5749 Days Of Loving Him
The Rest Of The Interviews & Epilogue
Pt1 Pt2 Pt3 Pt4 Pt5 Pt6
Thank you so much for loving this series as much as I've loved writing it. Here's a Christmas present that's not Christmas themed!!! Hope you enjoy your special treat!!
Interview Room 1, Matthew Taylor, 08:28, 02.03.15- Redacted- So, where did the problems begin, Mr. Taylor? Matthew Taylor- Uh… I guess… when I saw Emily- m-my girlfriend- hugging and like- *Clears Throat* getting close with Mike, her, um, her ex. Redacted- Alright, did you confront them after that? Matthew Taylor- Y-Yeah, in the lodge, I- *Long Pause* I attacked Mike. But it wasn't that bad! I swear! Josh interrupted us b-before… Redacted-Josh, he was the only one we didn't find. What happened to him? Matthew Taylor- Uh, well, first, me and Em left the lodge cause she forgot her bag at the cable car station and wanted to go get it, but we came back and we heard screaming near the shed and Chris and Ashley come out sobbing and screaming and covered in blood and they just- *Shaky Breath* but they told us that Josh was s-split in half… *Blinks Rapidly, Leans Back, Tucks Tongue Into Cheek* Redacted- Take your time, Mr. Taylor. Matthew Taylor- Uh, well, *Deep Breath* I didn't see anything, all I know is what they told us then and uh, later. *Clears Throat* So, they said he was torn in half by a sawblade and that there was some voice, not the guy, just like, a voice clip saying Chris had to decide between Josh or Ash and I guess he made his choice. Redacted- You didn't check the shed? Matthew Taylor- N-No, we believed them. Redacted- Alright, so is that when you all went to the fire tower? Matthew Taylor- Uh, we all split up, so Chris and Ashley went back to the lodge to find Sam and we went to the fire tower and radioed for help. Redacted- That was you and Ms. Davis, correct? Matthew Taylor-*Nods* Redacted- And what happened afterwards? The park ranger told us the call was cut off. Matthew Taylor- I- I don't know how, but the tower fell into the mines. Redacted- The mines? What about the support cables? Matthew Taylor- Something snapped them, I dunno, but it fell! And it was *Shaky Breath* on its side, and Emily was dangling over this- giant fucking hole and- *Pauses, Shaky Breath* and I left her. *Begins To Cry, Sharp Inhale* I was just- so mad, and so sick of being treated like- *Shaky breath* I left her to die… Redacted- Mr. Taylor? Are you alright? Would you like some water? Matthew Taylor- No, no, I'm fine, just- I'm sorry… *Cries Into Hands* Redacted- We'll give you a few minutes. Matthew Taylor- No. *Sniffles, Wipes Nose And Cheeks With Jacket Sleeve, Clears Throat* No, I can do it, um… so- *Short Sniffle* so I just kinda wander around the mines for hours, I don't even have a light! B-But yeah, so I eventually find Jess and she's just busted up, I mean, you saw her right? The poor thing can barely walk- barely talk! How is she b-by the way? Is she okay? Do you know? Redacted- Ms. Riley's state is still being assessed. Matthew Taylor- *Nods, Long Exhale* Right… Yeah. Redacted- So you and Ms. Riley are in the mines, then what? Matthew Taylor- We hear Mike. Or footsteps at least, but we follow them and see Mike. He said he'd been in there looking for her or the killer all night. Redacted- Mr. Munroe was in the mines all night? Matthew Taylor- *Shrugs* That's what he said. Redacted- Okay, so you three meet up and head back to the lodge, and got there after the building was destroyed? Matthew Taylor- *Nods* Basically, yeah. Redacted- Just so we're clear, you never actually encountered the killer? Matthew Taylor- *Shakes Head* No, not in person. Redacted- Alright, thank you for your time Mr. Taylor, you can go.
