Unbroken: The Loss Mission: Book 3 (Soulmates)

by Jay T

  “Just in time,” she says.

  “I try,” I say as I hold my arm out her. She slides close to me. I can’t wait to show her my apartment.

  56 eva

  Amy and I played college basketball at the University in Anchorage. It was a wonderful experience. We took our team all the way to the playoffs and took second place.

  Today, we graduate from college. Evan is here to congratulate me as I’m dressed in my gown. Of course The Rousties are playing.

  Right after graduation, we fly out to Seattle, where the guys have their own sold out show and another group opening for them. They have five popular songs on the radio right now.

  “Rousties! Rousties! Rousties!” the crowd chants for them. I’m standing in the midst of all the chaos. I simply can’t believe this is real. I can’t believe how far we’ve all come in a few short years. Amy reaches down and grabs my hand as she screams for the band. I giggle and join in.

  The lights go dark and the screaming gets louder. Mist starts to roll towards us from the smoke machines on stage and my mind wanders back to the battle in the field we had years ago as the fog came down and washed everything clean. Spotlights shine on the curtain as it slowly begins to rise. The lights begin to dance and I’m reminded of the truck, spinning out of control moments before plowing into the van with my brothers in it. I put my hand to my heart as I remember that terrible time but my eyes fix on Evan, the wonderful mystery man from my dreams, who has literally fought hell to find me. Our eyes meet and he smiles at me and winks. The music starts and I’m floored by how great a show they put on. They really have come a long way from the high school gymnasium days. When the song ends, Evan yells into the mic, “Hello, Seattle!”

  There are screams coming from every corner of the room.

  “Today is a very special day. Two of my very dear friends graduated college today,” he says.

  The crowd cheers.

  “I’m especially proud of one in particular,” he continues. “You see, she didn’t have a very easy life. One could say that she’s been to hell and back.”

  I have goosebumps and thinking about hell makes me shiver.

  “She is my fire-wielding angel. Will you join us on stage please, Eva Mathers?”

  He did not.

  Oh my gosh. I don’t want to go.

  Amy gives me a little shove and says, “Oh come on, this is his style.”

  I go around to the side of the stage and the bouncers help me up.

  “There she is, go ahead and give her some applause!” Evan yells.

  It’s super hot up here. The spotlights put off way more heat than you’d think but at least there are fans for a little breeze. The guys are playing softly in the background so it’s not dead air.

  Evan takes me by the hand and brings me to the center of the stage. I think he’s just going to introduce me, make me bow, and have everyone congratulate me on graduating, but he doesn’t. He gets very serious as he takes a knee in front of me and reaches for something in his pocket.

  I gasp along with the crowd. Then they start to cheer and scream. Evan pulls a small square box from his pocket. He opens it and I see the biggest diamond I’ve ever seen. His eyes are glowing purple.

  “Eva Mathers, you are my soulmate. You are my better half and my reason for living. I don’t want to go another day without proclaiming my love for you to the world. I want to grow old with you. I would be so honored if I could call you my wife for the rest of my life. Will you marry me?” he asks.

  I bawl. I bawl like I haven’t cried in years and nod yes.

  The crowd roars. The band starts another song without Evan as Tristan takes over on lead vocals. Evan slides the ring on my finger and stands to kiss me. He leads me to the side of the stage and whispers something to the bouncer. The bouncer nods and heads to the crowd up front.

  Evan pulls me further offstage to the hallway where he turns me around and I see the biggest smile on his face. I wipe the rest of the tears as Evan puts his thumb on my cheek and rubs away any lingering dampness.

  “You’ve made me the happiest person on the planet tonight,” he whispers in my ear as he leans me into the wall.

  “I love you so much,” I say before his lips meet mine.

  The bouncer brings Amy to us as she squeals in delight. “Let me see that thing! I could tell from the crowd it was huge!” She looks over at Evan. “I got it all on video!”

