Love You Too: PART TEN

We made our way over to the bay; and as we walked along the paved area of walkway, we discussed what had happened with Tiffany.
"Don't you think you're overreacting a bit?" he said, once I'd finished.
"I don't know. Do you?" I replied.
"I definitely see your point, but I think you should just let her do her own thing for a few more days. I mean, she's had a pretty rough time, she doesn't need to lose you on top of it all"
"Thanks" I said, finally realising how good my best friend was at advice.
We carried on walking in silence, gazing at the boats that were moored along the harbour. They started small, one or two man at the most, and they grew in size. They changed in colour too: the small fishing boats were painted in gaudy primary colours, their paint flaking and chipping; but as they graduated up, their colours got more subtle. The bigger the boats got, the more sophisticated the passengers, furnishing and equipment got, and as we reached the far end of the harbour, we caught a glimpse of Charlie's boat: a glorious vessel, painted white and polished daily so it gleamed in the rising sun. The interior was all white or navy blue leather, and all the technology on board was the latest and most advanced technology a boat could own.
"It looks good" I said
"Doesn't it?" he replied, stopping and gazing in awe. "Just wait until you see what's on board" he said, pulling the walkway down and leading me onto the boat.
A huge cake stood proudly in the centre and white balloons stood around the living space. The deck was kitted out with Charlie's best sound system and the mini bar was bulging.
"Happy birthday!" he said, hugging me.
"Thank you!" I said, a little speechless. After everything that happened on my birthday I figured I wouldn't be celebrating it this year, and as guests began to mingle out and greet me with gifts I couldn't help but glance over at Charlie who was sat on his sun lounger smiling at me. I smiled back, and mouthed "Thank you" in his vague direction. He nodded and flicked his sunglasses down over his eyes and lay back, soaking up the mid morning sun.
Through the large amounts of people, I couldn't help but feel a little like something was missing. Sure, my family weren't here, but it didn't feel like that.
Tiffany. I suddenly remembered. It felt like such a long time since I'd last seen her, I hope she's okay... Did Charlie say Mollie was with her? Will's still at my house, but what if he leaves to go out? What if Mollie isn't there and she's all alone?
I felt my face drop as my mind was shrouded by a cloud of worry.
"Let's get this man a drink!" he said, popping open a bottle of champagne.
"Thanks" I laughed, taking the glass from him as he began to pour it out amongst the other guests.
But through all the champagne that was flowing, I couldn't help but feel that cloud still hovering overhead. I pulled out my phone and considered texting her. Just as I was deliberating whether to or not, Charlie walked over and told me the girls were on their way, and that they would be here in half an hour maximum.
"You need to talk to Tiffany mate; she'll really want to talk to you" he added, before moving off into the crowd to socialise.
"Hey!" a small voice said from behind me. At first I didn't notice it, as I was considering what I should say to T, but I turned and saw Charlie's cousin Hannah.
"Oh hey, Hannah! It's been a while since I've seen you, how are you?" I said, smiling warmly and hugging her.
"Really good thanks, much better now I'm with you!" she said, squeezing me tighter. Hannah and I had spent a winter skiing together when I went with Charlie, and I couldn't help but feel that she wished those days had lasted a little longer.
"What are you doing here?" I asked nicely
"Oh, my family are down and Charlie told me you were going to be here. So I wanted to come and see you" she said, before adding "The big 1 8 hey? Doesn't it seem like five minutes ago we were in Chamonix?"
"Sure does!" I said, remembering it well. I was 11 and Hannah was 13 and we'd spent the whole time joking in a way pre-adolescent kids do, and then she'd tried to kiss me. Obviously, as an 11 year old boy I was having none of it, partly because she felt like family and secondly because I still hadn't grown out of that stage when boys hate girls with a vengeance.
"Wow, what a great trip that was!" she said "We should go back sometime! Recreate that perfect Christmas"
"Yeah, sure, maybe" I said, looking up and seeing an angel glide into the room; an angel whose eyes were focused on mine. She moved seamlessly through the hordes of people, almost as if they parted for her. Somewhere in the distance, Mollie was kissing Charlie on his sun lounger, but all I could see was this beautiful girl walking towards me, this beautiful girl who looked livid.