Interview Room 2, Christopher Hartley, 08:54, 02.03.15- Redacted- You were the last person to see Josh Washington alive, correct? Christopher Hartley- *Nods* M-Me and Ashley… Redacted- Can you tell us about that? Christopher Hartley- The uhm *Clears Throat* the three of us were just hanging out playing one of those, you know, the boards you can talk to ghosts with? Redacted- *Nods* Christopher Hartley- Yeah, so, I thought it'd be fun to mess with them so I pretended to be a ghost and Josh took it wrong and left cause he thought I was pretending it was his sister. Redacted- That wasn't your intention? Christopher Hartley- *Shakes Head* No, I was just being stupid. I wasn't thinking. Redacted- Alright, I understand. So what happened after Josh left? Christopher Hartley- Ashley and I wanted to give him some space so we just wandered around the library and eventually found the note I handed in when we first got here. Redacted- The one on the back of the picture of the twins? Christopher Hartley- *Nods* Redacted- It's good that you found that. I'm sure it'll be a great help. After you found the note? Christopher Hartley- We went looking for Josh, but heard him screaming and ran to help him. The killer was behind this door and grabbed Ashley first so I couldn't help at all, I just tried to break the door down but it wouldn't budge till he let me in. Redacted- What happened behind the door? Christopher Hartley- H-He knocked her out with some kind of gas or something, then punched me, I don't know about Josh, sorry. Redacted- That's fine, you're already doing so much. Christopher Hartley- Thanks *Sniffle* Redacted- So, when you wake up… Ashley and Josh are gone? Christopher Hartley- *Nods* Yeah. I leave the kitchen and follow the trail down to the shed and uhm- Redacted- It's alright, you're safe, you're doing great, Chris. Christopher Hartley- And Ash and- *Shaky Breath* Josh are hanging from their hands and-*Takes Off Glasses, Presses Left Eye* And this horrible voice starts talking, it tells me that I have to- *Voice Breaks, Breath Hitches* to choose- Redacted- I'll get you some water Transcript Closed 09:16, 02.03.15
Transcript Reopened 09:25, 02.03.15 Redacted- So the voice tells you to choose between them? Christopher Hartley- *Nods, Clears Throat* There's this round sawblade attached to these, it looks like rails? That lead to either Ashley or Josh, and I gotta pick one. Redated- You chose Ashley? Christopher Hartley- *Shuddering Breath, Shakes Head* I wanted to save him… I wanted to… *Cries* Redacted- It's not your fault. Christopher Hartley- He was my best friend… Redacted- Would you like to step out for a moment? Christopher Hartley- *Shakes Head* I just want to get this over with. Redacted- Alright, take your time, Chris. Christopher Hartley- Once *Clears Throat* Once it's done, the door unlocks and I can get Ashley. I had to- *Clears Throat* had to stay strong for her. Redacted- You did great. Christopher Hartley- *Scoffs* When we got outside the shed, I just broke. Thank God Matt and Emily showed up or we'd have stayed there all night. Redacted- What did you do instead? Christopher Hartley- Sam was still in the lodge, we went to look for her in case she was in trouble. Redacted- And they went? Christopher Hartley- Uh, to the- uh, the cable car. Or- at first, I think they went to the fire tower from there. Redacted- Alright, so you and Ashley are in the lodge looking for Sam… Christopher Hartley- She's not upstairs, so we have to go into the basement. There's creepy shit all over the place and- *Shakes Head* sorry, nothing really happened, but we eventually find this… dummy… thing? Wearing Sam's clothes. Redacted- Oh? That's odd, different clothes than the ones she was found in? Christopher Hartley- No, uh she wore the ones earlier when she first came up, she must've changed after her bath. Redacted- Right, sorry, continue. Christopher Hartley- So yeah, we start to investigate and the guy comes up behind us and knocks us out with the gas. Redacted- You ran into the killer twice? Christopher Hartley- *Nods* Redacted- Can you describe his appearance? Things like face, body type, skin tone, even clothes could help. Christopher Hartley- Uh, he was wearing a mask, so I couldn't tell you his face at all. And he wore gloves and most his skin was covered so I couldn't tell, sorry. But uh, he seemed like a pretty, you know like, big guy, tall, buff, all that. Redacted- *Nods* Christopher Hartley- And he was wearing *Clears Throat* wearing a big green coat. Kind of like the ones Mike and Jess were wearing when we found them. Redacted- Oh, one of those miner coats? Interesting. Thanks so much, Chris. Let's keep going, what happened when you were caught? Christopher Hartley- He put us both in another trap. We would've died if Sam didn't save us. Redacted- What was this trap? Christopher Hartley- I had this gun in front of me and more of those- those fucking sawblades coming at us. It was me or her. Redacted- Sam got there before you had to pick? Christopher Hartley- *Nods* Redacted- The killer wasn't there? Christopher Hartley- *Shakes Head* We think he left after he got us in the trap, cause Sam never saw anything. Redacted- Is that the last you saw of him? Christopher Hartley- Yeah. We all hid for a bit til Emily came down screaming bloody murder. Redacted- On her own? Without Matt? Christopher Hartley-Yeah, we didn't see him for hours. Redacted- Alright, so, can you tell us what happened to the lodge? Christopher Hartley- I'll try. *Deep Inhale* We were all sitting in the living room when some of the girls start smelling a some kind of gasoline or something and get us all out before it would blow up. Redacted- So it was gas leak? Do you think the killer was involved? Christopher Hartley- I think so, yeah. Redacted- Alright, that's everything, unless there's more you need to add? Christopher Hartley- *Shakes Head* Redacted- Okay, thank you for your help, Christopher.
