Even though I was feeling so many things at the moment, I felt something was amiss. Finally, I realized Gabby was nowhere to be found.
I tapped Taylor. "Where's Gabby?"
"Oh...she went outside with Jeremy."
"She what?!"
"She didn't want to worry you."
"Well, I am. We were going to talk to him together. Where is she?"
"She's on the balcony..."
I stopped Taylor in mid-sentence and dragged him to the door. He clearly didn't think this was a good idea. I knew eavesdropping was bad, but the second Gabby looked upset, I was going in there.
Silence reigned as Jeremy and I stood outside. Neither one of us could meet the other's eyes. Finally, I cleared my throat.
"Um...I'm glad you came."
"Me too," Jeremy answered quietly.
"Look, Jeremy. We both hurt each other very deeply in the past with the things we did to one another. I used to think about it a lot. There have been things I needed to say to you for a long time. I think, if we'd both decided that we really needed our friendship, we would have been all right. The way we broke up was not good, and the many arguments we had were for nothing. They only caused pain. I never received the apology I truly feel I should get. I think I deserve a big one...a serious one face-to-face. But I'll never get one. I wanted to tell you that, despite a missing apology, I have forgiven you for the past and I have also forgiven myself. We're both at equal blame here. I forgive you."
I took a deep breath and quietly turned away. "Wait, Gabby."
I turned around.
"I guess I never truly wanted you for my friend. I may have thought of you as someone whom I could hurt and would always be there. You showed me clearly that we were both wronged in our actions. I owe you the biggest apology that would last forever for what I did to you. But I guess it's too late for that. We never deserved each other romantically, but we could have been best friends. And I'm truly sorry I could never be your friend, because you're a special person."
"We can still be friends. Everyone needs a friend," I told him quietly. He nodded and turned away.
"Thanks, Gabby...for everything."
"You're welcome."
"And Gabby?"
"Yeah?"
Jeremy studied me for a second. "Isaac deserves you. You two were meant to be."
I heard his footsteps disappear inside. I looked up at the sky, fighting away sudden tears. If only things had been that simple ten years ago. I didn't really get my apology, but now that chapter in my life was permanently closed.
"Well said, Gabby," Isaac's voice came from behind. I closed my eyes and let a few tears fall. "Are you all right?"
I nodded, not trusting myself to speak.
"You want to get back to Ellie and Zac?"
"Yeah." I turned around and meant to walk right past him so he wouldn't see me, but he grabbed my hand. He simply pulled me into a hug and didn't say a word.
Isaac followed Gabby inside. She walked right past me to Ellie, who turned and asked what happened. "Is she okay?" I asked my brother.
"I think it just shook her up with what was said out there. It's a big emotional release. She's gonna be all right. I truly think so."
