Drawing of a Rose [Troyler AU]

Chapter 50: Thanks for Listening.

Troye

"It has taken awhile, but we got there. Everything's been settled, so I'll be gone for awhile. I don't know when I'll come back, but I'll try to make time. Hope you don't miss me too much" I attempted to joke, rubbing the back of my neck.

"You know, I ought to thank you. You pulled me out of my shell and showed me what I was missing out on, without you I would probably be in England, hating life. I wouldn't know if my mum was alive or not and I wouldn't have even knew Sage was born, that cuddle monster. Our friends, well I don't know what they would be like but I know I could never find better friends. They've supported me, despite having to deal with my bullshit, and I couldn't thank them enough."

I sighed. Leaning back, I took deep, measured breaths of the chill wind. This was harder than I thought. A slight stinging in my eyes, I willed it away. I can get through this. I will get through this.

"Your hair reminded of fairy floss. I always wondered what other colours you would dye it. Maybe a blue, or violent red. Maybe it would be rainbow."

I paused once again. Only yesterday did I have something to say, many things to say. But nothing would come out, the finality of this situation becoming too real.

"We have grown up these past few years,  quite a lot. It's strange to think how young and immature we were when you were around." Memories rose and I couldn't help but let out a chuckle. "But, we grew older, finished school, started more school. Now we are at our high, before the wrinkles set in and we start calling the younger generation 'young whippersnappers'. Heck, we already are!"

The stinging grew. I knew I couldn't hold on for much longer before I was stuttering to speak. Trying to distract myself, I flicked open and closed my wallet.

"My first love. That's what you are. They say that first love never lasts, but I still love you. That fact won't ever change. But that doesn't mean I can't love others. It took me awhile to learn that, thinking that I would have to forget about you, that I was betraying you. Now, I can say I'm happy and that I love someone else. " I opened my wallet, staring at the picture of my baby girl. "I have fallen in love with others, but I won't fall out of love with you."

I stood up, a crack sounding from my knees. I stared at the stone, tracing the engraved letters with my eyes. Small chips lined the edges, yet it still stood strong.

Even if the words disappeared, the memory would always stay.

"I'll visit soon. Talk to you about everything. Maybe one day I'll see you in the afterlife. I'd like that." I couldn't help the fond smile that spread across my face. I couldn't help the tears that began rolling down my face.

"Thanks for listening, Tyler. I'll see you soon," I repeated.

I crouched down, placing the canvas by the stone. A placed two fingers against my lips then placed it against the 'Tyler' engraved into the rock.

My eyes lingered on the canvas. On it, I had painted a rose in full bloom, bright red. No petals had fallen off yet, the flower still in its prime time. Shades of yellow and orange decorated the background.

Finally, I stood up. One last glance before I made my way down the hill, to the road where a small car was waiting, complete with a car seat and the two people I loved.

Yeah, I was happy.

A/N
Its finished.

Little over two and a half years, I've finished it. Thank you so much for reading this, it still surprises me with how many read it. I think I can say my writing has changed,  hopefully for the better.

Im pleased with this ending, albeit bittersweet, but I had no clue in the beginning. I wrote when I felt like it, which led to large breaks :P.

Who knows, I might do another story soon.

Ill cut it there, too sappy,  and thank you again for reading.

BYE!.

Jam.