A Love For Winter (Part Four)

Fourth part of my multi-part romance short story.

I felt the warmth of her lips pressed against mine, our hands clasped together as time was frozen. The world around us stood still while the moment we’d been waiting for had finally arrived. It’d only been one day since I met Marilyn...but I felt as though I’ve known her my entire existence, even before my death. How many times would I be given the chance to live, in order to be with this girl? It seemed almost unreal to be standing in her world, now able to hold her, and caress her beautiful golden strands of hair that danced along with the wind. It was the perfect moment, the best Christmas gift ever. Somehow I was alive, back to my lively self, and I was flourishing with energy-almost too much to handle all at once. It was a remarkable feeling, something I’d never experienced before. And I was happy I had the chance to relive my life...with her.

Our lips broke apart as we began a long gaze into each other’s eyes, watching the stars in them reach unspoken heights. A majestic beauty, I could stare into those sparkling gems, her eyes, forever. And forever would only be the beginning. With her by my side, there would be no end, no end to our love. I could conquer the world for her. I was able to defy the laws of logic and return to life...still not entirely sure how. It must have been the kiss...yes…true love’s kiss. Apparently some love is strong enough to break down barriers and destroy the shackles that determine our fate. Some say that love works in mysterious ways, and now I believed it. This love, this passionate experience, it was all the work of destiny. I was meant to be with her, this unique girl. Something was different about Marilyn, but I couldn’t place my finger on it.

The first words that came out of either of our mouths was a simple “hello,” as if we were nervous. In all honesty, it had be the first time we truly met. She had never seen me before that moment, aside from the memories of me that had passed through her mind. But this was different. This was real.

I broke the silence with a soft whisper in her ear. She listened carefully, in order to hear what it was I was saying. I made no haste in confessing my feelings towards her.

“You are the most beautiful thing I have ever laid my eyes upon. With your glistening aura that shines so bright, that it reaches the stars in the moonlit sky... I feel safe with you. I feel comfort. I feel...I feel...like I finally belong. Never before have I ever felt quite like this. Not since Maren...” And then my words faltered, fading away in the distance. Marilyn had given me a look that was new, different. It had given me a warming feeling as her eyes began to shine once more, and a smile appeared to be growing between her rosy-red cheeks. I couldn’t help but stare in awe.

Words could not escape from her mouth as she was entirely stunned by what I’d said. It was as if nobody had ever said anything like that to her. This was all new to Marilyn. There was not another soul who had ever swept her off her feet the way I had. And she loved it. It seemed to make her fall for me harder than she already had.

Quickly, before the moment was lost, she motioned for me to follow her, grabbed a hold of my hand, and pulled until I moved my entire body for the first time since breath returned to my lungs. I felt great.

“Where are we going?” I asked, hoping she’d tell me, but she only placed her index finger upon her calmly pursed lips and in attempts to hush my curiosity.

“We will be there soon. Trust me.” I couldn’t help but do as she said. I wasn’t in my world anymore. This was her territory. All I could do was follow her, wherever it was she was taking me. I didn’t really mind, though. As long as I was with Marilyn, the love of my life, I knew everything would be okay. Nothing could ever go wrong when we were together. I was sure of it.

I let her lead the way through the thick snow that reached all the way up to our knees. And snowfall was still on its way down, covering the already frozen ground. The field wasn’t as large as I thought it was, and once we made our way across it, we headed through a small forest, across an icy river, and all the way up a lovely hill that had a single tree on top. It was a strange natural phenomenon, apparently. On the highest point of the hill, there was grass. And the leaves of the tree weren’t completely blown away. They were as green as ever. It was a miracle to see such a tree still holding onto its life, as if any minute would be its time to move on. But, why was it still alive in such dismal and freezing weather? It made no sense. I couldn’t explain it. But I really didn’t want to know, either.

We quickly reached the top of the hill as she pulled me towards her, causing both of us to lose balance. I fell first, landing on my back, but Marilyn followed close by-landing on me. I let out a deep breath as she knocked the wind right out of me, but all I heard was laughter from the young girl. She apparently thought my reaction was hilarious. I subtly smiled and returned the favor by silencing her with a kiss. As I did this, her eyes closed almost as quickly as my lips met hers, and we were in another moment where nothing else matters. It was perfect.

After the kiss, she rested her head on my chest as I leaned against the trunk of the tree, still a little confused as to why such a miracle as this tree was even possible. It made no sense, but I also didn’t want to ruin the moment. I figured I’ll let my thoughts wander around the hill for a little while, allowing them some fresh air. I felt relaxed for the first time in a while.

It was still a mystery as to how I returned to life, how everything happened ever since I came to this small town, even as a ghost. It all seemed different. The last thing I remember before coming to this place was holding Maren’s hand before I let her go...now I’ll never get the chance to see her again, or tell her how I loved her. But the conflicting thoughts between the two loves of my life. Is one truly allowed a second chance at love? Could this be my final shot at being happy? I didn’t want to waste it. Not like the first time.

“Marilyn…” I quietly whispered, as if silently listening to the howling wind brushing against the leaves of the tree. She looked up at me with confusion in her eyes, but they were sincere. “Do you ever think it’s possible for two people who’ve never met...to fall in love so passionately, that nothing can prevent them from coming together?”

“Parker. You just described what happened not too long ago. Of course I think it’s possible. It just was!” She playfully raised her voice, most likely to try and scare me. It worked, because her higher tone was rather startling. She laughed at the odd look I’d given her, but then turned away. Something was now bothering her.

