Original Stories Fan Fiction ❯ Red Bull ❯ Vol. Six Chap Twenty-Two: War of Nerves ( Chapter 22 )

War of Nerves

It was the anniversary again. Haley went down to the local florist. She picked out the usual—lilies, white orchids, daisies, and baby's breath. She paid in cash. Haley's heart sank. This never got any easier. Haley wiped away her tears. The teacher lifted her chin and made her way into the crowded streets.

She was going alone today. Her kids never came with her on their wedding anniversary.

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Haley took the bus to the cemetery. The flowers looked so sad in her lap. Ten years of marriage and five years of dating. It had been hard to adjust to the new normal. She was still trying to adjust.

The teacher looked up to see an old lady sitting across from her.

“Oh,” Haley said. The old lady leaned on her cane.

“Such pretty flowers,” she said.

“Thank you,” Haley said. Still felt weird to come and do this. But it helped. Her therapist told her.

“Little rituals can help the grieving process,” she said. It took a while. It still takes a while.

Haley looked out the window. Only ten more minutes to the graveyard.

She got off at the nearest station. The teacher took in a breath. Time to get this over with. She rolled her shoulders and walked down the path.

The gate to the graveyard had seen better days. It looked just as sad as her. The teacher shook her head. She walked up to the gate and went inside.

It didn't feel like she was alone. Haley glanced behind her.

“Hello?” she asked. Silence. Haley turned her head. No one was there. She didn't believe in ghosts. Not many people came here either. Maybe she had a stalker?

Nah!

Haley shook her head and kept moving.

She dug in her memory for where the grave plot was. Further back to the left. G29. Or was it I29? Haley stopped and closed her eyes. She dug in her brain to remember.

Where are you?

Haley opened her eyes. She remembered the plot. The teacher marched along the path.

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June stayed well hidden. They talked about this last night. Haley needed to do this. Her girlfriend was going to be there. The teacher was near the grave. June stayed nearby. She could see her love's pain.

Haley put the flowers on her husband's grave. She stood and said a little prayer. June timed herself before walking over.

“How long have you been following me?”

June froze. Haley was staring at her. The other woman straightened up.

“Since you got here,” she said. She walked over and embraced her lover from behind. Haley touched her arm.

“Are you okay?” June asked.

“Yeah,” Haley said. Tears welled up in her eyes. Her girlfriend kissed her on the cheek. She didn't say a word. The women stood in front of Nathan's grave. This would have to do for now.

“June,” Haley said.

“Hm?” the other woman asked.

“Can we stay like this for a while?” her girlfriend asked.

“Hmm,” June said. The teacher closed her eyes.

“Thank you,” she said. Suddenly, her head felt lighter with her new love.

I Don't Ever Want to Feel Pain