Spirited Away To You

Epilogue

Seven years later....

"Auntie Abby!"

The front door burst open as I spun around to the chirpy voice of the overly excited girl. It was Evelyn. She came downright running towards me with a wrapped packet dangling from her hand and hugged my knees. I crouched down to the seven year old, enveloping her in a warm hug.

"Merry Christmas, Auntie."

"Merry Christmas Eve, my sweetie-cutie pie," I said, tickling her sides causing a fit of giggles from her.

"This is for you!" She said pushing the wrapped packet into my dominance.

"Evelyn, baby you're supposed to keep it under the Christmas tree now, we will all open together," Britney chimed in keeping her flurry coat on the hanger and making her way towards us.

"Okay Mommy. Auntie lemme go keep it then," Evelyn said, taking the present and making her way towards the jingle-bell adorned Christmas tree.

"You guys finally made it," I spoke hugging Britney.

"Couldn't miss it for life."

We both parted smiling at each other. It was a tradition by then. Over the years, we moved to Seattle which was a big change for William and I but it had to be done for the sake of our careers. Every year since then, especially on Christmas, every member of the Benmonte household was to be present for the special occasion. We always looked forward to it, although we did make frequent visits.

"Where's Benjamin?" I asked.

"Britney, honey, where do I keep all these-"

"Speaking of the devil," Britney said, as we chuckled at the coincidence.

Britney and Benjamin met each other on an annual programme of yearly reunion of officers when I had my final degree and was a registered detective under the supervision of Benjamin.

William, Britney and Evelyn had joined with me on the fortunate day and Benjamin fell in love with the three year old Evelyn at first sight with her cute remarks and naughty antics. To say the least, he couldn't hold it in when he met the mother.

Ever since then, they were inseparable and soon got married in a beautiful chapel. I would still tear up reminiscing how beautiful the ceremony was.

"Hi, Abby!" Benjamin waved.

"Hey," I said, smiling at him.

The sound of laughter and chuckles from behind grabbed our attention as we faced Evelyn in the arms of William while they continued descending down the stairs.

Mr and Mrs. Benmonte or, Albert and Betty also came down to greet all the guests. There were cousins and other close relatives who had joined us for the grand family dinner.

Aunt and Uncle visited us on Christmas Eve since they couldn't make it today. I would always miss them and couldn't meet up with them as frequently but video calling was non-stop.

"Everyone, please, let's not wait any further and dive right it," Mr. Benmonte spoke and all of us gathered around to sit.

"Oh Rose, aren't you glowing?" Aunt Becky, William's elderly aunt asked.

"Thank you Aunt, you think so?"

"Mhm," she said with a confused smile. I just smiled back at her.

William kissed my cheeks as we sat down, causing me to blush. Even after all these years, he still had the effect on me. I would still feel my heart getting excited whenever he was around and his kisses would still cause the butterflies in my stomach to fly wild.