When you left [COMPLETED]

~Epilogue~

     Stephanie's P.O.V

     I settled on my comfy bed after a long day of school. My eyes linger around my familiar surroundings. I looked down and saw the ring I was still wearing, the one from Michael. I could not help but smile as I reminisced the old memories I had with him. A drop of liquid fell to my finger. I choked my breath as I started to grieve again upon his death. Suddenly, the door was swung open and I saw Allie running towards my direction, jumped and landed beside me.

     "Hey hey hey!" she chirped. My corner of my lips reached for my cheeks, happy to see her when I need her.

     "I've got good news for you! Well, it sounds like good news for me. I don't know your opinion. Anyway, watch this," she grabbed my tv remote and pressed the on button. The television was automatically showing the local news.

      "... popular spy agent Karmilla Jadens was arrested this morning for poisoning a teenage boy named Michael Bradley with 20 packets of Rohypnol poured in his drink. At that time, Bradley was sleeping and Jadens took the opportunity to pour the drugs into his cup that was filled with tea. Police had finally solved this case that has been going on since two weeks ago, the day of Michael Bradley's death."

     My jaw dropped. I had never suspected Mila to be the culprit. Does she hate Michael so much? For the billionth time, I felt like slapping her face.

     "What about Clarice and Jake?" I asked.

      "Well, they are still jueveniles, so they aren't jailed," Allie replied. "But they need to stay in a detention facility for a few years."

     "Wow," is all what I can reply.

     "Oh, and before I forget, Michael wanted me to give you this the day before you came to my house," Allie took out a A4-size black box from her bag. "I have tuition after this. Got to go!"

     "Take care," I said. She nodded and dashed out of the room.

     I stared at the black box. I was afraid to open it. I was afraid that I could not control my feelings. However, before my brain could think more, my hands were itchy and opened the cover.

     I was startled. It was filled with so many memories- there was his white polaroid with a few polaroid selfies of us, his toy guitar (he couldn't afford to buy a proper one) that he played to me, the flower he sticked onto my hair at the beach, and just so much more. However, the one that caught my full attention is a folded piece of paper.

   Dear Steph,

     By the time you are reading this, I would be dead already. How did I know?

     Mila told me that I will die. She poisoned me. I didn't want to tell you because I fear you would leave me, and to that, is why I'm writing this letter. I want to say everything I want to say but couldn't to you right now.

     Yesterday, I had a dream. I could see a colourful, peaceful scenery. A three-storey house built near a deserted beach, birds chirping every morning to wake the owners of the house up and the hues of orange and purple at the sky accompanying it. We were actually them, the owners. I saw you sleeping soundly right beside me. I pushed my exhausted body closer to yours and lightly shook your shoulder. "Wake up, love," I whispered. You opened your eyes and smiled. Then, a little toddler knocked on the door and went in the room. She looked exactly and just as beautiful as you are. She said ''Mommy." and opened her arms, looking at you. You hugged her and replied, "Myra, hug your daddy too," and she did so. Just then, everything went black and I embraced reality.

      The dream was beautiful. I wished that that would happen, but I know it won't. I'm sorry, Steph. However, no matter what, you will always be my one and only and my first and last love in this first life of mine.

     Before I died, I asked the doctor for a request. I wanted to put the couple ring we had right beside my body in the grave. And he approved. Therefore, you will not be beside me physically, but spiritually.

     My idea for saying so is that I want you to know that I'm not gone forever. I'm here, always beside you spiritually. Hence, never cry about me anymore. I hate to see you cry. I want you to always be happy when you hear my name. Think of the memories we had together. It might make you laugh, or maybe cringe, but I'm sure it'll work.

     My last advices for the future : Study hard and smart, grow to be a woman who is useful to the community, marry a guy you can trust, have many many children and most importantly, live happily because you may never know when is your end. I love you Stephanie Roseline Cooper. Forever.

     Love,

   Michael

     I couldn't help but cry again as I read the last word of his letter - his name. I won't be saying that name anymore. Because theres no one who I can call 'Michael' anymore. My eyes turned so red until I could cry blood. I heard a knock on the door, wiped my tears and quickly hid the box. It was Mom.

     "Honey, its time for counseling. Lets go. You don't want Mrs Prior to wait for you, right?" she called.

      "Yeah yeah, I get it. I'll get dressed," I replied and saw her leaving my room and shutting the door gently. The corner of my lips twitched. I'm glad that Mom and I had reconciled. She realised her mistake and apologised for beating me. She also stopped bringing different guys into our house and introduced one guy she thought could replace Dad. The man is nice, so I'm okay with them together.

     Fifteen minutes later, I went downstairs and grabbed my sneakers from the rack. I tied my shoes and opened the car door. Lastly, a click could be heard and the car zoomed away from my house.