Midlight (Third in the Apocalypse Saga)

Chapter 33 ~ And Then

Chapter 33 ~ And Then

* Amelia's POV *

I slowly lowered the book onto my lap and let go, allowing the book to close on its own. I sighed and closed my eyes so I didn't have to blink back tears. Is it the book that was making me cry, or is it because I just finished another one of Damien's favourites?

After taking deep breaths and ignoring my sore throat, I decided to look around the room - taking in its appearance just like I had when I first entered, thinking how perfectly it suited the image of Damien.

I let the tears escape my eyes and only wiped them when they reached my jaw, I didn't want any stains on his book.

Once the tears had slowed, I looked down at the worn-out cover, thinking that it was probably read more times than there were years in my life. I forced myself up and out of Damien's bedroom and through the old Victorian house – which seemed so much smaller and less daunting than I thought it would be – and remembering the overwhelming nostalgia I had when I arrived just a few days ago.

I entered the back garden and saw a growing congregation of family members and a few others I was sure I hadn't met before, all clad in black clothing.

Once Hilary noticed my arrival, I could tell she trying her best to stay positive spirits but I had already seen her tearlessly cry."Amelia," she greeted in a forced voice, giving me a small sad smile and then looked down to the book in my trembling hands. "You've finished it."

"Yeah, it's the last one, I'm glad I got to read them all. Thanks for delaying this a few days," I said, I tried to give her a smile of my own but I was sure it came out as a grimace.

"Don't worry. Besides, you're not the only one. The time together has given everyone the opportunity to honour Damien in the way that they want," Hilary added and gave me an tap on the arm. I could feel the coldness of her skin through my clothes but it was still assuring. Her hand lingered for a second before she walked away and towards a few others that had just arrived.

I nodded even though she had already gone. That's right. After we arrived, most of us decided to cultivate in his hobbies and visit his favourite spots. It gave us all the opportunity to appreciate him more before we decided to honour him altogether.

I wrapped my jumper tighter around myself as I walked towards Max and the kids, who were lingering among the rest of the family, all politely surrounding the wooden chest that had Damien's name inscribed onto it. In further examination were the words 'loving, intelligent and kind' as well as 'son, friend and brother' concluded with his birth and death date.

I felt my heart drop and my stomach flip at the sight but before I could close my eyes I felt someone clasp my hand. I turned and saw Aubrey. While she didn't say any words and had nothing but a forlorn expression on her face, I felt comforted by her presence.

A few more moments passed before everyone had crowded around and I felt as if the world had adopted a dull, dark filter. Hilary and Nahuel took a step forward and addressed everyone.

"Thank you all for coming here, I'm really glad we got together like this. I know Damien would be happy too," Nahuel started off, his voice thickening with every word. My chest tightened at the sight of his contorted expression.

"Everyone has something of Damien's with them if I am correct. Whoever wants to, they can come up and place something into the chest and maybe say a few words," Hilary continued, trying to even out her voice. After speaking she turned her face away and I could feel a frigid breeze blow past.

They stepped back and only a few seconds passed before Landon stepped forward and approached the chest, in his hands was a photograph.

"Even though it's been a couple weeks now I still don't have the words," Landon said, his voice cracking at the end. He took a few more minutes before speaking again. "It just doesn't feel like you're gone man, why – your presence – even though you were the quiet one you always had a strong presence. Now it makes things feel empty." Landon kneeled down to the empty chest and placed the picture inside. "This picture was taken shortly after we met. It was the first time we were coming across other vegetarian vampires so I knew that we'd get along. But not only did we get along, we became best friends, we became brothers. We are brothers. Thank you for everything, from the chats to the laughter and the advice and support. I couldn't be who I am today without you."