Chapter 1: The Proposal

Shan's heart sinks as her phone buzzes for the third time, the insistent sound pulling her from sleep into a day she instinctively knows she isn't ready for. She fumbles for it, squinting at the screen to see Link’s name flashing.

“Hey, Lee,” she mumbles, her voice thick with sleep. “It’s barely seven. What’s up?”

“Shan! Can you come over? I’ve got some big news,” Link’s voice crackles with excitement through the speaker. She can’t help but smile; it’s the same excitement she remembers from their primary school days, like when they had been partners for the school science fair or the time they had planned elaborate pranks on April Fool's Day. Those moments had cemented their bond, and she couldn’t imagine her life without him.

Shan rubs her eyes and sits up, already feeling a knot of anxiety forming in her stomach. This is typical Link—never a moment of peace. She glances at the clock, confirming she is right, it is indeed barely seven. What could be so important? She sighs, a mix of worry and curiosity driving her out of bed. “Sure, give me a bit. I’ll be there.”

Shan’s flat is a small, cosy space filled with the artefacts of her life. Framed photos of family and friends, including several of her and Link, adorn the walls. Bookshelves overflow with novels. She reaches for a book that has been her recent favourite—a worn copy of "Pride and Prejudice"—and carefully places it back on the shelf next to her copies of "Norwegian Wood" and "The Notebook." She takes a deep breath, trying to shake off the unease that has settled over her.

She showers and dresses quickly, opting for comfortable jeans and a jumper. As she makes her way to the kitchen, she checks her phone again, hoping for a distraction. A message from her colleague and close friend, Jess, pops up: Coffee later? Need to vent about my bosses! xD.

Shan smiles. Jess is not only her colleague but also her confidante, especially on days like these. They both work with Link at their marketing firm, Pixel Pulse Marketing, which she and Link had started up after uni. Shan loves their brainstorming sessions, where creativity flows as freely as the coffee they consume. She replies quickly, setting a time to meet at their favourite café, Grindsmith at 10 AM :) After she visits Link. They love the place for its cosy atmosphere, eclectic playlist, and the best caramel lattes in town.

Her morning routine is a familiar comfort. She brews a cup of her favourite French roast coffee, savouring the rich aroma that fills her small kitchen. As she waits for it to brew, she absentmindedly flips through the post piled on the counter. Bills, a postcard from her friend Jack holidaying in Italy, and a flyer for a local art exhibit. Jack's neatly written note on the postcard brings a smile to her face: Wish you were here! Let's catch up when I'm back. Jack has been a close friend since childhood, always adventurous and carefree, a stark contrast to her more cautious nature.

With her coffee in hand, she sits by the window, letting the morning sun warm her face. Her thoughts drift back to Link and his mysterious news. She wonders if it has something to do with Pixel Pulse or perhaps he has finally decided to move out of his bachelor pad. Whatever it is, she hopes it is good news.

The drive to Link’s place is short, and the familiar route gives her time to reflect. She passes by Heaton Park, where they used to jog together, reminiscing about their spontaneous races and deep conversations about their future plans. The diner where they’d spent countless late nights talking about their dreams and fears stands as a testament to their enduring friendship. Her mind wanders to the more recent past, the subtle shifts in their relationship that she can’t quite put her finger on.

As she pulls up to Link’s house, she takes a deep breath, steeling herself for whatever news awaits her. The early morning sun warms her back as she approaches the front door. It swings open before she can knock, and a gust of air carries the scent of fresh flowers from inside. Link stands there, a broad smile on his face, his eyes shining with a happiness that feels almost foreign to Shan.

“Shan!” he exclaims, pulling her into a tight hug. His embrace is warm and familiar, grounding her in the present moment.

“Hey, Lee,” she replies, her voice muffled against his shoulder. She pulls back slightly to look at him. “What’s the big news?”

Link steps aside, revealing the inside of his home. The living room, usually a cosy mess of books and gadgets, is transformed. Bright balloons float near the ceiling, their colours clashing with the worn, comfortable furniture. A large banner hangs across the wall, proudly declaring, “She Said Yes!” Her heart skips a beat. The room seems to pulse with the promise of a future she hasn’t imagined.

