In My Dreams (19 page)

Two shots fired at once.

Buck’s shot grazed Tyler’s ribs and whizzed into the wall, inches from me. As Tyler shifted, I watched Buck’s eyes go glassy, and a steady line of blood flow down his face. Tyler shot him in the middle of his forehead. He went limp and rolled over to the floor.

It was finally over.

Michael gently laid me down, my head gently cradled on his lap.

“You’re gonna be alright, Liz,” he breathed. “You’re gonna be alright.”

Tyler was frozen and pale, gaping at Michael. He took off his shirt and handed it to Michael, who pressed it against my wound. He looked at his ribs, but they’d barely been grazed.

“Michael,” I breathed.

“Yes, Liz,” he said sadly.

“I shot him first,” I said proudly.

They both looked at me in shock, and then I heard Michael chuckle. He shook his head baffled by my randomness.

“Yes, you did,” he smiled. My heart fluttered watching him smile. That was my Michael. My hero. My angel. Then, his brow furrowed and his eyes looked burdened. “But what were you thinking, Liz? You could have been killed!”

“You never left me, and I wasn’t about to leave you,” I protested.

“He couldn’t harm me. I had everything under control,” he said matter-of-factly.

“I didn’t know,” I breathed, wincing from the excruciating pain in my shoulder.

“Everything’s alright now. You’ll be just fine,” he assured me, gently rubbing my face.

Sirens blared down the drive, and Tyler finally broke his silence.

“Michael?” he asked. Michael looked up at him. Tyler shook his head, the look on his face told a thousand words; words of sorry, regret and pain.

“It’s alright, Tyler,” Michael assured.

I moaned in pain. It hurt so badly.

“Tyler, you’ve got to go to the police and tell them we need an ambulance. Quick!” Michael’s voice was urgent.

Tyler jumped up and ran, but paused at the end of the hall.

“I’m so sorry, Michael.” He said. His face was filled with sadness.

“It’s alright, Tyler. I’ve already forgiven you,” Michael smiled.

Tyler’s closed his eyes and nodded. A single tear grazed his cheek as he turned and dashed out the door.

“Liz. Hold on baby,” he said brushing my hair with his hand.

“It’s alright. I’m not scared of dying,” I said weakly.

“You’re not going to die,” he said with a crooked grin.

“Really? I thought after three strikes, I’d finally be out,” I smiled at him.

He laughed and shook his head. “Not if I can help it.”

“I thought I’d never see you again,” I said sadly.

“Well, you know me… I always like to be part of the action, especially if the action involves you,” he said, squeezing my hand gently.

“How did you get so strong? You’re as strong as Superman,” I chuckled, but felt myself getting weaker. I was slipping in and out of consciousness, but tried to stay focused on him.

“It doesn’t matter now,” he said with sadness in his eyes. “Everything’s going to be alright. Just relax. They’re coming.”

“Are you going to leave me?” I cried.

“I’ll never leave you. I’ll always be here,” he said placing his hand over my heart. “Always remember that. Forever in my heart.” He leaned down and pressed his lips against mine, weakening me even more than I already was. He gently lifted my head and carefully laid it on the floor.

I heard loud voices and footsteps pounding up the front stairs and into the door, and as they entered… Michael disappeared.

Police officers charged in, guns drawn, yelling orders to each other. One of the officers came toward me, but all I could do was lift my finger, pointing into the room, where Buck lay still. Dead.

A shooting pain ripped through my shoulder and down my chest. I started to black out but heard a strong voice calling my name. I pulled my heavy eyes open to see who was standing over me. Chief Cross.

“Elizabeth, hang on. Help is here,” he said sympathetically, bending down, grasping my hand.

“How did you know where we were?” I breathed.

“I got a call from your friend Lucy Crow. She said you were in some kind of danger. When we found out that you weren’t in your hospital room, we tracked your cell phone and it led us here,” he said, placing his cold hand on my head. I heard him sigh loudly as he glanced into the room where Buck lay, and then back at me. He smiled softly, “Well, it’s all over now. He won’t ever hurt anyone else again.”

And with those words, I felt peace. I couldn’t keep my eyes open any longer. Several sturdy hands lifted me onto a stretcher, and into an ambulance. I heard Emily calling my name, but it was distant and I was too weak to respond. I felt pressure, pain, and people working desperately trying to stop the bleeding, attaching oxygen and an IV. The siren wailed as we sped off towards the hospital, and I finally slipped into complete darkness.

