Mistaken Love

Chapter Thirty-five.

The car drove smoothly down the freeway, as the windshield wipers squeaked back and forth against the glass. My gaze stayed planted out the window, as I watched the snow drift slowly from the sky.

Everyone inside the vehicle was silent, as the only sound that was heard was the soft melody of the of music, coming out from the speakers, and the zooming sound of cars speeding past us. A few sniffs here and there, but no words were exchanged. Just silence; still, peaceful silence.

I tore myself away from the window, as I turned my head towards the right. My eyes met with Rachel and Noah, as their attention was place upon their phones. In the front seat, father keep his eyes on the road, as he drove, while mother was in deep inside her novel. I let out a sigh, as I griped onto the object that laid across my lap; a bouquet of light pink peonies. Peonies has always been Payton's favorite flowers.

The sound of crackling plastic caught Rachel's attention, as she pulled her gaze away from her phone. Her eyes meant with mine, as curiously filled them. I simply, shook my head, as my eyes trailed back to the window. A soft hand was quickly placed on top of mine, as hot breath hit my ear. a sweet, angelic voice danced against my eardrums, sending chills down my spine.

"Everything will be alright. I bet she's excited to see you again." Rachel whispered, as she placed her head up against my shoulder.

I exhaled deeply, as I slowly nodded my head. "I know. It's just nerve wrecking." I admitted, as I slowly turned to look at her.

Rachel tightened her grip around my hand, as she picked up her head, and gazed into my blue orbs. "I understand. Remember, I'm here and won't leave your side. I promise." She spoke, softly, as she wrapped her pinkie around mine, sealing the promise.

A smile formed across my face, as I nodded once again. "Thank you." Was the last thing that left my mouth, as the car turned slowly passed the cemetery gates.

---

We parked our vehicle to the side, as everybody slowly step out of it. The cold, late December air kissed my face, making me shiver in the process.

Without a single word spoken, my mother began to walk down the sidewalk, as we trailed behind her. After passing tombstone after tombstone, my feet seized, as my heart fell into the pit of my stomach. My eyes eyed the two tombstones in front of me, as tears threaten to leak from them.

Jillian Ann Middleton
March 7th, 1977 - April 23rd, 2003
A loving daughter; A wonderful Mother; A caring friend.

Payton Nicole Middleton
December 26th, 1997 - April 23rd, 2003
A miracle child; A wonderful friend.

I began to unwrap the bouquet of flowers, as I divided them. I handed mother 6, as I held onto the other 6. The both of us gave each other a nod, as we placed the flowers upon their graves.

"Happy Birthday, Payton." I mumbled, as I grabbed a gently hand across her tombstone.

Everything went well, until mother broke down crying, as her shoulders bounced. I watched, as I felt my chest grow heavy. Within seconds, tears soaked my cheeks, as I shook my head.

"Thanks, mother." I choked, as I held the rest of my tears back. "You suck." I chuckled.

Mother pulled me into a tight hug, as she whipped her tears away. "I'm sorry! I tried." She mumbled into my ear.

"I know." I responded, as everyone else gathered around us, joining into our hug.

---

Everyone else sat in the car, while Rachel and I stood in front of Payton's and Jillian's stones. I took a deep breath, as I opened my mouth to speak, while gripping Rachel's hand, firmly.