Interview Room 1, Emily Davis, 09:36, 02.03.15 Redacted- Mr. Taylor said you and him found Mr. Hartley and Ms. Brown outside the shed, lets start there. Emily Davis- Sure. *Short Pause* Oh, you want me to start? Okay, uh, pretty simple, we get there and they're covered in blood and screaming that Josh is dead and stuff. *Wipes Nose With Sleeve* Redacted- Right? Emily Davis- And... I told the other two to go back to the lodge since they wanted to get Sam and me and Matt went to the fire tower. Redacted- Did that seem smart? Emily Davis- What, separating? Yeah, at the time, we needed to get help and we needed to find our friend, the sooner the better on both accounts. Redacted- *Grumbles* Alright then, why did you go to the fire tower? Surely you'd try the cable car first? Emily Davis- We did. It was busted up and the key was missing so we had to find something else. Genius. Redacted- *Scoff* You should probably be more concerned about your friend's death than being snarky. Emily Davis- Excuse me?! Redacted- Nothing. Tell us what happened on the fire tower. Emily Davis- What happened was I got everybody's head straight, I gave Chris and Ash a mission that calmed them down, I got us to the cable car, I figured out the fire tower would have a radio, I got us there, I got the power on, I called for help, and Matt fucking abandoned me! After everything I did!? Redacted- Calm down, Ms. Davis. Emily Davis- Fuck no. I was dangling over a giant fucking mine and that stupid guy left me! Redacted- Matt was incredibly sorry when I spoke to him. Emily Davis- *Laughs* He wanted me to die! Redacted- He wanted to survive. Emily Davis- He spent like 5 minutes screaming at me for talking to Mike! I didn't even cheat! Redacted- We're going to take a few minutes for you to cool off. Emily Davis- I don't need a few minutes- Redacted- You're too emotional, Ms. Davis. Emily Davis- I am not! Transcript Closed, 09:48, 02.03.15
Transcript Reopened, 09.57, 02.03.15 Redacted- How did you survive the fall? Emily Davis- The wire connecting the radio to the power source got wrapped around my ankle and kept me attached. I managed to cut it and landed on a mine entrance. Redacted- *Scoffs* Sure. Emily Davis- I don't care whether or not you believe me. Redacted- I don't. Emily Davis- I said I don't fucking care. You're here to listen to me, so shut up and do your fucking job. Redacted- You're a charming young woman, aren't you? Emily Davis- Oh, I'm fucking delightful. Redacted- *Short Huff* Emily Davis- Anyway, back to the reason I'm here dealing with your childish ass instead of on a fun weekend trip with my besties. I get fucking chased by the guy in the mines. Oh, what, am I now an interesting source? Redacted- Interesting is a good word for it. Emily Davis- *Short Huff* This fucking guy chases me the whole way carrying a gas tank and mask! Redacted- *Laughs* In the mines? Emily Davis- Yes, good boy! You can follow a story! Great job, buddy! Redacted- *Grumbled* So how'd you get out? Emily Davis- With my legs. Redacted- Ms. Davis, if you're going to keep being difficult- Emily Davis- Me?! You're the one who's shit at his job. Redacted- How did you get out? Emily Davis- I ran. Then I used the abandoned mine equipment, the conveyer belt and stuff. Redacted- Wonderful. Emily Davis- You don't sound too pleased. Careful. Don't want to seem upset a teenager didn't die. Redacted- *Sigh* What happened once you escaped? Emily Davis- I ran back to the lodge. Chris, Ash and Sam were there so thank god I sent them to get her, right? Redacted- And the fire? Emily Davis- Sam and I start smelling gas, we panicked and got everybody out and then the thing is just up in flames. Redacted- You didn't see how it started? Emily Davis- No, but it has to be the guy, cause he wanted us dead, plus there was probably a ton of evidence in the lodge he wanted to destroy. Redacted- You're speculating. Emily Davis- Figured you might need some help with your job since you're not very good at it. Redacted- Thank you, Ms. Davis, that's all. Emily Davis- I'd say you're welcome, but that'd be a lie.
