The Way We Were

Same Day (Caleb's POV)

It was evening now and my family were all inside with Audrey and hers. I was sitting out on the back porch with Nathan, Jared, and Matthew, having a beer and watching the fire in the pit burn out.

"Tomorrow's the big day." Matt smiled, taking a drink of his beer. I just nodded and smiled.

"And single life will be gone forever." Jared smirked. "No other girls, no more late nights out. Pretty soon you'll be wearing man Uggs, cardigans, and scarves."

The guys started laughing as I continued spacing out.

"Dude, Caleb. Are you alright?" Nathan asked, chuckling.

I looked up at him and nodded again. "What?"

He gave a short laugh, "What's with you?"

"Nothing." I replied. They didn't say anything as they looked around at each other. I sighed and finally spoke, but in a whisper. "Do you think we're moving too fast? Me and Audrey?"

"What do you mean?" Nathan asked.

"I mean, I've known her for over a year already, but like, three weeks after we actually start dating, we get engaged...does that seem really fast to you?" I whispered, looking behind me to make sure no one is there.

"Well...uh..." I knew what Nathan had wanted to say, he was just being hesitant. I looked at Matt, hoping for an answer but he remained silent.

"Jared?" I asked, knowing that he would be the only honest one at this moment.

He hesitated for a moment, but sighed, "I think so. I mean, I'd rather date the girl for a year then get engaged. But Caleb, don't change your mind because of me."

"Then why is my heart racing and I feel sick to my stomach? I don't know anymore. I mean, maybe if we were engaged for a year, then that'd be fine. But we get engaged after three weeks of dating, and get married two months later. I don't know, I don't know." I leaned forward and buried my face into my hands.

"Caleb, it's just cold feet. I felt the same way when Johanna and I were gonna get married." Matt laughed, trying to ease the situation.

I didn't say anything, I just leaned back in my chair and didn't say anything. I must have zoned out for a long time, because all I remember was the muffled voices of the guys saying goodnight, and then they were gone. The evening had turned to a dark and moonless night, and it was getting chilly out. I then heard the screen door open as Audrey came out.

She draped a blanket around me and pulled up a chair next to me.

"Caleb." She whispered.

I looked up at her, still in a half daze.

She bit at her lip and was quiet. "I think we're moving too fast." She whispered.

"Same here." I quietly replied. She bowed her head and shook her head, crying. "I'm sorry Caleb."

I sat up and wrapped my arms around her. "This isn't the end Audrey. We can wait...right?"

She nodded. "I love you so much. I don't want this to end."

I kissed her forehead and ushered her to sit in my lap, which she did. I held her close.

"I was in my room, trying to figure out how I should have my hair for tomorrow, and I just sat there at my vanity staring in the mirror. That's when everything started to sink in..." She quietly spoke, wiping her eyes.

"I felt the same way. I feel like we're rushing things. Everything actually. We just need some time. Because next week I'm leaving to go on tour for six months, I don't want to leave you so soon after we get married."

"So what do we do now?" She asked.

I gently pushed her hair back behind her ear, "We still have our plane tickets to Richard Branson's island..."

"Are you saying we should take off?" She smiled.

I nodded and smiled back, "We'll tell everyone we're postponing the wedding. Our families can take care of the guest and entertain them. We'll pay the cancellation fees for whatever, and we'll spend a week in the Caribbean on a private island."

"This is crazy." She smiled.

"Let's do it. Our bags are packed, we'll leave tonight." I whispered.

She hesitated but then finally nodded, "Okay."

I grinned and kissed her lips. We both got up and went inside, quickly and quietly going upstairs. In our room, we grabbed our bags and packed a few more things. She sat on the bed writing a note down for our families. It was about one in the morning, and everyone was asleep.

"We've decided to post-pone the wedding. By the time you read this, we'll be either sleeping in the rental car, or basking in the hot Caribbean sun at Necker Island. Cancel whatever needs to be, and please entertain our guests. Chanel, please take my dress and keep it for me until I come back.
We hope you won't be too angry at us, but please know that we love you and we'll send a postcard :)

Lots of love, Audrey and Caleb <3"

"Ready?" I asked, holding out my hand to her. She smiled and quickly ripped the paper out of the notebook and placed it on the neatly made bed. She took my hand, "I'm ready."

We quietly left the room, and soon the house. We took my truck from the garage and left.

She took my hand and kissed it as I was driving. "I love you Caleb. Thank you for being so understanding."

"We'll wait. It's okay." I smiled back at her, holding her hand.