*Annabella’s POV*

2 weeks… 2 weeks since I had packed up my life in Phoenix and moved back to my favorite place in the world- Montreal- for college at the school of my dreams- Concordia University. It was about a 5 minute drive from the campus to the Bell Centre which is where the Canadiens played and I planned on going to a few games.

Brendan and I saw each other once more before he left to go back home for about a month before training camp started, but we talked on the phone all the time and texted each other whenever we could- we’d become quite close and I liked it a lot. But, as training camp was got closer and the school year started, the calls were few and far between and the texting dwindled to an occasional conversation once or twice a week and then stopped completely. He and I had had an amazing friendship for the time it lasted and he made me forget about Gabe…

Speaking of Gabe, about a week after the party and everything had happened I went to his house and we sat down and “settled” things, but not without Gabe putting up a fight.

-Flashback-

I was in the driveway of Gabe’s house, but I couldn't bring myself to get out of the car. I had decided that morning when I woke up that I was going to come here and finished what he had started last weekend, but when I got there, everything came flooding back. All the good memories from the past 2 years- the dates, cooking together, the making out in the pool, the movies, the laughs, the sneaking around at night… and prom night. That was the night I had given him everything and being the stupid girl I am, I expected it to mean something to him the same way it meant something to me. “Yeah well he sure showed you how much it meant when he ditched you to sleep with Tara.” I said out loud. I finally got out of the car as I saw him open the door with a slight smile on his face. Goddamn he’s gorgeous… this is gonna be interesting I thought as I looked at him in his khaki shorts and nothing else.

“Hey babe.” He said as I got to the door and leaned in for a kiss but I backed away. He looked disappointed then let out a sigh as I went into the house and he closed the door. I then followed him into the family room. We sat I silence for a few minutes on opposites sides of the coffee table. “Your parents aren't home?” I asked twiddling my thumbs and avoiding the conversation I knew we needed to have. “They went on vacation for a week.” He answered looking down at his hands. There was silence for a few more minutes until I finally worked up the courage to say what needed to be said. “Alright Gabe, I’m not gonna avoid it anymore. You cheated on me and you got caught.” I said looking him dead in the eye. He didn't say anything and I was shocked. “You’re not gonna talk? Not gonna try and defend yourself or what you did?” I asked getting a little mad that he wasn't even gonna try and deny that he slept with another girl. “Why fight the truth. I mean you walked in and saw us… I can’t deny what happened.” He said looking down at the floor and I suddenly felt like crying. He wasn't even gonna fight for us I thought as I heard him start to speak again and look up at me. “But I can tell you how sorry I am and how much of a mistake it was and how much I love you and don’t want to break up.” I took a deep, shaky breath and then spoke. “Gabe, if you cared that much and loved me that much you wouldn't have let me leave with Brendan. You would have come after me, but you didn't . You went back up to your bedroom and fucked Tara.” I said as I really let it sink in.

I hadn't said it out loud because I knew once I did that it would all become real. I felt a single tear role down my cheek but quickly wiped it away… I wasn't going to give him that satisfaction. “Annabella, I know being drunk wasn't an excuse and I know I should have come after you, but it was the biggest mistake I ever made and I’m begging you, forgive me please?” He said looking at me and I knew he was about to break- I saw the tears on the brink of escaping. I got up and walked over to where he was and sat down. I put my hand on his cheek as he grabbed my other hand before I spoke, “Gabe, I love you, I always will. You were my first love and my first time and what you did- it’s always gonna hurt, but I’m gonna remember all the good too.” I paused and looked at him and he looked a bit confused. “Gabe, I forgive you, but I can’t be with you anymore. You said it yourself, being drunk isn't an excuse to cheat and even after seeing me with Brendan you still went and slept with Tara and that isn't okay by any means. I’m sorry Gabe, but I can’t…” And with that I got up and left him sitting there.

-End flashback-

I spent the rest of the summer hanging out with Matt, my brother, Katie, Gally, and my other friends. There were times when Gally would pull me aside and tell me Gabe wasn't giving up and that he was hell bent on getting me back, but in reality, Gabe never even talked to me again. Whenever he saw me he walked in the other direction and the first time I went to a party he was at, he was there with another girl and didn't even look at me.

The day before I left for college Katie, Gally, Matt, Jake, and I all went down to the beach. Matt was a little bummed because he and his girlfriend had just broken up so it was our goal to cheer him up and to party one last time before Katie and I left for college, before Gally headed off to training for the Junior World Championships of hockey, and before Matt and Jake went back to Colorado for hockey season. The day was filled with laughs, memories, swimming, smiles, crying, and a whole lot of vodka. By the time we got home, Jake was the only semi-sober one so everyone stayed over that night- the boys in Jake’s room and Katie and me in my room as usual.

