Part 26:

"Wake up." I'm lying on something soft. Feather soft. "Emily." He's saying my name. Calling me softly.

"Hum?" I'm rolling over, wincing at a pain in my leg. "Shiza." I'm opening my eyes, closing them again against the bright white light. "Will you turn that off?"

"Can't." He just sat down. I know because his weight has me rolling closer to him. "Emily." I know he's bent over me, he's whispering silly things and I'm suddenly laughing.

"Shut up." I'm groaning. "Geez, can't a girl get some sleep?" My eyes are open now but it takes a minute for them to get adjusted. It's really bright.

"Come on. Get up. I've been waiting all day." There's something in his voice, humor? Or is he just teasing me?

"Wow." I'm sitting up and looking around the room. It's ivory color. The bed is huge and white, it's a canopy and there is a white material flowing from the top of it. "Where are we?"

"Shh. Come on." God, in the "cute God" form is picking me up.

"What are you doing? Where are we?" He ignores my questions and carries me over to an open glass door. "What are you-" My thoughts disappear as soon as I see how beautiful it was.

"I was hoping you'd like it." I look up at him. I really do feel tears in my eyes. This place is gorgeous. We're up high, on a cliff or something. It's like a tropical paradise. The ocean is pounding against the rocks below us. There are tropical plants to the right and left, but in front, the ocean goes on forever.

"I love it." Itilt my head backand kiss him. I've suddenly very aware that we seem to be alone. For once. Without worries. "I love you." Oh God, did I really just say that? I'm biting my lip and look out over the balcony.

What is wrong with you, Em? You don't tell a spiritual leader to billions that you love him. Well, not that kind of love.

"Nothing's wrong with you." There's a moment of silence that seems to stretch as far as the water. "I love you too." He whispered it and I'm not even sure I heard him right.

He's laughing at me. It makes me feel better, having that him hold me while he laughs.

"This place is beautiful. I've never seen anything like it." The morning light is reflecting on the water, making it all the more magical. "Where are we?" I'm smiling, rubbing my cheek against his chest.

"We're home."

"Home? Who's home are you talkin' about?" I chuckle. This certainly didn't look like my home.

"My home. Our home. This is heaven." I suddenly feel my smile fading. I'm feeling dizzy. I'm feeling sick. Heaven