Only Memories Left

The Unexpected

We met during our Town’s Apple Festival two years ago while I was giving out flyers for events and times. I noticed her sitting at the face painting booth painting a little girl’s face. With the flow of her hair going over her shoulder, a lovely smile, being so gentle with the girl, I had to meet her.

I gave the rest of my fliers to Mark, walked closer to watch this brilliant woman.

She finished. The woman stood up and started walking around the booth. I made my way through to her. 

“Hi, you do incredible work.” Smiling. “I’m Luke Tate.” “Thank You. I’m Nicole Johnson.” “Would you have time for a cup of apple cider and go sit down?” Asks Luke. “Yes, I was going on a break to grab one.” We get our drinks and find a picnic table to sit in the

Luke asks, “Are you from here?” looking into her beautiful eyes. “No, I’m originally from Blue Springs, Missouri, moved here to Crystal City a year ago to take care of my grandma. She passed away four months ago.” Nicole looks down, slowly turning her cup around in circles. “I’m sorry to hear that.” Luke could see it was hard on her. “What about you?” Looking back up at him. “I’ve lived here my whole life. I was going to take a job in Tennessee but stayed put where I am, close to family.” Nicole smiles, wanting to know more about him. “What is it you do?” She asks. “I was in Law Enforcement, now I’m a full-time author.” She takes a sip and says, “that’s truly interesting. I’d Like to see your work sometime.” Luke smiles back at her, “Sure, anytime. Here’s my phone number if you’d like to get together again.” He said, hoping. “I’d like that. Time’s up. I need to get back to work. I close my booth at five if you are still around. See you later.” Luke waves “See you.”

During the next few weeks, we saw a lot of each other nearly every day. I grew deeper and deeper in love with her. It seemed to me she felt the same way. 

“What do you say about going outside? No reason the kids should have all the fun.” “I’d love to!”

Wintertime came, it was a cold one. There were two feet of snow on the ground with 4 and 5-foot drifts in some places. It was a terrible winter storm that year. Half of the town was without electricity, including Nicole’s house. After spending nearly two hours digging myself out, I went over to pick her up and brought her to my place where she could keep warm. At least we’d have heat if the electricity went out there. 

Outside the log cabin we rented during the summer, we would sit on the bench, facing the lake, talking about the future, including children. Both of us wanted two or three. I didn’t know at the time we wouldn’t ever have any.

 It’s a cloudy Saturday morning. We just finished breakfast, and are gathering everything to go out on the boat. After loading up, I start the motor and off we go. Our neighbors are sitting out on the pier fishing, waving as we go by. 

After riding around, we pull up to the Lakeside Outdoor Restaurant, get out, order our food and find a place to sit. People sitting diagonally were talking about a severe storm heading their way. Looking at the sky to the west, it was getting dark. “Maybe we should head back to the cabin.” “I think you're right.” We put our food back in the bag, grab our drinks and get back in the boat. Nearly half way, lightning stuck close, then a loud clash of thunder. Both of us jumped. Nicole turned around, looked at Luke with a terrified look. “Maybe we should find shelter.” I didn’t enjoy seeing Nicole so scared. “No, let’s just get home.” Against my better judgment, we kept going. The wind started picking up, making waves, causing us to slow down a little. Another lightning hit close, and the rain started coming down heavy. Nicole is holding on tightly to the side of the boat, and I, gripping the steering wheel. 

We make it back to the pier. I tie the boat off; we run into the cabin, leaving everything. Both are soaked and breathing heavily from running and fear.

Calming down, we get some dry clothes on, sit on the couch, holding each other. “I was so scared.” Nicole, taking in a deep breath. “So was I. Next time we check the weather report first.” Giggles erupt between them. 

For dinner, we had a cookout, inviting our neighbors, Keith and Jade, over. They were a young couple like themselves, married 3 years, and 8 months pregnant with a daughter.

While sitting around the picnic table, Jade was talking about her unborn baby. Her name will be Braille, Br for short. Brielle’s bedroom is completely ready. Jade’s been having Braxton Hicks lately. Being a first time mom, she thought they were real, so she and Keith ran to the hospital last night. They sent her back home after checking her and putting her on the monitor.

After a couple of hours, Keith and Jade went back home.

This started being a regular thing, getting together, cooking out, going boating, and fishing. We all have become good friends. All of us are excited about the baby coming soon. Nicole has been staying with Jade when Keith goes to work.

Early afternoon, Jade goes into labor. Nicole calls Luke while Jade calls Keith. Keith dashes over and rushes them to the emergency room. Keith meets them there.

At 2:20 AM, Little Brielle was born. Nicole and Luke hold the baby, astounded at how much hair she has. A gorgeous baby.

