-Eight Years Later-

They found themselves sometime in late June, 2030. It was an early Wednesday morning, and Michaela was awake making breakfast for her two oldest children. It was their last day of school for the year, and Michaela couldn't wait to have them back for the summer.

She was on maternity leave for eight more weeks, timed perfectly with the beginning of the next school year, and she had the whole summer with Zeke, and their three perfect children planned out. She had so many adventures pictured in her mind. So many days of family time. And she couldn't wait to start them.

The death date had come and gone like a passing flame, leaving Its brightest light to shine for just a moment, and then bringing them back with a gust of air.

She was more than grateful to be alive. Her talk with Jared rang in her mind. She no longer felt guilty for being brought back. She no longer felt guilty for Evie's death. When she felt breath enter her lungs again five years ago, her whole life changed once more. It was different from her first return. Different from the birth of Gabriel and Zoe. It was as if she was given a new purpose.

A new life.

And her soul was at peace.

"Zo! Gabe! Breakfast!"

As she heard the pitter patter of little feet, she snuggled closer to their three week old daughter, fast asleep in her arms.

It took her a while to agree to a third. Though the little girl in their callings stuck in her mind, she felt like they needed time to wait.

Not to mention, she was happy with two, and really didn't want to experience labor a second time.

Neither did Zeke.

But eventually, the stick had two lines, and they knew from their callings they would be having another daughter.

And the little girl who came into their lives less than a month ago was everything they dreamed of. She was everything they needed and more.

And she completed their family.

"I'm gonna get you!" She heard Zeke yell from the living room, followed by squeals and laughter as he chased the twins. "Daddy stop!" Screeched Zoe as she laughed, trying to escape his grip.

As they came crashing into the kitchen in a cluster, Mick moved out of the way. She could help but smile at the sight.

Zeke was the most incredible dad, and it made her life just that music better. He never missed a school recital, ballet performance, or soccer game. He was always there in the first row, cheering on their children the loudest.

"Whoa! Ok, eat your breakfast before it gets cold. But do it quick because you don't wanna miss the bus!" She said as she placed their plates down with Zeke's help, bouncing the baby softly.

"Mommy?" Zoe asked as she sat down next to her brother, pulling her plate closer to her.

"Yes honey?"

"Since it's the last day of school, can I bring baby Evie with me?"

Contrary to last time, before their daughter was born they knew her name. They had that name tucked away in their hearts for a while, and as soon as she entered the world and they looked at her face, they knew it was for her.

Evangeline Rose Landon.

They gave her Mick's mom's middle name, knowing just how honored she would be if she were still here. Pieces of her lived on in her children, just as much as pieces of Chloe and Drea. Their kids carried the joy of many in their hearts, and were everything they could've ever asked for.

Mick blinked in astonishment at her daughter's question. Zoe was a bold one, and she wanted to take her little sister everywhere. To school, to soccer, to ballet. She never wanted to leave her side.

Mick remembered the smile on her face when she was born. She was so happy to finally have a sister, and she wouldn't let her go. Gabriel practically had to fight for his turn to hold her.

"No. You can't bring your sister to school." Said Zeke. "But… we will all be there to pick you up and see your end of school performance."

Zoe smiled widely. 'Even uncle Ben, auntie Grace, Eden and grandma Silla?!" She asked excitedly.

When Gabriel was little, he had a hard time saying Priscilla, so Zeke's mom quickly became grandma "Silla," and it's stuck ever since.

"Of course!" Mick replied. "You know they wouldn't miss it for the world."

Zeke slid back into his chair as he sat down next to Zoe, bringing his coffee to his chest. Tiredness riddled his eyes, but he was tired in the best way possible. Nothing brought him more joy than being a dad. 'Besides, how would your teacher take care of Evie AND teach your class? Seems like it'd be a little too much."

"Mommy could do it!" she exclaimed proudly. "Mommy can do anything!"

Mick smiled so wide she thought her cheeks would explode. Zeke made sure their kids appreciated her, and it just made her fall in love with her more."Well thank you ZoZo."

"TJ says moms are superheroes, and I believe him!" chimed Gabriel, with a mouthful of food.

"TJ is very right about that one. Moms are indeed superheroes." Zeke said as he glanced at his wife. He believed that with the utmost certainty. Seeing the things his wife juggled from day to day left him in wonderment.

Sure she had her bad days, but she did it all with a smile on her face. And Zeke was more than grateful to be her partner in it all.

Mick was the definition of perfect. Beauty in human form. And she's given him more than he's ever deserved.

"Ok. Time for the bus. Go get your backpacks!"

Olive and TJ had been married for five years, and had a three year old daughter to show for it. She had Olive's dark hair and nose, but she sported TJ's eyes and lips. She was a perfect mix of the both of them, and often threw her parents for a loop with how alike they were.

"Hope!" Olive yelled from the bottom of the stairs. "Come on baby! We have to meet auntie Mick and uncle Zeke at Zoe and Gabe's school for their end of the year performance!"

"I'm coming mommy!" Her daughter sighed exasperatedly. "Daddy is taking forever to get my shoes."

