Linger
Page 17
“Alice,” I said. I kissed her cold hand and her breath caught in her throat. “Alice, I love you. Stay with me.”
Her chest fell and it didn’t rise again. A tear fell down my cheek, and I searched to find any sign of life left in the beautiful body that lay before me. Alice Potter was the girl I’d met at thirteen, encountered at twenty, and who had become Alice Butler not long after. She was the girl who was there for me every time I needed her, even when I didn’t deserve it. Alice was the girl who never asked for anything from me but gave me everything in return, the girl who I’d walked away from too many times, but always found my way back to. She helped me become a better man as I accidentally fell in love with her. I never said goodbye to her, so I didn’t want to say goodbye forever at only twenty-five years old. She had said goodbye to me too many times, but it never lasted. It never would. She promised me, we both promised each other.
We were still so young, and we had our whole lives ahead of us, our children’s lives too. My world didn’t exist without her. I needed her like I always had.
Alice, open your eyes.
Take another breath, Alice.
Squeeze my hand.
I need you, Alice, I can’t do this alone.
We had a deal.
The nurse was at her side, checking her pulse and listening for a heartbeat.
“I’m sorry, Mr Butler,” she said. “She’s gone.”
I closed my eyes. No, Alice. No, no, no, no.
“Time of death four forty-four p.m.”
I sank to my heels, as my world crashed down around me.
Goodbye, Alice.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Claire Merchant is an Australian writer and published author of young adult fiction novels set in the imaginary city of South Coast.
She has written stories in genres ranging from fantasy and supernatural fiction, to adventure, drama, and romance.
Claire has a passion for storytelling and character building and spends a lot of her time drinking black tea and trying to make sense of the voices in her head.
When she’s not busy working on her next novel, you will most likely find her by the Swan River in her hometown, Fremantle.
Find out more…
Website: www.clairemerchant.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/officialclairemerchant
Twitter & Instagram: @sailorclaire
Tumblr: http://clairemmerchant.tumblr.com/
ALSO BY CLAIRE MERCHANT
Mistry by Moonlight
(Vanguard Press, 2013)
ISBN: 978-1-84386-757-9
South Coast Son
(Vanguard Press, 2014)
ISBN: 978-1-84386-820-0
Foresight
(Amazon, 2014)
ISBN: 978-0-6480684-1-9
Forever Ruby
(Vanguard Press, 2015)
ISBN: 978-1-84386-966-5
Knowing Nora
(Vanguard Press, 2015)
ISBN: 978-1-84386-967-2
Midnight Mistry
(Vanguard Press, 2015)
ISBN: 978-1-78465-066-7
Mistry at Dawn
(Vanguard Press, 2016)
ISBN: 978-1-78465-067-4
A Lady Born, A Pirate Bred
(Vanguard Press, 2016)
ISBN: 978-1-78465-139-8
Christian and Layla
(Vanguard Press, 2016)
ISBN: 978-1-78465-157-2
Finding Hope
(Vanguard Press, 2016)
ISBN: 978-1-78465-173-2
Dreaming of Reality
(Amazon, 2017)
ISBN: 978-0-6480684-4-0
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Thank you to the legendary writer, producer, and director, John Hughes, for creating such iconic coming-of-age films that have stood the test of time. Growing up was made so much better because of the talent you shared.
To the James Butlers out there who I have known, and never seen again – I wish you well.
To the Alice Potters of the world who are still trying to find your happy ending – never give up, but remember that happiness starts with you.
Be your own happy ending.
Thank you to my readers. You are molto magnifico.
Until next time…
Be yourself. Be strong. Be kind.
C xox