Interview Room 2, Michael Munroe, 09:59, 02.03.15 Redacted- Hiya, Michael, I just read my partners talk with Matthew Taylor and saw that you both got into a fight? Michael Munroe- Uh, yeah, yeah. He saw Emily and I talkin, I think. Then he went all football brain and attacked me over it. He- He apologised later though, so we're all good now. Redacted- Happy to hear it, but, uh we haven't heard anyone mention you or Jess except Matthew saying he met you both in the mines, so where were you? Michael Munroe- There was a- a little- like- cabin thing far off that we went to to- ah- *Swallows, Clears Throat* Redacted- Gotcha, alright, so you two walked to that cabin, was anything weird going on on the way there? Michael Munroe- We felt like we were being watched, I guess? We didn't see anybody though. Redacted- Okay, can you tell us what happened to Jessica? Michael Munroe- We were in the cabin about to- uhm, you know... and uh, a rock was thrown through the bathroom window. So I went to check it out cause Jess was obviously freaked out and then I heard her scream. I ran out and saw her being dragged through the snow by this creepy fucking guy, so I grabbed the lantern and ran after them. Redacted- That was very brave, Mike. Michael Munroe- I- Thanks...? Redacted- Sorry for interrupting. Michael Munroe- Uh, it's fine. So, uh, I chased them til we got to some... building, I- I think it was used by the miners when that whole thing was still happening. Redacted- *Nods* Yeah. Michael Munroe- And uh, yeah, so I chased them into this building and the guy wasn't there, but I found Jess laying on the elevator floor and I tried to help her up but th- this fucking guy, he did something and the elevator fell. Redacted- Fell down into the Mines? Michael Munroe- *Nods* Redacted- Wow, it's incredible she survived. Michael Munroe- I know. Redacted- Did you go looking for her straight away? Michael Munroe- N-No, I thought she was dead, I went looking for that guy. Redacted- Y-You followed him? Michael Munroe- I thought he killed my woman. The fucker needed to pay. Redacted- Well, where did he go? Michael Munroe- The sanitorium. Redacted- Y-You went there? Michael Munroe- Yeah. Tons of creepy shit in there by the way, but I lost track of him. Redacted- Could you describe him for me? Michael Monroe- Creepy mask, Green jacket, big guy. Redacted- Quick and simple, thanks, Mike! Michael Munroe- *Huff* Sure. Redacted- Is that his jacket you're wearing? Michael Munroe- Don't know, I just found it hanging in the Sanitorium and took it since I was freezing. Redacted- Could we take that for evidence? Michael Munroe- Uh, okay. Transcript Closed 10:05, 02.03.15
Transcript Reopened, 10:07, 02.03.15 Redacted- So you searched the sanatorium and couldn't find him? Michael Munroe- Yeah. *Rubs Eyes* Redated- Did you keep looking for him or go looking for Ms. Riley instead? Michael Munroe- Nah, I-I looked for Jess. I went back to where I lost her and spent like 2 hours tryna get down to her. Redacted- And then you were in the mines all night? Alone? Michael Munroe- Yeah? Redacted- So you were completely unaccounted for for three, four hours until finding Mr. Taylor and Ms. Riley? Michael Munroe- I-I guess- what is this? Redacted- Why didn't you go back to the lodge? Michael Munroe- I dunno, man, I was scared Redacted- You were scared, so you chose to remain as vulnerable as possible by staying alone? Does that make sense to you? Michael Munroe- I was looking for my girlfriend! Redated- But you thought she was dead. Michael Munroe- Yeah, so? I wasn't gonna abandon her! Even if she was dead, I had to know- Redacted- She was in a state of undress when we found her, she still can barely get a sentence out, her memory is hazy- Michael Munroe- *Yells* No! No, I didn't fucking- Redated- No? Then why were you so vague when my partner was questioning you? Michael Munroe- Privacy, man! I don't wanna talk about my sex life with the cops! Redated- You can see why its suspicious though, right? Michael Munroe- No! I'd never, dude, I swear, I'd never- Redacted-Ms. Davis was your ex, correct? And she was chased in the mines. That's where you said you were. Michael Munroe- I never saw Emily! And gas tank?? Why would I have that? Somebody would've seen me bringing that up! Redacted- *Long Pause* Right. Sorry son. Keep taking. What did you do in the mines? Michael Munroe- I looked for Jess, that's all, I swear to God! Redated- Until Ms. Riley and Mr. Taylor found you, correct? You didn't find them? Michael Munroe- Y-yeah? Redacted- So you failed at the one thing you were supposed to be doing all night? Michael Munroe- What the fuck, man!? Why are you stuck on that!? I didn't hurt anybody! Redacted- Anything else you need to say? Michael Munroe- You're sending me away? Redacted- Anything else? Michael Munroe- *Long Pause* No.