  Evan chuckles and says, “I’m sure there will be a million different angles on YouTube in the morning.” Then he says to me, “You can’t be down there anymore. It isn’t safe. You need to stay with Samson over here.” He points to the big bouncer in the black suit.

  “Why isn’t it safe?” I ask.

  He kisses me on the cheek and says, “I need to get back. I love you.” Then to Samson, he asks, “You got them?” Samson nods once. Evan winks at me before turning to rejoin his band members on stage.

  ***

  “Just one more push, you can do it, just one more push!” If this bitch tells me there’s only one more push one more time I’m going to punch her.

  I push with all I have left and she’s right. He’s here. It takes just a moment as the doctor wipes and suctions the baby’s face. I hold my breath and squeeze Evan’s hand as we wait for the baby to cry.

  Please cry, please cry.

  “Waaaa!”

  “Oh, thank god,” I murmur. The doctor hands the scissors to Evan and he cuts the baby’s cord before the doctor places him on my chest. I look at our baby for the first time as he looks up at me. I never knew I could love this much this fast. I’ve never seen a more beautiful baby. His little nose, his ears and fingers. He’s perfect.

  We welcomed our second baby two years later. I knew I loved our first baby, but our hearts swelled again in absolute awe at our second little boy. They’re both so perfect in their own individual ways.

  Evan had a wonderful music career. We never had to worry a day about money and he never let the fame get to his head although the same couldn’t be said for the others. Just like Evan had been worried about in the beginning, the band had trouble years later with drugs. They eventually broke up after a fifteen-year career but we all remained friends. When we really settled down, Evan bought us a home right on the beach in Kenai. We’re raising our kids doing the same things I did as a kid; camping, four-wheeling, fishing and snow-machining.

  ***

  According to his birth certificate, Evan was 72 when he passed away. He lived a wonderful full life. Now it’s my turn. I’ve been in a nursing home for about five years; I’m 95 now. They’ve called the kids, grandkids, and great grandkids in to say goodbye. As I think back on all my years, there were a few pretty tough ones. There were times I didn’t think I was going to make it. There was a time I only made it thought by the grace of god and a shove from Evan. But all of the difficult years were worth it to be here now, surrounded by so much love and to be at peace. Have I missed Evan since he passed? Of course, I certainly have, but I’ve never really been without him. I know he’s here; he’s always with me and always will be. I’ve never doubted that for a minute.

  I close my eyes and I see Evan, young and strong with those huge muscles of his, reaching his hand out for me.

  I take my last breath and shut my eyes for the last time as I place my hand in his. White light fills my vision as I’m lifted to the heavens.

  I stand before judgement and I hear the only words I’ve been yearning to hear, “Welcome home, my good and faithful servant, we’ve been waiting for you.”

  I fall to my knees in front of the creator and weep for joy. We made it. My old and tired body is new again.

  Bryant comes into view, “Took you long enough.”

  My mom, “Baby, there are you.” She hugs me.

  I’m greeted by everyone I love and care about; Micha, my dad, Uncle Mitch, Aunt Kami and their beautiful daughter, even Ethan beat me here, and Christey.

  Lastly, there’s Chad. He gives me a war
m hug and introduces me to his soulmate Caren.

  When the bustle is over, I’m finally alone with Evan again.

  “I missed you so much,” I say.

  He pulls me into a hug and kisses the top of my head. I’m home.

  “I never left you.”

  I smile. “I know. How are the kids?”

  “They’re sad you’re gone but they know it was time.”

  “Let’s watch over them until they get here,” I suggest.

  Their lives move on, and I’m so happy to be here to greet them when they make it to us. I hug each one of them.

  Finally, it’s our turn again.

  “Ready?” Evan asks as he holds out his hand.

  “Ready.” I place my hand in his and like little kids, we go running into the abyss and leap back to Earth to start our next life. Because life is beautiful and life is everything.

  The End

  Thank you for reading

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