A Brand New Ending

Chapter 73

Phoenix



I stand there. My heart is racing so fast that I fear it may burst through my chest at any moment. The high winds make me shiver and I wrap my arms around myself for warmth. I stare out in front of me, the lights of the city illuminating the night sky. It's beautiful. Breathtaking. Taking another step towards the edge I reach out for the cold hard railing, my finger gripping it tight. The frosty metal burns my skin.

Lifting myself up, I let the wind whip through my hair, the ever-moving fog rolling in over the hills to the south. Goosebumps break out all over my body, my eyes staring at the endless pit below me. Slowly, I spread my arms out to the side and close my eyes. I listen to the sounds around me. The sounds of love. The sounds of a life worth living. I inhale, happy to feel the cold air stinging my lungs.

Moments later I feel something wrap around my waist and a warmth flowing through every part of me. Reaching down, I run my fingers along his arm, a smile breaking across my face.

"I won't let you go, Seraph. Ever," he whispers into my ear.

With a tug, he pulls me from the railing and into his arms. His lips are planted against my neck and I am no longer cold. He slowly sets me down, my back remains against his chest, both of us facing outwards.

"It was here," I say softly. He squeezes me lightly.

I can't even begin to explain how much my life has changed since I stood at this very spot five years ago. I thought I had nothing to live for. No one to live for. But that has all changed now. He changed that.

Once we left the hospital we headed North, an eerie sense of mutual direction between us. We didn't talk too much about what happened between us. It was almost like I couldn't differentiate between what was real and what was fantasy. To us it was all reality, even though we were technically strangers to each other. Everything I felt for him during my time in the hospital was still there when I awoke. It was the same for him. I guess I would be lying if I said I wasn't nervous during our "first time."

Things in real life weren't as we expected. When we got to Oregon there was no house waiting for me. Our town had suffered a large fire a few summers back and my father's house had burned to the ground along with half the neighborhood. I was distraught. Braeden comforted me for as long as I needed it.

I can never explain what happened to us. Why fate chose us but I thank God for it each and every day.

But not every moment of our reality has been pleasant. I had to face my fears but it was much easier with Braeden by my side. It was only a matter of time before Elaina came looking for me. Well, more like she called the cops to do it herself. To be honest, I was surprised she even cared. Luckily, there wasn't much they could do considering I was an adult and free to do what I wished. Free to be with Braeden. And that was exactly what I planned on doing.

We continue to stare out at the city, holding onto each other. I smile into the crook of his elbow.

"I love you so much," he whispers into my ear.

I spin around so that I am now facing him, my face against his chest. It only takes a second before I feel his sweatshirt zipped around my torso.

"I can hear your heartbeat," I say softly. "It's so fast."

I look up at him, a smile wide across his face.

"It's only like that when you are around. It beats for only you."

I put my head back on his chest. Listening. Listening to my favorite sound in the world. However it's interrupted when I hear his phone chime. The screen illuminates his face in the darkness.

"Ready, Seraph?" he asks me. "Dinner is almost ready."

I nod into his chest and pull myself away. We walk the length of the bridge, heading back into the city. I don't look back. I walk forward, into the direction of my brand new ending.



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Acknowledgments


I would like to thank:

All the people who have supported me in this journey. Without it, this story would not have been written. You know who you are.

Alex, who has been an incredible confidant since I wrote the very first sentence. I can't thank you enough.

Dan, who took the time to meticulously go through every single word and make this story readable.

Natalie, who volunteered to be my awesome tester. Your words and thoughts mean a lot to me.

Kate, who at the beginning of this adventure let me pick apart her brain and momentarily live the insane life of a psychiatric hospital aide.

And the biggest thank you goes to my readers. You all took a chance on me and my novel. I will be forever grateful.

I also want to take this time to give a shout out to a very important organization offering support and knowledge on this tragic situation. "To Write Love on Her Arms is a non-profit movement dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury and suicide."

If you or anyone you know suffers from suicidal thoughts, please call 1-800-273-8255.



Author Bio


Stephanie Rolls is a native of the Bay Area, where she attended culinary school and obtained a degree in baking and pastry. When she is not baking, she spends her time reading and writing. Stephanie reads anything - from biographies of her favorite president to the most popular YA series. Inspired by her surroundings, she has written her first YA novel, based in San Francisco, her favorite city. She currently lives with her boyfriend and their five-year-old pug.