Page 71 of From You to Me

His mouth curved into a small smile as he pressed his lips on my forehead. “Go on. I’ll wait for you.”

I nodded as I turned back to her.

I dropped down by her headstone and ran a finger along her name.Hey, Auntie M, sorry I’m late. I leaned my head on the stone, tracing her name as I spoke to her.

So much has happened this past year, Auntie M. Where do I even start? I got a dog and named her Strawberry. When I heldher for the first time, gazing at her, her eyes were so warm and brown, like yours, and I knew she had to be mine.

Rapid tears slid down my cheek.

She is such a good girl, and I love her so much. I still haven’t made any new friends; I think Gabe counts as having ten friends.

My lips pulled in a smile, but a sharp inhale caught me.

And I met Jay, again. After six years. Of course, we’re not back together. You know there are many open wounds there for us to ever go back to what we once were. I actually met everyone too, and they are all here to see you.

I sniffled.

I might have found a way to get out of our debts finally, I think it’s finally time for me to start living again, Auntie M. A gentle breeze sliced through my skin.I miss you, I miss you so damn much. If you were here, everything would’ve been easier. I wouldn’t have become this mess of the girl I once was. But I’ll try for you. I love you, Auntie M.

The loud wind rustled the leaves, shaking the trees. A single petal of the red rose fell on my lap. Through my blurry eyes, I picked it up, rubbing my fingers through its softness. I brought it to my lips and pressed a kiss as I whispered, “I love you.”

The winds rustled louder, almost as if she heard me.

A genuine smile tugged my lips, the heaviness in my heart slowly dissipating.

Warm heat radiated behind my back. Jay sat down behind me, wrapped his arms around my waist, and dropped his chin on my shoulder.

I folded my arms over his and leaned into him.

“Hey, Marie. I’m sorry I couldn’t come see you sooner,” he whispered in his husky voice. “I wish I would’ve known. You must be worried about this one.” He nudged me. “But you don’t have to anymore.”

My heart stilled.

“Although she hasn’t grown up one bit. She still hits her head every five seconds.”

A laugh stitched out of me. I elbowed his ribs, but he only chuckled and tightened his arms as he pulled me closer.

I sighed as I basked in his warmth as we sat there in silence.

Though the hate between us was strong, the invisible love was still alive, pulsing even after all these years.

“You sure you’re okay?” Jay tucked the loose tendrils that had escaped to my cheeks.

“Yes,” I mumbled, my eyes never leaving his.

It was late at night when we returned to the hotel. Jay forced some mouthfuls of food in me and tucked me into a heavy-weighted soft blanket.

My heart almost soared at him caring for me like this, but I knew that none of this was real. The hurt from him brushing off my confession still lingered, but I was too exhausted to relive that feeling now.

He nodded, switching off the lamp beside my bed. “Get some sleep,” he said softly as he walked away.

A tug pulled on my heart. Even though I didn’t want to say it out loud, I wanted him, especially tonight.

And as if he read my mind, he stilled. Though the room was shrouded in darkness, the visible tension sizzled in the air.

I watched as he slowly made his way to the other side of the bed and eased under the sheets. Although not a part of him was touching me, his heat seeped into my skin.

“What are you doing?” I mumbled.

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