“What!?” I gasped. The same two little kids walked up to me. Again, they were holding hands and were both dressed in white. They smiled when they saw me. I started tearing up. Those were my kids. I wiped my tears with the back of my hand. They came all the way up to me and I threw my arms over them. I started sobbing.
“Mommy, you’re squeezing us.” Riley said. I giggled and pulled back.
“Hi, I’m Marcie.” The little girl said. I smiled again.
“Of course you are.” I said.
“And this is my big brother, Riley.” She said. I touched their cheeks and turned to my mom.
“I can’t believe this. Did you do all this for me?” I asked. She shook her head.
“Actually, I didn’t. I helped, but it wasn’t my plan.” She said.
“Who was it then?” I said. “Was it you two?” I asked the kids. They shook their heads and then pointed back. I was shocked to see Scarlet there. She too has a white dress on. Her hair was back to the way it was before I met Rocky. The green highlights still intact. I giggled when I saw her sneakers under her white dress. The usual Scarlet Thompson look. She walked over to me.
“I did this.” She said. I was stunned. Was this the same Scarlet Thompson that tried to kill me earlier in the year?
“Bu-but, you hate me.” I said.
“Marie, I never did. I was messed up when I was on earth. I said things I didn’t mean, I did things I regret, but I realized, you were always there forme.” Scarlet said. I was speechless.
“I-I don’t know what to say.” I stuttered. Scarlet touched my shoulder, and I winced, thinking she would hurt me.
“Marie, I’m not gonna hurt you.” She said, sensing my fear. She sighed. “I was there when you came to the cemetery to forgive me. I couldn’t believe after everything I’ve done, you would actually forgive me. Your forgiveness changed me, and I’m thankful for that. I’m also thankful for the magazine and soda you brought me.” She laughed. I giggled.
“I can’t believe you would do this for me. Thank you.” I said. Scarlet hugged me.
“No. Thank you, Marie. I’m really happy for you and the babies. I have been taking care of them.”
“Thanks.” I said, again. Then I remembered my nightmares. “Wait, how come I’ve been having nightmares about you trying to kill me.”
“Marie that is your self conscious. You’ve been so traumatized by what happened, your mind is making up scenarios about what would happen next.” My mom cut in. Oh.
“Oh, ok.”
“You best be getting back to your dream now.” My mom said. I hugged her & the twins. Then I turned to Scarlet.
“Will I ever see you again?” I asked, tearing up a bit.
“In your heart, Marie.” She replied. I hugged her.
“Take good care of the twins for me.” I said. Scarlet nodded.
“You’ll see them soon, real soon.” She said waving. I waved back and walked down the tunnel, back into reality. You’ll see them soon, real soon? What did that mean?
