Chapter
31
One year later...
Mariah
approached the grave with an armful of flowers. She adjusted her sunglasses and
her hat so it fit comfortably. She knelt down and laid down the flowers.
"I
miss you," she whispered. "Of course, you know that. A lot's happened
since you've been gone, but I promise I'll keep updating on what happens. I'm
sorry I haven't come in a month, but things have been quite busy. Mom's doing
great. She's got a promotion. She's so happy right now. I know she misses you
too." Mariah became silent. Some time passed before she moved from her
position. "I love you. I've got someone who takes real good care of me, so
you don't have to worry anymore." She smiled. "Talk to you later. I
love you." Mariah looked to the sky and blew a kiss. Then she turned and
walked away smiling.
Once
she got home, she opened the door and called, "I'm home!" She closed
the door and locked it.
"Are
you okay?"
Mariah
turned around and smiled. "I'm okay." She walked to him and kissed
him. She was happy that in the last two months he had finally been able to go
places without his wheelchair. He was strong enough now, but still somewhat
weak. "How about you? Are you alright? What did the doctor say?"
Brian
smiled at her reassuringly. "The doctor says I'm doing really well, so
don't worry! You're such a worry wart!"
"I
can't help it!" she said. The two smiled at each other and walked into the
kitchen. "So did anyone call for me?"
"Yup,
your mom called again. She wants to make sure that you're alright and that I
haven't slipped into a coma yet."
Mariah
laughed. "I'll call her back later."
"The
guys called too. They said they wanted to get together tomorrow at Nick's place
for a barbecue."
"Great!"
said Mariah. "That sounds like fun."
Brian
walked up behind her and put his arms around her waist. He kissed her on the
cheek. "Let's go somewhere. The sun's beginning to set." Mariah
turned around and saw Brian smile. Without a word, the couple got their jackets
and headed out the door. They knew exactly where they were headed, no questions
asked. It was their place now. A place where they went when they wanted to run
away from the world. Not even the other guys knew about it.
Brian
liked it so much because it was a secret, a secret between him and Mariah. No
one knew about it, and no one could ever find them there. Brian's fame grew
tremendously in the last year. They weren't able to tour because he was
recovering slowly, but he and the guys made appearances on TV shows. Because he
and the guys were becoming very famous, so was Mariah. That was why she had to
wear sunglasses and a hat wherever she went now, but she didn't mind. Just as
long as she was with him, nothing mattered.
The
distance to their destination was quite far, but once they got there, both were
very happy. Mariah got out of the driver's seat and walked around to the other
side to help Brian.
"I'm
alright," Brian said and smiled. He took Mariah's hand they slowly walked
to the edge. They had returned to the spot where they first came together as a
couple and had fallen asleep in the car talking. Then, they enjoyed the
sunrise, and now, they enjoyed the sunset.
Mariah
spread out a blanket and they both sat down on it when she heard Brian cry out
in pain.
"Brian!"
"I'm
alright, it's okay!"
"What's
wrong?" asked Mariah, her face full of fear.
"Nothing's
wrong except for my foot. You stepped on it with your five inch heels!"
Mariah
laughed, relieved. Brian smiled, and wrapped his arms around her. They sat
silently together, then Mariah said, "They are not five inches."
Brian
looked at her and laughed. Mariah joined in. When they stopped laughing, Brian
tilted Mariah's head gently so she was facing him.
"Did
I scare you just now?" he asked.
"Yeah,
I thought it was happening again. I never want that to happen again. I don't
want you to leave me."
Brian
gazed into her eyes and smiled. "Don't worry. I'll never leave you. Never.
I'll love you, all my life."
The
two sat together and admired the beautiful sunset, knowing they had the rest of
their lives together.
The End
***
