Sincerely, Eternity Chapter One - Final Version

Chapter 1 :: Mist1

Thank God for today.  No, seriously. No sarcasm today, I’m actually very thankful that I get to leave this horrid place for my last time and never come back. The neatly organized, polished office I’ve grown accustomed to, but on my better days, I refused to see Dr. Nathaniel - my shrink. It reminded me of my first few, yet long, visits here. 2

Dr. Nathaniel was a kind, young, middle-aged man. His light blonde hair was disappearing on the top and his glasses rested lightly on the bridge of his nose. Whenever he got serious in his work, he would push up the nose of his glasses and look over the plastic lenses at me. All in all, he was a helpful man, but I held tight to the concept of never seeing him again. 3

Scars on my arms had begun to heal by now. I guess after all the counseling I’ve gone through, I should say I regret each mark. Some of them are possible to consider forgiveness for, but my mind just can't wrap around that idea yet. 4

“Yes, Miss Rose. Today is your last day seeing me.” Dr. Nathaniel's calm voice repeated those words through my empty head. To try to forget my past, the reasons behind the scars, I focused on emptying my mind a lot. That strategy seemed to help me best.5

My twitching wouldn’t stop. I tended to do this when I got nervous or I felt something bad was going to occur. My mind giving me a syke-out is what they called it. My twitching problem was one of the many reasons why I was given over to this place. In this case, however, it was a good twitching. Adrenaline and excitement flowed through my veins. I played with the ends of my braided hair to calm me down.6

My small frame stood, and quickly made it to the doorway, where Mom gently hugged me. Her hug was unlike the other ones she had given me over the past few years. This one was much less cautious, and much more comforting. The scent of her perfume coming off her blouse immediately calmed me.7

My mother was young and vibrant. Her dirty-blonde hair was cropped really short around her face. Bright, hazel eyes smiled back at me.8

"You know what? Let's take these down...you look much prettier without them." My mother began to tug my braids apart. 9

The crinkled locks fell to my waist. I felt even freer. I spun in a circle, startling Dr. Nathaniel with my quick movements. Normally the most movement I did was walking or taking a shower. Even while I ate or brushed my teeth I still stayed fairly still, trying to focus on steadying my emotions. 10

Stepping outside the small building, I took in a fresher air than the little room allowed me. An air I knew I was in from now on, never to be removed from again. An air that accepted my return even after all my stupid mistakes. Everything seemed to make more sense the more freedom I was given today. 11

I took notice now to my outfit I was wearing. A crème, eyelet, ruffle blouse and my long jean skirt. I loved it so much because it was comfortable and carefree, resembling the personality I was slowly regaining back.12

I’m gong to stop explaining so much, to rid you of the boring past that I’m leaving behind. I will say, Mom finished all the extra paperwork, and we were finally on our way home. She told me she would have let me drive, but considering my unbalanced emotions and doctors orders, I never got the chance to try to receive my permit. Mom did say for my eighteenth birthday next month, she would confront Dr. Nathaniel about the idea of me driving. Also the idea of just taking the subways here and there didn't seem like a bad option when we spoke about how I would get to work until then. Yet another piece of freedom I received out of this; starting a job at the bookstore downtown.13

“So how are Youla and Neveah?” I knew I saw them a week ago, but since they keep in touch with my Mom, I didn’t know if they all had spoken to each other about my homecoming.14

“Acutally, Edaline, dear. They’re at home waiting for you.”15

My face brightened. 16

“Really?”17

“Yes, really.” She gave out a laugh. 18

“I wasn’t sure how you wanted to spend your last day, so I called them anyway. To celebrate.” She turned her head to take a quick glance at my expression. It must have pleased her, since she turned back to the road ahead of her, smiling. 19

I looked down at my hands. My fingers trebled as my vision began to blur. The second my head dropped, I felt the car jolt to a stop.20

“What’s wrong now?” My mother’s voice was alarming. I began to twitch uncontrollably. I didn’t know what I did wrong.21

“N…nothing. I’m just…thankful.” I struggled to say.22

The car began to roll again, followed by honks and yells and words I’d rather not repeat.23

“Sorry, honey. I’m still trying to get used to—“24

I placed my hand on her knee to stop her speech. 25

“Its okay, I understand.” It was easy to understand her pain; seeing her only daughter have turned into a psychopath and just now going back to normal again. That concept I realized a little over a few months ago. 26

We pulled into the pebble driveway, and got out of the light blue Beetle. The tri-level brick house stood in front of us, more of a home, and less like a place I see everyday. The dark green shutters and the flowers Mom had planted earlier this spring were almost welcoming. 27

I promise you, it was not but the second the key entered the keyhole, that I heard cheerful shouting on the other side. No doubt, it was Youla and Neveah.28

The heavy, oak door opened to reveal my two best friends. Youla and Neveah had been through everything with me. The past three years, in particular. Since that first day, they’ve watched my every move for me, since I obviously couldn’t fend for myself. Standing in my home's foyer again made me appreciate every moment they wasted on me.29