Interview Room 1, Ashley Brown, 10:22, 02.03.15 Redacted- Were you aware that Mr. Hartley pretended to be Mr. Washington's sister during your spirit board session? Ashley Brown- N-no he wasn't, it was just meant to be an anonymous ghost, it wasn't meant to be one of them... Redacted- Sorry, Sweetie. So you and Chris found the note in the library, yeah? Ashley Brown- *Eyes Widen, Leans Back* Yes? Redacted- And then you went to look for Josh, right? Ashley Brown- *Nods* Redacted- That was really brave, Honey. Ashley Brown- Th-thanks? Redacted- You're welcome. Can you tell me what happened when you found him, huh? I've been hearing talk of some gas tank? Ashley Brown- We got to the door and he pulled me through- the killer, sorry- uh, and put a gas mask over my face then I was out and I woke up tied to this weird... trap? Machine? I don't know, sorry... Redacted- That's okay, Sweetheart, you're doing your best. I really appreciate it. *Smiles* Ashley Brown- Okay. Redacted- Wanna tell me what it was like when Josh died? Ashley Brown- Uhm... I woke Josh up since he was still unconscious beside me, then the voice started talking and said- Redacted- What did he say, kiddo? Ashley Brown- T-That Chris had to pick between us. He chose me and Josh was- was- Redated- Yeah, I know, Sweetheart. You're doing so well. Ashley Brown- *Long Pause, Sneer* Okay. Redacted- So after Josh was killed, Chris was able to save you? Ashley Brown- *Nods* Redacted- That's when Matt and Emily came down? Ashley Brown- Y-Yeah, aren't I supposed to be telling you what happened rather than ju- Redacted- Oh, don't worry about that, Honey. I already know everything I need to know.*Leans Forward* I just need you to confirm some stuff for me. *Smiles* Ashley Brown- C-Can I please talk with the lady, please? I don't feel very- Redacted- Oh? Sorry, Sweetheart. I was just trying to make you comfortable. Ashley Brown- I'm sorry, I'd really rather talk with her instead. Redacted- *Leans Back, Sucks On Teeth, Deep Exhale* Alright. Wait here. Transcript Closed, 10:29, 02.03.15
Transcript Reopened, 10:35, 02.03.15 Redacted- So, uh... oh, right, Matt and Emily found you and Chris outside the shed, right? Ashley Brown-*Nods* Redacted- Alright, what happened then, Ashley? Ashley Brown- E-Emily told us to go back to the lodge and look for Sam... Redacted- And did you? Ashley Brown- *Nods* Mhm. But we got caught in the basement while looking for her. Redacted- How did he get you both? Ashley Brown- He, uh, he snuck up behind us when we were distracted by this- like- creepy dummy thing wearing Sam's clothes and drugged us again. Well, me again, Chris for the first time. Redacted- With the gas? Ashley Brown- *Nods* Redacted- Alright, where did you wake up? Ashley Brown- Tied to a chair opposite C-Chris. There was a table between us and a gun on it and above us was more saw blades that got closer and- he said Chris had to choose to either kill himself or me. S-Sam came in before he could, but he was going to shoot himself- Redacted- Take a breath, Ashley, you're safe, so is Chris, he's outside waiting for you. Ashley Brown-*Several Deep Breaths* S-Sorry. *Clears Throat* Redacted- It's alright. Take your time. Ashley Brown- Th-Thank you... *Shaky Breath* Uhm, so, Sam saved us, and we all snuck upstairs in case he was still in the lodge but he was gone and we all stayed in the living room talking about what happened until Emily got there. Redacted- And what did she tell you? Ashley Brown- That he chased her in the mines. And that Matt abandoned her, she made sure we knew that. Redacted-Did she tell you how she got into the mines? Ashley Brown- She said that the fire tower fell into them. I don't know how though, with those support cables and stuff... Redacted- Yeah, that's puzzling me too, but I'm sure there's an answer. Sorry, please continue, did she say anything else? Ashley Brown- N-No, nothing in particular. We all just agreed to get weapons and wait for him to come back, but he never did. Then Sam and Emily noticed a weird smell and made us all run out of the lodge. A couple seconds after we left the lodge blew up and Matt, Jess and Mike came out of the forest. Redacted- That's everything? Ashley Brown- *Nods* Redacted- Before you go, what was the killer wearing? Ashley Brown- Wearing? A green coat, a mask, black gloves, uhm... big boots, I remember those, and jeans. Redacted- Would you say he was tall? Ashley Brown- Much taller than me. And broad shoulders so I guess strong too, maybe? Redacted- Thank you so much, Ashley, you've been a great help. Ashley Brown-You're welcome.
