Runaway Kat

2 YEARS LATER:

I stared down at the invitation in my hands; and frowned. I hadn’t spoken to them in two years; yet they still invited me? I didn’t deserve the invite after all that we’d been through. I felt guilty for going; but I felt worse when I considered not going.

I took in the beautifully written words on the invitation, and sighed.

You are invited to the wedding of:

Roxanne Emily Chelsea Keeler

&

Zachary Steven Merrick.

I had to go. Even if I was reluctant to see the faces of my past; I owed it to them to go. After all, we were incredibly close at one point; I’d feel incredibly pathetic if I skipped out on it. She’d been dreaming of this day for years for goodness sake!

So, I smoothed down my pale blue dress, and matted down my now blonde hair; and stepped into the church. I made sure to avoid any form of contact with anyone I knew by sitting at the back. The church was basically full now; Zack was anxiously waiting at the end of the alter.

My eyes shifted to the three figures standing beside him, patting him with re-assurance. But my eyes only took two of the figures in. My breath hitched in my throat; two long, agonising years of not seeing them was hard. But seeing them now was harder. I made sure to avoid eye-contact too; just in case somebody recognised me.

I said I’d watch the wedding, but I was out of here as quickly as possible after that. No way am I staying for the reception- there would be half the amount of people there, so there was more chance of me being spotted.

And that’s when the traditional music started. Everyone stood; and I turned slightly. Roxy was descending the aisle in a beautiful white dress; and I couldn’t help but smile sentimentally. She looked absolutely breath-taking! Raven and Kara followed her in deep red dresses; they were obviously her bridesmaids. I smiled sadly.

We all took our seats once more; and I watched the ceremony begin.

“Do you; Roxanne Emily Chelsea Keeler take Zachary Steven Merrick as your lawfully wedded husband?”

“I do.”

“And you do; Zachary Steven Merrick take Roxanne Emily Chelsea Keeler as your lawfully wedded wife?”

“I do.”

I beamed.

“With the power vested in me; I pronounce you, husband and wife! You may kiss the bride.” They sealed the deal with a ceremonial kiss; and the crowd roared with cheer and happiness. I knew now that I needed to escape; because I just knew I’d be spotted soon.

My assumptions were correct.

“Katerina?” I froze, and looked up. I let out a sigh of relief.

Shane Abbots.

Phew.

“Goodness it’s been a while! Two years? Your hair is blonde!” He laughed, and I fake-laughed alongside him. “Yeah, too long.” I replied, looking edgily around. “Raven will be stoked that you’re here.” I looked at him in alarm. “Whatever you do; you can’t tell them I’m here!” He frowned, and was about to question why, but I silenced him. “You just can’t! I can’t let them know-”

“Kat?” I cringed, and turned to see the bride herself; beaming at me. “YOU MADE IT!” She squealed; and I couldn’t help but feel happy. “Couldn’t miss it could I Mrs. Merrick?” She giggled; and pulled me into a tight hug. “How have you been?” She asked pity evident in her eyes. “I’ve been fine; don’t you worry.” I laughed.

“Alex has got a girlfriend now.”

“Lucky him.” I was happy that he’d found the strength to pull himself through the hell I’d put him through. He didn’t deserve it.

“Jack’s basically gone celibate though.”

“Oh?” Now that was something I couldn’t believe.

“Hm and I’m really sorry for doing this.”

“What?” I frowned.

She grasped my arm, and indicated for someone to come over.

“What’s up Roxy; congratulations by the way girlfrienddddd!”

Oh God. Oh God; Oh God.

Jack.

“Who’s the pretty blonde?” He asked; and Roxy forcefully turned me on the spot. His eyes met mine; and I watched those familiar warm brown eyes widened.

“K-Kat?” He stammered; and I cringed, knowing that Jack was one of two I was trying to avoid.

“Hey... Jack.” I said slowly; and before I had the chance to say anything else; he grabbed me and brought me into a heart-wrenching hug. Roxy quickly disappeared.

“It’s been a while eh?” He said, trying to make this humorous.

“2 years.” I squeaked; and he nodded slowly.

“Too long. How err, have you been?” He said awkwardly.

“Oh, I’ve been good. You?” I asked.

“I’ve got better.” He told me; and I knew he was referring to the incident two years ago.

“Have you heard about Alex then?”

“And his new girlfriend; yeah.”

“Been 8 months now.”

“Um; lucky him.”

I shifted my weight from my foot to the other; feeling uncomfortable.

And that’s when Alex looked in my direction. He did a double-take, and I immediately looked away. The blonde girl tucked under his arm looked at me with a frown; but I didn’t dare meet her curious gaze.

“She’s called Mary. She’s nice.” Jack’s voice brought me back to reality.

“Oh.” Was all I could say.

“Hey, Kat.”

I inwardly cringed. God had it in for me today. I looked up with Alex with a forced smile. “Hey, Alex.” I said slowly, and his girlfriend looked at me expectantly. “Oh, Kat this Mary Hobbs; Mary this is Kat Jacobs.” Her eyes widened in recognition.

“You’re the one Jack won’t shut up about!” She exclaimed; before smacking a hand over her mouth. I looked at Jack with a raised eyebrow; to see his face was bright red in embarrassment. I felt so awkward knowing this girl had no clue her boyfriend has been in love with me nearly 2 years ago.

“Oh, um; nice?” I said; unable to come up with anything more creative.

What could I say?

“Anyway, I’ve got to go now. It was lovely seeing you two boys again; and it was great meeting you Mary.” I told them.

“You’re not coming to the reception?” They all asked simultaneously.

I shook my head.

“You have to come; please?!” Jack begged.

And me being so weak; immediately gave in.

I sat at one of the reception tables; stabbing a piece of cake. I eyed Alex and Mary dancing, and saw the look of pure joy and happiness on his face. I sighed. I was happy that he’d found somebody better suited for him.

Someone cleared their throat behind me, and I jumped in surprise. Jack giggled childishly; while I pouted in return.

“Care to dance madam?” He asked in a terrible British accent; and I laughed with a snort before accepting. “I would be delighted kind sir.” He took my hand and led me to the dance floor; before wrapping his arms around me; whilst I secured mine around the back of his neck.

I blushed at our close contact.

“So... Any boyfriends?” I choked on imaginary food.

“No! Any girlfriends?” I asked edgily.

“No...” He told in reply; and I felt relief course through me.

“Good.” My eyes widened as I realised what I said. “I don’t mean that, I meant to say something else, I; err... Crap.” I cursed; bowing my head. He listed it up with his finger; and looked me in the eyes.

“Don’t worry; I was thinking exactly the same thing when you said no.” I blushed again.

“So you know... Let’s start again. Hi, I’m Jack Barakat.”

“Katerina Jacobs.”

“Well, you look beautiful tonight might I say.”

“You may.”

He grinned impishly.

“I think I see something happening.” He winked.

My heart fluttered; and I gazed lovingly into his eyes.

“Like what?” I whispered.

“Something... Beyond imagination.” He replied seductively back, and I shivered.

Oh goodness; here we go again!

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CANT BELIEVE IT'S ENDED :)

Thanks to all of you who left me such heart-warming messages through out, and thank you for staying loyal to the story and encouraging me to go on :)

I'm going to miss writing about Kat and her adventures.

And I'm sorry; no more sequels or prequels or whatever... Because I think it might kill the story. And I also quite like where I left it... Gives you the chance to think whether or not she does end up with Jack again or not; it'll be your choice completely in your own minds ;)

Anyway, thank you all again!!

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