by Mya O'Malley
“Stop it, Naomi. Relax. I came here to tell you I’m an idiot. A fool. How could I have been jealous of a ghost? Even if he were still alive, I trust you.”
This wasn’t what she had been expecting. She was ready to fight him, to let him know how pissed she was that he wasn’t speaking to her. Not sure how to respond now, she held back.
“Is there any chance you’ll forgive me?”
His brown eyes pleaded with her. Her heart melted a tiny bit. “I… Oh, Bryce. How can I stay mad at you?” She opened her arms to him.
It felt good. It felt right.
She was home.
Home in his arms, in his life. She belonged here with him and his little girl. Call it fate, call it destiny, she had been thrown into his path for a reason.
“I have something I’ve been trying to tell you the past few days—heck, probably longer than that.” He smiled down at her, moving a lock of hair out of her eyes.
“What is it, Bryce?” she whispered as her heart opened to him.
“I love you.”
Tears sprang from her eyes. “I don’t know what to say,” she cried. “I’m an emotional, happy wreck right now.” Laughter bubbled up inside her.
“Say you love me too.” he muttered in her ear.
Warmth spread through her. “I love you too, Bryce.”
He leaned down and kissed her. She just might be all right, after all. Ryan was correct about Bryce. He was one of the good ones.
And maybe she was as strong as Ryan had believed.
BRYCE HAD LEFT a few minutes earlier. So much for getting any writing done today. Wrapped in his arms for the remainder of that afternoon, she had never felt so content, but Bryce had to get back home. Holly’s aunt was dropping off Holly after a day with her cousins.
Tomorrow, Naomi would go over and visit Holly. Just she and Holly. They would have another “play date.” Smiling at the thought, she grabbed her heavy coat before she chickened out and changed her mind.
It was time for a proper good-bye.
Whistling wind snapped at her cheeks as she made her way out to his grave. Cold, misting rain had started to fall lightly from the sky. She pictured Ryan crying from the heavens. As quickly as the thought registered, she dismissed it. Ryan wouldn’t symbolize the pouring rain. He represented the bright sunshine instead, just as he had been in life, bright and full of life.
The grave stood straight ahead, faint moonlight lighting the way. Sucking in a deep breath, she closed her eyes. Counting to ten, she then opened them, calling forth every ounce of her courage.
Brushing the wet stone off with the sleeve of her coat, she sat down on the wet ground. “Ryan.”
He was gone, though. Happy with the woman he had called his soulmate. She couldn’t have picked a better person for him if she searched for miles. “You two are long overdue for some happiness, you know.”
From behind, someone tapped her shoulder. Gasping, she spun around to find Ryan. He stood, surreal in the foggy night.
“Ryan.” Her jaw dropped. She didn’t want to break the spell she was under. She couldn’t move.
“I knew you would come, I couldn’t stand it if you stayed away. But now, Naomi, is the time for our last good-bye. Seeing you like this is breaking my heart.” He reached out and touched her, and instead of coldness, she felt his warmth. Seemed that even death couldn’t take that from him.
“Ryan,” she cried out.
“Enough of the tears, Naomi. Be at peace, we finally are. Be happy for us.”
“I am. I miss you, though. Why did you have to go and die on me? Why did you leave me when I needed you most?”
Even as the words spilled from her, she knew she was wrong. How the hell could it be his fault that he was taken? He was dead before she had even known him. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that.”
“You’re human. It’s okay, sweetheart. It’s okay.”
“Where is she, Ryan? I need to see her, too. I have to say good-bye to Maggie.”
His silence unnerved her. What did it mean?
“I’ve been here all along, right beside you, Naomi.” It was a voice she had only heard in a different way.
Humming, moaning, and crying, but never like this—this was the side of Maggie that showed what she had been in life.
If she thought Maggie was beautiful before, she positively glowed right now. Being with Ryan had a supernatural effect on her. Maggie radiated warmth and love. Gone was the bitter, agonized soul.