Interview Room 2, Jessica Riley, 11:14, 02.03.15 Redacted- Can you tell us what happened in the cabin? Jessica Riley- It was... me and Mike... we were... and then something happened... the window and... he-he ch-ch.... and then... and then there was something at the door and it grabbed me- *Begins To Cry* Redacted- Take your time, Jess. You're doing great. Jessica Riley- Mike, he... he came for me... he did! Redacted- Came for you? Jessica Riley- I was taken, and... carried... Redacted- Out of the cabin? Jessica Riley- Yeah... Redacted- Where were you taken? Jessica Riley- To... I don't know, but it was old and... I don't know. Redacted- It's alright, Jess. Just skip to what you do remember. Jessica Riley- U-Uhm, he left me on an... an elevator and Mike... Mike tried to help me... he tried to help me... Redated- But he couldn't? Jessica Riley- *Shakes Head* N-No... I fell. Redacted- You fell? Jessica Riley- Down the... the elevator. I-I passed out for... for... The sun was just about to come up so... all night...? Oh God... Redacted- You were unconscious all night? Jessica Riley- I think so... Jesus fucking... Redacted- C-Can you... Can you try to remember what happened in the cabin? Jessica Riley- Wh-What? Mike and me just... we just... Redacted- C-Can you please try? Jessica Riley- We were talking, I asked him to... to make the fire for us and... and he did... and then we started to... Redacted- D-Did you consent? Jessica Riley- Wh- O-Of course I did. I- I know I did. Redacted- Are you... I'm so sorry, but, are you sure? Jessica Riley- I know it! He didn't- I swear! We both wanted it. Redacted- *Sigh* Alright, sorry, Jessica, I trust you. Did you see the attacker at all? Jessica Riley- Just his... Just his jacket. Same one as me. And Mike... but it wasn't him, he... he wasn't wearing it until... he was wearing something different when I was... Redacted- I understand, thank you, Jessica. What do you remember after you woke up? Jessica Riley- It was cold and everything hurt and... I g-got myself up and f-found a... the jacket but it was still so cold, and... and- and then Matt and... we walked for- for a while until... *Smiles* Mike, he... he came for me. He looked for me and... he came for me... Redacted- That's really sweet of him. Jessica Riley- Do you even believe me? Redacted- Yes, I do. My partner has his suspicions of Michael, but I believe you and your friends. Until concrete evidence surfaces, I'll trust your word. Jessica Riley- Thanks... I promise, he's a good guy. Redacted- I believe you, Jessica. *Short Pause* How did the three of you get back to the lodge? Jessica Riley- We... They helped me get out, M-Mike lead us to an exit... he'd found earlier then we were in the... woods. My legs... Mike had to carry me... Redacted- I'm glad he was there for you. Jessica Riley- *Smiles* Yeah... Redacted- But, uh, tell me what you saw when you arrived at the lodge. Please. Jessica Riley- It was on fire before we... even got there. We saw the... the smoke and the flames... a-and then we saw everybody else except... Redacted- Joshua? Jessica Riley-Y-Yeah... Redacted- Thank you so much for your time, Jessica. I hope you have a quick recovery. Jessica Riley- *Huff* Me too...
10 Years, 5 Months and 2 Days later
Sam hadn't received a letter in nearly a year, so seeing the familiar return address in her apartment's mailbox made her almost squeal in delight. She rushed up to her room and ripped the envelope open, reading the letter with baited breath and shining eyes. "Oh my God...!"
The 10 hour plane ride definitely tested her will and her strength, she'd have done anything to sleep during the flight, but unfortunately, the cheapest flight wasn't a night flight, not to mention the crying children and obnoxiously loud conversations around her so she couldn't even try. At least Matt was able to drive her to the airport, he was the only one of her friends to go to the same city as her after college. On the ride he made sure she knew everything about his try-outs for any football team who'll give him a chance, and whatever important things were happening in the sports world, which, truthfully, Sam droned out a little bit. Her mind wandered over to Emily, who had broken up with Matt almost immediately, left the friend group, only staying in contact with Jess, and moved across the country to attend some fancy college 'actually worthy of her'. That was the last Sam heard from her since she promptly blocked everyone from home and Jess refused to share anything. All you could really do was hope she was doing well and leave it at that. Matt helped her get herself checked in, hugged her and wished her well, before leaving her in the airport alone. Most of the time on the plane, she read and reread the letter and attached invite over and over until getting cross eyed, at which point, she'd tuck then away back into her bag and either watch a few episodes of whatever old sitcom she chose to spend time rewatching on the back of someone's seat. A someone who had leaned much too far back for her liking. That cycle repeated until the wheels graciously touched down and let her safely disembark.
Her hotel was cheap but surprisingly pretty nice for what it cost. The first thing she did was pass out on the big comfy bed. It took her a few days to work off the jetlag completely, she'd anticipated that, of course, which is why she arrived two days early, and planned to stay two days after to have a much needed vacation from her job. The morning of, she spent an hour in the hotel bathroom getting ready. She styled her blonde hair into loose curls, much longer since last they'd seen her, and put on her roommate's dark pink chiffon mini dress. She wanted to get something newer but on her current pay check plus student loans, she was forced to beg and plead with her roommate to borrow one of her dresses. Having the apartment to herself for a week was a pretty good trade all things considered.
