Life after Death: The Afterlife of Hezekiah Chamblee

Epilogue: Life and Love after Death

Media: "By the Grace of God" by Katy Perry

One year later (in Earth time)...

"Does it get any easier, Hezekiah?"

I sat back in my desk chair and faced the young man who was a newcomer in the Nexus after being sacrificed by his parents. "It gets easier, Victor, but not without a bit of work on your end," I told the dejected teen. "You're not the only person who's been hated by family, and I'm certain that you're not going to be the last. But know that you can finally live the life you've been denied from living by your parents. All it takes is to start wanting it for yourself."

"I do want it, Hezekiah, but I'm not sure where to begin," Victor said sadly. "I was beaten for everything and nothing by my parents and they laughed while loving my sisters to death. No one in my family took my side and I had no friends at school."

"You can have a family here in the Nexus," I assured him fiercely. "Family is not limited to blood ties, Victor. A true family is made of people who care for one another and love each other without conditions. Your blood family denied you of that. Learn to live and love after death because you can only go forward."

"Thank you," Victor breathed, allowing himself to cry as I handed him some tissues. "It means a lot to finally talk to someone about my past. It mustn't have been easier for you when you arrived."

"That's the truth. Thing is, I'm still seeing my counselor about my life when the time comes. But it's my soulmate who keeps me on my toes and helps me appreciate the now."

And that's the truth. Since my arrival at the Nexus, my new life has more purpose as I became one of the counselors for newcomers like Victor. The teenagers and young adults that are assigned to me have more colorful tales to share- stories of being scorned for their looks, sexuality, or intellect by either their peers or their families. Some of them are surprised for coming here despite coming from families that loved them. But all of them were looking for affirmation in a haven my Father created for people who were ignored, shunned, and even killed for being different.

As for what's going on back on Earth, the coronavirus had definitely brought in new arrivals- Ty'Reek being one of them since he died from contact two weeks into the lockdown. His grandparents died soon after from the disease with them heading to Heaven. Ty'Reek hasn't found his soulmate yet, but he's been close to Eva for a while while she's moving up in her modeling career while living in Axis.

Landon and DeSean were going strong as fitness models and personal trainers, both of them being sexually curious as they often invite Chance and I for a foursome or three.

Colton and Carlton made it official weeks after Chance and I did, although their soul-bonding ceremony wasn't as glamorous as mine and Chance's was since they had theirs at the gazebo in the town park.

Damon and Alvin were still steady as ever, even going as far as making plans to welcome a foster kid into their home. Last time I heard, they were in talks with Gabriel to take in a newborn.

Minnie Jean passed on from the virus as did Horace's wife and Lina, all of them being sent to Heaven. Cameron's former nanny Jana Salzbach was now a grandmother of three children and was happily retired while living in her native homeland.  Senator Coleman and his wife left Boston for Florida where the former senator was now enjoying the sandy beaches while Blanche was a successful baker. She was planning to own her own bakery when the pandemic hit, so she began forming ghost kitchens while still planning to launch her business from her home.

As for my family?

Well, I can only say that Jeffrey, Adelle, Alex, and Leigh-Anne were currently answering for their sins in the lake of fire and brimstone after killing themselves in prison. Guess they couldn't live with the guilt (or without the money).

I was surprised that Mariah and Andrew had no idea of what Mom and Dad were transpiring against Cameron, but knew that they deserved a chance to live a proper life free from scandal. I did hear from Gabriel and Michael that the couple were expecting their first kid together while Mariah was a PR consultant and Andrew was a financial advisor. And as far as I know, they were living a well-to-do life that's honest and scandal-free.

Cameron was locked in place at Eton as he and his roommate Valentin were becoming more than friends. Thankfully, they were keeping it platonic while focusing on their schoolwork online. But I wouldn't fault them if they decided to...be a bit naughty at times (hence the moment when they did lose their inhibitions before Cameron was shot).

As for me and Chance, we were currently living our dreams and living our lives as a true destined couple were meant to be. Chance was now an assistant manager of the resort and spa at Pacifica Vista while I was the counselor. Regarding AUTV, we only watched the alternative timeline whenever we were EXTREMELY bored and were curious about what might've been. Other than that, we kept our promise to live in the now and to appreciate the present as it was a gift. Because that's what being present is all about.

Last name Chamblee. First name Hezekiah. Middle name Oshea (still irrelevant, but whatever). And this story of mine is at the end, I hope that it inspires you to start living in the now and to be present wherever you are. I wish you all the best.

THE END....AND THE BEGINNING!!!!!

And that is a wrap for this story, ladies and germs! Who would've thought that the original novella version would end up becoming a novel with a more-detailed and complex storyline? I'm so glad that I wrote this project of mine and I am so grateful for making this into reality. But the best part of writing a novel? Writing the end!

I have some final words that need to be said and what this project truly means to me, so bear with me for a spell! I'll see you later!

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