As soon as it lifted off from the ground, Mitch felt Juliette’s cold fingers slip into his own. The icy cold shock of them returned him to this moment, and he gave a little tug on her hand to lead her back to the Hummer.
Once they were back inside, he brought the engine to life and cranked the heat. “Put your hands in front of the vent, you’re freezing,” he said, rubbing her hand that was closest to him. He hadn’t broken down and cried in a long, long time. The day he found out that his wife was dead, the impact of it had knocked him down and he had allowed himself that one day to grieve her before he reached the states and took over the care of his children. He felt himself beginning to slip into a darkness that was much like the one that had claimed him on that day, so he took a deep breath and concentrated on the light that was Juliette.
“This is hope, Mitch, they have given us hope, and until my dying day, whether that’s two weeks from now, or fifty years--I will be eternally grateful to each of them for that hope. Now let’s go home, so I can get warm by the fire,” she whispered, leaning over to kiss him gently as her icy fingers caressed his face.
He knew that the hope he held within him had more to do with the woman sitting beside him than it did the chopper in the air. He kissed her back before he slipped on his seatbelt and made his way back to the icy road.
He said a silent prayer for safety for his friends as he began the journey home.
Authors Note
Hi, you made it to the end, so what did you think? If you have a moment leave a review and let me know. Feedback is nice, I love to hear it and I always take your suggestions into consideration, but ultimately this story was written by the characters. I never knew before beginning this journey, how much I would fall in love with these fictional people, and how fun it would be to bring them to life for you. Jimmy has been one of my most cherished. He’s the heart of this story. Have you ever met an old soul like him? It’s almost eerie how easy it is to forget that they’re so young. Jimmy may have only been four-years-old, but he was the wisest amongst them. In the 37 years that I have been on this earth, I’ve come to learn that children are just that--wise beyond their years. Take a moment to listen to them, and I assure you that you will learn something.
I dedicated this book to my Uncle Dave. He’s one of my favorite people, and helped shape me into the person that I am today. I think that Jimmy is very much like him, and when I say that the soul is ageless, I truly believe that. Have you ever met someone who seemed to hold an infinite amount of wisdom, but still possess all of the wonder of a child? That is my Uncle Dave, he sees the magic in this world, and he cherishes it. Thank you, Uncle, for sharing your wisdom with me, I’ll love you forever, and carry you with me always.
Now it’s time to say my thank you’s, the people that I owe the most thanks to, and the ones that will always be at the top of my list, are Brian, Sebastian, and Cassidee. Thank you, guys, for allowing me countless hours at the computer. I know that although my writing is a gift it doesn’t come without sacrifice. I hope that I have balanced my time well enough that it doesn’t feel like a curse. I love you all so much (I know you all know this because I say it a million times a day, but I hope that you feel it too) and I can’t say thank you enough for letting me pursue this dream.
Next on my list is my dear friend Cassie, she has helped me in immeasurable ways. Not just with this story but in life, as a friend. Thank you for always listening, and offering advice. I am so glad to have found my red thread.
If you’re like me, it’s probably late at night, and your eyes are tired and you’re debating on finishing this or just going to bed. Hang with me, I assure you that I’m almost finished. Just a quick thank you to a few more people who really helped out along the way, Aunt Patt, I have so much love for you, thank you for all of your help. Hannah, thank you for your help and advice with the horses, you know how difficult that part was for me and I really appreciate all of your input. Sadie, thank you for your help. Leisha, always thank you for everything, always. Heather, thank you for Hayden, she wouldn’t have come to me if it hadn’t been for you and I love her, I’m so glad she was stubborn enough to carry on to book three. Everyone who has offered support along the way, I thank you.
Okay, this will be it, I just want to say a little something to my Mom and each of my siblings, so bear with me. David, thank you for always believing in me, and just being wonderful you. You are one of those people that others are drawn to, and you have a way of making everyone feel special, cared for. That is such a special gift to have and you carry it very gracefully. I love you brother. Sadeana, I don’t know who I would have been in this life without you, I love having a sister, and you are the best. Thank you for always caring with your whole heart. Dennis, thank you for reaching out, I have so enjoyed getting to know you, I can’t tell you enough how much your support means and I hope you loved book two. Dorian, I don’t know that you will ever read this, but I love you, and hope that you find your way. Mom, thank you again for teaching me kindness, the most important of all of the lessons, I love you.
Side Effects: Book Two: Visions of Despair Page 21