“I can’t believe you leave tomorrow.” Katie said as I finished zipping up my suitcase. “Well you leave next week for Pittsburgh.” I said to her as she looked sad on my floor with a bowl of popcorn in her lap. “Yeah, but it won’t be the same without you. I mean I know college is a blast and shit, but it won’t be the same without my best friend there to have fun with me. I mean who is gonna help me get with the hot frat boys?!” She said and we both started laughing. “I know Kay, but you know you’re invited to Montreal anytime you want and I’ll come see you in Pittsburgh and we both know we’ll be back here next summer to raise hell.” I said winking at her. “Yeah but you’ll have a new best friend and a boyfriend and you’ll be miss popular.” She said getting sad again. “Oh please, no one can compete with you Kay- you’re the only person I know who is as insane as I am. Yes going to Concordia is going to be easier than going to Bryerwood because people in Montreal love my brother- he’s a French Canadian superstar, but I’m never gonna replace you Kay. We’ll always be best friends- you know too much.” I said narrowing my eyes at her and smiling as we both busted out laughing again.

Truth was I knew no one would ever replace Katie and Gally and Matt, but I knew college was gonna be a big change for me. I was back in the city I loved with people I had grown up with until I was 10 and then had been reunited with when I was 14. I was going home and I knew Katie was afraid she was going to lose me, and I was afraid of the same thing as she got ready to leave for Pennsylvania. Katie was the kind of girl that anyone got along with and I didn't want to lose her either.

“Just promise me something.” Katie said getting up from the floor and walking towards my desk where I was finishing packing my stuff up. “Anything Kay.” I said taping the box shut. “You’ll forget about Gabe and not be afraid of love. Promise me you’ll give someone a chance.” She said taking my hands in hers. “I promise. I mean I've always preferred Canadian boys over American ones anyways.” I said laughing. “I’m serious Bella. I've seen the way you look at Gabe. I know you love him still, but he hurt you and didn't even think twice about it. Promise me you’re not gonna let him control your mindset on love.” She said looking at me with a concerned look. I just hugged her and then put out my pinky. “Pinky swear.” I said and then she repeated, “Pinky swear.”

The rest of the night was spent eating popcorn, looking through old pictures, reminiscing on memories, and crying. I woke up the next morning on the floor lying on Katie’s leg as she had her arm placed over my ass. “Kay, I don’t play for that team.” I said rolling over. She opened her eyes and we both started laughing. “What’s so funny ladies?” I looked up to see Gally, Matt, and Jake looking in my room. Gally then proceeded to make himself very comfortable on my bed as Jake hopped up on my dresser and Matt sat at the chair where my desk was. I then got up off the floor and sat on Gally while Katie leaned against the wall next to my closet. “Ow!” He complained from underneath me. “Oh don’t whine you baby. Good god how do you play hockey if you can’t even handle me sitting on you.” I said as I got off him. “I have a shitload of padding on during hockey.” He laughed as he got up and we all headed downstairs. Breakfast was quiet, but it was comfortable and before I knew it, it was time for me to head to the airport. The rest of our family was already in Montreal because we always spent the last 2 weeks of summer there so Jake and I were heading up today.

“I’m gonna miss you so much.” Katie said as we hugged goodbye with tears starting to form. “Oh god don’t cry because it’s gonna make me cry!” I said as we continued to hug. After we let go I went up to Gally. “Be careful, okay? I’ll be up there with you soon.” He said smiling at me. Gally was eligible for the draft next year and Montreal wanted him, they already made that clear. “I sure as hell hope so. I’m gonna need you there to keep the boys off of her.” Jake laughed as he came up behind me. I shot him a playful glare before hugging Gally. “I’ll be watching you superstar.” I said as I let go of him. “I promise to kick ass for you then.” He said proudly. “I mean I was expecting you to kick it anyways, but good to know.” I said as we all laughed. I then went over to Matt. “I’m gonna miss having you around here sugar cube.” He said as I walked over to him. “You weren't here anyways! You’re too busy being a hockey player in Colorado with my brother.” I said as I slapped his arm lightly. “Either way, I’m gonna miss you.” He said as he pulled me in for a hug. “I’m gonna miss you too, but I’ll come visit soon. Gotta make sure my brother isn't banging randoms every night.” I joked as I pointed an accusatory finger at my brother. We all laughed because Jake took his career more seriously than anything and didn't sleep around. “Haha. Very funny.” He said glaring at me with a smile on his lips. We all had a group hug after that and delayed leaving until the absolute last minute.

“Okay, we’re going to miss our flight if we don’t leave now.” Jake said looking at his watch. “Alright fine.” I said giving a crying Katie, a sad looking Gally, and a smiling Matt each one last hug and then got in the car. I looked in the rearview mirror as I watched my best friends, my home, and my town get smaller and smaller with each passing second. “I’m gonna miss it here.” I said as we turned onto the highway. “Me too, but I miss Montreal more.” Jake said as he focused on the road ahead. “Me too. I’m glad we’re going home.” I said as we smiled at each other. “Moi aussi Annabella. Ça a été une longue période à venir.” (Me too Annabella. It’s been a long time coming.) Was his response as we pulled into the airport parking lot and headed off to where our flight would take us home to Montreal.