Living with the Dead

Chapter 5

December 25th, 2014 Christmas Day.
Now most people spend it opening presents, spending time with family, and going to church to worship Jesus's birth. Ever since 2012, Christmas will never be the same.
It was the day my Dad died. I will never forget about it and so every year we go to the graveyard and then put flowers over the headstone. Christmas isn't as fun as it used to be.
I woke up and groaned at the date I remembered it was. I got up, showered and wore a nice Christmas dress. It was black all over to respect my dad but had a slight sparkle in the dress so it would shine.
Someone knocked on the door and my mom yelled she'll get it. For a slight second I hoped it was Nepal.
As I walked down the stairs to the doorway to see who came Autumn was standing there with some white roses.
"Autumn... This is a surprise..."
"Yeah of course I just wanted to take you somewhere."
He laced his fingers into mine and took me by the hand to his car. We road for just fifteen minutes but it felt like an eternity. A good one though.
Finally we got out and my heart dropped when I saw where we
were. It was the cemetery, the one where my dad died.
Above the sky was gray and gloomy. Autumn separated the white roses into two groups. He handed one bunch to me.
"Take this to your father's grave."
I was speechless. I gave as small smile and went to the grave for a bit to be alone again with my father. Tears streaked my eyes and Autumn soon came up to me and pulled me into an embracing hug. And led me toward a bench beside a old wilted willow tree.
He took the second bunch of flowers and has made me a flower crown and put it on me. The crown was slightly tilted.
"Everyone has imperfections." Autumn said to me smiling.
Autumn pulled a picnic out behind his back.
"For you."
I smiled, a real smile that I haven't given anyone in a long time. I was glad Autumn wasn't one of those people who said "everything's gonna be alright" Or "I'm sorry for your loss" type of people, because sometimes people don't need to be pitted they just need a shoulder to lean on.
I watched as Autumn set up the picnic and soon after we ate. Then we stayed there telling jokes and funny stories, talking about animae and manga, and exchanging music.
Soon night had fallen and we laid there on the picnic blanket watching the stars together.
Then Autumn looked at me and then got closer to me. He touched my cheek and I looked back at him. I smiled and suddenly he pressed his lips softly against mine. He brushed aside my bangs and then kissed my forehead only to then go back to my lips.
"You are so damn beautiful Indonesia. I am so lucky to call you mine. I love you."
I stared back intently at him. "You won't leave me will you? Lllike the others ddid?" I trembled as I spoke.
Autumn pressed his lips against mine again and then got a bit concerned. "Never will I ever leave my Indonesia."
I smiled back at him and I wished that for the rest of my life I could just lie there under the stars with Autumn but soon he took me home gave me a kiss on the cheek and sent me off.
That was the best Christmas present ever, my first kiss.

December 31st New Years Eve
I was spending some time with Echo lately and went to her art classes. They were very interesting.
"Hey Indonesia I love your painting of that boat." Echo said one day in art class.
"Yeah thanks but mine looks shitty compared to yours." I said looking at her painting that was clearly art museum worthy.
"Well I think your art shows passion and creativity."
"Thanks Echo."
Later that day Echo hung out at my house.
"So how's it been with you and that Autumn guy?"
"It's been good we have umm... a relationship."
"Ohhh did you snog yet?"
"Uh excuse me?!"
"Oops sorry I forgot I was speaking in British terms, it means kissed or made out.
"..."
"That means you did!!!" Echo said in excitement.
"Ugh!" I groaned "Let's not talk about it. So how is your friend Pandora working for you?"
"She's super cool! She loves art, and comics and so much more! Oh Indonesia you must get to know her better! Her birthday party is this weekend and she said I can take one friend!"
"Umm okay..."
"You'll just love her I know it, and it's January 4th at 7:00 pm"
"What the crap!? It's not a sleepover is it!? Because that is so middle school."
"Heck no, it's more of a girls night out. Don't worry I'll pick you up."
"Okay then..."
Echo soon left and I had 30 minutes until my mom called me to dinner.
I went to deep thought. I felt bad that I haven't hung out with Echo a lot and hung out with Autumn lately so I guess I thought I owed her. She was such a nice friend to me and I have been nothing but shit to her. Leaving her out, never trying to push Autumn to talk to her. I guess I just got carried away so I will make sure we will all get together as a group soon.