Beyond Everliss bridge

Our Goodbye

As I walked with Gwen towards the front of the gazebo where Poppa Fred and Nana Tori's urns with their ashes  and pictures stood, I couldn't help but look through the many faces staring up at us. In particular I searched for Grayson's face. I panicked a bit cause I couldn't seen him, and in one moment I swore our encounter was all in my head. But as my eyes lowered in disappointment I heard his voice. " Good afternoon everyone" he said in a very soothing way. " Today we come to not only pay our respects to Fredrick Everliss and Victoria Everliss , but to celebrate their lives as they so wanted to.." he said with a smile. At that moment a familiar song began to play " beautiful Dreamer" began playing and instantly my tears began to well up in the corners of my eyes. Gwen held my hand tight as she tried hard to hold back from crying. Tears kept flowing and I looked up at all the people in front of me sitting in the chairs. Most of them had looks of sadness, some very somber and others actually smiled and closed their eyes as the music played. I looked over at Charlotte who was holding on to both Tim and Troy as they stood on opposite sides of her. Her face was sadden tears ran down her face. Tim was sweet and handed her his handkerchief and Troy just held on to her with a sadden look. He would occasionally glance at Gwen I could see he was trying to see if she needed anything. She looked at him at one point and he nodded at her as if saying " I'm here for you". I moved over and signaled Troy to come stand beside her, as it was going to be my turn to speak on behalf of the family. He kisses his mom's head and walked over and extended his hand to Gwen, she took it and he pulled her in close to his chest and she burried her face in it and I can hear the sobs. He held her head against his chest. I smiled for a second as he kept my sister close. It was nice to see she had someone else In Her life who cared for her as much as I did.
As I moved over I realized how close I was to Grayson. I looked up and there he was his head bowed down showing his respect. As the song was finishing he looked towards me and leaned in and said " Are you alright" in the softest whisper. I look up and our eyes locked. Instantly I began feeling the same way I did at the study. He must of sensed it cause he quickly took my hand and put it on his arm. He leaned in closer to me and whispered " sorry to be so forward but you look as if you were about to faint again". He said. " I'm sorry im just a bit overwhelmed at the moment" I mumbled.  The music stopped. He lead me towards the front of the small podium and stood beside me as if he was guarding me. I took a deep breath. " I glanced over at him and he looked at me and gave me a slight smile. I felt the heat rush to my face. I looked over at the crowd. So many unfamiliar faces crying and sad. I took another deep breath and proceeded to say a few words. Thanking the guest for showing their love and support. Thanking all the people who contributed to today's celebration of Nana tori and poppa Fred's life. Personally thanking Charlotte and Tim for being with them towards the end. I began saying how much we loved them, how much they meant to us. And how sadden we felt knowing we would never see them again. But also remembering all the Good times we shared with them. I shared how in love they were so much that they died on the same day. I choked back my tears a couple of times, but I wanted to try and be strong for Gwen. I ended my small speech with these words I always heard Nana Tori say " This life isn't real Addy dear, your real life is the one found in your dreams. And your dreams are memories of that life. So when our time here is done, We all return to that place in our dreams." I smiled as I read it, thinking " I get it now nana Tori". I looked over at Gwen who smiled at me through her tears. All of a sudden everyone got up and started clapping and smiling. I felt kinda of shocked cause I wasn't expecting clapping and smiling. I looked over and Grayson was smiling and clapping at me. He leaned in and said " Well done your Nana and poppa are so proud" . I smiled and then looked towards the fountain and saw two hummingbirds fluttering their wings and just as I saw them they flew into the Garden and disappeared. I stood their in awe. Grayson lead me to the seats near the pictures of my parents where Gwen was sitting and Troy  standing behind her with one hand on her shoulder and the other to his side. There were two seats left. I sat down and immediately Grayson went to stand next to Troy but I grabbed his arm, and looked up at him. With a pleading look in my eyes asked if he was so kind to please sit next to me.  he leaned in and whispered "as you wish" and sat down. I left go of his arm embarrassed and feeling like a fool. I barely even know this man, and I can't help but feel as if I don't ever want him to leave my side. He took my hand and without saying a word he looked in my eyes, brought my hand to his lips and kissed it. Just like my dream the kiss  felt like  electricity was coursing through my veins. My face felt flushed. He quickly leaned in and said " I'm sorry I shouldn't have been so hastily as to assume that would be appropriate" he said. " I mean you barely even know who I am." I'm terribly sorry Miss Chambers it wont happen again". He said letting go of my hand. "Please call me Addyson" I said. This time I grabbed his hand and said " you are right, I barely know who you are, but for some reason I feel safe with you" I said in my most sincere way. " don't apologize please" I said. " It was appropriate and it was what I needed". I said with a smile.