BEYOND

IT BEGINS

One month. One long, dreadfully drawn-out month had passed since the accident. One month since the unexplainable happened. One month since the truck crashed through the already broken-down guardrail and into the river, submerging quickly.

It was surreal. There was no other way to explain the chain of events. There was no way out. The pressure from the rushing water was coming in fast as soon as the truck hit the water. The seatbelt was jammed. There was no getting out of it.

And yet, somehow Bella did. Because here she was, a month after the accident visiting the scene. How she made it…how she was pulled out of the track in which she was trapped, no one had a clue. The worst of it, her Gran didn't make it.

Bella was wracked with guilt. She should have paid better attention to the road.

She stood at the edge of the river, looking over to the now nonexistent guard-rail and prepping her camera. Taking photos, capturing memories, the raw emotion of places/people, offered her some form of peace.

And yet her mind wandered to moments before the accident…

Abba's "Dancing Queen" blared through the car, Bella and her Gran were laughing, singing along. Abba was her Gran's go to. Classic even, she'd argue, and no one could convince her otherwise.

It was the first day in some weeks Forks had not seen rain. A perfect day to grab the camera and just drive. Drive to any place which brought Bella inspiration.

Bella wiped away the tears which forms from the laughter their singing antics caused, and turned down the music as the song came to an end.

"That one never gets old," her Gran said, smiling at Bella.

'You say that every time," Bella smiled.

"Because it's true…each and every time," Gran stated matter-of- factly. "Oh Bella, thank you for today. It's so wonderful."

"You say it as though we won't have many others Gran," Bella glanced in Gran's direction, worried. "Are you ok?"

"I'll be just fine dear," Gran told her, though her eyes did not seem to agree. They held secrets…something that she was holding back saying. "I've been meaning to talk to you for some time Bella."

"What's on your mind," Bella turned the music off altogether, giving Gran her full attention while also minding the rode.

"Your birthday is fast approaching," Gran started.

"It does that every year Gran," Bella laughed.

"Yes, but you're turning 18," Gran continued, hesitantly. There was much to discuss with Bella. Much Bella did not know.

"18's not that big of a deal Gran," Bella told her.

"Bella," Gran started but stopped abruptly, a gasp coming from her lips as she moved with her right arm to grab ahold of her left arm which was suddenly experiencing a sharp pain radiating up to her chest.

"Gran?!" Bella exclaimed, alarmed. She looked in her direction, noticing her Gran was now unconscious. "GRAN!" Bella turned back to the road. "SHIT!"

Out of nowhere, someone appeared to be in the middle of the road. On instinct, Bella swerved to avoid colliding with whoever. It all happened so quickly. The slam into the guard rail, the truck taking flight over the bridge and into the water…

Shaking her head, Bella tried to clear her mind. It was bad enough she'd dreamt of that accident every damn night, haunting her dreams.

Camera ready, she aimed at her targeted spot, aligned so the lighting was just right. She took a breath before looking back to the camera to see result. Bella gasps, eye growing wide as she looks down at the photo. Her eyes are playing a trick on her. She shuts them quickly, shaking her head in disbelief. In the photo, at the edge of the broken barrier, stook her Gran smiling back at her. Which, of course, simply was not possible.

Opening her eyes, she looks down at the photo again. Her Gran is gone. Of course, her mind was playing tricks on her. It was too soon to come back.

"Just beautiful Bella," she heard beside her. Bella turned her head sharply to the side, lost for words. There standing before her, was her Gran.

"Gran?" Bella whispered, in disbelief. "What? How? But you're…"

"Dead?" Her Gran looked at her. "Oh sweetie, I thought I'd have time to explain…"

"Explain?" Bella started.

"About your gift sweetheart…to communicate with the other side…"