Chapter 36

Maeve's POV

The city passed by the window as the car sped away on the highway. It was already late, dark outside.

Today was my birthday and Janet convinced me to at least go out to dinner. So that's what we did and although Janet tried her best to get my mind off, the memories of the past months always find their way back into my head.

"Has he even called you?" Jared's voice interrupted my thoughts.

He was talking about Michael and through the back mirror Jared's eyes stared as I shook my head before returning to staring out the window. It was hard to pretend to not be bothered by someone not calling for your birthday when everybody keeps asking about said someone.

The rest of the ride was spent in silence and it wasn't long before we pulled up at my house. I was surprised to see another car parking in the driveway next to my mother's.

"Do you know whose car this is?" I leaned forward to ask Jared when the vehicle came to an halt.

"No, did your mother invite someone over?"

"I guess so, I didn't know she was seeing someone... anyway, good night, Jared." I said before getting out of the car and slam the door shut.

"Maeve wait" I heard him yell after me and before I had the chance to turn around, he already pulled my hand towards him.

My body slightly bumped into his. "He's a fool for not treating you the way you deserve!" He again referred to Michael, I just smiled weakly at him.

From his back Jared revealed a beautiful bouquet of red roses. "Happy Birthday Maeve!"

My lips curled into a genuine smile as he handed me the flowers. I looked at them, they were gorgeous and then I looked back at him. My hand reached across his body as we hugged tight and before letting go, I kissed his cheek. He was a true friend.

He held on for my hand a little longer. "Thank you, they're beautiful! Good night, Jared."

"Good night, Maeve" my hand slipped out of his and I walked up the few steps towards the front door.

Inside the house I followed the noise into the kitchen where I found my mother and surprisingly Bill, both had a glass of wine in front of them.

"You're back already?"

"Yes, are the kids sleeping?" I asked.

"Yes, they were true angels." My mother let me know while I put the flowers in some water. With the vase in my hand I walked over to where they were sitting and placed it on the table.

"Beautiful" I said to myself before turning to Bill. "And what brings you here?" It didn't happen often that I get to see Bill in something other than a black suit, this was a private visit, I suppose.

"Michael asked me to drop off your present, but you weren't here, so your mother invited me for a drink." He grabbed his glass and held it up in the air. "To you, troublemaker! Happy Birthday!"

My mother joined him and they took a few sips.

"I see, you two are having a lot of fun... I'll let you be, I'm tired anyway. Mom, the guest room is ready for you and Bill feel free to crash on the couch, good night!"

This house was way smaller and less luxurious than what we were used to but to me it was so special since I bought this house myself, with no help, so it'll stay in my possession.

"Good night darling, your present is on the stairs" I heard my mother yell as I exited the room.

My hands grabbed the present while walking up the stairs. I tiptoed into the bedroom where both my children were soundly asleep in my bed, like always.

Blindly I searched for my walkman and a pillow before disappearing in the nearby bathroom.

The pillow flew straight into the bathtub. Soon after I changed into my pyjamas, I followed and made myself comfortable. I put my headphones on and turned the walkman on.

Listening to music while sitting in the bathtub because this is the only place where I was alone made me feel like a teenager all over again.

I grabbed the nearby present and peeked inside. The first thing I noticed was a cassette.

It read 'Maeve's song'. I raised my eyebrows, I already knew what was on there so I reached back inside to grab the card. On the envelope it said 'I'm sorry I couldn't bring you real flowers'. I ripped the envelope open and pulled out a thick sheet of paper.

On it, there were some beautiful sunflowers, my favorites and I noticed Michael's signature on the bottom. He painted them himself, wow.

My smile grew large at how special he made me feel with just this small gesture.

When I flipped the card it said 'Play the cassette before reading'. My hands fumbled with changing the cassettes but eventually I succeeded.

The familiar melody started but a few seconds in, I was surprised to hear his sweet voice.

"Another day has gone,I'm still all aloneHow could this beYou're not here with me

You never said goodbye Someone tell me whyYou had to go And leave my world so cold

..."

My back and head rested against the pillow. I closed my eyes to turn off the world around me, fully concentrating on Michael's soft voice singing into my ears.

"Just the other nightI thought I heard you cryAsking me to come And hold you in my armsI can hear your prayersYour burdens I will bear

But first I need your hand Then forever can began

Everyday I sit and ask myselfHow did I slip awaySomething whispers in my ear and says

That you are not aloneI am here with youThough you're far awayI am here to stay

But you are not aloneI am here with youThough we're far apartYou're always in my heart

Whisper three words And I'll come runningAnd girl you know that I'll be thereI'll be there

..."

When the song finished, I kept my eyes closed a little longer. Right now my feelings were starting to overwhelm me.

The song is beautiful, perfect, but it did bring out a lot of emotion in me that I tried to lock away for a while now. I was well aware that Michael not only wrote this song for me but also for our late daughter.

My hand wiped away the tears I only now realized were slowly rolling down my cheeks. I opened my eyes and continued reading.

'I cannot undo the time I waisted not being by your side. This song is my promise to you that I'll never let anything come between us again.

I'll always be there for you, Maeve, you are not alone, I love you!

I wish you the happiest of birthdays!

Love,Michael

Oh, I know how much you loved your necklace and it does mean the world to me that you gave our daughter a piece of me to take with her, wherever she goes. I hope you don't mind, but I got it remade for you.'

Clumsily my hands fumbled through the bag until they found what felt like a jewelry box. I pulled it out and didn't hesitate to open it.

It was a perfect duplicate of my original necklace. 'Michael' written in gold letters on a gold keychain.