Page 174 of Unspoken Lies

“I had a feeling today would be emotional, I just didn’t expect it to affect me too,” he admits, offering his arm to help me walk as I dry my tears.

Seeing Liliana stepping down off the little platform they set up for us, I hand her the rest of the tissues.

“Thank you,” she says with a brilliant and wobbly smile. “I can’t believe we just did that.”

“You’re stuck with us forever,” I tease her, stepping down.

“Oh baby, that’s a forgone conclusion.”

Turning back to Theo as we walk, I sigh happily. “I think you forget that you have feelings, Theo. Just because you experience them differently, doesn’t mean they don’t exist.”

“I know. Finally getting to call you and the guys officially mine is humbling,” he admits.

The photographer asks for some group shots with the cliffs behind us, and I’m incredibly grateful that I am going to havethese memories. As someone who has been able to capture important moments for others with a camera, I can admit what a gift this is.

We’re taking our first steps toward the rest of our lives, and I’m ready for it.

Three Years Later

October

Looking around the small amphitheater,I grin excitedly. I never thought I’d have an opportunity to listen to the Darkest Nights live again. The sky is full of stars, the air cold and crisp. I don’t have even a hint of claustrophobia since we’re outside, and the seats are tiered up to give everyone plenty of room.

I can’t stop bouncing in excitement and Theo and Jared grin on either side of me.

“Feeling good, Kitten?” Theo asks.

I feel fucking fantastic. We’ve all finished our undergraduate degrees, and I started my masters in social work at a school twenty minutes away from Santa Barbara. Ignacio also chose to help the guys manage the club, and started a business in security. Theo is getting his law degree, Jared is happy with his business degree, and Elijah got a minor in non-profit administration.

When I asked Elijah about it, he winked at me and told me he had a magic mirror that told him that I’d need him to have it. I’ve told him about my dreams of a non-profit organization, but I know it’ll take a lot of hard work to bring that dream into reality.

“Yes,” I say. “Having a bubble around me helps too.”

Since there are six of us and no assigned seating, Liliana and the guys created a human bubble around me. Nothing can touch me.

“Good,” Jared says, relaxed as he kisses my temple. “Warm enough?”

I’m pretty sure the adrenaline flowing through me won’t let me feel the cold, but I won’t tell him that. I’m wearing a pair of fleece lined tights, a long sleeved dress, and a coat. I’m nice and toasty.

If I get cold, Jared has a flask in his pocket for us.

“I’m perfect,” I reassure him.

“When we have kids, they’re going to be worse,” Liliana hisses from behind me.

Elijah glances over his shoulder at that with a smirk. He’s sitting in front of us, while Nacio is sitting with Lili. Once the concert starts and it looks like the crowd will be fine, he’ll hop back a row to sit with us.

“Is there any other way to be?” he asks innocently.

Lenny and the Darkest Nights haven’t been touring as much since they started having kids. Occasionally, she’ll surprise her fans when she gets the itch to perform and pull the band together. She just makes sure that it doesn’t conflict with Mav and Atlas’ performances with her sister.

The lights darken in the amphitheater, and I watch as people walk across the stage. A lanky shadow follows a smaller person, and I imagine it’s Turner leading Lennon out. I read an interview where it said he often does that to ensure she never trips on stage.

The way they protect her is amazing. The songs tell a story of a time when life kicked her in the face, and it’s one of the reasons I’m continually pulled to her music. Even if she isn’t touring as often, she’s still making music and recording.

Glancing at the loves of my life, I have to admit that there are so many facets to a story. Maybe her men weren’t always good to her.

The lights turn on, and I’m immediately immersed in the concert. Lenny is larger than life on the stage with her purple hair with blue highlights threaded through it. Her grin is fierce as she looks out at the crowd with her band surrounding her.