Lifted (Lock And Key #1)

Chapter 24 - Walking Away, Starting A New

Tyler's funeral day

I haven't spoken to Zac properly in what seems like days, and it may very well be. I've been working on auto pilot and only Tyler's funeral speech seems to being me out of it. So standing up on the podium before his casket seems like I'm seeing ghosts and it feels like he's actually here with me. It's daunting looking at everyone who came, all looking at me. Especially Mrs Hermiede, she looks just as broken as me, maybe even more.

I take a deep breath and begin my reflection. "I would like to start by thanking all of you who came here today. It means a lot to all of us who got to know who Tyler Hermiede is." Another deep breath, another pause. "When I met Tyler, it was in a school hallway. I had just made a vow to myself that over the next two Yeahrs, I would find myself once more. It seemed that along the way of growing as a person, I lost key components of myself. I can remember the day like it was yesterday, Tyler looked a bit lost but charming as he handled it. He walked over to me and said, 'I seem to be lost.' I was really nervous as everyone kind of looked at both of us. I tell you all of this day because that is the day Tyler told me he fell in love with me." Tears start to form at the back of my eyes. "And it was definitely the day I fell in love with him. It wasn't until a few days ago I realised this." I stop, thinking. "And it isn't until now that I realise a few days ago is when I found myself again." I end my sentence, voice strong again. "Tyler brought me back to myself, even though I may not have handled it well at times. Everything he did was good and pure, just like his heart. And it is that same heart that taught me how to love again. And I wish to tell everyone who has ever been in my life that I do love you, it just took me some time to realise it." Another breath, another pause. "Tyler has left a mark in my heart that will never fade, and I am grateful for this. Because I never want to forget what him and I shared. If anything I want to re live it over and over. And I wish he was still here so I can say it in person. Tyler..." My words finally falter and I can't help but sob now. "Tyler was the one who showed me the way, and I can't help but think without him I'd be gone instead of him. I try to take each day at a time, to distract me from blame. And most of the time it works, because just thinking about Tyler is enough to keep me going. And I will keep going for as long as I possibly can, because that is what Tyler would have wanted." I step off the podium, Zac already there to walk me down and I hold onto his chest. We wait for the ceremonies to finish before leaving and I cry for most of it, dwelling on the fact that Tyler is gone. After, all of my friends come over to Zac and I, Jess, Britney, Zoe, Chanel and Lolly, tears in their eyes. They all hug me in one big go, Zac has stepped aside. "That was beautiful." Zoe wipes away a tear. "I can tell you care about him." She whimpers and her words hit me like a brick. I can't do anything but nod and Zac is by me in a second, holding me close. They all look at us, questioning.

"We can see that you guys are really meant to be together." Zac's arms spasms and I grip his hand. "We want you to be happy." Chanel finishes and I can't help but mouth a thank you. All my friends finally accept that Zac is in my life, and none of it would be possible if Tyler hadn't prompted me to call Zac.

I give them one last hug, knowing they have to go back. "I really am happy." My final sentence at Tyler's funeral. Zac and I are the last ones to leave, me wanting to stay and look at Tyler's grave. He makes sure to hold me tight as I say my final goodbye, but promising to be back tomorrow night.

We walk away hand in hand, me looking back every now and then. This feels like a good way to say good bye. A good way to leave a life behind me.

***

It's been days since Tyler's funeral and since then Zac and I have started our move together. "There, the last box is unpacked. You are officially living with me." I smile at Zac putting my arms out and kissing him passionately.

"How does it feel having a man in the house again?" Zac's asks as I make my way to the kitchen.

I hold my hand to my heart smirking at him. "I feel safer already!" I exclaim dramatically. "Oh!" I remember something important. "I have to go get my flowers ready!" I dash out to the front and start picking my flowers.

I look at Zac standing in the doorway, picking my flowers still. "Hurry up, or I'll leave without you." He starts getting in the car and I quick run and put my seat belt on.

"Sorry, I completely forgot." I laugh a little at myself. Zac starts to drive and we fall in comfortable silence holding hands as he drives. This seems like a great way to end the day, and it's become a ritual of ours, going to visit Tyler's grave and laying flowers there daily.

When we arrive we automatically make our way to Tyler's spot and I sit there after I lay my flowers and think. Zac always walks off other places to give me my private time and I thank him for that.

"I've missed you today Tyler." And I start the story of my day, filling him in on everything he's missed for the day. "... and I am keeping my promise. I'll be here for you don't worry." I smile while getting up, feeling pleased with myself. This seems like the right thing to do.

I can see Zac walking back to me and I meet him half way, he holds me and kisses my forehead. "You alright?" He asks kindly and I nod, a bit tired considering how late it is. "Let's go home then."

"Ahm." I hum, looking at Tyler's grave. In some ways, we're still a together. And that is how we'll stay. Together for eternity, bound by laws that makes no sense to the human mind.

And so as Zac and I walk away in each other's arms. I feel I'm already starting to let go, because this chapter in my life is finished and that's okay. Because maybe that's what Tyler was there for, to guide me while I needed it and then leave when he knew I could cope. He knew I was strong enough to do so, and it makes me love him even more.

THE END

The epic conclusion to the first story in the Lock And Key series: Lifted