Page 118 of The Girl I Once Loved

After a while, Noah steps away from the grave, wiping away a tear. He looks at me with a small smile.

"Thank you for coming here with me, Skylar."

I nod, my own eyes misty. "Of course, Noah. Always."

As we turn to leave the cemetery, I can't help but feel a sense of closure. The weight in my chest has lightened, replaced by a profound sense of connection and understanding.

Noah and I walk hand in hand, leaving behind the resting place of his mother. The leaves crunch beneath our feet once more, but this time, the sound is accompanied by a faint sense of peace. We face the future together, ready to embrace whatever challenges lie ahead, knowing that the bond between us is stronger than ever.

* * *

The morning sun stretches its golden fingers across Thatcher's Bay, bathing everything in a warm, gentle light. The salty breeze carries with it the promise of a new day as Noah and I stand on the familiar dock, surrounded by our family. It's a moment filled with mixed emotions, a poignant beginning to our journey.

Daisy and I share a tearful hug, clinging to each other as we say our goodbyes. "Promise me you'll come back soon," she whispers, her voice quivering with emotion.

I hold her close, feeling the weight of our parting. "I promise, Daisy. We'll have more adventures together, just like old times."

Our embrace lingers for a moment before we reluctantly let go, Daisy sliding into her husband’s arms for a comforting hug. My mother approaches next, her eyes glistening with tears, but her smile unwavering. She takes my hands in hers, her voice trembling with pride. "You're going to do great things, Skylar. I believe in you."

Tears well up in my eyes as I hug her tightly. "Thank you, Mom…I love you."

We still have a ways to go with our relationship, but I no longer fear it won’t ever be mended. Some things just take time. And I’m okay with that.

I watch as Noah shares his own heartfelt farewells with his father and my mom. Their silent understanding speaks volumes, acknowledging his readiness to embark on this new chapter.

Noah turns to me, his eyes filled with a mixture of excitement and anticipation. His hand reaches out, a silent invitation. "Are you ready, little stalker?"

Without hesitation, I place my hand in his, our fingers intertwining. "More than ready," I reply, with determination in my voice.

Noah leads me onto the boat, his confidence reassuring. As we step aboard, I take one final glance at our family gathered together on the dock. Their smiles and tears reflect the love and support that have brought us to this moment.

Noah swiftly prepares the boat for departure, and I watch as our families become smaller and smaller in the distance. The sails whip us forward, and we begin our journey away from the place that has held our deepest memories and most profound challenges.

As we sail into the open sea, the morning sun bathes everything in a soft, warm glow. Noah and I stand side by side, the wind tousling our hair and the gentle splash of seawater on our faces.

I lean against him, our hands still firmly intertwined. We both know that we're embarking on a new adventure together. The past has shaped us, but the future holds limitless possibilities. As we sail towards the horizon, I feel completely at peace. Because we’re together.

I’m finally where I’m meant to be.

Noah wraps his arm around my shoulders, pulling me close. I rest my head on his chest, and together, we watch as the world fades into the distance, ready to embrace the next chapter of our lives in the morning light.

I once knew a boy whose stormy eyes stole my very breath away just by looking directly into mine.

Because of the boy I once hated, I’d never be the same girl again.

And I was perfectly alright with that.

Epilogue

Noah

Amonth has passed since we set sail from Thatcher's Bay, and every day has been better than the last. The worries and doubts that once haunted us have faded like distant memories, replaced by a sense of freedom and joy that I never thought possible. Skylar, once afraid of the water, now moves through it with an ease that astounds me. She's found her place on this boat, in this life, and it's a wonder to behold.

I watch her now as she stands at the bow, her hair tousled by the salty breeze. The sun hangs low on the horizon, casting a warm, golden light over everything. She closes her eyes and stretches her arms out to the sides, embracing the world around her. The sea glistens beneath her, mirroring the beauty of the sky. I can't help but smile at the sight of her, so at peace and alive.

Sky then turns to me, her eyes filled with a radiant happiness that warms my heart. She takes a few steps toward me, her bare feet making soft impressions on the wooden deck. Without a word, she wraps her arms around my waist and rests her head against my chest.

I hold her close, my chin resting on the top of her head, and I breathe in the scent of her hair. "You look so happy," I whisper.

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