From Grief We grew (Only On Wattpad)

Epilogue

Nova Scotia, 2023
 
Hayden rushed out of the exam hall. He mentally cursed looking at his watch. He had only 10 minutes to get to Halifax Harbour. He caught a cab and phone-called his girlfriend while he was on his way. “Darling! How is she doing?
 
   “She hasn’t eaten anything so I'm a bit worried. But you know Teagan. She isn't nervous. She’s playing with Avery right now.”
 
   Bea watched as her daughter pretended to swim mimicking her Godmother who was teaching her. “Teggy, Will I be as good as you?” Avery asked as she looked at Teagan as she wore her goggles. Teagan looked at the 6-year-old and nodded. “Even better. You'll be the best,” Teagan replied making the 6-year-old very happy. An announcement was made calling all swimmers. Bea walked up to Teagan and patted her back, “Be careful out there.” Teagan nodded and walked away.
 
   Five years ago, Teagan realised she had a passion for outdoor activities more than painting. Thanks to Lucah who questioned her. What she loved about painting was that she would paint the world. Although she continued pursuing her degree in Fanshawe, Teagan also bettered herself at swimming. Now and then taking her time to go to the skating rink too. She had won many more meddles over the years adding to her school collection. After college, Teagan started working full-time at Noah's cooperate firm while participating in competitions whenever possible. But she never let go of the artist in her. Now and then Teagan would go down to Alfonso's Art Gallery and School, where her husband mentored young artists. She would paint with the students who came there.
 
   Hayden looked around the harbour and noticed Teagan standing in line. She flew all the way to Nova Scotia to partake in her first-ever open-water competition. Hayden stood by the port taking in the fresh breeze of the harbour. He has taken a liking to this place ever since his girlfriend and he moved to New Scotland to pursue his career. Thanks to the support of his family, Hayden was able to pursue his degree in music. Having applied to many universities and schools, Hayden ended up getting into Acadia University.

   After thinking for long, Hayden finally realised what he wanted. Having crossed a lot of hurdles since a child, music was the only constant thing that Hayden found comfort in. It helped him cope with the death of those dear to him. He wanted to help others also find comfort in music so Hayden pursued and completed his bachelor's degree in Music Therapy. Followed by an internship and just ten minutes ago he finished his board exam to obtain legal certification.
 
   Spotting her boyfriend, Bea walked over to him. “Dadddy!” Avery jumped and Hayden carried her. Hayden kissed his adopted daughter all over her face and she kissed him on his cheek in return. “How did the exam go?” Bea inquired as she fiddled with the hem of her top.
 
   “Decent. I think I'll pass this time.” Bea nodded.
 
   As she had promised, Bea followed Hayden. She was a big pillar of support to him for after all she sold her father's shop and rented her house to get money for them to move to Nova Scotia. Hayden's parents helped with paying his fees. Bea pursued her degree in education through an open university thereby being able to look after Avery. Though alone they were both able to push through and successfully finish their education. Now and then Hayden's parents and Josie visited and stayed with them to help take care of Avery in the initial years of their moving. Now Bea is a teacher in the same school that Avery is studying in. It was only their love that got them this far.
 
   Hayden cheered seeing Teagan jump into the water. Avery sat on her dad's shoulders watching everything clearly. She saw her godmother swim ahead of all contestants and kept updating her father. In a blink of an eye suddenly Teagan was missing or so Avery thought for a moment. But then she noticed Teagan staying afloat instead of moving ahead. “Daddy. Daddy. Teagan isn't moving!” she panicked. Hayden quickly pushed through the crowd to see what was happening. “Daddy! She gone! I can't see her!” her words made Hayden move faster.

   Teagan kissed the picture of Lucah in her locket before she jumped into the water. Using the butterfly stroke she raced forward. Her adrenaline rushed through her veins and she smiled loving how the waves felt on her skin. But the blooming feeling inside her suddenly became unpleasant. She felt her chest knot and nausea. Her vision started to get blurry. Teagan stopped swimming and tried keeping afloat as she held her chest. Teagan felt panic as she got more lightheaded. The water level kept rising and slowly pulled her in. She thought about Lucah and how he would be waiting for her at home. She tried moving her legs but it felt like something was holding them down. Time felt slow as she drowned. There were no signs of anyone around. She tried moving her hands and managed to move up a little. I can't die. Lucah needs me. For the second time, she feared what the water could do to her. She couldn't help but wonder how Zayden felt. At the thought of him, he seemed to appear. She knew he'd save her so she stopped fighting and let go.
 
 
   Avery cried as her mother ran with her into the hospital. Hayden was way ahead pushing Teagan along with the nurses. They told him to wait outside as they took her into the ER. Hayden stood by the door drenching wet. Bea placed her hand on his shoulder and he looked at her. “She'll be alright, right? What will we tell Lucah? I promised him we'd take care of her. I promised Zayden I'd look after her! We shouldn't have let her go in the open waters knowing how dangerous it was,” he ranted as he ran his fingers through his wet hair.
 
   “S-should we tell Lucah?” Hayden shakes his head. “Let's wait. Let us wait for the doctor.” Bea nodded and handed him the towel she had in her bag for Teagan. Hayden shook his head. “Hayden please wipe yourself,” she begged.
 
   “Daddy?” hearing his child, he nodded and took the towel. “Take Avery and go outside,” he told Bea not wanting Avery to be around when the doctor comes out. Bea nodded and left. Hayden sat and waited as he lethargically wiped his head. He hear a phone ring and saw Bea walking back in. “Hayden, Lucah is calling.” Hayden face palmed himself and cried not knowing what to do. Bea placed Avery on the floor and sat beside Hayden. She didn't care that he was wet. She hugged him tight and Avery watched while holding her mother's blouse.
 
   “Doctor, how is she?” Hayden asked as soon as the doctor came out of the room.
 
   “She drank a lot of water other than that she will be fine. Please see that she doesn’t participate in such events anymore.”
 
   Hayden's heart skipped a beat. “I-is she hurt?”
 
   The doctor smiled and shook his head. “It is just better to stay cautious now that she is pregnant,” the doctor casually says.
 
   “Pregnant!?” Bea exclaims.
 
   “Yes. 2 months. That is why she had dizziness and probably fainted.”
 
   Bea and Hayden share a look and then clung onto each other. Hayden whistled and exclaimed cheerfully, “We are going to be an Uncle and Aunty, Bea!!!”