The house even somewhat had a sense of an atmosphere being lifted. The same scent that the damp earth gave off after a rainstorm still filled my house. The interesting directions my mother placed our furniture in the living room called me to them to relax for once. Not as a place to sit and sulk.30

“Edaline, it’s wonderful that they aren't having you go back anymore!" Youla’s long limbs stretched around me. I could have easily fallen asleep if I stayed in her warmth too long. Dr. Nathaniel's office was always too cold for my liking. Her long blonde hair fell over the edge of my cheek, resembling the softness she carried into her voice and actions. That's why I have been friends with her for so long, her kindness towards people kept me attached.31

“So what shall we do?" Neveah’s slight British accent echoed through the empty foyer. Mom must have gone in the kitchen to begin on dinner.32

I would call Neveah my rebellious friend. She usually loves to make a scene when we go places, whether it be on a new band she thinks is too original, or it be a new concert she would die to go to. Most of the time she formed a bubble around her unless she knew the person well, as she does for Youla and I. Her multi-colored black hair was pulled back into two spiky ponytails behind her ears.33

I clasped my hands together at my waist, “I would like to go for a walk down to the ponds right now. It’s still early in the morning, the mist should be building.”34

My friends looked at each other quizzically. I knew what they were thinking, just by looking at their expressions. 35

The ponds are creepy in their own special way, especially in the morning hours. It was a bunch of ponds, placed randomly in between spots of land. Each piece of land was connected with at least a dozen little wooden bridges. The Misty Ponds, as what I like to call them, is a beautiful place to me. Three years ago when I began seeing Dr. Nathaniel, I used to come here all the time. Alone, to let out all my emotions I locked up during school or at home.36

They obviously didn’t want to turn me down, since today was reserved for me, but I was eager to go, and they saw this. We walked down the muddy forest paths at the end of my neighborhood that led to the Misty Ponds.37

By the time I began to see the signs of fog building on the forest floor, I sped up my pace. As I ran, I couldn’t help but be thankful again. Having my two best friends still here with me, even after all the crap I pulled them through behind me. After all the pain they had to endure seeing me go through my pain. Thankful for my mother who didn’t follow my father's footsteps. She didn't dare leave me an empty home to come back to after my long days with Dr. Nathaniel. She loved me too much to leave home like that. Thankful for the freedom I’ve been given -- for a second chance at life.38

“We’re here!” I panted. Youla and Neveah followed up the rear, panting so much harder than I was. Trying to keep up with me was hard for them. I might have been short, but I could run pretty fast.39

“I thought…the doc said….to take it bloody easy?!” Neveah strained to say.40

“What? For my twitching problem? I’m fine. I’m home.”41

“So how has school been without me?” I asked them casually. Due to the problems I occasionally used to run into, the school allowed me to be homeschooled the rest of the year. I finished my sophomore year of high school that way, and spent most of my junior year at home, too. On occasion did I ever go to a football game, or a dance? Nope42

They looked at each other again.43

“Gosh I hate it when you two do that! Just tell me!”44

“Everyone pretty much knows.” I knew what Youla was talking about. Considering how small our neighborhood in the suburbs of Boston was, of course everyone knew about my having a shrink, and skipping school due to doctor's orders.45

“Oh well. Serves me right for letting my emotions run amuck. It was all a state of mind. I could’ve easily pushed my way out of it…” ...But having his face appear behind my closed eyelids never helped. That was what I wanted to say. I still had my issues to deal with missing him, but what was the point anymore? He said he was moving away and never coming back. Never coming back to see me, that is. Heck, I couldn't even remember his name. 46

Thinking about him made me upset, but more thankful to still have Youla and Neveah on my side the whole way through.47

“It’s alright, Edaline. None of it was your fault.” Youla’s comforting hug weakened me. My back slowly fell to the damp ground we were sitting on. I looked up to the morning sky. Vibrant purples and reds began to crawl their way up to the dark blue sky of yesterday.48

I breathed deeply, I had to eventually overcome my idea that everything was my fault in the end.49

“Okay. Maybe you’re right.”50

It seemed time had stopped. I had a flashback of the last time I was here before my visits began. I walked around freely. Hearing the faint breathing of my friends asleep on the damp earth. Feeling the mist retreating due to the increased sunlight of the summer months. I must have been dreaming, since I could float to each piece of land, without disturbing the graceful water. 51

My friends decided to have our ‘last day of summer’ together before my visits began the day after. We brought a picnic. I could remember us packing the food together at my house. Mom tried to make sure no knifes got into the basket, so she was peeling the apples and oranges herself in the other room. Mom was always careful to not let me so much as see a sharp object that could potentially pierce through the soft layer of skin on my wrists.52

Funny how today was also the day I was released. Was it a good thing? Like I was for sure leaving behind everything I once was? Or was it a bad omen? That one day I was to be reunited with my past life?53

“Edaline? Ah, you’re finally waking up!” Neveah’s hand brushed strands of hair away from my face as she stared down at me. It was a comforting feeling much like my mother when I was a toddler. In some ways, Youla and Neveah were thought of motherly figures towards me. I was a gentle soul, as Neveah put it, and they were always cautious around me. Their love for me showed through their actions and words.54

