Member
Shienvien
Location: Kayla & Mia’s apartment, French Quarter, Lost Haven
Time: Christmas Day, months in the future
The snow had settled on the grounds of Maine for the few weeks since it had started the usual, yearly cycle. There was snow still coming from the Canadian/New Hampshire border, the frozen crystals of ice tumbled down from the grey sky above. Lost Haven didn’t escape the wake of the weather, though the people were used to the weather and had been going about their day as normal. On this day, the streets were deathly silent. However, unlike the events that occurred in the months beforehand, this was a day of celebration.
In the French Quarter, Kayla was busy with all the cooking for the people that were coming for the holidays. Her mother, Koko Mason, was in the room, enjoying the movies that are played at this time of year, a glass of white wine in her hand. Mia’s family were here as well, having small talk with Koko to pass the time. While she wasn’t here, Mia was on her way home. As if by a miracle, Mark had recovered from the bus explosion that happened in the summer of that year. Much that was feared came true as he woke from his coma; while his memories were still intact, the damage done meant that he lost the ability to walk ever again. Still, it brought a small smile to the off-duty vigilante that her childhood friend did not lose a loved one. The thoughts returned to the one person that she lost, the smile fading away into memory as sadness creeped in.
The latch of the apartment door clicked as it swung open. The room erupted in greetings and happiness as the couple walked through, Mia pushing Mark’s wheelchair. The smile came back to Kayla’s face, pushing aside the sadness that crept in. After a year that occurred, between the constant worry of losing Mark and travelling a lot for her job, the usually bright-eyed Mia was back. That was something that would never leave Kayla’s mind. It was then that the celebrations for Christmas would start. Kayla brought out the meal as everything sat down, pulling the crackers and poured the drinks out. Christmas music played on as happy conversations filled the room.
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Hours later, everyone was gathered around the television, their bellies filled to the brim and alcohol seeping into everyone’s system. Kayla was sitting between her mother and Mark, his wheelchair bridging the gap between her and Mia. Mia excused herself as she went off to the bathroom. Now is my opportunity, Kayla thought, thinking back to the one key memory of that terrible night. She turned to Mark, careful not to draw too much attention to both of them, ”I know that this is a bad time to bring this up, but I know what you were going back to the bus for.”
Mark turned around, a surprised look etched on his face, “It was that obvious?” he whispered back. The surprised look was then replaced with a bit of sadness. “If only I didn’t lose the ring, then none of this would have happened. Now I have lost that one thing to show Mia my feelings.”
”No one was to know that something like that was to happen. Besides…” Kayla reached into her pocket and discreetly placed the charred box on his lap ”It’s never too late to show her, especially with this.”
Marks eyes looked at the box, widening upon realizing what it was. Before he could respond to her, Mia entered the room. He placed the box down the side of his wheelchair before she could see what it was. Everyone carried on watching the television as Kayla got up to get everyone a mug of hot cocoa when Mark spoke up. “I would like to say something.” All eyes turned to him, Kayla watching the scene unfold from behind the kitchen island. “This year had been rough. It has thrown everyone challenges and almost altered a few. Mine was almost gone and made me realize how precious our lives could be. I could not be more appreciative of those who had waited by my side, hoping that I would get back.” Reaching down to the wheels, he spun the wheelchair as to look at Mia. “Mia, you had been my light since we got together and it was that light that I kept fighting to get back to you. Which is why I must confess something. On that night, I was not heading back to the bus to get my phone, never had. While my plans had been ruined by those events…” He reached for the charred box and held it in his hand. “A good friend said that nothing is too late to do what I want to do. Those events had me thinking about how much more that I want to spend the rest of my life with you. So…” As his second hand reached for the lid of the box, Mia’s eyes showed the shock and realization of what was happening, her hands shooting up to cover her mouth. “Mia Rosalind Rice, will you make my life complete and marry this broken man?”
Everyone was stunned into silence, though Kayla watched on with a smile on her face. Tears started rolling down Mia’s cheek at the sight of the silver ring, encrusted with diamonds and amethysts along the band. He hands slowly fell off her face, revealing the smile that they had been hiding. “Oh, you big dummy. How could I say no to my broken man?”
Everyone on the sofas clapped as the newly-engaged couple embraced, the ring placed on her finger moments prior. As the conversation moved on to congratulating them, Kayla smiled, looking at them before her eyes moved to the view outside. The moon emerged from the clouds, it’s cool light illuminating the snowy landscape outside. Her thoughts turned back to that one memory that was just right for this occasion. Jason, although time has passed and things have happened since you’ve been gone, you still gave me one of my happiest memories of my life. I hope you were as happy as I was. And I hope you understand this; No matter what happens in the future… Grabbing the tray of hot cocoa-filled mugs, she joined the celebrations and carried on with them well into the night, the last thought ringing in her mind.
I will be alright.
