Chasing Time

CHAPTER II : Where is she?

Joseph’s POV :

“Sir, it is part of your parents' last will to enroll you back in Harvard. It’s in their last will and testament.” Patrick explained.

He’s telling me that we are going to move to Massachusetts because that is what my parents’ wish. “And also, your mom emphasizes in her letter how much you wanted to enroll in that University back then.”

Yeah, I know it was my and Amy’s dream to graduate at Harvard, but things are different now. My life is different now. The world is different now. Something that I feel like I don’t fit in to.

“No, I won’t leave Michigan.” I said in a serious tone.

“But Sir, this is for your own good.” He said, still trying to convince me. “Harvard University remain one of the most prestigious universities here in America and moving there will be a fresh start for you.”

“Thank you for your concern Patrick but staying here is I think the best option for me.” Staying here is the only thing I have.

“Why don’t you just enroll me in one of the prestigious university here in Michigan? How about that?” I suggest.

“I’m so sorry Sir, we’re just doing our job and it is to follow your parents’ last will and testament.” He was sorry.

Geez. This can’t be. How can I live in another state? I am even still adjusting my life here in my home place.

If I leave, I don’t know if I will be able to adjust in Massachusetts. God, this is frustrating.

I let a big sigh. What should I do now?

“Please, consider it Sir. This is what your parents believed for your own good.” Patrick said. Trying to calm me down.

“I’ll think about it.” I replied then leave him in the study room.

What something else is good waiting there for me? Michigan is the only thing left for me that I can consider good. What else would I get in Massachusetts? ……..

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I wiped the dusts and leaves on their gravestones.

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JOHN L. COLLINS [ 8 August 1657 – 20 February 1740 ]

ELIZABETH M. COLLINS [ 15 January 1669 – 31 December 1741 ]

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Mom and Dad are still together until now. Mom died just a year after my father died.

I read her diary she left in the mansion. She wrote everything that happened to them everyday since I got preserved until her last days.

And how I wish she also considered me to go with them instead. But as written in the last page of her diary.

A mother will always wanted what’s best for their child. One day you will soon understand it when you became a parent, my son. ~ Mom

I wiped my tears. I didn’t notice I’ve been crying just by staring at their tombs.

“Mom, Dad. What if you didn’t send me to that institute? What if my life just ended the way it should be?” I’ve been visiting them since I got out of the institute. Most of the time, I will just sit infront of their monument and talk to them.

“I should’ve just be with you guys. With Amelia.” I continued.

I stayed for almost 3 hours in Michigan Memorial Funeral Homes before I finally decided to go and continue to look for Amy’s gravestone.

Since I got out, I’ve been looking for her in some of the cemeteries here in our place but unfortunately they’ve got no record of her which means she wasn’t been buried here.

I will find her even if it will requires me to search in each cemetery in the whole state of Michigan.

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I close the door of the car and lean my back on the passenger seat. I massage my head using my right hand. “She’s still not here.” I said to Patrick.

We are currently here at Roth-Muir Funeral Homes which is the last cemetry in this state. Yet, there’s still no sign of Amy.

Where is she? I wonder if she left the state and started a new life away from here.

“Don’t lose hope Sir. I’ll hire the best private investigator that I know to traced back on what happen to Amelia.” Patrick said. Trying to cheer me up.

“Thank you, Patrick. I appreciate that.” I replied.

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“As we gathered informations about Amelia Monroe, we first looked for the names of her closest relatives and some who has the same surnames of hers since there was only few that had the surname Monroe.” One of the investigator said, his name is Walter.

It’s been a week already after searching for Amy on our own and since the private investigation started.

We are now talking to the investigators that Patrick hired to find her.

Walter showed us a picture of an old lady. “We met this old lady named Alice Monroe-Ford. She claimed that her great grandmother was named Amelia Monroe.” He continued.

They met her great granddaughter? So that means she got married and had her own family.

Part of me felt pain in my heart thinking that it should be me she got married and grew old with. But at the same time, I’m glad she pursued her dream and she continued her life…. Even without me.

I took a deep breathe and just nod my head. “Alice told us that her great grandmother and great grandfather got divorce after 8 years of being together. Then Amelia moved to another state in 1720’s.” Frank explained. He’s the other investigator.

“It was said that Amelia escaped from her abusive husband which unfortunately left her kids with him.” He continued.

I was wrong. They didn’t grow old together. It seems that she didn’t have the life she deserves. I feel bad for her after knowing this.

“After she flew to another state, they heard nothing about her anymore, Sir. Unfortunately for us, it’s a dead end.” Walter said. “We are really sorry, Sir. We did our best but….”

“Wait. What?” I cut his words. “That can’t be a dead end. We have to find her.” I said out of frustration.

“We are really sorry Sir but that would be impossible knowing that she hid her identity well after escaping from her husband.” Frank said, trying to calm me down. “No one really knew what happen to her or where she goes.”

Will I still be able to find her? I’m running out of time. I will soon leave this place. I want to see her tombstone or just know what really happen to her before I go.