Sand and Water
I'll See You on the Other Side
Disclaimer: I own no one
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John grasped Rhiannon's hand. It was moist and sticky from something unidentifiable.
"Uncle Lance, what are we doing?" Rhiannon asked, slipping her hand into Lance's hand.
"Seeing Papa's grave," Lance replied, realizing John hadn't spoken since leaving Canada.
Three weeks after Randy's death, John had packed up and moved himself and Rhiannon to Calgary, Alberta, Canada. They lived with Lance in the house the older man had once shared with Darrin.
"I miss him," Rhiannon said, softly sniffling.
"We all do," Lance murmured. John ran towards the gravestone. Lance gently picked up the young child.
John had gotten Randy home. He had kept his promise.
Day-to-day life was a struggle. Rhiannon hadn't slept through the night in weeks. John had faced a bout of depression because his baby girl was so miserable. Yet, as tough as life was, each passing day grew a little easier to survive.
Lance had been an angel-in-disguise. He had helped John cope, when no else could or would be there for him. He had stayed up with Rhiannon when John had needed that extra bit of rest because of a rough day. None of John's concerns were too frivolous around Lance.
John had yet to see Randy's gravestone. A gift from Bob Orton, it had been erected after Randy's burial and a week after John had moved to Canada.
RANDALL KEITH ORTON-CENA
April 1st, 1980-January 19th,2010
Loving Brother,Son,Husband,Father
I will see you in the light of a thousand suns
Tears filled John's eyes. It had taken almost nine years, but finally the Orton family had accepted Randy for who he was.
Sadly, it came a little too late.
Better late than never, John thought, bitterly.
John held a letter he had written on the flight. Rhiannon had slept. Lance had read a book. Both had seemed to realize that John had needed silence.
John glanced over the letter before sealing it in an envelope and placing it on the stone. It read:
3/16/10
Dear Randy,
Two months have passed since I last saw you. Two months have passed since we laid you to rest.
The past two months have been the hardest months of my life. Each day has been a struggle to survive. Rhiannon hasn't been coping well. Neither have I.
Simply put, we miss you.
Love fueled us for eight long years. Each year with you was a blessing. We never doubted each other's love.
Hopefully, I have another 30,40,50 years ahead before I am reunited with you. It's a long time, a very long time. I have my future to live for. I have Rhiannon to live for.
She looks more like you with each passing day. She is my only reason for life without you.
Some days, I am fine. I don't cry. Then, other days, something reminds me of you. Rhiannon may do something that is pure you. I may find one of your many cleverly hidden letters.
One thing brings me comfort.
I'll see you on the other side.
Love,
John
John set the letter against the gravestone. Tears spilled from his eyes.
Rhiannon ran up to him. He scooped her up.
A light breeze blew through the cemetery. Shaking his head, John sighed, sensing a faint whiff of familiar cologne.
Randy was there in spirit.
THE END
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This is the final chapter of 'Sand and Water'. Chapter 1 of the prequel 'Angel's Lullaby' will be up either tonight or tomorrow afternoon. It deals with how Rhiannon was born.
Hope you enjoyed the final chapter of 'Sand and Water'.
JenLea
Read, Review but most of all...ENJOY!
