One Last Time

Chapter 19 | Temporal Illusion

CAMEO APPEARANCE

Xavier Salvator
John Krasinski

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"Were you and Daddy in love, Mommy?"

Mommy stopped tucking me, surprised by my question. Her eyebrows were furrowed with her nose scrunched. It's possible her lip may be close to bleeding from how much she's biting it. After thinking, she slid herself into my bed. Mommy calmly answered, "We were and still are. You're father was so scared at first. We fought, we laughed, we cried, and most importantly we never gave up. We lived through all those hardships and survived."

I'm glad Mommy and Daddy were able to live happily, unlike Daddy's other family members. I rarely see them spend time together. During parties, which are rare, everyone would talk businesslike or out of politeness, only showing affection when needed. The curse must have really taken a toll on his family for them to live a life like this.

"What do we have here!"

Daddy runs into my room then tackles Mommy and I on my bed. After many failures of trying to tickle me, Daddy laid between us. "A little birdie told me that someone has been reading a lot lately. Maybe I should build you a library someday." He hugs me tightly and squeezes my cheeks.
Daddy gives the warmest hugs. They're what I'm most excited about whenever he comes home. He doesn't have a good relationship with his family, so he has never hesitated to express how much he loves us. One time, Daddy said I don't need to marry anyone since he'll never leave my side. He'll always be the one to love me no matter what. Mommy jokingly said I'm the only exception as the other woman besides her in his heart.

I gasped at his words, "Would you really?" I scrambled towards Daddy's lap wanting to hear more about it. He squished my cheeks then replied, "Of course! We can fill it up with all those fairytales you love so much. It will be a library that comforts you, so you'll never have to feel lonely when we're away. You're my greatest treasure."

"How about Mommy?" I asked Daddy turns to Mommy and they both stared at each other for a moment. They snickered as if sharing a secret only they both know of. Daddy lovingly caresses Mommy's face, "Of course, she's my greatest love."

"I see being an architect has its perks. Good thing I work as an interior designer so I'll help you out, honey." Mommy kissed Daddy on the cheek then she switched to giving me one on the forehead. He looks at us both for what felt like forever, not stoping his smile from growing. I remember Mommy describing that look as adoration. Something his family members are unfamiliar with.

"Mommy? Daddy? Let's stay like this forever."

"Of course, sweetie. We'll always be like this. All three of us together," Daddy said as he kisses my head and brings us into a group hug.

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"Don't leave me, Dad! I don't wanna be alone! Please! Please, don't leave me!" I wailed. It's only been a few weeks since mom died from protecting someone in a grocery store while it was being robbed. Dad took her death to heart. He hasn't been the same since. It didn't matter how hard he tried to hide his pain, because I could hear him crying every since then. Today, he has reached his breaking point.

Dad looks up at me reassuringly, "It's okay, sweetie. You won't be alone. You'll grow up, meet someone who'll fall crazily in love with you, and have a family with beautiful child who gets to experience a love like yours. Just like your mother and I did." I tightly clutched his hand, both my small hands enclosing his large soft one. Never letting go, praying that it would give him the strength to stay. His pale skin worsening as seconds ticked by. The warmth of his body fading as his eyes gently close. I memorize his features, the rhythm of his breathing, the touch of his hand slowly losing its grip. My tears blur my vision but I don't wipe them away fearing that if I do, I won't feel the last beat of his heart.

I only blinked then the doctor rushed in from hearing the monitor sing. I block out everything, ignoring the tug of the nurses as I cling onto what may possibly be the last bit of love I have left in my life. My screams of agony and despair echo in harmony until Death played its very last note.

I smiled sadly, "You liar. You should've just told me the truth." I stop looking at my family photo and hid it inside my bedside drawer. I head to the living room where my phone has been ringing for a while. I haven't been to The Salvator Library in a week. My injuries were able to heal. The cuts on my feet weren't serious enough to need stitches. At least I wouldn't have physical scars. I told Reed I was busy and to notify me whenever he checks in and out, for work purposes of course. During times he isn't there, I go to the library to do missing work.

I open my phone and see a few missed calls and messages from Reed. I completely avoided any in-person meetings after our last encounter. The last thing I said to him was that I''ll be occupied with personal work and not to expect any replies soon. I told Ronnie I needed some space and she respected that. Besides, she'll be here any minute now to see how I'm doing.

KNOCK, KNOCK!

Right on cue. I open the door to see Ronnie storming in with a bag full of ice cream tubs and DVDs. I raised my right brow, questioning her. She holds up her hand at me. "We are going to watch all the movies in this bag until we finish every single one of these ice cream tubs!" she exclaimed. I gave a toothy grin, holding back tears while we embrace each other. Hours later, Ronnie fell asleep on my couch and I went out for a walk to the park. I stopped in my tracks when two familiar figures are caught in my line of sight. It felt like time has slowed down then came to a full stop from what's happening before me.

Reed knelt down in front of Jade, holding her left hand with a familiar glint on her finger. They're both crying as they hug and talk to each. I turned away at the hint of them about to kiss, striding home over the invisible shards of whatever's left of my heart.