by Marnie Cate
When we reached the cobblestone path, Danu stopped. “You are home. Be happy,” she said, hugging me tightly. I held her back, never wanting to let her go.
“Go now. He waits for you,” she whispered in my ear.
“Who?” I asked, afraid to let go of her.
“The one you love more than anything,” she said, releasing me.
Standing on the porch, I saw the figure of a man.
“I don't know him,” I said softly
“Oh dear, Blanche, look at him with your heart,” she laughed.
Looking again, I could see more clearly this time. The man's features were so familiar. His eyes were a deep brown with specks of gold, coordinating with his dark brown hair that was also highlighted with golden streaks. He smiled at me. My heart skipped a beat as he began to walk in my direction.
“Jameson? Is that you?” I asked as he grew closer.
“It is. The darkness is finally gone from me,” he said.
The voice of the man I loved rang in the air. The sky above us began releasing fine puffs of snow. I held my hands out, and twirled. I should have been cold, but even dressed so scantily, in only a thin nightgown, I felt comfortable. My hair fell over my shoulder, and I smiled again as I touched my long raven locks.
“Look at you. Your beautiful raven hair has returned. You once promised you would never cut your hair. You would keep your beautiful hair long for me,” he said, lifting it.
This couldn't be real. It was a dream.
“Where is Danu?” I asked, realizing we were alone.
“She brought me to you,” Jameson said, stepping closer to me. “You are in the Afterlife.”
“The Afterlife is Winter?” I asked in disbelief.
“It is whatever you want the most. Your soul called for this, Blanche. You created this world. If you don't like it here, we can go somewhere else,” he said.
“What about Roger? Is he here?” I asked.
Jameson smiled. I saw no anger or jealousy. “No, his Afterlife is much different.”
“He is at the ocean,” I said, knowing what his soul would want.
“Yes, Blanche. Do you want to go there?”
Did I want to go there? I had loved Roger once in my life, but it had been so long ago, and it was so fleeting. I owed him so much. I had been the reason for his short life.
“Is he happy?”
“Yes.”
“Is he with Catherine?”
“He is.”
Relief filled me, and I smiled. “Good, that is what I wanted for him. Happiness.”
“I spoke with him. He wanted you to know while your love was brief, he knew it was real, and he loved you. I now understand why you loved him. He is a kind man.”
Jameson took my hand and I felt the same electricity I had always felt run through me.
“Now, it is your turn to find happiness, Blanche. Will you?” he asked. “Can you find it with me?”
Throwing my arms around him, I wept. After all of the years of love and loss, I had wanted nothing more than to be with him.
“Don't cry,” Jameson murmured in my ear. “You can tell me to leave, and I will understand.”
Pulling away, I stared into his eyes. “Of course, I will find happiness. I am with you. It has always been you. You are all I ever wanted, Jameson.”
“Now, you have me forever,” he said, scooping me back into his arms and twirling me around.
The sky behind the cottage lit up with swirls of color. Purples and blues mixed with pinks and greens before turning into a black night sky filled with millions of twinkling stars. Jameson set me down, and wrapped his arm around my waist.
“Make a wish,” he said, pointing to a shooting star.
Resting my head on his shoulder, I sighed.
I had nothing else to wish for. I had everything I needed with me in that moment. It seemed the Drygen curse had been lifted. I was no longer the frightened girl. I was in the arms of the man I loved, and I would never let go again.
THE END
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Bright Blessings,
Marnie Cate
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