TJ rounded the corner, a smile on his lips. "I am not. I have them right here."

He held them out, and Hope snatched them from his hands. In the blink of an eye she was bolting down the staircase, the tight curls at the ends of her hair were bouncing with each step.

She inherited Olive's thick waves, and TJ was learning how to take care of them for her. Though Olive assured him he didn't have to learn and she was fine doing it herself, he insisted. And even though Olive mostly straightened her hair now, TJ loved to see his girls together with their natural hair.

"Look at my hair mommy! She exclaimed with a twirl. Olive playfully dropped her jaw, her eyes going wide in wonder. "Oh my goodness! Butterfly clips?! Hope Eloise Morrison, you are going to be the prettiest little girl there."

"And Zoe too mommy!"

Olive smiled. "And Zoe too." She said with a nod. She sighed, standing up straight and looking over at TJ. "Ready to go?"

"Grandpa Steve!"

Michaela's father was probably Gabriel's favorite person in the whole wide world, aside from her, Zeke, Ben, and his sisters.

He was such an affectionate boy, and loved everyone with his whole heart. And Steve loved them back more than anything. He was the first one of their family to arrive, and was standing in the lobby waiting to go inside.

"Whoaa! What's up buddy? Are you excited for your performance today?"

Without saying hi to Michaela or Zeke, he stared at them silently. His eyes said it all. With a sigh, Mick handed him the baby.

Michaela smiled. "Well hi to you too dad."

"Hi Mick." He said playfully, immediately putting his focus back onto the baby.

He always did this.

Michaela liked to think he loved his grandkids more than he loved her and Ben. And now with six grandchildren and one great grandchild, his life was full of even more love.

Gabe looked down at the floor, beginning to drag his feet as he shuffled into his grandpa's side. "Zoe is excited. I'm a little scared."

Steve patted his back. "Oh, don't be! You're gonna do great buddy."

"You really think so?" He asked, his lip beginning to quiver.

"I know so!" Steve exclaimed.

"Ok. I believe you."

Suddenly, Evangeline started to fuss. A rare occurrence, as she was a very easy going baby, and of course she chose right now to be upset. But as Mick went to take her, Steve gently pushed her hand away. "It's ok. You guys bring the kids to their teacher and find some seats. I got her."

"Thank you." Mick replied, taking her son's hand and heading towards the auditorium. She was so grateful to have such amazing men in her life, and when she needed them, she knew they would be there in an instant. It takes a village, and she had an incredible one to lean on.

A few minutes later Priscilla made her way in, followed by Saanvi, and they waited for the rest of the family to slowly trickle in after that.

They had a tendency to be late to things, but Mick and Zeke didn't care. Not to mention, Mick knew they'd make it right on time without a minute to spare.

And she was right.

"Hi! Grace spoke as she gave Mick a big hug and then quickly sitting down next to her "Are we late?"

"No! Not at all. I just brought the twins to their teacher a few minutes ago."

Grace scanned the room, watching as 10 year old Eden walked slowly behind; her face glued to her ipad. "That kid I tell you." She joked, watching as she made her way to the seat beside Ben and Cal without looking up.

"Steve have the baby?" She asked

"Yeah. She started to cry so he took her to the front so we could find seats."

Suddenly, they heard little feet galloping towards them. "Gamma! Gampa!" Little Hope yelled as she ran towards Grace and Ben. "Hi baby girl!" Gace exclaimed, picking her up and setting her on her lap.

There were moments where she felt too young to be a grandmother, but she loved Hope more than anything in the world, and embraced her new role with confidence.

"Are we late?" Olive asked out of breath. Her face was beet red, as if she just ran 5 miles. "We had a hard time getting out of the house."

"No. You're just on time! Come and sit." Replied Zeke.

Their whole family was together.

Every moment like this, where they were gathered together celebrating someone or something, made them all emotional. Over the years before the death date, there were many times they thought of these things, but they assumed they'd never be alive to see them.

When Olive walked the stage for her college graduation, everyone cried.

She thought she'd walk with no one to support her.

Instead, Mick, Zeke, both of her parents, Steve, her siblings, and cousins all were there to support her.

Looking at her family surrounding her at this moment, Mick felt nothing but joy.

Everything had fallen into place.

Every moment, every joy, and every heartache led her here.

And she was more than grateful to be alive.

Suddenly the lights went down, and an announcement came over the loud speaker.

"Please help me welcome to the stage Mrs. Paige's 3rd grade glass!"

"Gabriel, wait up!"

Zoe squealed as she held Hope's hand, running as fast as she could in the sand.

After their performance was done, the family decided to grab dinner and head somewhere special.

It was tradition to come here every year, but it was usually once a year. Lately they have been coming more often, and spending many sunsets staring at the sky and stars.

Zeke had dubbed this place Chloe's beach years ago. Every time he visited before, he felt darkness sink inside of him. But eight years ago, when he brought the twins for the first time, it became his favorite place in the whole world.

No more was it a place of remembrance, pain, and sadness. It was a place of love and joy.

