Lyra woke up the next morning. Im 18 today she thought with a dawning realization. She sat up and glanced outside- the sun was shining, brighter than ever. She got up with a groan, glancing at the mirror as she passed it. A lot had changed in a year- her hair was longer, almost to her elbows now, and her chocolate eyes had a tired quality about them in the shadows. As she walked down the stairs, she could hear the TV going.
'Happy birthday.' Her mom smiled at her from within the folds of her pink dressing gown. Lyra smiled. 'Thanks' Her mom nodded to the table where a pile of presents were, wrapped up in silver paper. 'You shouldn't have-!' Lyra said sternly, growling at her mother, who just shrugged. 'Your only 18 once.'
After ripping apart the paper, he presents included a new phone, books and music. But there was one thing left, right at the bottom, wrapped crudely in brown paper.
'Who's this off?' she asked her mother, turning the DVD sized package over- there was no name. Her mom frowned. 'I don't have a clue- I never put it there.' Shrugging, Lyra pulled the paper off. She was right- it was a DVD. A clear case with a blank disc inside. She frowned as she walked upstairs- someone's idea of a joke?
In her room, she put the disc in and pressed play.
And was astounded by what she saw- it was Gabriel, sitting on the end of a bed, grinning at her. 'Hello Lyra, if you get this on time, happy birthday.' His grin grew. 'And I also expect your wondering why im still alive?' he laughed, running a hand through his hair. 'Long story, but I didn't die- it was a copy I made to keep the real me safe.' Then he sighed. 'And I'm betting you want to rip my head off for not getting in touch for so long, and letting you think I was dead.' He bit his lip. 'Sorry. I had to lie low for a bit.' He waved a hand. 'Apocalypse crap, I'll explain it later.' The grin was back. 'I do actually kinda miss you.' He laughed, shaking his head. 'That's being a dad right?' then he leant forwards. 'Come find me if you want, I'd love to see you again. I'd come over myself, but I'm very sure the dicks on high are watching the house. So sorry.' He pouted, and then said. 'Im in Alma, Georgia if you want to find me. I'll be here til Halloween-'he smirked. 'Because that's one of the best nights- I'm sensing zombies this year.' He laughed to himself, and then finally said. 'Love ya Ly, tell ya mom I miss her too.' He winked. 'In the bedroom.' He laughed again, and waved bye. The screen went black as the DVD ended.
Lyra was in shock.
He was alive-? Alive and-? She let out a laugh of relief.
'Lyra?' her mom poked her head in. 'Whats up?' Lyra laughed again, grabbing her mom's hands, and almost jumping up and down. 'He's alive!' she said enthusiastically. Her mom looked confused. 'Who?' Lyra tittered. 'Gabriel, dad-' she motioned to the DVD. 'He's alive!'