BEAUTY FROM ASHES

FORTY THREE

~I am hopelessly in love with a memory. An echo from another time, another place~
-Unknown

       MILEA'S POV

-Few weeks Later-

Today is a very difficult day for me. As today would mark three years of losing Matthew.

He would've been twenty-one years old today. I'm in the middle of my final exams so it's not like I could stay home.

It's a tradition that my mom made that today we eat all his favourite foods. So for breakfast, he was a pretty basic guy. So bacon and eggs was served.

As soon as I got into the car with Ava she scanned me with sympathetic eyes. "I'm sorry Millie." I smiled weakly, "Thanks."

As soon as I arrived at school, Levi pulled me in for a hug. "I'm here for you Jordans." I sigh and make myself comfortable in his embrace.

"I miss him." He pulled me closer, "I know." I pull away from his hug and walk to my locker.

The school day was a drag and Levi was with me the entire day. I couldn't help but notice how distant Aiden was with me.

After school he stared at me. I sighed and walked outside towards Ava. To my suprise he then grabbed my hand and pulled me close to him.

He whispered in my ear, "Milea, what's wrong?" I sighed, "Matthew. He would've been twenty-one today." Aiden's embrace tightened as I held him close to me.

Despite all the stares we got, I didn't care. I was just so grateful for my boyfriend.

        AIDEN'S POV

I'm torn at the sight of the broken Milea. I held her close to me. I glared at everyone who stared as I felt as if they were invading our moment.

I decided to take a drive out of town. I stopped at Juliana's Jewels. I know how much my mom loves buying her jewellery here so I figured, Milea would like it too.

I ended up buying her a silver necklace with an infinity symbol in the middle.

I then headed to this ice-cream place nearby. I bought two tubs of Milea's favourite ice-creams. Cookie dough and Vanilla.

On my way back home I stopped by Milea's favourite book store. I bought her another five books as I know she's a bookworm. I even tried to be cute by buying her matching bookmarks for each book.

Then I quickly rushed next door to get a large giftbag to put everything inside.

I then rushed off to Milea's house. As soon as I knocked on the door it flew open revealing Bell and Ava. They giggled when the saw the pink gift bag.

Claire smiled as I walked inside, "She's upstairs. I think she's finishing up her homework." Alec welcomed me in a hug.

I then quietly made my way upstairs.

        MILEA'S POV

I pulled out my box from underneath my bed. I then rummaged through Matthews things until I stumbled across more letters.

The front of the envelope it read: My Birthday

Dear Milea

So today would be my birthday. Not sure how old I am today, but you do.

I know you've probably been all sad and down today. Don't be, I'm celebrating up here in Heaven and you should be celebrating too.

Eat all my favourite food, like you usually do. Try your best to avoid thinking about me to much. When you do think of me, remember all the good things.

Stop crying Mill, I can honestly feel your tears. Not literally, but I'm picturing thsi moment right now.

I love you Millie, thank you for thinking of me today.

I'm thinking of you right now.

Fun Fact: I'm writing this letter on your birthday. You and the parentals just left.

-Matty

I am currently sitting on my floor wiping my tears. I pulled out our last photograph and hold it to my chest. I then put it on my desk. I stare at it and smile. I then pull out my favourite sweatshirt that he owns and slip it on. It still smells just like him. Minty.

Just then there's a light knock on my door. I sniffle and quickly pack the box away. I croak, "Come in."

I was then put at ease when I saw the familair pair of eyes. I sigh and stand up to hug him.

        AIDEN'S POV

I close her door gently as I wrap her in my embrace. She was crying lightly and I was rubbing in circles on her back.

She pulls away and wipes her eyes. I then hand her the pink gift bag.

She furrows her eyebrows, and croaks, "It isn't my birthday." I chuckle, "I know, but it is Matthews. I know that he'd want me to spoil you."

She bites her lower lip and I see her eyes start to water. I chuckle and kiss her cheek, "Open it."

She smiles as she opens it. I see her eyes light up as she starts unpacking the contents of the bag.

       MILEA'S POV

I smile as I unpack the ice-cream,books,bookmarks and I gasped when I opened the thin box containing the necklace.

I turn to my boyfriend, "Oh Aiden, this means so much. I-I honestly don't know how to thank you." He chuckles as he wraps his arms around my waist. "I know how you can thank me."

He then put his hand on my cheek and kissed me. I run my hands through his hair.

Once we pull away, my forehead is pressed against his. "I love you, Aiden." He looked stunned at my words, but smiled. "I love you too Milea."

I kissed him once again.