This time I didn’t dream of Michael. In fact, I didn’t dream at all.

It was the darkest, coldest, and saddest of all days. I sat on my bed, still sore from the gunshot wound which had missed every vital organ. They said I was lucky. It was a clean shot to my shoulder - in and out.

I’d begged the doctor to let me recover at home, so he allowed me to after three days, and only under my mother’s constant supervision. She was doing well, despite the headaches and shakes, and was continuing her treatments.

I dreaded this day for the past five days. Today was the day of Michael’s funeral. I wore a simple black suit which Michael’s mom bought me. I don’t know why it even mattered because it would be covered by layers of warm clothes anyway. My arm was in a sling, which held it close to my chest. It was sore but the excruciating pain in my heart far exceeded every other pain in my body.

My mom demanded that I go with her, but I insisted on driving myself. The cemetery wasn’t far from where we lived, and I had no problems driving with my one good arm. Besides, I anticipated on staying a while afterwards.

The drive to the cemetery was done in complete silence. My mind was spinning, wondering why Michael hadn’t come to me since the shooting. I’d suspected that he’d already crossed over. There wasn’t anything to hold him back anymore. Buck was dead, and Michael saved my life, so he was finally free. I just hadn’t had the chance to say goodbye, or tell him “thank you”, even though those words didn’t hold a candle to what he’d really done for me. He gave me life, and not only me, but Tyler and my mom in the process. But I didn’t get a chance to tell him, and because of that… I was heartbroken.

I stood near his grave surrounded by family and friends. Hundreds of people showed up, but even surrounded by all of them, I still felt entirely alone.

During the ceremony I stood with Michael’s parents to one side of me, and my mom on the other, who held tightly to my arm the whole time. She was shaking, probably from a combination of nerves, being around so many people, and the alcohol withdrawals. Nevertheless, I was glad she was here with me.

I was numb. Everything around me was suppressed in sadness. The priest spoke in a low, monotone voice, making it even more dreadful. I knew Michael wouldn’t have wanted his funeral to be like this. He would have wanted a party, everyone in brightly colored clothes, laughing, having fun, celebrating the wonderful life and happiness that he shared with all of us. I smiled to myself at the thought. I could picture Michael leaning over the priest’s shoulder, yawning.

The whole service was a complete blur. My senses were dulled to everything that was going on. Before I knew it, they were lowering Michael’s casket into the ground.

Mrs. Young took it especially hard; dropping to the ground weeping and covering her face. Her husband knelt at her side and held her tightly, softly whispering how much he loved her, and how they would be alright.

A long line formed, and I watched as everyone pay their respects, throwing flowers onto his casket, saying good-bye, hugging, kissing, and crying.

Picturing my future without Michael was like ripping out the biggest part of my heart, and tossing it into a flame. It was cruel, it was unfair, and the scar would remain forever. He was a gift, an earthly angel sent to help me through the last twelve years of my life.

Tyler and Emily walked over to me; his arm wrapped around her waist. Tears filled both of their eyes.

“We’re here for you, you know that… right?” Emily sobbed, hugging me tightly.

“I do. Thanks’ Em.” I managed to muster enough strength to give her a smile.

Tyler leaned in and gave me a gentle hug, trying to stay clear of my injury. It was the first time I’d seen him since the incident. Although he started this whole set of horrendous events, he did keep his promise, and finished it.

“Thank you,” I wept.

“No - thank you. And Michael,” he corrected, leaning in and kissing me lightly on the cheek. “Liz, if you ever need me –,”

“I’ll call,” I said nodding with a grin. He smiled and turned away, as another tear trailed his cheek and dropped to the ground.

“Do you want us to stay?” Emily asked in a whisper.

“No. You go. I’m gonna stay for a while. I’ll call you when I get home.”

“Alright,” she said leaning in, kissing me lightly on the cheek.

I said too many good-byes, and lingered until the crowd had finally dissipated and I was the last one at the cemetery. My mother needed to take her medication, so she left as soon as Mr. and Mrs. Young did.

The sun was starting to set, casting the most beautiful orange, pink, and lavender colors across the sky.

