Happy Anniversary (Part 2)
Me
Giles made his way across the banks of flowers, enjoying the cool breeze as
it ruffled his hair. The sun was beginning it's downward arc, casting a
warm glow across the landscape. He only had about an hour before sunset. Long
enough for what he had to do. He stopped at his destination, smiling down
at her.
"Hello Jenny. I've brought you some flowers. Not roses, but some wild
orchids. They reminded me of you somehow." He knelt on the ground, placing
the blossoms against the headstone. He remained there, tracing her name in
the marble stone. "What does one say at a time like this? Happy Anniversary
somehow doesn't seem appropriate. I'm sorry? Well, I've said that every
time I come, so that isn't special. I miss you? You already know that. "
A sound broke his reverie. Turning, he saw the old woman. Like himself, she
came every week to the cemetery. They smiled at each other before she
turned to the grave of her husband. He'd also been dead about a year. For
him though, the fortune of having died from natural causes.
"Old Mrs. Hubble is here. I bet you're giving Mr. Hubble hell right now.
Telling him he didn't appreciate her enough when he was alive." He blinked
back the tears. "That should have been us. The survivor coming here in
twenty years time. Not now. Not before we had a chance to live. And not
because of a death by such unnatural causes." He wiped his eyes, trying to
stop the bitterness. He looked up, knowing he'd failed.
"Time to change the subject I think. I know you'd be telling me off for
wallowing in self-pity if you were here." His fingers brushed the petals. "I
'm sorry I'm alone. I'd hoped the others would come, today of all days. But
none of them remembered. Not even Willow. How easy they forget." As was now
habit, he continued as if she were responding to him. "I know. They're
young, and resilient. And I know they haven't forgotten you. Not really. But, it's
like they all want to forget what happened last year. As if it's easier to accept
Angel if they brush over what happened to you. And we never talk about what
he did to me."
He stood, brushing the soil off his legs. "They think - She thinks I've
forgiven him Jenny. I couldn't. But what was I to do? He comes first for her. Always
has, always will. If I forced her to choose, she'd choose him. And I can't
say I blame her. No matter how much it hurts. So, instead, I swallow my bile
whenever he comes near, accept his help, and pretend all is right with the
world. And inside, I die a little every time I see them together. And I weep
for you whenever he smiles at her with happiness. She deserves her happiness
and her love. But the cost to you and I was too great."
He sighed. "Well, I've depressed you enough. I suppose it's the date.
Nevermind. I see they took your vase away again. I'll be back in a minute. Imust
find you another one."
Next Part
Previous Part
Main Page