Once upon a time

Chapter 14: Letting Go

Madison P.O.V

I smile to myself as I replay Alec's reaction when I told him that I loved him. A grin lit up his entire face and left me dazed by his good looks. He had claimed my lips and he had made love to me, again. He cherished me, cared for me and let me into his heart. He cared for me when no else cared. He understood me and saw me, the real me.

I could not believe that my mother was gone. Despite all the tough times, she still was my mother and she left a hole in my heart that I knew even Alec cannot fill. Alec kisses my neck, tenderly. "Can we go to the park with May." he asks, distracting me with his kisses. "Let's ask May. Yesterday was tough on all of us." I suggested, sitting up.

Alec's gaze burns into my back as I get dressed. "Stop staring at me." I whispered, my cheeks warming up. He walks up behind me and wraps his arms around my waist. "Give me one good reason why I should look away from my gorgeous girlfriend?" he challenges me. My mind went crazy as his breath tickled my ears as he said that.

"If you don't, I-I don't think we'll ever get out of this room." I replied, hastily. Alec beamed at my words and yet, he still looks at me. But I am just as guilty as he is, my eyes are glued to him when I think he is not looking but he knows. He meets my eyes and shoots me the most heart stopping smile.

We exit my room, his arm firmly around my waist, giving me support and reminding me that he was here. I hesitate before knocking and I open the door to see May sleeping soundly. I walk over to her side and brush a stray hair back behind her delicate ear. "Maddy!" she whispers, sleepily. I look at my little sister and I am stricken with guilt.

May lost Mom and what was I doing? Thinking about myself and leaving her all alone. What a disgusting sister I am. "Maddy??? Hello?" my sister's voice breaks me out of my guilt. She gives me a big smile and a hug. She was just too good for me. "Mom's gone, right?" she says, silently and I nod since I felt a large lump in throat.

"Maddy, I'm glad that she is with Daddy, now. She is happy, now." May says, her voice cracking ever so slightly. Tears run down our cheeks as we acknowledge our loss. "Maddy?" she says, giving me a determined look. I turn to face her. "I want you to be happy. Mom would agree. You deserve the world, Maddy. Please be happy." she says, making my heart melt at her words.

Alec pulls us both into his arms and says, "May's right. It's okay. We want you to depend on us more, We're here for you." I smile, tears endlessly rolling down my cheeks. I finally was forgiven and allowed to be happy. I remember Mom's last words to me. Promise me that you will be happy and move on. You deserve the world.

She was there, my mother and she was still with me. She had left her mark on my heart as my dad did. She would always be my role model. I have never been happier with a caring boyfriend and the most sweetest little sister. All the pain, suffering and tears was worth it. There were times I would wonder if I should just give up and let go.

I kept going, just hoping things would be normal, again. But this is beyond my expectations, right now my life was perfect. I wipe away May's tears and my own, with hope. No matter was happens next, I was ready. I had people who cared about me and hope for the future.

For the funeral service, it was simple and quiet. Mom had always wanted to have a simple service. She didn't want to be remembered if she only caused pain. She preferred to be celebrated. So May and I celebrated. We made sure we dressed her nicely and we got her favourite flowers, Asters. It symbolised love and she did love our father with all her heart for her whole life.

We set her free from this world and into her happy place. I imagined her running across an endless meadow with Dad at her heels. She loved him so much, I lean against Alec for support. Alec kisses my temple. I think I've found what she had, a love that just fully consumes you making you feel so whole and I understand how broken she was.

Dad was everything to my mom. He was the sunshine and air that she needed. Everyday without him was like a deserted debris. And I always reminded her of dad, the way I spoke and laughed. I reminded of her lost love and horrid life without him. I reminded her of what she had lost and her pain.

But now she was happy, reunited with dad and I know that she left us for better place. I was glad, she was so broken and sad. Before she passed, her eyes were full of love and hope. I would miss her dearly but the thought of her being free of pain was more important to me.

I reminded of her pain, but she stayed with us. She tried to stay with us. She never abandoned us, despite her treatment of us, she still stayed. We were enough to keep her living without dad. I looked up at the big blue sky and mouthed the words, "Thank you".

Alec watches me as I pull May into my arms with a smile. We will always cherish her. From today, it is the beginning of our lives. Our time to be happy and treasure her memory by being happy. We set her free because we love her.