The next morning, Jade rolls over to see Luke is already up. She climbs out of bed, walks through the cabin, finds him in the study working on his next book. She comes up behind him, puts her arms around him. “I’m leaving to go back to the house and grab a few things. Do you need anything from there?” “No, I can’t think of anything.” They hug and kiss, “I love you.” Both whispered.

Sitting on the couch, we could see the neighborhood kids playing on the snowdrifts.

“What do you say about going outside? No reason the kids should have all the fun.” “I’d love to!”*

We put on our warmest clothes, Nicole putting on a pair of Luke’s long johns and a pair of his socks to go over hers and his flannel shirt to go under her coat. They were all set to go. 

“I have a sled in the garage from last year when my niece stayed. What do you say?” “Great idea!” She said, laughing. I love the sound of her laugh, smiles Luke.

After going to the garage and getting the sled, they slowly make their way to the back, where the higher drifts are and a hill buried underneath the snow.

Both of us climb up, seeing who can make it up to the top first. Nicole won. We sat there and laughed at our child-like game. I take the sled and go down first, packing the snow trail to help us go faster. Next is Nicole. Down she goes! She lets out a squeal as she slides down quickly. She climbs back up and this time decide to go down together, but it didn’t go as planned. Luke pushes off a little too hard and they go down so fast the sled spins around, throwing both of them off and tumble the rest of the way down. We just lay there trying to catch our breath because of laughing-so hard. After laying there for what seemed like a few minutes, I turn my head towards Nicole, seeing the sparkle in her eyes, such a beautiful sight.

I click on the TV. and find a Christmas Movie for us to watch. “I love Christmas. It’s always been my favorite time of the year. But this one is going to be extra special, because I’ll be spending it with you.” Looking up to Luke, smiling. “You have made my life so complete, Nicole. I love you.” finally saying it. I lean down and give her a kiss. “I love you too Luke.” We kiss again, then hug.

Christmas Eve arrives. Nicole stayed at my house sitting by the beautiful Christmas tree, lights flashing, with the light from the fireplace, watching a Christmas movie sitting with the one I love in my arms. It was the most perfect Christmas I’ve ever had. We were having another snow storm; the news said we could get up to 6-8 inches, on top of what was already on the ground. From looking out the window, I’d say they’re going to be right.

Nicole brings him out of his thoughts. “When I was a kid, on Christmas Eve, Mom and Dad let me and my brother open one present. It was an exciting time. One year that stands out on Christmas day, is we opened a present, and did not know what it was. Mine was The Little Princess. My brothers were the Jungle Book. After opening them, we looked at each other with a confused look. Then our dad walks in with another present. We opened it and it was a VCR. It was when they first came out. Our parents had to explain to us what it was.” We both laughed. “I would say mine would be, one Christmas morning, my sister and I were still sleeping, our mom had to wake us up, which as you know, it’s normally the other way around. We walk to the living room and there’s dad smiling and a room full of presents all wrapped up in white paper. We had many toys that year! Our elderly neighbors came over to watch us. Mom made a huge Christmas meal. It was a special Christmas for us.” “It sounds like a lovely Christmas day Luke.”

It’s Christmas morning. I looked out the window, and it’s still snowing pretty heavily. “I don’t think anyone will go anywhere on this Christmas Day.” Thinking to myself. Walking into the living room, seeing Nicole sitting on the bar stool in the kitchen drinking hot cocoa, watching out the window. “Merry Christmas Luke.” “Merry Christmas Nicole. It’s really coming down out there.” “Yes, looks like we might get more than they called for.” Nicole said. I grab a coffee cup, made some cocoa, then over to the stereo to turn on Christmas music. Nicole walks over and he gives her a hug, then takes her hand, leading her to the Christmas tree. 

I hand her a gift and watch her open it. “Luke it’s beautiful!” She put her new ruby bracelet on. “Thank you, Luke!” “Your Welcome.” “Here open this one.” Nicole hands me a gift. I open it. “Thank you, Nicole!” It’s a smart watch, exactly the kind I would’ve chosen. I put it on, “Looks nice on you.” I hand her the special gift I’ve been eager to give her. When she opens it, I get down on my knee, she slowly looks up at me, “will you marry me?” “Yes!” She jumps up from the chair and throws her arms around me with tears in her eyes. “My soul mate.” She says smiling. “We sure are Nicole.” We sat down together, I said, “turn the box over.” She did and pulled the white paper off, showing a key. “It’s a key?” “It’s the key to the house.” Again, she threw her arms around me. 

“The best Christmas ever.” She said, looking up at Heaven. “Thank you, Jesus.”

Spring came and went we got the house fixed up, making her feel at home. I had my book done and published, with money coming in from it. She took a job at the local library and volunteered at church helping in the Sunday School Class. 

