I'll Always Remember You

Riker

Riker's POV

It was well after everyone left before I took out the letter Rocky had given me. I carefully ripped the envelope and pulled out a few pieces of paper stapled together. I unfolded them to see Nicki's curvy handwriting. It took me a second to actually focus on reading it.

My Dearest Riker,

Hey Rikey! I love calling you that, but that's totally not the purpose of this letter.

As I write this, I'm fully aware that I'm dying, and there is absolutely nothing I can do to stop it. I wish that I could spend forever with you and my family, laughing, and enjoying life, but sadly I cannot. You've been my favorite Lynch from the beginning. Yes, even more than Ross and eventually Rocky, and it's not because I have some weird crush (YUCK!) on you. You've been my favorite Lynch, because I can tell you anything and everything. You're my big brother. You've been everything that I've ever needed. Do you remember that time we were in your pool and everyone ditched us? So you took me on a walk and started making up these crazy stories about tree people, dog bugs, and cave dwellers? I laughed so hard that I couldn't breathe. I fell on the ground, and when you tried to help me up, you fell too. We had so much fun that day. I've always had fun with you. I've always been so relaxed with you around. You made everything worth it. Then, more recently, after I kissed Rocky and ran to my house because my parents had died, you came over and danced with me. Normally that would be considered romantic, but we both knew what you were doing. You hummed and I giggled, you wiped the tears from my eyes. You told me not to cry, because if no one else did, you would take care of me. Then, you gave me a piggyback ride home. Thank you so much for always being there for me. I couldn't do everything I did without you.

I need you to promise not to tell the others what the contents of this letter are. What I'm about to tell you needs to be for only you. Please tell NO ONE.

Riley is more special than you may think. She is the exact representation of me. I will always be here, through her. As she grows, you will notice that not only does she look like me, she will act like me as well. How do I know? It's a secret. I'll give you a hint: She came here because I was going to die. Someone needed to be here for Rocky.

Promise me that you'll protect her with all of your life. She's very important to me. Help her grow into the woman she is supposed to be. Make sure that every single day of her life, she is told that her mother loves her. Yes, even now. Don't worry, I plan to tell Rocky that before I die.

You're probably freaking out because I mentioned earlier that Riley looked like me. I'm still pregnant as I'm writing it. So again how do I know? Because she's a special child.

I have enclosed a necklace that I want you to give her the exact day that she turns thirteen. When you give it to her, also make sure that Rocky gives her the correct letter for that day.

Don't tell Rocky, but I now consider you to be her father, as Maddie is her mother. Rocky will always be Daddy, and I do trust him, but I expect that you'll be there for her as she grows, so treat her as if she's your daughter.

I love you Riker. I hate leaving you. I just hope that everyone will be okay. If you ever miss me, read this letter. I promise you'll be able to feel me there.

Don't Forget to Remember me. I love you,

Nicki Grace Lynch. Xoxo

"I'll always remember you." I whispered as the tears began. A strong wind surged through, and I knew that it was Nicki.

I cried for some time afterwards, but mainly because of what she had said about Riley. Was she really special? Was I going to experience raising a miniature Nicki? I hope so. Hopefully Nicki is being real. But she had to be. There's no way she could've known that Riley was going to look like her.

Nicki knew things that I didn't, but Riley was going to show them to me. I knew it. I looked a little closer and noticed more writing.

P.S.- I named Riley after you. Riley, Riker. See? Shhhhhh.

And again, the tears came.