“Y-y-yer dead!” Buck choked, trying to get air. Michael’s hand tightened around his throat.
“Yep, and now it’s your turn!” Michael roared, effortlessly picking him up over his head, thrusting him across the room. Buck hit the far wall leaving a huge hole and fell to the ground in a heap. He scampered on his knees, trying for the door, but Michael was on him, moving with a graceful speed. He kicked him in the gut, sending him flying backward towards the bed. His body flew limp, next to me.
The tides had turned, and now he was the one curled up into a ball whimpering like a baby.
Michael looked at me for the first time. His eyes went soft for a moment, but then hardened again as he noticed Buck’s body shift next to me.
“Liz, get them out of here!” Michael said firmly.
Without hesitation I dashed toward Tyler and Emily, tearing the tape from their wrists and ankles.
“Go!” Michael demanded, pointing to the door. None of us questioned him. We all ran out of the room and out the front door. We stood on the front porch, stunned, staring at each other in complete silence.
What was I doing? I couldn’t let Michael do this alone. What if spirits weren’t allowed to kill the living? What would happen to him if he broke the rules? I didn’t want him risking any more than he already had for me. I had to help him. He was always there for me. I wasn’t about to leave him alone.
Without thinking, I ran back through the front door.
“Lizzy!” Emily screamed.
“Lizzy, what are you doing?!” Tyler yelled.
“Ending this!” I yelled with a strong determination. A fire was building in my bones, erupting though my veins, burning away my fear. I reached for my gun and positioned it tightly in my hands.
Thundering booms from the back room shook the cabin. I heard a deep moaning. I knew it was Buck, but I didn’t have one ounce of sorrow for him. He deserved everything he was getting.
I ran to the back room, gun in hand. As I reached the door I saw Michael throwing Buck across the room. Michael turned to me. In a split second Buck reached for something. It was his gun. He pointed it at Michael, firing off several shots.
“Michael!” I screamed in terror.
Bullets whizzed right through the center of him, but he was unfazed.
Everything from that moment seemed to happen in slow motion.
Buck turned to me, pointed and fired his gun.
“No!” I heard Michael scream. He dashed towards me, his arm held out.
I lifted my gun at Buck and pressed the trigger.
A pressure in my left shoulder thrust me back against the wall. A look of horror shot across Michael’s face.
I watched as my bullet hit Buck in the chest.
He dropped his gun and fell back, grasping his wound.
I felt warm liquid running down my arm. I looked down. Blood poured from my shoulder, changing my white cami into dark red. I’d been hit. Michael was at my side in a flash and caught me as I started to fall back. My world went hazy and my body started to tingle all over. The gun released from my grip and dropped to the ground.
From the corner of my eye I saw Tyler running down the hall towards us. Emily was screaming, but everything was muted, hazy.
Then, I heard the hammer of a gun being cocked back. I looked up and Buck had his gun pointed directly at me. His eyes were filled with complete hatred.
“Tyler!” Michael yelled. His hands were full, holding me.
Tyler dove to the ground, and reached for my gun, shielding us from Buck’s shot with his body.
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.
Chapter 16
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.