I was able to celebrate Jace’s life, and the splatter of paint, the bright red mess he left behind because it was the map that led me to these five amazing people and solidified the bond between us all, despite how tattered it was a masterpiece and it was irreplaceable.
“What did you tell Keomi & Fabian?” I asked River on the way home.
“To live.” He told me, “To not bury themselves alive with him. But tolivedespite it all.”
And alas, it was certain that what was once dead wouldlive again.
Chapter 35
The Final Dream
Armaniawokeontheforest floor and was wearing a beautiful suede black gown, she liked it way better than the stained white one she was always wearing. The little boy with dark hair and blue eyes helped her up from the ground, and helped her dust off her gown. She peered down and looked at her reflection in the water. She was still herself but younger, the same age as him. She wondered where the blonde-haired boy who was always here had gone. She wanted to thank him for always being there but perhaps it was too late.
The boy held her hand and kissed her on her cheek, it was the first time he had done this, let alone pay attention to her. She held him close and danced with him into the night, to the rushing water of the nearby stream and the hooting of the owls and snickering of foxes. She stepped on his toes a few times but they laughed it off, he had such an otherworldly way of making her feel alive. She was so happy she could have him like this, all to herself far far away from the hustle and bustle of life.
Here in the night forest far away, they could come alive amongst the oaks and whimpering willows, they could lay their hopes and dreams bare, fear nothing, and just love each other so purely and honestly in a way they'd never had the privilege of doing so before.
A love so destined and infinite even nature rejoiced in its inevitable embrace, hearts so attached to one another that they could not beat otherwise.
The girl who dreamed regretted nothing and she would follow River to the ends of the earth.
And the boy who lived, he too regretted nothing and he would follow Armani till the end of his days.
"Where're we going?" Armani asked and River gave her a warm smile,
"Nowhere," he said simply, "Home perhaps." She may not have known exactly where home was, but it sounded like heaven on earth with him.
Her love, her light, the current that flowed through her stronger than any other force,her River.
Chapter 36
Epilogue
Fouryearslater
Armani walked through the door of the quaint little cafe in Paris, closing her umbrella once she got inside, her long tweed coat a little wet from the pouring rain. She turned and saw her friends waving at her from a table in the corner, the earthy scent of coffee engulfing her senses, it was much warmer inside. Fabian, Keomi, Merilla, Victoria & Genevièvewere cooped up on a table sharing warm bread and tea, their eyes lit up when they saw her.
“Armani get over here we saved you a seat and an americano,” Victoria called, Fabian’s arm wrapped around her middle.
“We know how much you love garlic bread, so here,” Geneviève added, sliding the bowl over to her and she smiled at the gesture.
“Thank you! I’m sorry I’m late, I had a few things to finalise at a meeting.” Armani explained taking a long sip from her coffee cup.
“Oh for the academy in Athens?” Fabian wondered.
“Of course, it’s all we’ve been hearing about from them for weeks,” Merilla answered with a cheeky grin. “How’s that coming along by the way?”
“Perfect actually, it’s been a little stressful but I know that in the end, it will be worth it. We’ve had the idea to start up an art school in Greece for a long time, we never thought it’d be possible but obviously, now that it’s all in motion we’re very excited.” Armani explained to them, “it’s going to be called the Athens Academy of the arts.”
“Ah! I am so happy for you guys, if anyone deserves to teach about art it’s you.” Keomi smiled warmly.
“Thank You Keomi, what about you Victoria, how is your masters coming along?” Armani asked,
“Deciding to study criminology was the best decision I ever made to date. I graduate in the fall, and then I can start working.” Victoria told the group.
“My beautiful detective.” Fabian mused, kissing her cheek.
“Yeah yeah, whatever just rest assured that if you ever slip up I’ll know you’re cheating on me before anyone else!” Victoria warned, her English accent strong.