Suddenly, the memory of their Year 10 summer school dance flashes through her mind. She remembers how she had been standing on the sidelines, watching everyone else dancing and laughing as they stepped on each other's toes. Link had gently taken her hand, leading her to the dance floor with a nervousness that sometimes surprised her. "Just one dance," he had said, his eyes twinkling with mischief. As they had swayed to the music, she had allowed herself to believe, just for a moment, that there was something more between them. But now, standing in his living room, she feels that dream shattering into a thousand pieces.

“Lee, are you—” Shan’s mind returns to the present, feeling as if she is in a daze.

“Engaged,” he finishes for her, his smile widening. “Raquel and I are getting married!”

For a moment, Shan can’t breathe. The room seems to close in around her, the bright balloons mocking her confusion. She has to force herself to smile, to push away the growing sense of loss. How could this be happening? She has always pictured herself by Link's side, but never like this. The late-night talks, the shared dreams—they had always felt like the foundation of something more. Had she misread everything? Did Link really see her as just a friend, someone to support him but never to share his life with?

This was her best friend's happiness, but where does that leave her? Could she really stand by his side as he promises his future to someone else? The silent dreams she has nurtured for so long feel like a cruel joke now. She swallows hard, pushing down the lump in her throat. This isn’t about her. It’s about Link. She has to be happy for him, even if it breaks her own heart.

“That’s… that’s amazing, Lee. Congratulations.”

Before she can say anything more, Raquel appears in the doorway, her perfectly styled hair and immaculate outfit a stark contrast to Shan’s casual appearance. Raquel’s smile is polite, but her eyes hold a glint of something colder. “Nice to see you, Shantelle,” she says, her tone dripping with a sweetness that feels more like a dismissal. She looks Shan up and down, her gaze lingering a moment too long on Shan’s casual clothes. “You’ve always been such a… loyal friend.”

“Raquel,” Shan replies, her voice steady. “Congratulations.”

“Thank you,” Raquel says, linking her arm with Link’s. She adjusts his collar, an intimate gesture that seems designed to emphasise their connection. “We’re so excited. We’ve been planning the engagement party and, of course, the wedding. It’s going to be perfect.”

Link’s eyes flicker between the two women, sensing the tension. “Actually, Shan, I was hoping you’d do me the honour of being my best woman.” 

Shan’s heart skips a beat. “Your best woman?”

“Yeah,” Link says, his eyes earnest. “You’ve been my best friend for as long as I can remember. I can’t imagine getting married without you by my side.”

Raquel’s smile tightens, though she quickly masks it with a wider grin. “How wonderful,” she says, her voice a touch too bright. She turns to Shan, her eyes narrowing slightly. “You must be thrilled to be so involved. It’s almost like you’re part of the family already.”

Shan feels a rush of conflicting emotions. Part of her wants to say yes immediately, to be there for her best friend on one of the most important days of his life. But another part of her, the part that has been harbouring unspoken feelings for years, recoils at the thought.

“Of course, Lee,” she says finally, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside. Her mind races, a thousand thoughts clamouring for attention. This is her best friend’s happiness, but what about the silent dreams she has harboured? She swallows hard, pushing down the lump in her throat. “I’d be honoured.”

The relief in Link’s eyes is palpable. “Thank you, Shan. It means the world to me.”

Raquel’s smile doesn’t quite reach her eyes. “We’re so glad you’re on board.” She leans in closer to Link, pressing a kiss to his cheek, her eyes never leaving Shan’s. “It’s going to be a very… special day.”

Shan nods, forcing herself to meet Raquel’s gaze. “I wouldn’t miss it for anything.” As she says the words, a flicker of doubt crosses Raquel’s face, gone as quickly as it comes. Shan can’t shake the feeling that this is only the beginning of the complications to come

The air seems to thicken with unspoken tension, and Shan wonders if she is stepping into something more complex than just a wedding party.

As the morning wears on, Shan finds herself playing the part of the supportive best friend, congratulating Link and Raquel, helping with the party plans, and smiling through the pain that gnaws at her heart. She knows this is the right thing to do, for Link’s sake. But as she watches him with Raquel, a part of her can’t help but wonder what might have been, if things had been different.