As the twins, Eden, and Hope ran around playing, he walked along the shore with Michaela and his baby girl. Mick leaned into him, her arm wrapped around his side as they walked slowly. Feeling the soft crash of the water against his ankles, he felt peace.

He turned to his wife, whose eyes were glistening in the bright orange of the sunset. "So I'm guessing you have a million plans for the summer?" He asked.

"Oh, you know it." She laughed as she looked down at Evangeline, who was sleeping soundly in her fathers arms. Only three weeks old and already a daddy's girl.

"I hope she grows up to love this beach as much as Zoe and Gabriel do."

"Oh, I know she will." Zeke replied excitedly. "Just think of everything we can do once she starts walking."

Mick sighed, resting her head on his shoulder, and hearing the laughter of her family behind her. "I wish time would slow down." She whispered.

Zeke smiled.

They had a similar conversation before her death date about five years ago. They walked this very beach at that time too, watching Gabriel and Zoe chase each other in the same manner they were now.

But instead of anxiously saying she wanted to slow down time, Mick said it with joy. She wanted to freeze this moment, wishing it would never end and she could stay like this forever. Opposed to feeling as though a moment like this would never return, and she would have to leave this earth.

But with faith, she overcame. And they were living every dream they could ever conjure.

"Oh babe…" he began, gazing into her beautiful eyes. "We have all the time in the world."

She woke up in a field of sunflowers, midmorning summer beating down on her face.

She had woken up like this every day for just about nine years. She found comfort in those around her, fulfillment in her soul. Every afternoon she danced until it was dark, and woke up in the same place all over again.

She thrived on repetition, and felt serenity in knowing her days were always the same.

Though on this particular day, she felt a strange presence in her midst. Looking around, she noticed her solitude. It wasn't like this before

She looked out towards the field of roses, watching as the creature came closer. As the angel approached her, she fell to her knees. The wind of his wings caused her hair to wisp. It felt cool on her face, soothing the heat from the rays.

"It is time." The creature spoke. His lips not moving, but instead his mind speaking for him. "You have been chosen to return."

As the glow of a blue light overtook her view, she left the field behind.

waking up in a cold, dark room, she coughed. Feeling the wet concrete beneath her, she quickly sat up.

She looked down at herself.

She was wearing the clothes she departed in.

Blood was stained on her bottom half, and her shirt was torn in several places.

"Where am I?" She uttered, looking around at her surroundings.

There was nothing but storage crates around her, and the absence of life made her uneasy. It was as if this place had been abandoned for years.

She stood up, wiping whatever soot was on her from her legs.

As she gained her footing, past memories faded into view.

She recognized this place.

And the memories that went along with it, were not ones she was fond of.

She made her way outside, the streets dark and empty. She had no phone on her, no way of getting in contact with the one person she needed to speak to.

So she walked.

She kept going for miles until she reached her destination.

Did they still live there? She wondered. Knocking was a long shot, but she had to do something.

Instead of who she anticipated to answer, a little girl came to the door. She was clearly no more than eight years old.

Stunned, she stared at the girl in front of her. "Hi there." She said, blinking her eyes before fixating on the girl's face. Who was she?

Suddenly, she remembered. 'No. It couldn't be.' She thought. Was this really who she thought, or someone different entirely?

"Hi! I'm Zoe." The girl answered, a smile growing on her sweet face.

"Hi Zoe." She replied lovingly. "Is your mommy home?"

"Yeah. But she's with my brother and baby sister right now…" she paused, a slight realization hitting her.

Her face went red with embarrassment. "I'm sorry. My mommy and daddy told me not to talk to strangers." She began to close the door, but the woman stopped her.

"Oh! I'm not a stranger. I knew your mommy and daddy for a long time."

Zoe's eyes widened. She was wary of the woman in front of her, but something inside felt like she could trust her. After all, she can't be bad if she's an old friend.

"Really?!" She exclaimed. "But I don't remember you. What's your name?"

The woman took a deep breath, her heart beginning to race.

"I-"

But as she started to answer, she heard faint footsteps make their way towards the door.

Stopping somewhere in the house, she heard a voice.

Mick's voice.

But it was muffled through the rapid beating of her chest.

"I, um…" she began again, feeling sweat pour from her brow.

"Honey?" She heard Mick ask softly. "Who are you talking to?"

Zoe looked towards the house, trying to find where her mothers voice was coming from. Quickly, she turned back to the strange woman, not answering Mick.

She squinted, starting to go back inside as she didn't want to worry her mother. "I gotta go."

As she turned however, the woman took her hand in her own, pulling it gently. She knew she had to answer her, and she had to answer her quickly. "No! Wait."

She took a deep exhale, squeezing the little girl's hand in fear.

"My name is Drea."

The little girl tilted her head, sensing the urgency in the woman's voice.

"My name is Drea, and I need your mommy's help."

THE END

So. I've had the epilogue posted on AO3 for quite a while, and I apologize I never put it up here. I genuinely forgot as I transferred all of my writing there and have been posting there ever since. I have tonnssss of content on AO3 now, so if you'd like you can check out my stuff there! Same username so you'll know how to find me :) I am so so sorry for never uploading this here.