“Maggie.”
The spirit opened her arms wide, pulling Naomi inside the light and warmth. Naomi felt an overwhelming sense of peace and happiness. She didn’t want to leave.
“I can’t even begin to know how to thank you for everything you’ve done. Your interest from the start has been incredible. You saved my soul, Naomi. I’ll forever be grateful to you for that. “
“I wouldn’t change a thing, Maggie. You were so loved, you’re still so loved. Your parents love you more than their hearts can hold. Not many people can claim that type of love in this world, Maggie.”
A tender touch descended upon her. “They love you, too. Take good care of them for me, will you? You mean the world to them.’
“They mean so much to me, too, Maggie. I can’t even begin to tell you how close we’ve become.”
Maggie’s eyes filled with tears. “I know,” she whispered. Her fingertips grazed Naomi’s cheek. “I told you, I’ve been by your side all along. I knew you could do it. Knew you were smart enough to piece together the clues to free Ryan and me. I’ve been waiting for you to come along, all these years.”
Howling wind picked up, and Naomi felt her time with Ryan and Maggie was coming to an end. Warmth faded as a cold chill increased. Is this how the ending of her story would play out? She struggled to be heard over the pounding rain and increasing wind.
“You need to let go, Naomi. If you don’t, you’ll be trapped forever with hatred in your heart. Your heart will turn cold and you’ll become bitter in the end.”
“What are you saying? I have closure now, I feel it.” But she was lying to herself. One crucial piece of the puzzle was missing, and she suddenly realized what it was and the devastating impact it could have upon her.
“Be strong, be brave,” Maggie called out as she placed a gently kiss on Naomi’s cheek. “Forgive him.”
“I don’t know if I can,” Naomi sobbed freely, reaching out for Ryan and Maggie. They slipped further away with each word she spoke.
“Ryan!”
“Be brave. Be happy,” he called out, his voice diminishing, fading as quickly as his ghostly form.
She was soaking wet, and her heart cried for him, for all he had been through. “I will, Ryan. I will.” The last thing she noticed was the tears falling from Ryan’s eyes as he and Maggie disappeared from sight. “You be happy, too,” Naomi whispered. She held her hand out, but no one reached out in return. Knowing it was the last time she would lay eyes on them, she sat back down on the cold, wet earth, not wanting to be anywhere else but beside Maggie and Ryan.
She had no idea how long she had been sitting there, in the cold, icy rain. Time didn’t matter; it was irrelevant. She forgot that someone else loved her every bit as much as Ryan did.
She heard him approaching, saw his confusion at finding her here, alone in the cemetery in the stormy, black night.
It was a moment that she would play back for a long time to come. The moment that she knew for certain, that she, too, had found her soulmate.
He didn’t ask questions, simply scooped her up in his arms and carried her back to her house. Up the stairs, he gently placed her down on the floor to her room and stripped her sticky, wet clothes from her body. He rummaged through her dresser, finding a pair of cotton pajamas, which he gently clothed her in.
Guiding her to her bed, he turned down the sheets and placed a pillow under her head. Lastly, he leaned over, without a word, and kissed her forehead before turning to leave.
W
atching him go, she felt tears of happiness this time. “I love you,” she whispered as he disappeared down the stairs.
Chapter Forty-Three
Naomi
SITTING IN THE waiting area, once again, she recalled how nervous she had been last time she was here, days ago. This felt different, though.
This felt like the closure she had been desperately seeking.
Nick had been an ass, to put it mildly, but he had also told the truth in the end. Who was she to throw stones? She had never walked a mile in his shoes.
Shoes that had been lonely and neglected since childhood.
There was a fine line between empathy and tolerance. She teetered on the edge. Cringing at the metaphor, she dismissed the thought.
She heard a man calling her name, then she was led down a path to a plastic chair in the middle of the room this time. She swallowed hard at the sight of him. His color was off, and a slight beard had started to grow on his boyish face.
