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*Present*

The sun was now saying its goodbye as it started to sink - and, tomorrow will just be another day. The houses started to open their lights one by one to prepare for the night.

"Miel," Calum said, as he reached for me, guiding my head to his shoulder. "There."

"Thanks," I said, smiling. I took his hand and twined it to mine, tracing his knuckles with the other. "Ummm, Calum."

"Yes?" He asked. Ashton was driving while Paul has his headphones on, sitting next to him in front. 

Michael was leaning on the window sideways, sleeping.

Ashton looked at me thru the mirror and smiled at me before he focused his gaze on the road again. "Why would he say those things? I never really understood. Especially that thing you said before I left. Why you? Why would he ask you to look after me? I mean, there's Ashton and Michael, as well."

"Like I told you before, some adrenaline rush and instincts that I'll never understand too," his hand tighten its grip. "But what I know, or should I say my theory, was because he knows me too well."

"Which means?" I asked, as we passed the fields.

"I like you, Miel," he confessed. "Luke knows it. We're best friends. We knew each other before you guys even met."

"I never knew you guys were friends too until he started courting me," I pouted.

"The way you never know we three live on the same street the whole time," he pointed out, chuckling. "I had a big crush on you since mum brought me with her when she visited your mum. I think I was 8 that time. And me and Luke, we've been friends since forever. He didn't knew you those times though."

"Because I never go out," I reminded him, rolling my eyes, giggling.

"And so," he continued. "I guess you never like me the way I like you."

"We were friends," I said. "You were like a brother to me. And you never told me."

"Yeah, I didn't," he agreed. "But I told Luke. But he, of course, doesn't know that the Miel I was talking about and the Miel he's in love with was the same girl all along. The next thing I knew was he was courting you and, then, he introduced you to us as his girlfriend."

"And you just let him?"

"Eventually, I had to tell him what I found out - you know, us falling in love with the same girl," he said, as Ashton turned left "I don't want to be greedy of you and, besides, I know he'll take care of you; love you the way I did. We sort it out."

"Thank you, Calum," I said, stretching my arm around him.

"It's nothing," he smiled, as he planted a kiss on my forehead. He continued; "I don't know but, I guess, he was returning the favour and, so, he asked me that. Cause no matter how hard I try, he knew I still badly care about you. He must have figure that one out based on how I act whenever you're around. And, honestly, he's right. I still care. And I still do until now."

"Calum," I looked up at him, as our eyes locked. "I'm sorry."

"I'm not telling you to love me now. I'll give you all the time you need to heal your heart. I know how hard it was for you. But know that I am here for you. Always will be."

I closed my eyes and smiled, taking in everything he said. Anytime now and we'll be there; but for now, I'd gladly lean on the person that Luke trusted me to. I never knew those things and I wouldn't if he was still here.

"We're here," Ashton announced, as I felt the engine died. I slowly opened my eyes. Everything was peaceful - even the wind itself was calm.

I followed Calum out of the car and, soon, the six of us went to the deeper part of the field, passing cross after cross. Right ahead was a small museum, designed like a cottage house with hanging plants at both sides.

"Lady's first," Calum said, after unlocking the door, gesturing me inside.

Luke Robert Hemmings. 1996-2018.

I read the words engraved on the stone. This is where we buried him - the place we wanted to live in when we get married - and inside a museum that was designed the way we wanted our dream house to be.

And I wonder...

I wonder what it'll look like now if he was still here. We might at least have a child now. He'd be doing tours - doing what he loves - and come home to us. We'll have family outings when he's not working and stuff. We'd be cooking family meals on Sunday after church and goofing around in the backyard during barbeque party.

But it never existed. I miss him more than anything. His touch and smiles, the way he looks and laughs. Everything about him. For a couple of years, I've been on a total black out on how I will manage to go on with my life. But I guess he left the answer right in front of me and I was just too blind to see it. If it's time to let go, then, I guess, now is the right time.

"Hi, Luke," I started, as I felt the tears start to fall. In a low voice, I continued; "its been crazy. I was just so lost when you left. But, I guess, this is it. You'll always be a part of my life - here, in my heart. And I thank you for everything - for so many reasons. I'll always love you like I always did. Goodbye, Hemmings."

Calum reached for me, wiping the tear and pulling me in a hug. "Sshh, its okay."

"Yes," I said, pulling away from him, smiling. I held his hand and twined it to one, as I felt someone patted me at the back softly. I looked back and saw Ashton standing beside me. They were all smiling back at me.

I looked back at Calum, "I'm coming with you. I'm going home."

He sighed in relief and smiled widely, as he pulled me once more for a hug.

Yes, I'm going home - going back to everything I left - living the life he wants me to. I know he is around - he always was.

This is for you, Luke.

I love you.