Sian

We finished loading the last of Will's bags into the boot of his car. It wasn't a big car, and it was filled almost to capacity with suitcases, art supplies, puppets, and a pet carrier. Inside the carrier was a large, disgruntled fluffball called Scar, named after a drunken night of watching the Disney Channel together back when we were roommates at uni.

He had eventually settled on Scar, but it was a close toss-up between Mufasa, Scar, and Zira. I had voted for Zira, but that was vetoed because I hadn't partaken in any of the drinking and therefore had a clear head.

Well, he's not my cat, is he? So I can hardly complain about what he calls him. Besides, even when we were a couple, Scar was Will's cat. We weren't emotionally ready to co-parent.

"You sure you have everything?" I ask Will as he slams the boot shut.

"It will have to be. Unless you want to bring me up some more stuff next week on the train."

"Erm, not on your life. I told you, you have me for one weekend and one weekend only. I'm back home tomorrow."

"Well, it is appreciated. It's been far too long."

"And much too brief."

"You know you can come visit me any time you want? I mean... if you want?"

"Of course I want!"

"Good. So... About last night?"

"Which bit?"

"About what I asked you."

He fidgets nervously with the toggle of his hoodie.

"Ah, got you."

"Will you consider it?"

"What's to consider? Of course I will."

"You will?!"

His eyes are bright.

"Of course I will, silly. Wasn't I clear about that last night?"

I go up on my tiptoes and kiss him on the cheek.

"Well, I just wanted to confirm, you know, before I shoot Paul a message."

"Well, let me spell it out for you. William Ryan McGuinness, it will be my honour to be your maid of honour."

"Oh my God! Sean, you absolute—"

He freezes halfway through, realising his mistake.

"Shit. Sian. Sorry. Sian. Sian. Oh my God, I am so—"

"Will, it's fine."

I give him a reassuring tap on the arm.

"I am so sorry, Sian."

"That's my name, Will. Don't wear it out, yeah? Ha ha. Dork."

I flick him on the nose, just as I used to do back in Year 9. Will blushes and returns the gesture.

"Imagine—my best mate getting married."

"I know... So shall I message Paul?"

"Yes, message him and let him know. And tell him I say hi and congratulations!"

"Are you bringing a plus-one?"

"Is that all right?"

"Of course, it's all right. It's Kira, right? Your girlfriend?"

"Partner."

"Oh... got it."

I can hear him repeat the word back several times under his breath, trying to memorise it.

"Don't worry, mate. There's not going to be a test at the end."

"This is important, Se— Sian. I want to get everything right."

"Well, I tell you what. Every time you slip up, I'll send you a clip of Scar throwing Mufasa off the cliff. Deal?"

"That's emotional blackmail," he says with mock embarrassment.

"Will it work?"

"Perhaps," he laughs.

My phone buzzes in my hand. I look down, swearing as I see the time.

"Shit. I need to get on the road. I've got a long drive ahead of me. And so do you!"

"Oh."

He sounds slightly disappointed.

"Hey, none of that. We'll see each other again soon."

"Yeah! Promise?"

"Promise! And if it helps, I'll give you three rings—let you know I got home safe."

"Thanks, Peter Kay."

"Ha. Come here."

I give him a big hug.

"Now get in that car."

"Ha ha! All right, all right, I'm going."

"Bye, Will."

"Bye Sian."