The Invisible Silver Lining [CURRENTLY BEING EDITED]

Chapter 39

I sit on the edge of the cliff at my place, Ian beside me. We listen to the roar of the waves crashing against the rock. I rest my head on Ian's shoulder, his arm wrapped around my waist. As I stare out at the waves, each wall of water makes me recall a memory of this year as I are off into the distance. My freshman year of college was not how I imagined it was going to be. It was full of twists, turns, love, laughter, heartbreak, and healing. Never in My wildest dreams did I imagine all these events would happen to me.

After that day in the studios, Xander took my wish to heart and left me alone. Most of the time. He still calls me at times, I guess desperately hoping that I'll pick up. I never do. I'm trying to forget him, but I don't think that's going to happen anytime soon. The shine of his eyes, the contagiousness of his smile, the comfort of his arms are still fresh in my mind, still causing pain. Little by little, the feelings they create are removed and replaced by something else. I know it'll take time to fully heal.

Ian and I are officially a couple now. It took me quite a while to accept. But when I did, it all felt right somehow. I'm still surprised at myself for saying yes, but looking back I'm glad I did. Ian is careful, loving, gentle, tender, and devoted to me. He's all that and much more. He's slowly mending my heart, healing it with his love. Ian is so open, always willing to let me lie in his arms and cry as I tend to do occasionally. He's the best medicine I could take. I'd be hopelessly broken without him.

Even though I've lost Xander, I have Ian with me, have the friends I've made. I'm going to be busy this summer. I'm modeling, filming more episodes of Hidden because Alec decided I was going to become a permanent character, and I might have another acting job if Colette can work out all the details. I close my eyes and feel the cool spray of the water on my face. It reminds me of Liz and makes me smile. I remember what she said to me when we were where once. "Em, I think that life always has a silver lining, even if its invisible." Then she had gone on to talk about an encounter that she had with a shoe sale, but it was that one line that stuck with me. No matter how dark and hopeless it seems there's always an invisible silver lining waiting to show you a brighter day.

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Invisible Silver Lining is almost over. Now for the epilogue ;)

-CFF