Later, as she drives home, the reality of the situation settles over her like a heavy blanket. The hum of the engine seems distant as her mind replays every detail of the morning. She remembers the way Link’s face had lit up when he had talked about Raquel, a light that had once been reserved for their shared dreams. Her fingers grip the steering wheel, knuckles tight, as the tears she has been holding back finally spill over.

By the time she pulls into her driveway, the weight of her unspoken feelings is unbearable. She turns off the car, her fingers digging into the leather of the steering wheel as sobs wrack her body. The taste of salt lingers on her lips, and the world outside blurs through her tears. This is just the beginning. The beginning of letting go.

Shan knows this is just the beginning. The beginning of a journey that will test her in ways she’d never imagined. She wipes her tears away, takes a deep breath, and steels herself for what lies ahead.

Chapter 2: Coffee and Confidences

The comforting hum of Grindsmith envelops Shan as she steps inside, the familiar scent of freshly ground coffee beans instantly soothing her frayed nerves. She spots Jess already seated at their usual corner table, a steaming cup of caramel latte in front of her.

“Shan!” Jess calls out, waving her over with a smile. Her bright red hair is pulled into a messy bun, and she looks every bit the creative whirlwind she is known to be.

“Hey, Jess,” Shan greets, sliding into the seat opposite her friend. “Sorry, I’m late. It’s been a morning.”

Jess’s eyes sparkle with curiosity. “I figured. What’s up?”

Shan sighs, the weight of the morning’s revelations settling over her again. “Lee’s getting married.”

Jess’s eyes widen. “Wow. That’s big news. How do you feel about it?”

Shan takes a sip of her coffee, savouring the warmth. “Honestly? I’m not sure. Part of me is happy for him, but another part of me…” She trails off, not sure how to articulate the tangled emotions inside her.

Jess reaches across the table, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze. Shan returns the gesture with a weak smile, grateful for the silent support.

“Lee asked me to be his best woman,” she finally says, her voice barely above a whisper.

Jess leans back, her eyes searching Shan's face. “And you said?”

“I said yes. How could I not?” Shan’s voice wavers slightly.

Jess studies her for a moment, then changes the subject. “Let’s talk about something else for a bit. How’s work going? Any interesting projects?”

Shan feels the tension easing as they shift topics. “We’ve been working on that new social media strategy for our fashion client. They’re really keen on rebranding and hitting the younger crowd. Lots of creative freedom.”

Jess’s eyes light up. “Right, the one with the micro-influencers? How’s that shaping up?”

Shan chuckles. “Pretty well. We’ve lined up a few local influencers. They’re going to do short, quirky videos in different Manchester spots. Should be fun.”

Jess nods along, intrigued. “Sounds brilliant. Any crazy client requests yet?”

Shan laughs. “Well, they did ask if we could somehow get a celebrity cameo—someone like Jodie Comer. We had to gently remind them about our budget constraints.” 

Jess's laughter rings out, filling the café. “I can just imagine that conversation. ‘Sure, let me call up Jodie, we go way back!’”

Shan grins. “Exactly. But overall, they’ve been surprisingly open to our ideas. It’s refreshing.”

As they talk, the comfort of routine and friendship provides a temporary respite from the turmoil inside her. Jess listens intently, her expression a mix of curiosity and encouragement. They discuss the intricacies of their projects, share a few laughs about the more bizarre requests they’ve encountered in their careers, and find solace in the familiar rhythm of their conversation.

Shan gestures animatedly as she describes the campaign’s creative direction. “We’re also thinking of doing a pop-up event in the Northern Quarter, maybe at one of the vintage shops. It’ll be like a mini fashion show with live music and street food.”

Jess’s eyes sparkle with excitement. “That sounds amazing! I’ll definitely be there. And you know what? You’re really good at this, Shan. You’ve got a knack for making these ideas come to life.”

Shan’s smile widens, the praise bolstering her confidence. “Thanks, Jess. It means a lot coming from you.”

As they prepare to leave, Jess gives Shan one last piece of advice. “Remember, Shan, it’s okay to lean on your friends. We’re here for you.”

Shan nods, feeling a renewed sense of strength. “I know. And I appreciate it more than I can say.”

Walking out of Grindsmith, the Manchester streets bustling with life, Shan feels a flicker of hope. She doesn’t know what the future holds, but with friends like Jess by her side, she knows she can face it, one day at a time.

