short story archives

From Beyond

James loved Lila with all of his heart. Lila loved James with all of her heart. They had been together for three and a half years, and were happily engaged.On the day of the wedding, everyone was buzzing around, and trying to get everything ready that needed to be ready. The bride had her dress, the groom had his suit, the cake was ready to be sent to the church where the reception would be held. Everyone was excited. Everyone except for one person.

James was in his room with the best man, getting ready. Lila put on her dress and was getting ready by herself. She was just putting on the basic makeup before her maid of honor came and helped her along with her mother. The reception was a few hours later, so she had plenty of time to wait.  Lila sat in front of a mirror and patiently got herself ready for the big day. Her phone buzzed, indicating a text was sent to herself. She quickly looked at it. Her maid of honor was coming to the room to help her. In that split second that she wasn’t paying attention, Lila was killed without a second thought.

James rushed to the bride’s dressing room, after hearing her scream. He left his best man in the dust behind him. The door was already opened when he got there. The maid of honor was running down the hallway towards the room as James rushed to his bride’s side. Her beautiful white dress was tainted with her blood. James held her in his arms with tears running down his face. Lila smiled and held his face in her hands. She kissed him as she took her final breath and went limp in his arms. Time seemed to stand still for James. He couldn’t tell what was happening anymore. She’s dead. The maid of honor called 911. She’s dead. She ran through the halls yelling for help. Dead. Her parents stood by his side in a matter of minutes. Dead. The police and an ambulance were there. How did this happen? An officer led James to another room and draped a blanket over his shoulders. Who did this? An hour passed by, and James was driven home by his best man. I'll kill whoever did this! I'll kill him! The best man went to his own home after staying with James until nightfall. Oh, Lila...Lila...

              Weeks passed. James had gotten information about Lila's death, and was questioned multiple times about it. The families that would have been joined together that day comforted James to the best of their ability, but he wouldn't get any happier. James had thought of ways to kill the murderer. He had also thought of seeing Lila again too soon. But one night, he had a dream. He was in darkness for a long time, until he saw a small light. It grew larger and larger. The light eventually took the form of his deceased fiance. James started to cry with joy when he saw her.

              She held his face in her hands, " James, just because I have stopped living doesn't mean that you should. You have a life ahead of you. Make it count."

               He woke up after she said these words in tears. James didn't want to let go of his past. He couldn't stand the world that he was living in without her. She doesn't want you to cry over her anymore. A voice inside his head kept on saying to him. She wants you to live.

            A few years later, he met someone else. Her name was Sierra. James had stopped mourning over his loss and started to look forward like she had told him to do. They met at work. She was new there, and James had the task of helping her bring all of her things into her new office. They started to chat for a bit, and then, their friendship blossomed into a romance. Two years later they married with no complications. They lived their lives together with their children and grandchildren happily.

             James became very sick when he was 87 years old. He was sent to a hospital with Sierra at his side the entire way. When he got there, the doctors said that he wouldn't make it through the night. His entire family visited him that day. When night came, only his wife remained by his side. He held her hand and they talked. Even though they knew that they would never see each other again, they acted as though it was another ordinary day.

         After a while, Sierra said, "you will finally get to see her again."

         James felt guilty when she said this, and began to apologize, but she stopped him.

          "Send Lila my regards. I will take care of this family when you leave. You've had enough to cry about in this world. I love you."

           James was silent for a moment.

            "Thank you, Sierra."

             He closed his eyes.

             "James?" A distant voice called," are you really coming to see me?".

            " Don't worry Lila. I have lived my life for you. Now I will stay with you. Forever."