“You had fallen asleep on me!” Youla flexed her right arm. I must have been really tired, then to have passed out on her arm.55

“How long was I out?” I asked, slightly embarrassed.56

“Only about thirty minutes. We let you sleep.” Youla’s long limbs stretched as she got up. That girl was at least a foot taller than I’ll ever be. 57

“That’s good.” I looked around us. The mist was retreating now, and the warm sun began its turn. 58

“We should start heading back. Let’s do something else now.” I suggested.59

Youla and Neveah agreed and we were on our way.60

The muddy path was easier to follow now that it was brighter out. I felt like I was just here; like it was three years ago all over again. Although, I’m really glad it wasn’t.61

When we arrived back at the house, Mom’s car wasn’t there, so I figured she went out to the market or something. 62

“We should probably get the mail for her. In case she forgets when she gets back.” Youla reached into the rusted metal bin next to our door, and lifted out three envelopes. One in which was crème colored.63

She began to flip through the return addresses as we were in the foyer taking off our shoes. That’s when she stopped and said, “Hey, Edaline. You got a letter in the mail!” She began to hand it to me when she paused mid-stride.64

“That’s odd. How do they know where she lives? Theres no return address!” 65

Nevaeh and Youla took their spots beside me as I opened it. Youla was right, no return address. Only the beautiful calligraphy of my name was written. How did it get here if there was no address to send it to? Did this person know where I lived? My twitching began to occur as I thought about that option. I felt a comforting hand on the small of my back. 66

I let the envelope fall to the floor and we began to read. The same penmanship my name was written in was used on the body of the letter as well.67

Dear Edaline, 68

Welcome Home! Hope you’re having a wonderful day. Please write back, I'd love to hear how you are doing.69

“No return address, no sign of my address, and no signature! The nerve of this guy!” I shouted. Some prank someone’s trying to pull. 70

“If they’re trying to get me to go insane again, then they're wasting their time!” I crumpled the yellowed paper and dropped it into the trash in the kitchen.71

Almost right as the trash lid slammed close, something clanked outside the door.72

There was another letter in the mailbox.73

“You’ve got to be bloody kidding me! This person’s a stalker!” Nevaeh’s accent was coming through a little more now that she was getting mad. Also another sign her bubble was forming again.74

I ripped this one open again. 75

Dear Edaline, 76

I apologize. I do not mean to make you angry. I only wish the best for you. Please come to your Misty Ponds. Go to the center land piece. There is something waiting for you.77

“Should we go?” I asked them. I loved a bit of adventure. Especially now that my freedom has fully been given back to me.78

I could tell Nevaeh didn’t agree with this at all. Obviously, the fire in her eyes gave away that she wanted to find this guy and kill him. I giggled just thinking about it. This was almost fun now.79

“Lets go. We don’t have anything else to do.” I darted out the door. Youla followed, but Neveah paused at the porch.80

“I’ll stay here. You two go. Just in case there’s more letters.” 81

“Okay, Nev. Thanks!”82

So Youla and I ventured back out into the summer heat, back to the Misty Ponds. I was thinking about the last letter that I had in my hand. Weird also how the person knew I called this place the Misty Ponds. To tell you the truth, the place was never given an actual name for maps and stuff. Most people in Smithsfield never knew it was here. Only my two best friends, my mother, and he knew I called this enchanted place the Misty Ponds. I shook my head, trying to not think about him.83

I first found this spot when I was about six years old. My parents began fighting and I wanted to get away from the house as much as possible. I was young, and had no other family around. I was an only child. I hadn’t made ‘best friends’ with Youla or Nevaeh yet, so I couldn’t run to them. I just ran where God told me to go.84

I weaved in and out of the shrubbery and received plenty of scratches and bruises. My dress tore at the edges, and I lost my shoes. I saw the mist and knew I’d be alone.85

And I was alone. I cried. Every tear I ever cried since I was six has fallen in those ponds. It was as if a part of me was part of the Misty Ponds.86

“It said the center piece of land. That’s right over here!” I ran over the bridges, Youla following shortly behind in case I start having a moment of nervousness or something. 87

“What are we looking for, exactly?” She asked, puzzled.88

“I don’t know, it never said.”89

I looked closely over at a pile of pebbles and placed on top was yet another letter.90

It was a bit damp, but still readable. The quill ink dripped a little. It reminded me of blood dripping from my arms long ago...91

Dear Edaline,92

Again, welcome home. You look very pretty today, I might say. I want to let you know that I am not a stalker. This whole time you have been gone, I have thought of the beautiful blush in your skin and the sincere smile you always have. Please stay healthy and safe. 93

Sincerely,94

S.95

"Hey, I don't remember seeing that there a second ago." I looked over at Youla, followed the direction her finger pointed in. I stared at the small pile of pebbles at my feet in disbelief. One single white rose lay, motionless, de-thorn.96

The rose of eternal love.