As if in a standoff, they hesitated to see who would pick up the phone first. She grabbed it and waited for him to pick up on his side.
“What is it now, Naomi?” Instead of the usual hostility, his stature seemed smaller, his voice weaker. Half determined to turn around and walk the heck out of there, she recalled Ryan’s last wish.
“I-I need to say something to you.”
“Save it, I get enough abuse around here.” He scoffed as he shook his head.
“Let me finish. I came to say that I appreciate you telling me the truth. I thank you for not dragging this deeper than it already was. I will never understand or condone your poor decisions, but I’m going to let it go.” She maintained eye contact, unsure of what he was feeling. “If Maggie could save you that day, I guess I can forgive you.”
“Oh, wow, Naomi. That’s mighty big of you. So glad you forgive me. Maybe I can get some sleep around here for a change.”
“I knew this was a bad idea. I should have never come here.” Naomi smacked her phone down and stood, grabbing her bag from the floor.
A rapping sounded on the glass. He waved his hand, motioning for her to sit back down.
Begrudgingly, she took a seat and waited a moment before picking up the black phone.
“What?”
“I’m sorry. This whole thing sucks so badly, Naomi.” His head sunk down to his chin.
“Listen up, Nick. I’m not here to pacify you or to be your friend. What happened between us, with Maggie and Ryan? All of it, that’s what sucks, Nick. I came to say my piece, and now I’m leaving.”
“Naomi, wait. Will I see you again?”
“Not if I can help it, Nick, but if we do cross paths, respect my request for you to stay away. You’ve hurt us all enough.”
Was this what Maggie had meant when she wished she would forgive Nick? Probably not quite, but it was a start. In time, the pain would lessen, and then she could let go a tiny piece more until all the heartache was gone. Like she said, it was the beginning.
Without looking back at his pitiful face, she held her head high and exited the prison. Only when she walked out into the chilly, damp air did she smile. Turning around to take in the stark prison in front of her, she nodded her head.
“How was that, Maggie? I hope you approve.” She walked over to her car and sat for a moment, stilling her shaking hands.
As she was about to start the ignition, a text sounded from her bag. Reaching in, Naomi opened the message and grinned widely. Just when she thought nothing else could surprise her. It seemed Phil would be hanging around for a few extra days before heading back home.
Naomi responded to Miriam’s text, stating she would love to meet up with her and Phil for dinner tomorrow night, and yes, she would see if Bryce was available as well.
She placed her cell down on the console and drove home, happy to be heading back to Bryce and Holly.
She had promised Bryce’s daughter some time alone, just the two of them. Bryce had suggested they go out for some hot cocoa, or to a matinee. She was so out of touch with what children watched in the movies nowadays, but she trusted Bryce’s suggestion for the new animated princess movie Holly had wanted to see so badly.
Spying the little girl peeking out the door waiting for her, her heart filled with warmth. She already had her jacket on, ready to go. Bryce opened the door as she pulled up further into the driveway. Holly spilled out, rushing toward her with an expression that only children can pull off.
“Nomi!” Holly squealed, jumping up at her as she walked from the car. Naomi squeezed her back with every bit of her strength.
“You sure you guys don’t want me tagging along?” He squinted in the bright sunlight.
“Girls day out!” Holly shouted, giving Naomi a solid high five.
“Okay, I see when I’m not wanted.” He backed up, feigning hurt, but winked at Naomi as she buckled Holly into the booster seat Bryce had handed over. Once Holly was secure in the back seat of the car, Naomi closed the door, allowing her and Bryce to have a private moment before heading out.
He placed his hands on either side of her hips and leaned in. “I love you.” He bit down gently on her lower lip. Kissing him back, she whispered to him.
“I love you, too.”
Backing out of the driveway, she waved good-bye to Bryce from her rear view mirror.
“Nomi?”