“What’s wrong?” I asked, hoping she’d give me an answer, but there was only silence. She’d remained staring off in the distance for a little while longer, the side of her face still resting upon my chest. A few more minutes had passed and then she sat up, now swiveling her head towards me, eye to eye. We were close enough to feel each other’s warm breath amongst the cold. And I could not help but feel the tension in her heart, which seemed to be skipping a beat.

“I’m...I’m just...happy.” she stuttered, but smiled to cover her sadness. Well, whatever the odd feeling was, it was soon replaced with an even greater love for this girl. I could see my new life ending with her by my side, many years from now. But how long would that be? I wasn’t exactly aware of how long I had before I was to return to my ghostly form.  I was hoping I’d never have to go back. I didn’t want to leave Marilyn all alone. But she wouldn’t be alone. I would always watch over her, protect her, and keep her safe from the rest of the world. I was her guardian angel, after all. It was my job.

“I’m happy if you are,” I said. And she smiled.

“I think I’m going to rest, for a little, while you’re here to watch over me.” she said, opening and closing her eyes uncontrollably. I nodded to her, and began to sing a song, one I’d sing to my little sister before she died many, many years ago... And soon after, Marilyn had fallen fast asleep, now lying under the magic tree that seemed to shelter us from the cold, somehow. Once Marilyn had her eyes closed for close to an hour, it was then that I, too, had drifted off into the dream world, thinking about her, imagining her in my sleep. I slept so peacefully, and could not wait until I awoke to see her there right next to me. My mind grew quiet for a few minutes after. And then it happened.

The dream I had was different, alarming and frightening. It wasn’t a dream, as a matter of fact, but rather a nightmare. I was being chased by something, something very dangerous. But what was it? What was after me?

I was running too fast to turn around and see what it was, but I heard it clearly. Almost like a wind, the force of the strange pursuer was close behind, nearly catching up to me, but I was slightly a few short steps ahead of whatever it was. I couldn’t shake off the feeling that something was wrong, that this nightmare was trying to tell me something, but I couldn’t come up with any sort of solution. All I could do was run.

And the quicker I ran, the closer I became another lost soul in the spiritual world. I could not have that, not when I went through all of that to be with Marilyn. I couldn’t abandon my love. I could never…

There she was. Right in front of me. At first, I couldn’t recognize the face, but then I soon realized who it was. It was Maren.

She hadn’t seemed to have aged since the last time I saw her. She was a spirit now, like I was. And it was a strange feeling, an odd aura that was emitting from her ghostly essence. It struck the pit of my stomach and caused both emotional and physical pain.

“What...what are you doing here?” I asked, a little confused at what was going on.

“Waiting for you...on the other side.” She said, pausing for a moment in between words. I couldn’t believe my eyes, nor ears. It was unreal. All of it was. And none of it made any sense whatsoever. Why was I dreaming of Maren? I was kind of hoping to have a pleasant dream of Marilyn, and try to avoid the nightmares of my past. I’ve had too many of them for so long. But this dream...it almost felt as if it were real. Why…why was I feeling this way so suddenly? I couldn’t shake the blistering feeling of pain that pitted itself in my stomach. I was ready to burst, to explode, but something kept me at bay. Marilyn...she appeared next to Maren, as they just looked at each other, and smiled. I was confused at this point, and just wanted to wake up.

The two of them looked towards me, and moved closer, while the forceful wind that was chasing me earlier began to swirl around us. It wasn’t like any nightmare I ever experienced before. It wasn’t a nightmare...it was real. So, so real. And then I woke up.

I was glad it was only a dream. If that was real...I don’t think I could live with myself. Not like that. The guilt of abandoning Maren for a girl I’d just met...it began to take a toll on my heart. But I still could not give up the feelings I had for Marilyn. They were too precious to me, too genuine. I could not lose such emotions that made me feel human again. It’d been a while since I felt that way.

I had woken up screaming, but to my surprise, Marilyn was still fast asleep. It was a little odd. For a moment, it seemed as if...

No. It couldn’t be. I looked over to Marilyn, who’d been lying there for quite some while now, motionless. What was this feeling that came over me in such a sudden rush that my mind couldn’t cope with such rapid thoughts. Her body was there. Her eyes were closed. She appeared to be sleeping ever so peacefully. But when I looked more closely, I could see something else, something far worse. Marilyn, the love of my second life, had died in her sleep.

Author's Note

This is the fourth part to my multi-part romance short story. Make sure you read parts one, two, and three before you read this one! Hope you enjoy!

Reviews

[Afraa]

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[Brian M. Peeples]

What...? O.o

[Afraa]

I should have known...

You're just lucky I'm not near you!!!

[Brian M. Peeples]

Haha why? I'm not even done with part five. It'll get better. You'll understand why after you read it.

[Afraa]

If you say so... haha!

[Brian M. Peeples]

Haha :) Yup!

[Layi Tate]

Oh Brian you have to be kidding me !!! What are you doing to me????? O_o

Brilliant writer you are... a Brilliant writer!!! You totally got me on that 1 >_<

[Brian M. Peeples]

Haha thanks! I'm looking forward to your review on part five when I finish it! :)

[Layi Tate]

I'll bet you are .. :p

[Lizardo]

Oh my god. That really surprise me, the return of Maren and Marilyn dying. Yeah, that leaves me speachless right now. i love part four.

[Brian M. Peeples]

Thanks! There's one last part left, part five. Hope you like that one as much as this one! I'll be working on part five today, hopefully I can spit it out in 4-5 hours before work. I'm positive I can!

[Cool Girl]

That was amazing! I love the ending!!!!