Wednesday, June 4, 2014

~The Aftermath, Part 4~

   I sat on the very bench Adri had sat on the day she died. The one at the edge of the pool that spilled over into a fountain. I sat there watching the sky on this beautiful day. The sun shined bright and warm, not a single cloud tried to cover it. A cool breeze brushed against my face, keeping my temperature at the perfect balance between hot and cold. I sat there for a good fifteen minutes, just enjoying the day, the sound of the birds chirping, of nearby wind chimes singing their songs, of the water crashing. I sat and marveled at the world around me, waiting for the angel to arrive. I felt sorry for her. This realm was so amazingly beautiful, and she couldn't experience it anymore.
   But then again, I didn't feel sorry for her. Because I knew she would experience this realm once again. And soon.
   "A beautiful day, isn't it?" I hadn't realized until that moment that my eyes were closed. I opened them to take in the image of the girl who I had so suddenly become so close to. I stood and welcomed Ai into my arms, pulling her into a warm hug and letting her know that I was here to support her in her grief. Just a hug was all it took. "Thanks," she laughed, and pulled away before she could start crying. She took a deep breath and sat down on the fountain bench with me. "So, not that I'm not happy to see you or anything, but why did you call me here?"
   I smiled and returned my eyes to the sky. "I had my last vision."
   "Last?"
   "Yes, the same voice which had told me I was a protector told me last night of my final mission." I brought my gaze down to my side, looking calmly into Ai's eyes as I revealed to her the news. She watched me, waiting, fearing whatever it was that I would say next. "My mother is pregnant."
   Ai blinked. "What?"
   I smiled. "It's a boy."
   Her eyebrows creased. "Um...Congratulations?"
   "He is going to have thick brown hair and emerald green eyes. His smile, no matter how old he gets, will always keep its childish charm. His laugh will always remain light-hearted. He may not always be the most perceptive, but he will have a good head on his shoulders. He will be sweet, loving, and will cherish his love with all the care in the world. He will be loyal, strong, and will always do what he needs to do for those he cares about. And his name is going to be-"
   "Nolan," Ai whispered. As I spoke, her eyes had become watery and when she uttered his name, a tear broke out and rolled down her cheek. I nodded.
   "Nolan is going to be reborn as my baby brother."