The wedding itself was the most beautiful Sam had ever attended, which was out of three, so not a lot of competition, but it was still true! They'd picked out a lovely spot of a public park in front of a round, gorgeous lake encased by acres of trees with wide snow-capped mountains framing everything together into a picturesque landscape that took her breath away every time she just managed to get it back. She watched from the back row as Dylan and Y/N exchanged vows beneath a wooden arch wrapped in blue and white flowers overhead. Sam couldn't understand a word they were saying to each other or what any of the guests around her were saying before the ceremony or what the officiant was saying now, but she didn't mind. She didn't need to. The tones in their voices and the way they looked at one another said more than enough. The love hadn't faded. It had weaned and linked, it had ebbs and flows but never left. Their sweet words faded out and for only a moment Sam was back in her dorm feeling lonely, felling homesick, watching videos posted by Chris and Ashley. Playing with their cat, cooking together, laughing, even Chris letting Ashley do his make-up, their relationship made her feel better. She always had a thing for other peoples relationships, always getting invested, always sticking her nose where it didn't belong, but it landed her here, as the only person other than the couple to know of Dylan's past, so was it really that bad? ...Probably.
At the reception, she found herself in a conversation with the only people other than the couple that could talk to her, Y/N's parents. They were very sweet people just... very confused. The last they heard from Y/N, he was going to school abroad and the next he's living there. Then they heard he was getting married out of nowhere. They were told it was to a lovely boy he met in school and assumed college, Sam could've corrected them, but what good would that have done? Better to let sleeping dogs lie. She told them she was an old friend of Dylan's and, when prompted, said that he had a bad relationship with his family so that's why she was the only one there. In the midst of their conversation, the newly weds had re-joined the party outside and the first dance began. Their nervous and awkward steps screamed humiliation at having to perform in front of all their guests, but they played it off well and made it quite charming.
Soon after they were finished and the applause died down, it was time for dinner, Sam was sat on the opposite side of the table from the couple and Y/N's parents so they had to part. The woman pressed a kiss to Sam's cheek, leaving a dark red lipstick mark in its place, which Sam only noticed as she saw her reflection in her wine glass. She groaned and desperately wiped her cheek with her provided napkin to the best of her ability, hoping her best made it at least blend in with her blush. Her eyes wandered to the couple across the table, Y/N was struggling to get a sentence out through his laughter, Dylan had his head thrown back as he cackled at whatever story his husband was telling the table. For a brief second, she thought of Jess, her fun loving energy that'd been taken from her that night. Mike stayed with her through all of it, pissed off the cop that was certain of his guilt, but still, Mike proved himself to be a good man. In the same second, she was right back at the table listening to the gleeful nonsense spouting from Y/N's mouth. She laughed along with everyone else to not stand out, but more so at the absurdity of attending basically two strangers wedding 10 hours away from home completely on her own where she doesn't comprehend a word outside basic greetings. It was an insane situation to be in, but Sam loved the drama. As much as she wanted to be better than every one else and pretend she didn't. That's what ended her here in the first place, nosiness disguised as charity. But she really couldn't deny that being the only one there boosted her ego a bit too much for her liking.
As dinner wound down, somebody near the couple clinked their spoon against their champagne, grabbing the attention of all the guests who watched Dylan stand and clear his throat. He begins his speech in Swedish and tells a sort of joke that makes the whole table laugh politely, when he speaks up again, Sam is elated to finally understand what he's saying.
"I wanted to, uh- you know, to talk to you, in our native language, so we could have a moment to ourselves. Plus your parents and a few others, I guess, but ah-" He cleared his throat once more "Just wanted to, god this is ridiculous, uh, I wanted to tell you our love story- during the school years so I don't take up too much time-Uh, through my eyes, cause I love telling it and..." He sucked in a deep breath of air "I mean, our wedding is probably the most appropriate context to, so, uhm," Dylan wiped his hands on his tuxedo pants "I loved you from the first moment you," he huffed a quick laugh from his nose "uh, you made fun of me for not reading. I was totally exhausted all day and then I got paired with the cute quiet boy on a project, so I had to stay late, but you managed to make it better." Dylan looked down to Y/N, giving his shoulder a squeeze so subtle you'd only notice it if you watched his suit jacket crinkle under the touch, he softly whispered "You make everything better." He shook his head and returned to his previous volume "Uh, then, couple months later, we were working on the project and I force you away from it, cause you're torturing yourself, I'm sure your parents know what I'm talking about," the couple join Dylan and Y/N in laughing politely "and uh, yeah, we just watched movies and ordered pizza. Then-" he laughed, Y/N laughed too, knowing what was coming "Then I saw that my roommate at the time was coming back and he had that stupid rule that we weren't allowed to have guests over, so you had to climb out the window."
"My knee hurt for like a week after that." Y/N added, his mother ruffled his hair playfully from behind.