Back in her car, Shan takes a moment to breathe deeply. The talk with Jess has helped, but she still feels the weight of Link's news pressing on her. She decides to take a drive through the city, a routine she often uses to clear her mind. The familiar sights of Manchester—the Northern Quarter's vibrant street art, the imposing Manchester Cathedral, and the hustle of Piccadilly Gardens—help ground her. 

As she drives, her mind wanders to the first time she and Link had talked about starting Pixel Pulse. They had been sitting in a small café, much like Grindsmith, sketching out ideas on napkins. Their shared vision and determination had turned those napkin sketches into a thriving business. The memory brings a smile to her face and a pang of longing. She misses when their biggest worry had been meeting a client deadline.

Shan's phone buzzes again, pulling her from her thoughts. It is a message from Link: Thanks for coming over this morning. I really appreciate it. How about we grab a drink tomorrow? Need to catch up with my favourite girl properly.

She stares at the message, warmth spreading through her at his familiar tone. Part of her wants to tell him everything—to confess her feelings and the turmoil they cause. But another part of her feels cold looking at his words, knowing he doesn’t mean them in them in the way she she wants him to. She knows she can’t tell him, that this isn't the right time. Link is happy, and she doesn’t want to jeopardise that. She would never hurt his happiness, no matter the cost.

Instead, she replies: Of course, Lee. Anytime. How about Thursday at The Old Wells? Our usual spot.

She sends the message and continues her drive, eventually finding herself near the primary school where she and Link had met. She parks and decides to take a walk around the area, hoping the nostalgia will bring some clarity. The sight of the familiar playground, the classrooms, and the lush greenery brings back a flood of memories.

She remembers the childhood games, the impromptu picnics, and the countless hours spent dreaming about the future. It was here that their friendship had deepened, laying the foundation for everything that had come after. As she walks, she realises just how much Link has been a constant in her life. He is more than just a friend; he is a part of her history, her present, and, as she had always hoped, her future.

After spending some time lost in her thoughts, Shan decides to head back to her flat. She has a lot to think about and needs to figure out how to navigate the upcoming days. As she settles back into her routine, she makes a promise to herself: she will support Link, no matter how difficult it might be. But she will also take Jess's advice and focus on her own happiness. It is time to start looking at her own future, even if it means making some tough decisions.

That evening, Shan sits down with a glass of wine and her laptop. She opens a new document and begins typing out her thoughts and feelings. Writing has always been her way of processing emotions, and tonight is no different. She pours her heart into the words, hoping to find some semblance of clarity in the process.

As the words flow, she realises that while her feelings for Link are undeniable, she can't let them define her. She has to find a way to move forward, to create a future that is fulfilling and happy, regardless of where Link fits into it. It wouldn’t be easy, but with the support of friends like Jess and the determination that has always driven her, she knows she can do it.

The next morning, Shan wakes up with a renewed sense of purpose. She dresses, has her coffee, and heads to the office, ready to tackle the day. At Pixel Pulse, she throws herself into her work, finding solace in the creativity and challenge it provides. Jess is right there beside her, offering support and the occasional distraction with her quirky sense of humour.

As the days turn into weeks, Shan finds herself slowly adapting to the new reality. She still has moments of doubt and heartache, but they are becoming less frequent. She begins to explore new interests, takes up painting again, and even agrees to go out for drinks with some friends she hasn't seen in a while. 

And then there is Jack. They have always been close, but lately, she finds herself looking forward to their chats more than usual. He has a way of making her laugh and see the brighter side of things. Maybe Jess is right; perhaps there is potential for something more. She decides not to rush things, taking it one step at a time.

Through it all, the constant support from Jess makes all the difference. They continue to meet at Grindsmith, their conversations ranging from the mundane to the profound. Jess's unwavering belief in her gives Shan the strength to keep moving forward, to keep hoping.

By the time Link and Raquel’s engagement party rolls around, Shan feels more at peace. She has come to terms with her feelings and is determined to celebrate her friend’s happiness wholeheartedly. It is a journey, and it is far from over, but for the first time in a long time, Shan feels like she is on the right path. She is ready to face whatever comes next, with hope in her heart and a smile on her face.

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