I sat by Michael’s gravestone and cried. I tied a picture of the two of us around the stem of a single red rose, and threw it on top of his casket. I wanted to leave him something, just from me, even though I knew he wasn’t in the grave.

“I’ll never get to see you again, will I?” I whispered. My heart was breaking. I wondered if he had passed and was at peace. He must have. He deserved to be in heaven where he belonged.

“You’ll see me… sooner than you think,” his melodious voice sang from behind me.

My heart danced with excitement. I quickly turned, and he was standing, close behind, dashing in every sense. He was dressed in a black suit, his hair perfectly brushed back, his face was luminous. He looked so handsome. There wasn’t anyone, on the face of this earth, that would ever be able to match him.

“Elizabeth Hayes, may I have this dance?” he asked, holding his hand out to me, slightly bowing like a gentleman.

“But I-I-?” I stuttered. I didn’t want to second guess him, not now, so I reached out for his hand. He took a firm grip of my hand and pulled me close, hugging me, careful not to hurt me. He leaned down, holding my head steady in his hands, and kissed me, stealing my breath. I was dizzy when he stopped, and he laughed at my vacant expression. He kissed my forehead, took my hand in his, and wrapped his other around my waist. I knew I’d never love anyone more than I did him.

We silently gazed into each other’s eyes and began to sway back and forth, dancing to our silent song in the middle of the cemetery. I held him as tightly as I could, knowing that this would be our last dance, our last touch, our last kiss, our last goodbye.

“I never thought I’d see you again. I thought you’d already passed,” I said hugging him tighter.

“I would never leave without saying a proper goodbye to my girl,” he said kissing my cheek.

“I love you so much, Michael. More than you’ll ever know. I could never tell you how thankful I am that you were always there for me.”

“I would’ve never left you in danger,” he said affectionately, brushing stray hairs off of my face. He stared into my eyes. “I’ve never loved anyone but you, Liz.”

There were no better words that could sum up everything we had been through or the way we felt about each other. He was always there for me, during every critical time in my short life.

I wasn’t sure what I had contributed to our relationship. I was the one who always needed his help, but he never complained. I hoped he had a good life, a happy life while he was with me.

I laid my head on his chest, a place I’d always felt safest. I closed my eyes and breathed in his scent becoming intoxicated by him. I didn’t know how long we danced, but I was thankful we were even given the chance.

I knew this moment wouldn’t last forever but I wanted to hold him until I couldn’t hold him anymore. I was glad I’d taken my sling off and left it in the Jeep, because the pain in my shoulder was gone.

Then, I noticed a dark figure approaching from the trees just beyond the cemetery. He was steadily approaching, his eyes never wavering from our direction.

“Michael who is that?” I asked. He remained silent and squeezed me tighter to him. As he looked, his brow furrowed and his eyes became deeply saddened.

Dark creatures lurked behind the man, just within the shadows of the trees. They were hooded in cowls and draped in long black cloaks, resembling the creature in my dream. I gasped.

The man was tall and slender, dressed in a black suit and shiny black shoes, similar to Michael. He had a handsome face and dark, chiseled features, wearing a well-manicured mustache and goatee.

He stopped a few yards from us and stared down at Michael’s casket. I wondered if he might have been a guest, until Michael started to get restless and glared at him.

“Can I help you?” I asked him. He looked up, his eyes met Michael’s.

“It’s time to go Michael,” he said, ushering Michael to come with a wave of his hand.

Michael turned to me and stared endlessly into my eyes.

“Who is that Michael?”

“I’m guessing you haven’t told her,” the man in the dark suit remarked, glancing at me.

“She doesn’t need to know.” Michael snapped, glaring at him.

The man laughed.

“What is he talking about Michael? What aren’t you telling me?”

“It doesn’t matter, Liz,” he said taking my head in his hands, steadying my gaze to his. He kissed me.

“I think you should have told her,” the man jested.

“Just shut up and mind your own business,” Michael scolded.

“Well, the thing is… you are my business,” he said smiling, crossing his hands back over his chest.

“Michael, what’s going on? You’ve always told me the truth. Please tell me,” I pleaded.

Michael shook his head. “This is different. It’s complicated,” he breathed.

I stared at the man hoping that maybe he could shed some light on what the heck was going on.