Dylan chuckles "Yeah, I bet. A-Anyway, after that, it was my birthday, and I wanted to spend it with you, so you took me out to eat, then we went bowling and," he laughed again, speaking through it this time "you still can't bowl for shit, babe." Y/N rolled his eyes with a playful smile coating his lips. "Then it was break and I had to go on a quick trip home. And I wanted to bring you, I couldn't, but you know what? All I remember was afterwards, we made up and spent the day at the park. That was valentines day, by the way. Real subtle, huh?" Y/N and his parents smiled warmly up at Dylan. "It was a couple months after, that I texted you in the middle of the night asking you to meet me at a secluded location, uh, like a serial killer, uhm, but I didn't kill you, I told you I loved you, and you felt the same." Dylan smiled, pressing his lips together, trying to contain his overwhelming excitement "Can't even put into words how happy that made me. Seriously, and then you kissed me and that just made it all so much worse." Y/N giggled softly "We had our first date the next day, roller-skating. I remember, you were just so scared, and so cute, clutching my hand the whole time, it was adorable." Y/N's cheeks reddened as he averted his gaze, hiding his smile behind his champagne glass "I remember every moment of that first year, like the times I snuck into your dorm so we could eat dinner together or sneaking out to meet at night, or holiday shopping for gifts to send home. That honeymoon phase was so special to me." Dylan's lips softly curled into a small smile and murmured something for only Y/N to hear. Something that made him roll his eyes playfully, shake his head and sigh. Dylan continued without Y/N's eye contact. "It couldn't last forever, obviously, and I had to go back home for a bit, which, rightfully made you upset since we couldn't talk."
"So glad you don't do that anymore. It super sucked." Y/N huffed into his glass before taking a sip.
"I know," Dylan rubbed his shoulder "but I made it up to you every time, so you can't complain! And I started letting you spend the night at my place whenever my roommate was out getting trashed." He laughed as Y/N slapped his chest with the back of his hand, jovially chastising him for the crude implication "Sorry mom!" Dylan waved to the woman behind his husband. "That was around the time Atlantis became my cat too. Which, uh, raised eyebrows since cat hair started appearing everywhere, but I managed to keep it secret." Y/N pressed his lips together, again hiding his smile, Dylan cleared his throat "A bit later, we were hanging in my old truck and I finally told you about my problems and you were supportive, if a little aloof. But still, you took care of me, you continue to take care of me. You're always there whenever I need you."
They smiled fondly at one another. "I love you." Y/N mouthed up at him as he took Dylan's hand from his shoulder and gently kissed his knuckles.
"No matter what, you are there for me. And I want you to know, I've fucked up a lot, made a lot of mistakes, as we're gonna get into, but-" Dylan laughed nervously "I will always be here too. There is nothing you can do to make me disappear. Never again. I promise." Y/N's eyes glimmered with a fresh coat of grateful tears, he smiled and nodded along with his promise. "I've really fucked up, done awful shit to you, and we still weathered the storm, you gave me the time and patience to learn and change and grow and I believe I've become a better man because of you. Every day, I strive to become better for you. And Atlan, our pretty little princess." Everyone smiled warmly at the mention of the beloved cat, Dylan cleared his throat, then continued, "Anyway, ehm, you, uh, met one of my friends who I'd gushed to about you relentlessly, and made fun of me together." Y/N laughed, nodding "So I started introducing you to my friends, I met some of yours. It all started becoming so real and amazing when our lives became intwined. I also moved into your apartment that year as soon as my lease was up cause I was sick of that stupid dorm."
"It was disgusting." Y/N nodded in staunch agreement, making Dylan giggle.
"Oh, totally." Sam was doubtful of this, a few years ago she got curious and looked through pictures of Swedish student housing and they were absolutely incredible compared to hers and any other American dorm she'd seen. "But, yeah, that's when we started our elaborate Valentine's week, cause a day was never enough time to celebrate you." Y/N huffed a laugh through his nose and raised his glass with a playful smile "In May, I took you camping, and that was the first time we came here. That was the first time we saw the northern lights too, remember? You didn't even want to sleep, you loved them so much." Y/N nodded, swiftly blinking away tears before they could become visible to the rest of the table, "A month later, you graduated, and I was so fuckin' proud of you, when you walked across that stage, I was screaming and crying and just- grinning ear to ear, Babe. I love you!"
Behind Y/N, his mother kissed his head and father beamed proudly at their son, who looked around bashfully at all the guests around the table, who in turn, each nodded and smiled broadly at him. Y/N blushed and rolled his eyes "Stop!!" he whined.
"I don't think I will actually, cause you deserve it. You deserve everything good the universe has to offer." Dylan smiled "And so," he picked up the champagne flute in front of him, the fizzy, golden liquid swirled between the glass as he raised it to his eye level "Y/N, my love, my life, my best friend in the universe, its been 5749 days of loving you, here's to 1,000,000 more." Dylan looked to the table, to the raised glasses in his face, just above them, his eyes met Sam's.
He smiled "To Y/N!"
"To Y/N!" She smiled back.
♡☆♡☆♡☆♡☆ ~Elliebean714 💚💙💚💙