Riley narrates:
I am stunned to see Lucas here. When I disappeared, I never imagined I would see him again. That part of my life was in the past. Who could have imagined that by going to another country, I would find him once more? I never suspected something like this could happen.
When he calls me by my name, I feel immense fear. My life, the life I built when I came here, has fallen apart. My friends will no longer want anything to do with me, and the only person who has been by my side doesn't have much time left to live.
I've never been one to talk much about it, not even to my friends, so I fear that now they know I'm the villain who ruined Lucas' life, they will hate me. I overheard them talking about that once. It made me hide my past because I fear they won't understand what I did.
As I talk to Lucas, I am determined to tell him that it no longer makes sense to dwell on the past. Rehashing the painful topic won't change anything. I didn't expect him to already know everything, and it was a relief to realize that I don't have to recount the truth about what happened during those years.
I tell him that I haven't had any serious relationships since him because I haven't wanted to. My heart has never stopped loving him despite the years. When he proposes that we meet and reminisce about our relationship, I feel like I'm dreaming. It can't be true that after all the suffering we went through, we can now rise from the ashes and start anew.
I happily accept, but that doesn't mean I'll drop everything for Lucas. I believe I owe my friends a conversation to explain what really happened during those years, that I did love my baby, so they don't have a negative impression of me.
As I step out again to where Sarah is, I see her smiling and walking towards me. Behind her is Paige, and I think I don't understand anything.
“There's no need for you to say anything. First, we're not the ones affected by what happened, and second, because we already know the truth. I want you to know that we're with you and we love you," Sarah says, starting to cry.
“Thank you. I believe that every sacrifice has its reward, and even though it may sound selfish of me, you, and Paige, along with my mother who is with me now, are the rewards for my suffering. Without any of you, I wouldn't have been able to climb out of the hole I was in," I say, taking a hand from each of them.
“Friend, if this friend of mine does anything wrong, you let me know, and I'll put him in his place. Although he's a gentleman, and I'm sure he'll only make you laugh," Paige says, excited and happy to see us together.
We spend the rest of the afternoon talking about Paige's pregnancy, Lucas's antics in sneaking junk food to her when Tabatha isn't looking, and we laugh together like good friends. However, I notice that Paige avoids talking about what happened with Mason. Although it's likely that they will work things out, that's what I hope from the bottom of my heart. They love each other and are victims of Peyton, who tore them apart just as they were beginning to live their love.
Narrating Paige:
I feel nervous. It's been a day, and now I'm on my way to see Emily and Mason's father. Also, to see my baby, whom I'm anxious to meet. I miss him/her so much.
Mason sent me a message a few minutes ago saying he was coming to pick me up, but I told him I could come on my own. The truth is, I don't feel completely emotionally prepared to see him and not remember everything we've been through, all the suffering and love I experienced by his side. It's something I don't want to do, but I can't avoid it.
The hormones have me confused about what I want and feel regarding Mason. I know I love him, and I haven't stopped loving him, but another part of me won't let me be by his side and forget the past. Am I crazy? I think I am.
Lucas and Riley, who are now on a "date," drive me to Mason's house. Lucas is still very protective of me and wants to "make sure" I'm okay. Those are his words, not mine.
I arrive at Emily's house, and Mason is waiting outside his parents' house. He looks anxious. I say goodbye to my friends and nervously step out of the car.
“Hello," I greet him nervously.
“Hi. They're eagerly waiting for you. I apologize in advance for whatever may happen inside the house. You know my mother loves you and she's a bit crazy, well, maybe more than a bit," he says nervously.
“Wow, which scares me. I know Emily, and she's not like that at all," I say, smiling.
“Consider yourself warned," he replies.
We enter the house, and I'm in for a big surprise. Emily has organized a mini welcome party. I say mini because if it were up to her, she would have invited more people, but I think Mason managed to prevent that. He runs up to me, happy to see me, and gives me a hug. I return the greeting and look around at the blue and pink balloons, gifts that I assume are for my baby, and lots of food.
“You didn't have to do this. I already feel bad enough for keeping this from you," I say to both of Mason's parents, who are standing in front of me after the hug.
“Don't apologize. I understand your reasons, and I don't blame you. Now, let's bring Simba in, but I'd rather you sit down first. I don't want him accidentally bumping into your belly because of his excitement. We can talk more later after you greet him and he calms down," Mason's mother says, taking me by the hand and leading me to sit on the couch.
I'm anxious to see my baby. They open the door, and Simba comes running, licking my face, and wagging his tail happily to see me after so long. I'm glad to know he hasn't forgotten about me.
I focus on him, petting him, and we both cry tears of joy. We're both excited to see each other.
After a few minutes, he calms down and sits at my feet. I have to admit, they are very intuitive animals, and he sniffs my belly as if he knows there's a baby inside. He's been very gentle with me. I love him so much.
Emily watches me with excitement, though she's unusually quiet. Now that Simba has calmed down, she takes a deep breath, and I wait for her to speak.
“How far along are you?" she asks, smiling.
I begin to tell them all the details of how I found out I was pregnant, details that I won't repeat to avoid saying the same thing again. They listen attentively to every word I say, and when I finish, I see that she supports me, even though my decision to be friends during the pregnancy and then see if we can have another chance doesn't make her happy.
"You know that I support you in everything and respect your decisions. The only thing that worries me is that you leave again, and we can't see our grandchild," says Mason's father, and he's right in what he says.
"Well, about that, I don't think it would be fair for me to leave. I don't want to separate you from your grandchild, and I don't want to separate myself from Simba either. I've been thinking about it, and the best thing I can do is stay here. Besides, I won't be able to travel in a few months, so for now, it's the best decision," I tell them all.
"That's fantastic. You can stay here so you don't have to be in a hotel. That way, I can take care of you whenever you need it," Emily gets excited and speaks without stopping.
"Mom, relax. She can stay in the house they gave us. Nobody has touched it, and it will always be hers, and now ours, our son or daughter's. If you want to be alone, I can come and stay here, and you can have our house," Mason says timidly.
“Honestly, I haven't thought about it yet. It's something I just decided," I reply nervously.
“Don't worry, take your time to think about it, and let us know when you've decided. No pressure," Mason's father says.
Then I show them the ultrasounds I have of the baby, and they thank me for being here. I still can't believe they're thanking me when I hid the pregnancy from them. They're too good to me.