The Freshman Tease - Epilogue

Katie

“I’m so proud of you Katie,” Lincoln says, pulling me into a tight hug, “or should I say, Doctor Sato.”

“I like the sound of that,” I grin proudly.

Four years for my Bachelor’s degree - where I switched my major to psychology, two years for my Masters, and five years for my Doctorate. It’s been a long ride and I’m proud of my title. My elaborate doctoral regalia looks a little bizarre compared to my plain black gown and cap I had at my first graduation seven years ago. I decide to take it off and quickly put it into the car trunk, it’s getting very hot and heavy in the May afternoon.

As we walk back to the graduation festivities in the university’s main outdoor square, Ray finds us.

“Steph! They’re over here!” he calls, and hands me a large bouquet of white and purple flowers.

“Katie!” Stephanie exclaims when she sees me. She quickly hands the twins over to Ray before pulling me into a tight hug. Even after 11 years and two kids, she still looks beautiful. She’s wearing a flowy white dress, and her previously long hair has been cut to a more manageable shoulder length.

“Thanks a lot for coming guys,” I say, as Stephanie releases me from her hug.

“We’re so proud of you!” Stephanie says with a big smile.

“Hi Lily, hi Braedyn,” I coo, touching their little hands. “They’re so big now, we haven’t seen them in months!” They smile and laugh.

“They missed you,” Ray laughs, and hands me Lily. She looks up at me with her bright emerald eyes, just like her mother’s.

“How old are they?” Lincoln asks, holding Braedyn.

“They’re almost two now,” Stephanie says, “they’re turning into little trouble makers.”

“They take after their mother,” Ray laughs.

“Hi Katie!” Tina calls.

I pull her into a gentle hug, doing my best not to press on her stomach. “Hey Tina, how have you been?”

She touches her stomach and laughs, “Honestly not super great, pregnancy is a bitch.”

She looks very happy though. I assume this is what people mean when they say a pregnant woman is “glowing”.

“Amen to that,” Stephanie laughs and hugs her as well, “when are you due?”

“July,” she says with a nervous smile, “I’m excited and kinda scared.”

Stephanie starts giving Tina various parenting tips. I’ve been so busy with my schooling that things like having children have barely crossed my mind. I look over at Lincoln who’s smiling, holding a giggling Braedyn.

“Hey Katie!” I turn around, and see Belle. She hands me a small bouquet of pink roses and gives me a hug.

“Belle! It’s been so long,” I smile, “two, three years?”

She nods, “Yeah, just about three. I’m happy to see you.”

Her formerly blonde hair has darkened into a warm brown, her eyes are still bright blue, the freckles on her face have faded, and it makes me feel old seeing how much she’s matured. She was only 12 the last time I saw her, not even a teen yet. I can even still picture her as that tiny little girl I met eleven years ago.

“We’re going out for dinner,” I say, “would you like to come with us?”

She looks at me sheepishly, “Thanks but nah, we’re having a celebration dinner with our parents soon.”

Lincoln raises an eyebrow. “We?”

Belle turns her head and we look to where she’s facing.

I’d recognize those eyes and that look anywhere.

“Hi Jason,” I say softly.

I notice Ray slightly tightens his grip on Stephanie's arm to hold her in place.

Jason slowly walks up to us. “Hey guys,” he says.

He hasn’t changed much. Those same deep brown eyes, thick brown hair, a strong jaw with slight stubble, and dressed impeccably.

“Jay Jay heard where I was going today and came with me,” Belle explains.

The mid-afternoon sun hangs above us. It shines and reflects a bright light against something on Jason’s hand. I squint a bit, and see a wedding ring.

“Yeah, it’s been a while, eleven years?” he chuckles awkwardly. “I thought I’d stop by to say hi and congratulate Katie.”

“Thanks,” I say and gesture towards his hand, “you’re married huh?”

None of the five of us kept in touch with him. We have no idea what he’s been up to.

“Yeah, a couple years ago,” he explains, “my wife and I are actually expecting our first child in August.”

