Lost Me Gained Regret

The air hung still for a moment.

Mark didn't seem surprised, his face still adorned with a gentle smile. "Heard the news, congrats."

Then, he turned to Gregory, "Jane's been through a lot. I hope that with you, she won't have to face any more hardships."

"Otherwise, I, as her family, won't let it slide."

I half-expected the atmosphere to turn awkward. Even though Mark had promised to remain just friends, as adults, you can sense whether someone has truly moved on. Over the past couple of years, he avoided any romantic topics, but his day-to-day attentiveness was unmistakable.

But since he never brought it up, I felt it improper to stress the point needlessly. Now that the air was cleared without any fuss from him, I felt a huge weight lifted off my shoulders.

Christine playfully punched Gregory in the arm. "Count me in, Mr. Ford. Jane is my best and only friend. If you ever mistreat her, I won't care if you're Mr. Ford or just some Mr. Nobody."

"If I ever mistreat her," Gregory looked down at me, "I'll be the first to apologize with a peace offering."

huffy, I warned, "You better

and

grin. "Spill the beans, what happened last night? What did

smiled, replying, "Nothing at

other and

buy it.

couldn't help but laugh. "I'm on my period, what could we

mumbling, "Your timing

nestled in the

contrast to the bustling city

the chimneys of nearby homes,

out early just to catch a glimpse of their favorites. Summer got off at the road, pulling her suitcase towards the direction indicated by the signs, her face beaming

"Who's that?"

know her, but she came in