“She wants to know, Michael, and I think you owe it to her,” he said angling his head towards me.

Michael closed his eyes and inhaled deeply, but kept silent.

“Well, you’re boyfriend here,” he began.

“Don’t.” Michael snapped.

“Michael. Please,” I begged.

“He made a deal…Strength and power, in exchange for his soul. That’s how he was able to kick ass,” he said with a glint of cockiness in his eyes.

I looked at Michael. “In exchange for your soul? I don’t understand.”

“There’s not much to understand. The only reason I stayed, was to keep you safe, and now you’re safe,” he whispered, looking down at my hand, which was clasped in both of his. I felt a heat burn through me.

“Where are you taking him?” I asked, pulling away approaching the man.

“Where the rest of them go… those that don’t make it to the light,” he said twitting his fingers toward the heavens and laughing.

“You can’t take him. I won’t let you. He only did it to save me. Take me instead!” I screamed, begging.

“Liz, no!” Michael said, holding his arm up in front of me.

“Well, well. How sweet love is… But I’m sorry sweetheart… I have a signed contract right here.”

He opened his hand and scroll magically appeared within his palm. He carefully unraveled it and read. “I Michael, yadda - yadda - yadda, give my soul, yadda - yadda - yadda, in exchange for great power, yadda - yadda – yadda, and his signature is right there.”

He turned the scroll to me and pointed. Michael’s signature was across the bottom signed in what looked like blood.

“No!” I yelled at him. I grabbed the scroll, tore it in half, and threw it to the ground.

The man rolled his eyes.

“Ahh- humans,” he sighed. He then opened his hand again and the scroll was there… untouched.

I looked at the ground. It was gone.

“It’s a binding contract sweetheart. It can’t be changed or undone. Now, stop stalling, Michael. I have places to go, and damned souls to see,” he said snapping his fingers towards Michael.

I grabbed a hold of him. “Michael. Why?”

“Because I love you,” he breathed. He hugged me like it was his last goodbye, and then gently cradled my face in his hands and kissed me, stealing my breath. At that moment I was in heaven with him.

“Tick, tick, tick!” the man pressed, tapping his finger to his watch. “We really have to be going.”

“Stop!” a loud voice thundered, shaking the ground.

A bright light flashed and suddenly a man in white stood before us. He also had a handsome face with strong, chiseled features. He was clean shaven, and wavy, ash-blonde hair fell just above his shoulders. But there was something oddly familiar about his eyes; his big, bright sapphire eyes. He smiled at us, and then turned to the man in black.

“Ah, Ayden. We meet again,” he greeted the dark man with sarcasm.

“Well, Jonathan… it’s never a pleasure,” he returned, looking annoyed. Ayden shifted uneasily. Jonathan laughed.

Michael slowly pushed me behind him, shielding me from these supernatural beings.

Jonathan turned his attention back to us, smiling, approaching with his arms wide open.

“Michael. Elizabeth. I’m Jonathan. It is a pleasure to meet you.” He held his hand out. Michael took a firm hold of it and shook it. Jonathan then turned to me and smiled, giving me a wink. His face was luminous, just like Michaels, and I could sense from the look of warmth and sincerity in his eyes, that he was a friend.

He turned back to the man in black.

“It seems you’ve been breaking the rules again, Ayden.” He swiftly moved back in front of him.

“I haven’t broken any rules. He is ours. It’s a binding contract sealed in his blood.”

“I see. And have you taken the time to read through the fine print?”

Ayden scowled. “Yes, I have,” he spoke slowly through his teeth.

“Well, it’s obvious that you haven’t. What… too many yadda-yadda’s for you, Ayden? Has your vocabulary diminished throughout these long years?”

“Are you challenging me Jonathan?” Ayden hissed, lunging forward, inches from his face.

“Why challenge you? You know you can’t win,” Jonathan responded, pushing him back with his finger. Ayden scowled but stepped back.

Jonathan touched the same finger to the scroll and it instantly consumed in flames. Ayden dropped it desperately trying to stomp out the fire but he failed. It burned to ash.

“You can’t do that!” Ayden growled. His accompanying demons advanced, hissing and snarling in the background.

Jonathan snapped his fingers and three more dressed in white were at his side. They stood strong and majestic, just inches on either side of him.