Tina chuckles a bit, “Never thought I’d see the day where Jason Larsen would be in a fully committed relationship.”

Everyone laughs, as the tension and awkwardness eases.

“So what’s the celebration dinner Belle mentioned for?” Ray asks.

“Oh I’m taking over my parent’s company,” he says proudly, “we’ve been going through a transition stage for months, and it’s finally official.”

I vaguely remember him telling me about this at one point.

“Congratulations,” I say. He gives me a smile. The same smile that at one point in my life would make my knees weak and heart flutter.

“So, guys,” Jason says, awkwardly rubbing the back of his neck, “I’m so sorry for all of the shitty things I did back in undergrad. I’ve regretted my actions for years.”

We listen quietly.

“I know it’s cliche, but I’ve really changed,” he sighs, “I’ve reflected on my mistakes and I’ve grown up.”

Belle speaks up, “Yeah. I remember after Katie’s accident, Jason only had serious girlfriends.”

“Thanks Belle,” he says smiling at her. “I’ve really missed you guys. I just wanted you to know how sorry I am, and I understand if you don’t forgive m-”

I lightly touch his arm. “I forgive you Jason,” I say with a small smile, “holding grudges does no good for anyone.”

“I do too, I’m sure eleven years was enough time to learn your lesson.” Lincoln says.

“Same with me,” Ray says, smiling.

“We’ve missed you, you idiot,” Tina laughs.

Everyone turns to look at Steph.

She groans, “Alright alright, me too.”

__________________

Coincidentally, the restaurant we have reservations at is the same one Jason and his family do as well. We end up being seated a couple tables away from them.

Ray and Stephanie have trouble keeping the twins still in their high chairs, and preventing them from throwing things within their reach onto the floor. They really seem to have the same spunk and energy as their mom.

I turn to Lincoln. “Babies are just tiny assholes,” I whisper and he laughs.

“So Katie, what’s next now that you’ve graduated?” Tina asks.

“Well I originally wanted to take the research route, but I’ve decided I want to do clinical work instead. I want to work with people, and I’ll be shadowing a psychologist for a bit before I can practice on my own,” I explain.

After dinner, the server places a large plate with a chocolate dome on it. I look at it, very confused. “Someone care to explain?” I ask, raising my eyebrow at everyone’s knowing looks.

“I wonder what’s underneath,” Lincoln chuckles.

Carefully, I use my spoon to nudge the dome and flip it over. Underneath, there’s a message written in chocolate. I gasp, and my hand covers my mouth.

I turn to Lincoln, and he’s taken out a small navy blue velvet box. He opens it, revealing a sparkling diamond ring.

“Katie, things have been honestly pretty crazy since the day we met,” he laughs a bit, “I never thought the cute shy girl who came into the office that day would turn my life upside down the way you did.”

I’m too shocked to say anything.

“You think you’re awkward but you’re incredibly selfless, charming, funny, supportive, and intelligent,” he says, “and I’m sure our friends agree.”

I turn to the table, everyone has giant grins on their faces, even Lily and Braedyn.

“Honestly I would’ve proposed years ago,” he laughs, “but the determination and fire inside of you to get through school was too admirable for me to interfere with. I’m so proud of you.”

I smile, my stomach is fluttering and my heart feels light.

“I realized the night of your accident that I couldn’t imagine a life without you, and I realized how much I really love you,” he says more seriously. “Ideally, I don’t want us to face any more adversities as insane as that one, but I want to be there for you to support you through any challenges.”

My eyes are tearing up at this point.

“So what I’m trying to get at is,” he takes in a deep breath, “will you marry me?”

“Yes!”

Jason:

I’m so happy for them, as I, along with most of the restaurant, see what’s happening.

After she hugs Lincoln, she looks up and her eyes lock with mine. I subtly raise my glass at her with a nod and small smile.

She chuckles and gives me a look. It’s a look of happiness, warmth, grace, and forgiveness.