Living Off Past Trauma [EDITED]

Epilogue 2: Living Off Past Trauma

Published 30April2025
Edited 18June2025

Omniscient
-------------------

August 2025 — Beach House

The sun was beginning to dip beneath the horizon, casting streaks of amber, rose, and lavender across the sky. The sound of waves rolling onto the sand was soft and steady, like the Earth itself had finally taken a deep breath.

The beach house behind them buzzed with life. Music played from a speaker tucked near the porch, laughter spilled out onto the sand, and the smell of grilled food floated through the salty air. A moment of peace, of stillness, for lives that hadn't known much of it before.

Onika sat under a striped umbrella, sunglasses perched on her nose, smiling down at her three babies like they were the sun itself. Two boys, one girl — all giggling, babbling, and wrapped in love. Her skin glowed under the sun, and for the first time in years, she looked completely at ease. Healthier. Stronger. Whole.

Lizzo was playing with her one-year-old son near the edge of the water, chasing his wobbly little feet before the tide could get too close. She laughed so loud it made the seagulls jealous. Oscar (Omar), was seated next to her in a beach short and white t-shirt; enjoying the view of his Son and Wife. 

Sky was stretched out on a towel nearby, one hand on her slightly rounding belly — two months pregnant, glowing like she'd been kissed by light. 

Smoke curled into the sky as Lamar flipped the chicken with practiced ease, sweat glinting on his brow. Ashton stood beside him, nodding in approval, a toothpick between his lips.

"Man," Ashton said, grinning, "this chicken smell like it's 'bout to change lives."

Kris laughed as he threw the bright blue disc across the sand, his curls bouncing with each step. The dog — a Bernese Mountain dog named Max — sprinted after it, kicking up sand in a blur of paws and excitement. When Max returned, tail wagging, Kris dropped to his knees and hugged him tight.

"Good boy, Max," he whispered, smiling wide.

Lola stood at the edge of it all, barefoot in the sand, the wind teasing the hem of her shorts. She watched everything — every laugh, every quiet touch, every bit of peace — with a heart so full it almost hurt. Taylor came up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her in, grounding her like he always did.

"Tell me this don't feel like a movie," he said softly, voice pressed to her ear.

She leaned into him with a small smile. "If it is, I'm definitely the main character."

He laughed and kissed her temple. Her eyes stayed on the ocean, but her mind drifted.

Law school was still a storm — briefs, exams, courtroom simulations. The gang still needed her too — meetings, territory disputes, keeping the peace in ways the legal system never could. She carried both roles like twin blades: sharp, demanding, and hers to wield.

But somehow... she made it work.

They all had. Together. After everything.

-----[]---[]-----

The fire crackled as the sun dipped low, casting golden streaks across the waves. Everyone had gathered in a wide circle around the bonfire — blankets draped over shoulders, plates of food in laps, smiles soft and real.

Lamar held Onika close, their babies asleep nearby in a stroller, the firelight dancing in her eyes. Lola leaned into Taylor, fingers laced with his, her laughter mixing with Lizzo's as they swapped old stories. Sky rubbed her small bump absentmindedly while sipping juice, her eyes full of wonder.

"Remember that night we thought everything was falling apart?" Lola said, nudging Onika. "And now look at us."

"Still standing," Onika murmured, voice calm and steady.

"Better than standing," Taylor added. "We're living now."

Everyone nodded, quiet for a moment, just watching the fire breathe with them.

"I used to think I wouldn't make it past twenty-one," Lola said softly. "Now I'm running the block and studying for the bar exam in the same week. Life's funny."

"Life's good," Ashton said, raising his cup.

They all murmured in agreement, some smiling, some blinking away quiet tears. The fire crackled again, as if it were listening too.

"You're strong, ya know that? You carried yourself so well through all this mess." Lamar spoke softly to Onika, rubbing his finger over her engagement ring.

"I couldn't have done it alone. The trauma, the pregnancy, the aftermath—it was because of you. You never left my side and stayed with me every step of the way and till this day, you're still good to me. To them." She caressed his cheek.

"What did I do to deserve you. You're so loving as a mother, my finaceé and as my best friend." His voice soft but still deep. His eyes sparkled with love as he looked at the triplets and at then at Kris. "You even accepted him as your son too..."

She was silent for bit before she spoke.

"All you had to do was show me you cared, which you did from the very start. You've always been good to me and I'll always be good to you. As your wife, best friend, and mother to your kids." she smiled softly. "I love you." She added.

"I love you. Always and Forever." Lamar rested his forehead against hers, their fingers interlaced as the warmth of the fire in front of them. The night was quiet, just the hum of waves and distant laughter filling the background.

Onika closed her eyes for a moment, feeling the steady rhythm of his breathing, the calm in his touch.

Then, she pulled back just slightly. 

"All this time," she said slowly, "I've been living off my past trauma."

It hung there between them, raw and unfiltered — but freeing.

She blinked, a tear slipping down her cheek, and smiled through it. "But tonight... right now... I feel like I'm finally living for something else."

This — this golden, imperfect, real moment — was the life she never thought she'd have.

And as the last rays of sun disappeared behind the horizon, their circle glowed — not just with warmth, but with survival, love, and everything they never thought they'd have.

THE END! I'm crying😭😭

-------------------------