002. grave
It was my least favorite day of the year, filled with memories of a not so happy past and regrets for a life I could've lived. But this year, I knew it would be different. I knew having her by my side would make it easier, knowing that had my life worked out differently, I wouldn't know the beautiful woman I've come to love so deeply. And I wouldn't trade her for the world.
When I asked Kelly if she'd come with me, she seemed surprised, hazel eyes widening ever so slightly. I fumbled around, telling her it was okay if she didn't want to go, that no matter what I'd understand. But she took my hand in her own and kissed the back of it, saying she'd be honored to come with me. I smiled, grabbing the flowers I bought earlier at the store. We walked in silence out to my car.
When I pulled the car through the gates of the cemetery, she took my free hand in her own, giving it a small squeeze. I glanced over at her, finding her eyes already trained on me, and gave her a small smile. I parked where I always do, under a big oak tree, and turned towards her.
"You're sure about this?" I asked, wondering if she was really comfortable coming with me or just doing it because she knew I wanted her to.
"Of course." She said and pushed her door open. Her eyes met mine again, and, still sensing my uneasiness, she whispered, "I love you."
I smiled. "I love you, too." She gave me a quick peck on the lips then, finally breaking contact, got out of the car. I hesitated, grabbing the bouquet and taking a quick glance at myself in the review mirror. I had changed so much since I was last here, all for the better, and I knew the brunette standing outside the car was directly responsible for it. That's why I really wanted her to go with me that day, so she could see where I came from and how much she'd done for me. I needed her to know just how much she had changed me.
I got out of my car, shut the door and looked back to her. She held a wondering look in her eye. I reached out for her, and she came closer, again intertwining her fingers in mine. We walked among the tombstones until I stopped in front of the one that crushed my heart to see twenty years ago.
I could feel her eyes on me as I let go of her hand and took another step closer. I placed the flowers down at the foot of the headstone, let my fingers graze over the cool stone that spelled out a name that meant so much to me. I took in a deep breath.
"Hi, mom." I said softly, in a voice stronger than years past. "I brought someone to meet you." I turned and looked at Kelly. She softly smiled at me, then moved to stand beside me, looking down to the headstone. "Her name's Kelly." Her eyes met mine again. "And she's made your daughter the happiest girl in the world." I said as I took her hand in mine, pulling her closer, before looking back to the headstone.
"I love her. With all my heart, mom. I know you'd love her, too."