Even in Death (#Wattys2015)

Moving On

I woke up a few days later to discover that while Bailey and I were talking, I passed out. The doctors put me into a medically induced coma so I could "heal" and "properly get some rest for the first time since she died". Bailey was asleep in the chair next to my bed, her hand loosely hanging across my body.

I tried to move her hand carefully, but as soon as I touched her, her eyes popped open.

"Baby, are you okay? You can't do that to me ever again, I was so worried..." she trailed off as she saw the smile spread across my face.

"I'm fine, honestly. I'm sorry. I was so selfish and immature, I should have just listened to you before I stormed off."

Bailey leaned in and tenderly kissed me on the lips. I patted the space on the mattress next to me and scooted back a little to give her more room. She wrapped me in her arms and started stroking my hair.

"I need to be honest with you." I looked up at her beautiful smile and questioning eyes before taking a deep breath.

"I like you. A lot. I wish I wasn't in this predicament with Carson....er...her ghost. Whatever you want to call it."

Bailey's grip on me tightened slightly and I pecked her on the cheek to relax her.

"Please just hear me out, okay?"

She nodded her head and continued stroking my hair. "I like you so much. But, I need to make things right with Carson. I need to figure out what's going on. I know it sounds crazy, and I know you probably won't want to stick around for this, but damnit, Bailey, I am falling for you and I know I'm rambling but..."

"I'll be here, ace."

"Are you sure? Because I know this is absolutely insane and I will understand if you-"

Bailey chucked. "I said I'll be here. I mean that. I'm not going anywhere."

I felt a breeze surround the bed, and looked behind Bailey to see Carson, reaching her hand out to touch mine.

Even in death......baby.....I told you.....I'm yours forever.....

I smiled and whispered, "I know", before falling asleep.