"Stop that."
I jumped slightly as my eyes shot over to the familiar hulking form standing in the doorway of my bathroom. I always forget how tall Derek is until I'm standing right next to him. Or in this case in front of him.
"Stop what?" my brows...
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Thirteen years… has it really been that long?
Pulling up to the cemetery, I could feel my throat begin to close in on itself. I haven't been here in… Well, since their funeral. I wasn't ever allowed to come here when I lived with Uncle Zack, and then after I just…
I just felt too ashamed. Ashamed of who I had become after their death. Too ashamed of the monster my uncle turned me into.
But it's different now.
Now, I actually have people who treat me well. People who loved me when I felt I couldn't be loved; people I loved when I thought I would never love again.
“You okay?" Derek asked as he parked the car, resting a hand on my thigh.
I turned to him with a barely noticeable smile, “Not really, but I will be."
His brows furrowed, but he nodded; squeezing my thigh a little in reassurance before getting out of the car to open my door, the bouquet of irises in his hand. When he realized where we were going, he insisted on stopping by the nearby floral shop– even when I told him it wasn't necessary.
We walked slowly to the plot of land where my parents lay resting six feet underground. I needed a distraction from the sound of my thundering heartbeat ringing in my ears. Clinging to Derek was comforting in a way, but I new it wouldn't be enough with the slow pace we walked.
“Remind me why you got Irises again? Don't people normally get, like, White Lilies or something?" I asked, tightening my hold on his hand, wrapping my other one around his bicep.
“Well," He cleared his throat; cheeks and ears turning pink, “In ancient Greek mythology, the goddess Iris was considered the link between heaven and earth, guiding souls to heaven.”
"Right... Well, what does that have to do with the flower?” I nodded along, trying to ignore the pounding in my chest the closer we got to them.
“The flower was often used for soldiers being laid to rest. They represent faith, respect, valor, and hope. I figured it was the perfect flower for a time like this.”
"How so?”
He seemed to think for a moment about my question, before a darker shade of red dusted his cheeks and ears.
"I, uh, don't know exactly. It just… felt right, I suppose.” He shrugged, shyly turning his head away from me.
"You're such a dork.” I laughed lightly, poking Derek's side, "But I guess that's what I love about you.”
“You guess?" He chuckled, shaking his head at my antics.
"Yup.” I smirked, popping the ‘P’.
My smile slowly morphed into a frown once we stopped walking. We're here. Surprisingly, the dark marble stone was in pristine shape. Not a weed, or dead leaf in sight. I let go of Derek's arm, taking a careful step forward. I cringed when I stood directly in front of the stone. It felt uncomfortable, knowing I was standing directly on top of the people who gave me life.
