

"I know," I smiled, knowing it was true.

After talking to Danny a little more, I ended the call.

Rocky, the mind-reading dog apparently, could sense that I was still conflicted. He let out a whine and I smiled at him.

Slipping down from my bed, I rested my back against the side and let Rocky just lean down onto my lap, providing some comfort.

I believed whatever I had said to Danny. I know I'll be fine and it will all be okay and yet...no. I'm going to remain positive. This doesn't have to be something with deeper meaning, it just one day.

Although I forgot...

A lot can happen within a day.