Epilogue

In Loving Memory Of:

Lydia-Marie James Mitchell. Loving wife and mother.

March 5, 1979-June 30, 2014

~~~

Once met, never forgotten. Uncompromisingly unique. Generous of heart, constant of faith.

Remembered with love.

I read the writings displayed on my mother's gravestone. I look at the orchids that I brought, before I laid it on the grave. She loved all flowers, but orchids were her favourite. I looked over at the grave beside hers. It was my father's. She was buried right beside him and for some reason, I know that they were both happy.

It was a Saturday, the fifth of March, her birthday. It has now been a tradition to visit her grave on her birthday to bring a different flower. It has been three years since she passed, so it was now her third birthday not spent alive. I still miss her a lot, but I know she wouldn't want me to be sad forever. She would want me to move on with my life and be happy.

After spending a couple more minutes with my mother and father, I walked over to Jasmine's car a few distance away. For her birthday last month, she got a black convertible. She has always wanted one, so she was thrilled and excited when she got it.

I opened the passenger door and got in. "Alright, let's go." I said, closing the door.

Jasmine look over at me. "Are you alright?" She asked.

I nodded my head. "Yes." I answered honestly.

From the backseat, Lucas leaned over to me and patted my shoulders. "That's good to hear." I turned around and gave him a smile.

Kevin, whose head was buried in a sports magazine looked up. "So, where are you and Jasmine going?"

I shrugged my shoulders. "I have no clue." I turn to look at Jasmine. "Where are we going?"

She smiled at me, then started the engine. "First, we are going shopping and then we are going to treat ourselves at the spa." She looked behind at Kevin and Lucas. "You guys want to come with?"

They both shake their head. "No sorry, I have other things to do in town." Kevin said.

"Yeah and plus, we would rather skip the torture of shopping with you and Kayla." Lucas added. Jasmine and I looked at each other, then burst out laughing.

Jasmine looked at them in the rearview mirror. "Awwe babe, that's a bummer. We would have had so much fun." She said teasingly. She bit her lip to prevent from laughing again.

"Yeah, you guys don't know what you are missing." I added, stifling a laugh as well.

"We know exactly what we are missing." Kevin said. We couldn't contain our laughter anymore, so we burst out laughing once again.

As soon as Jasmine contained her laughter, she put the car into drive and drive away from the graveyard.

******

Three hours later, Jasmine and I were ready to go home. We had facials, manicure and pedicure. We also did our hair. I even followed my mind and cut my hair short. It now lay on my shoulders. I must admit, it was a relaxing day and I loved every minute of it.

Before heading home, Jasmine stopped at the supermarket so that I could get some things that Aunt Eloise had asked me to pick up. After another twenty minutes, Jasmine dropped me at home.

I looked at the time and saw that it was one o'clock. Carson told me earlier that he was going to pick me up at two. To go where? He didn't tell me. Only that it was a surprise. After unpacking the groceries in the kitchen, I went up to my room to get ready.

Forty five minutes later, I was ready. I still had ten minutes before Carson gets here, so I went downstairs to wait on him. Five minutes later, Carson arrived and I went outside to meet him. When he saw me, his eyes widen in surprise and then he smiled.

"You cut your hair." He said when I reached him. His eyes never left me.

I smiled. "Yeah, I wanted a change." I stood on my tiptoe and kiss him on his cheek. "Do you like it?"

He put his hand in my hair and run it through it. "Yes, I definitely like." He then pulled me closer and give me a proper kiss. When he pulled away, he looked at me, a smirk playing in his lips. "Although to me, you will always look beautiful no matter how your hair is. Even if you are bald."

Shaking my head at him, I slapped him on his chest lightly and pushed away from him. "You are too slick." I said, walking over to the passenger side of his car. "Come on, let's go Mr. Smooth."

"As you wish." He said smiling as he walk over to the driver's side.

******

Carson finally pulled the car to a stop. Carson had requested that I put on a blindfold, so I didn't know where we were. The only thing I know was that it was a crowded place and it was noisy. Carson got out of the car and I heard him walk around to the passenger side. He opened the door and helped me out.

"You can take off the blindfold now." He said to me when I was standing beside the car.

I took off the blindfold and saw that we were at the amusement park. My eyes went wide and I turn to face him. "The amusement park?" I asked in astonishment.

He grinned widely, apparently proud of himself. "I remembered you said that you love places like these. I also remembered how happy you were when I took you to the fair, so what better place than to bring you here?" He said.

He watched as my face light up with my smile. I stepped closer to him and wrapped my arms around his shoulders. "You are awesome! Thank you so much Carson!" I pulled away from the hug and look around my surroundings. "This is great. I'm glad you brought me here."

He took my hand and we began to walk towards the entrance. I however, stopped him as I remembered something. "Please note, that you are not going to force me on the rollercoaster this time." I warned.

He gave me an innocent look and tried to hide his smile. "Why not, Kitten?"

"Because you know that I'm terrified of that thing." I said stubbornly.

He chuckled. "Now, why would I miss the opportunity of watching your terrified face - which is cute by the way -" I rolled my eyes at that. "And enjoy as you cling to me for dear life?" He teases. His voice was filled with mischief and his eyes twinkled with amusement. He was clearly enjoying himself.

I crossed my arms and gave him my best glare. "I hate you, you know that right?"

He smiled. "But you love me."

Shaking my head at him once again, I took his hand and continued towards the entrance, while trying to hide my smile. Carson was right and he knows it.

I do love him.