Time after time

Anything for you

Elle POV

It's the 4th of July and instead of spending the day at the beach house for the famous Flynn party, Noah and I are boarding a cruise from Boston to Bermuda. We both managed to have a week off to celebrate our first wedding anniversary on a cruise.

I can't believe we've been married for a year already. I sometimes have the impression that life has gone by quickly and at the same time slowly. It's certain that our lives have changed a little since last year. After living in dorms for a year, I was happy to be able to live off campus. Noah and I were able to easily create a life together. Sure, we continue to debate who does the chores but... I really feel like I have a home.

And that's the impression I had as I leaned against the railing of the deck of our cruise ship, watching the city of Boston disappear in the distance, thinking back to my birthday in Los Angeles, a few weeks ago...

Flashback LA at the beginning of June

When I woke up on the morning of my 20th birthday in Noah and I's bedroom at the beach house, I didn't have the emotion of joy and excitement that I felt on my past birthdays. I felt sad, I felt alone... When I arrived in Los Angeles a few days ago, it was a shock to realize that my father and my brother would not be there. Their lives moved to Chicago...

I couldn't help but shed a few tears when, in the meantime, Noah came into our room with a tray containing my breakfast.
- Cinnamon buns and scrambled eggs for the birthday girl." he said to me, placing the tray on my lap.

I subtly tried to wipe my eyes but of course...Noah noticed.
- Hey," he said, sitting down next to me and stroking my back. "what's wrong?

I couldn't do anything other than throw myself into his arms.
- I'm sorry Noah" I say to him through a sob. "My mother's absence is just so intense today with my brother and father gone. You are so kind to do all this for me but I miss my mother. I miss our home and our family life.
- Would you like to go see your mother today?
- Would you come with me?" I asked him, looking up at him.
- I would do anything for you, Elle!" he said, giving me a kiss on the nose.

Coming down to the kitchen after our breakfast in bed, June saw that I was not in as festive a state as expected. Noah whispered a few words in her ear before she approached me to give me a big motherly hug.
- Go for your ride with Noah, darling. I'll wait for you for a shopping trip afterwards.

I simply nodded and followed my husband out of the house. I know June is doing everything she can to make this birthday special for me despite the absence of my immediate family. But right now, I needed my mother. Noah even took me for a motorcycle ride to my childhood home. It was weird to see strange cars in the entrance and renovations were underway on the facade. A page in my life had been turned. Not wanting to stay with the reminder of the end of my childhood any longer, Noah took me to the cemetery. A small box and a letter awaited me there at my mother's grave. Probably dropped off by June... I told myself.

My dearest Elle

You are already almost a woman, 20 years old! How I wish I could celebrate this day with you but I'm sure June has the celebration well in hand.

The 20s are often described as the last of childhood before you officially become an adult next year. You've probably just finished your sophomore year of college, excelling in your chosen field. Perhaps today you watch what constituted your childhood disappear into the distance, it is normal to feel nostalgic. They will remain beautiful memories but believe me my beautiful Elle, adult life is also full of beautiful moments. As long as you keep your child's heart for marveling at life.