*Time has passed by and I wondered why Jade wasn’t back yet. I look at my phone. It’s been over 3 hours. I try calling her. Straight to voicemail.

I peer out the window towards our neighbor’s cabin. No car, still not home from the hospital yet, so I sit back down to write some more, but can’t concentrate, so I go out to the kitchen to pour a drink.

There’s a knock on the door, he rushes over to it. It’s two Police officers. Jade was in a tragic accident and didn’t survive. All I can do is wail, gripping my head, the world reeling. They told him it appears she took the curve too fast and over-corrected, going off the side of the road and flipping. I felt like it was just a nightmare that I would wake up from. But no, it’s real. My true love is gone forever. How can I live without her? She’s the air I breathe. The reason I wake up every morning.

After they expressed their condolences, and left, I went back to my office and sat on the chair, just staring at my lit up computer. This can’t be happening, sobbing. I stand up and start pacing the floors. Crying like I never have before. Can’t breathe without her, have no purpose in living now. I wish I was in the car with her. I should’ve died by her side. Why didn’t I just go with her? Why did I let her go by herself? Weak In my knees, I fall to the floor. Laying there crying for what seemed like hours until I cried all my tears out.

I go into the bedroom and lay on her side of the bed holding her pillow. Replaying our last moments together over and over in my head.

He hears a knock on the door, sits up, realizing he had fallen asleep. Opening the door, stands his friends. They asked what happened, so I told them, and explained I just need to be alone. They commented about if I need anything to let them know. After closing the door, I just stand there, not knowing what to do next. Feel so lost.

After I woke the next morning, feeling drained emotionally and physically, I climbed into the shower, then dressed, knowing this was going to be a hard, horrible day.

Her parents have already passed. The only family she ever talked about was her sister Renee, that lives in California, but rarely speaks to one another. I go to the desk and pull out her address book, find her number and call. I told her what the officers said. She told me she’ll be here on the next flight, then explained she would need to get back home after the funeral.

Then it occurred to me, we never talked about what we wanted done if we died. It wasn’t something that I felt we needed to worry about yet. Renee will be here in a few hours. Maybe she’ll know.

After I finish talking to my parents, I call the car insurance, which told me they would have a rental car brought to me within the hour. I decide to go through her important box she brought over to find anything with information to take with me to the funeral home. Opening the box up, guilt rushed over me. I put the lid back on quickly. Shaking my head, I open it again and start looking through it carefully. After getting to the last few pieces of papers, I pull them out and a piece of the bottom moves. Curious now, I jiggle that piece of wood and it comes out. There is a yellow envelope with writing on it saying, “To Luke.” In Nicole’s handwriting.

My hands shaking, I pull the envelope out, just staring at it, wondering why it’s hidden

Then I slowly open it, it reads, “To my love Luke. This key I have in here is to a house that I inherited from my grandmother I was taking care of. I plan to tell you all about it, also show you on our honeymoon. Tomorrow is never promised, so if something happens to me before our wedding, this house is yours. My attorney wrote the papers up, also a life insurance policy with you listed as beneficiary is in here too. Last, I want to be cremated, and you have the ashes. If my sister comes, there is no need to tell her anything about the house or insurance. She is well taken care of. Hopefully, we will live in it together. If not, remember I am always with you” I love you Luke”

I hear a honk. Must be the rental car. After getting the keys to it, I get on the computer, onto Google Maps, put in the address to the house. 2399 Barlow Road. “This can’t be it.” He tries again and the same “house” comes up. “This is no house, it’s a mansion.”

Phone rings, “Luke here.” “Luke it’s Renee. I can’t make it there. The airlines are not running right now because of the covid.” I told her about finding a letter written to me about wanting to be cremated and the ashes going to me. She didn’t seem upset about it. She also gave me some information for the funeral home. So we said our goodbyes.

After taking care of the arrangements, I took a ride out by the house. There was a long driveway, with trees on both sides of the driveway leading up to the house.

It’s huge, there have to be many rooms in it. A place we would’ve raised our kids. Tears falling again, not being able to stop them. I’ll go inside another time, just can’t do it this soon. “I miss you so bad Nicole. Why were you taken from me? We had a future planned together.”

After sitting in the car awhile, I wiped up my tears and headed back to the cabin.

Once there, I went inside. The quietness and emptiness is over whelming. “Come back to me Nicole, I need you.” I collapsed onto the couch with my face in my hands. “I can’t take this.” 

After that, I fell asleep. When I opened my eyes, it was morning. Got ready. I had an appointment with her lawyer, then to the funeral home to pick up her ashes.

Later, everything taken care of.

Back at the cabin, I walk over to the bench overlooking the lake. