Looking Forward
The next day, Luz and Amity walk around campus hand in hand. Smiles on their faces and a bright red glow on Amity's cheeks as she blushes. Even as an adult, it's still hard for her to keep her cool around her girlfriend.
As they walk to the library where Amity decided to meet up with everyone and finally tell her story. Her glow disappears as she thinks about being vulnerable. It's still hard. Letting herself open up to others and trusting them with her deepest secrets.
"Hey, is everything okay?" Luz asked.
Amity snaps out of her thoughts and focuses on Luz, bringing herself back to reality.
"Yeah, I think so. I guess I'm just nervous. I know it's our friends and family I'll be reading to, but it's still so hard for me to talk about. I feel like the past is going to haunt me all over again if I do." Amity replied.
Luz listens and thinks about what Amity's saying. She knows exactly how she feels, but wants to encourage Amity to speak up. Let her voice be heard by people who will support and love her unconditionally.
Suddenly, they arrive at the library. Amity freezes and stands there conflicted while Luz looks at her, slightly concerned but still supportive.
"I know this is scary. The past has a way of hurting and controlling you in the present, if you let it. But I see this as you telling your story and then letting go. She can't hurt you anymore, Amity. You're free to be who you are, and you'll have me, Hunter, Willow, and Gus here to support you. We're not going to let you drown. Promise." Luz said.
Amity smiles, getting a bit teared up but quickly finding her courage as she nods. She steps forward, opening the doors with Luz by her side. They walk into the library together and see Hunter, Willow, and Gus waving for them to come over.
They all sit at the table together, just like old times. Talking and laughing, it's just what Amity needs right now. Then she takes out her story, a printed version with the pages binded together.
On the cover it reads, 'Lone Witch and the Secret Room' and has a drawing that Luz did of Amity's younger self holding a green journal with a purple key on it. Symbolic of the time she dyed her hair and finally started coming into who she truly is.
Amity looks around at her friends' reactions and is surprised to see them all smiling and looking so proud.
"You like the cover? Luz drew it! I'm so happy with how it looks. Now, let's just hope the writing is as creative and inspiring as the cover." Amity said.
Luz puts her arm around Amity. She can tell she's still nervous about this, but lets her know she's here to support her.
Then Hunter speaks up.
"Honestly, knowing how driven and intelligent you are, I bet this story is going to be amazing. You've got this, Amity!" Hunter said.
Then Willow and Gus chime in.
"Totally, I remember when we were friends as kids. You'd always be journaling and reading fantasy books. I bet it's going to be wonderful." Willow said.
"I agree. Plus, you've already got such a fascinating story to tell, what with being a part of our team and saving our world together! I can't wait to hear it." Gus said.
Amity smiles, blushing again as she takes in all of the compliments. It's been a journey, but she realized, somewhere along the way, that she has the power to shape her own destiny.
Feeling confident, Amity takes a deep breath as she repeats her mantra.
You're okay. You're alright.
"Thank you all for your support. Okay, here it goes…Let me tell you a story about a lone witch and the secret room." Amity said.
Amity reads and gets in the zone as her friends and girlfriend all listen. Then she gets to the part where she's at now, emotionally, ending at her new beginning.
So much has happened. Luz and I went on a life changing adventure together, saving the world we love and learning more about each other along the way.
As crazy as the journey was, it was all worth it in the end. In a way, Luz saved me from becoming the person I feared most. She helped me see that there's more to life than control. Sometimes, I wish I could help my Mom see that…
No. It's not my place. The best I can do is live my life, being who I am. Choosing love over fear, and hoping I inspire others to do the same. It's not easy, change is going to happen, and I have to accept that in order to grow and heal.
Mom, if you happen to read this, I really hope you've found peace with yourself. That you're living a happier and healthier life and treating others with kindness. I know…That might be too much to ask, and maybe it's wishful thinking. I learned from the best, my optimistic girlfriend Luz who always chooses to see the best in people. Now, I'm doing the same, for myself and others.
This is the end. So where do I go from here? Well, the best I can do is learn from the past, live in the moment, and be hopeful for the future. It's not easy, but as long as I'm trying, I'll be okay. Remember, one day at a time.
Amity stops reading and takes a deep breath, tears in her eyes as she closes them. Not quite ready to see everyone's reactions yet.
After a moment of silence, Amity gathers her courage and opens her eyes. She's surprised and happy to see all of her friends with heartfelt smiles, even a bit tearful themselves.
Luz hugs Amity close, letting her know she's got her back.
Amity holds her story close to her chest and feels something. She doesn't know how to put it into words since so many emotions are rushing through her. It's messy, but also so colorful and bright. Joy, that's the feeling holding all of her emotions together.
After taking in all of the energy from her friends, Amity finally speaks up.
"So, what did you think?" Amity asked.
Hunter, Willow, and Gus all smile, excited and so proud of their friend for creating something so beautiful.
"Amity, that was so heartfelt and honest. I love how it reads like journal entries that all come together to create an incredible story." Hunter said.
"Yeah, it was really beautiful. Kind of emotional at some moments, but I can tell you're in a better place overall with how you write. You try to find meaning in what you've gone through and that's so wise." Gus said.
"Yeah, it was great! Personally, I don't think your Mom deserved such kind words at the end, but it's your story. It also shows that you've moved on and have become the person you really wanted to be. That's inspiring!" Willow said.
Amity takes in all of her friends' words. She feels safe and supported. That's all she ever wanted and now she has it. She'd like to say it's a miracle, but she worked hard and braved the stormy waters to find peace.
Amity looks to Luz, knowing she helped her on this healing journey, even when times were tough. Luz believed in her, and that's what kept her going.
"Thank you all so much. You too, Luz. I couldn't have written this story without you. Thank you for helping me find myself again." Amity said.
Luz starts to get emotional, no longer able to hold back her tears as he hugs Amity. It's all so surreal, writing and reading through the past, like they experienced falling in love all over again, only this time through a different perspective.
"Of course! I'm just glad my awesome girlfriend is okay. More than okay, you told your story and I'm so proud of you!" Luz replied.
Amity smiles, a true and hopeful look that shows how at peace she is. Sure, life will change and there will always be challenges to face. But she's stronger now because she knows, as long as she keeps looking forward, she'll be okay.
One day at a time.
The End