Heart Key (#Wattys2016)

Epilogue: My Heart Will Go On

Song: My Heart Will Go On

By: Celine Dion 

I stand in the airport with my bag in hand as I stare out the windows at the passing planes. My heart beats from excitement and nervousness as I glance back at Chloe and Chris who stand beside me. They notice me look at them and both turn to smile.

"I'm glad you guys came. I don't know if I could've gone through with this without your support." I tell them both as I set my bag on the ground. They nod and although they smile on the outside, I can tell that they're like me on the inside. Of course I'm excited about getting away from the place that holds so much pain for me, I will miss them. 

"We know how important this is to you. We don't want you to go, but it's for the best." Chris says softly as his smile wavers and the sadness he has shows momentarily through the cracks. Chloe notices too and completely drops her act, relieving me immensely. Chloe has never been the best actor and she always looks constipated when she pretends to be happy.

"I'm going to miss you! I can't believe that the place our Sophomore adventure began is where it ends too!" She shouts, not caring about the people passing by who shoot her mean looks. I laugh softly at her antics before glancing around.

"At least it's ending smoother than it started." I joke with a laugh as I remember running into the business man and going into the boys bathroom by mistake. They both have to laugh at that before falling silent, the memory of Blake still fresh on our minds.

It had taken me a while to come to terms with his death and our new agreement mixed in one. There had been many moments when I had wanted to just rip open the letter and present to see what he had wrote and given, just so I could pretend that he's still with me. That he would show up randomly to take me on an unexpected date to the arcade or park. 

Grandma Cream helped me through many of these moments. She reminded me of what Blake would want and gave me the encouragement I needed to leave her, Chris, and Chloe. I couldn't ask for a better group of people to get me through the death of the only boy I've ever been in love with. 

Ten minutes until the plane to London's departure. The squeaky intercom blares causing all three of us to wince. I look at them, taking in their faces to remember for when I come back. "I'm going to miss you two so much." I tell them as I pull them both into a hug. They pull me in tight, nearly crushing me in the process before we finally release each other. 

"Be careful and have fun." Chris says as I watch the tears build in his eyes. Chris doesn't cry a lot, it hurts his pride so when he notices too he pulls me in for another hug before quickly walking away. I look at Chloe and smile. "I'm going to miss you sister." I tell her softly and she nods. "I'll miss you too, but I'll be here when you get back." She tells me, her voice soft as well.

I smile at that. Chloe has always been there for me. She would never abandon me and would gladly fight any fight for me (which she has on several occasions). Both of us are tearing up now but Chloe quickly wipes hers from her eyes as a determined look comes on her face. 

"You get out there and show them what this town is made of. You go be the smartest most beautiful girl there and knock those boys dead! I expect full reports every time we talk. I expect you to text, call, and Skype often or so help me I will hunt you down and make you wish you were never born!" She shouts the last part, putting her tough face on and I smile before reaching out and pulling her into one last hug. 

I pull away and pick up my bag. I turn back before nodding. "I'll talk to you as soon as I land, don't hit any 'turtles' on the way home." I wink at that and her eyes immediately narrow at me. "On second thought, maybe I don't want to hear from you." She says looking away from me with her arms crossed. 

"Love ya Chlo bear!" I shout as I walk away and she smiles waving goodbye as I walk to board the plane. I hand the woman my ticket before getting on, my bag slung over my shoulder as I take my window seat. I look out at the wing of the plane for a moment, my bag in my lap, before opening the bag and pulling out my gift and letter.

I look between them before opening the letter first. 

Dear Marcy,

This is kind of embarrassing because I'm having Granny write all this down. Wait did you just write that?! Granny stop! Oh never mind.  Anyways, I just wanted you to know that I love you and I will always love you no matter what you do. I'll be waiting for you too, and for once, I'd prefer if you kept me waiting as long as possible. You're a special girl, Marcy. You don't think so but you are. I don't know anyone else who could love as deeply as you do, who thinks about others in the way that you do, and who gives love a second chance for someone like me. I know you've always told yourself that you hate love, but that's not possible, not for you anyways. You build strong relationships with people so easily and even if you won't admit it, you give away a piece of your heart to every single person you truly get to know. Sadly, when you give that piece of heart away, you can't get it back. When your mom and brother died and your dad became distant they took those pieces of heart away from you and I don't want to do that to you. You deserve better. I want to share the precious piece you've given me with your true love. I believe that we had love, but I want you to share mine with the one who you are going to be with for the rest of your life. I wish it were me and I wish we had more time together, but I know it's not God's plan so please, take the gift I've given you and fill it with pieces of the new love you find so that I know, you've shared what you've given me with someone who deserves it even more. I love you so much and I hope that you never feel the need to change. Take an example from me and live every day like it's your last because you never know when a texting lady will come out of no where and hit you with her car. 

Love, 

Blake

I set the paper down then, my tears already drying as they stain the paper a darker color. I don't think I've cried this much in years. I think as I look back to the gift box. I carefully lift the lid and reach in to pull out a heart shaped box with a small lock. The lock is unlatched and I open it to find the key that Chloe had given me. 

I smile at it, wiping away a few tears as I look at the words inscribed on the inside of the lid. Our Love Lasts Forever. 

The End