Aliyah's Teddy Bears.

Chapter 12

---------------------------------------------1 YEAR LATER---------------------------------------------

Victoria walked to William's grave with Aliyah holding her hand. Victoria walked to the tombstone with a rose in her hand. "It's been 1 year dada. I really really miss you. Mommy says you're in a beautiful place called heaven. We had your favorite dinner tonight and I ate it all up. Even though I don't like the carrots. I learned how to swim this summer and I can even open my eyes when I'm underwater. Mommy says you can see me, is that true?" Aliyah grabbed Victoria's hand. "I think it's time to go honey." Victoria put the rose by the grave and said, "Bye dada!"

---------------------------------------------5 YEARS LATER-------------------------------------------

Victoria once again walked to the grave. "It's been 5 years daddy. I promised not to cry, but it can hurt so much to know that you are gone. I'm now in 3rd grade. I am really into computers. I'm playing soccer and softball. Daddy, I miss you a lot. Can you see me?" She left another rose for her dad.

---------------------------------------------10 YEARS LATER-------------------------------------------

Victoria wandered to the tombstone. She placed a framed picture of her mom and dad kissing at a party. . . and a teddy bear. "It's been 10 years daddy. I started high school. I made the honor roll. I hope you are proud of me," she wiped her tears and continued, "I'm on the school's soccer team. Can you see me out on the field when I play? I started thinking about college. Do you think I can be a doctor? I know you'll be with me when I walk down the aisle. I try not to be sad, but it hurts. I hope you know you are my hero. I love you so much! Can you see me? I hope you and mom are doing ok up there, also Uncle Victor. I miss you so much. The doctors said she wouldn't make it after the accident. Well, I love you daddy. I have to go see mom now."

Victoria walked to her mother's grave, leaving the memory of the young lovers when they were both alive frozen in time next to the teddy bear her Uncle Victor gave her.

On her way home in the 67 impala her mother gave her, a special song came on. It was 'The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face' By Roberta Franklin, that's the song her parents sang to her as a baby. Victoria was surprised at first and sad at the same time. She tried not to cry but she couldn't help it. She smiled though, singing along with the lovely tune.