“Yes, sweetie?”
“Does girls’ day out mean popcorn, too?”
“Sure, Holly. Why not?”
“Good. It’s our little secret.”
Naomi caught Holly’s smile from the rear view and returned it.
Laughing out loud, Naomi finally knew what it meant to feel complete.
Epilogue
Six Months Later
Naomi
WITH HER FINGERS pounding on the keyboard, Naomi kept at it until the day darkened around her. Zelda was lying contentedly at her feet. She was so close, only minutes away from the ending of Maggie’s story.
The last scene developed before her. After saying her good-byes to Maggie and Ryan, after visiting Nick in prison to start the healing process, Naomi ended the final chapter with her day at the movies with Holly.
Realizing something amazing, her fingertips came to a rest at last. She typed the words that felt so good to every author: “The End.” Cleansing tears signaled the closing of her book. She hadn’t known until the very last chapter that this was not entirely Maggie’s story after all. As a matter of fact, several people shared in the tale. Maggie and Ryan, of course, but also Maggie’s parents, Miriam, Phil, and lastly, Bryce and Holly.
“I suppose that does it.” She knew she would miss writing this story. It already felt bittersweet, concluding this book.
Tomorrow she would reread her entire story, from start to finish, even backwards at parts, just to ensure she had gotten the story perfect. She hadn’t yet given her story a title, but an idea was brewing.
Needing just a bit more time to be a hundred percent sure this was a deserving title to such an important book, she would sit tight for now.
She picked up her cell phone to glance at the time. Shoot. Bryce would be here any minute. As usual, she lost track of time when she was writing. He had said prepare for a day outside. Thankfully, the day was mild and sunny, so opposite of the cool, autumn weather in which her life changed forever.
Bryce refused to tell her where they were headed, but the mystery was certainly enticing. Grabbing her bag, she headed into the kitchen to peek out the window. Sure enough, he pulled in the driveway as she watched. Guessing that he didn’t just walk over meant the surprise destination wouldn’t be within driving distance, she grinned. What was he up to?
“Okay, Bryce,” she called as he stepped out to his truck, “are you going to tell me where you’re taking me, or are you going to let the suspense do me in?”
He laughed heartily, but stood his ground. “Oh no, you don’t. You’ll find out when we get there. You’re just going to have to practice some pati
ence. But trust me, it’ll be worth the wait.”
“Hm. I guess I’m going to have to take your word for it, but it sounds like trouble to me.” Naomi grabbed him playfully, smacking a kiss on his lips for a moment longer than necessary.
“Hey, save that for later, Naomi, or you’re going to ruin my whole plan.” He winked at her.
“Fine, let’s go. I can barely wait to find out what you’re up to.”
He led her to her side of his truck, jumped in himself, and then pulled out of the driveway in silence. Normally chatty, Bryce kept his focus on the road ahead. The familiar road up ahead stretched past the golf course and into the parking area near the mountains.
At first, she thought this must be a joke, bringing her here, but Bryce wasn’t a cruel person.
“What?” Her eyes fixed on Bryce’s face.
He parked the truck and turned to Naomi. Placing his hand on her chin, he guided her eyes up to face.
“It’s okay. Do you trust me?”
She realized that coming to terms with the events of the past few months included experiencing the cliffs in a different light. For this was the place that Ryan and Maggie lost their lives. It was also a place they had grown to love and enjoy so much prior to the accident.
Without this day trip, the cliffs would forever signify horror and despair. With this outing, they could represent another form of closure for her.
“Come. Help me grab some things from the back.”
He reached into the back of the truck, pulling out some bags, a bottle of wine, and two wineglasses.
“A picnic?” Her eyes went wide. An image of her visions in the woods crashed back. But since Maggie and Ryan had discovered peace, the terrifying nightmares had ceased. Actually, come to think of it, the picnic in the mountain had been one of Maggie and Ryan’s most favorite memories.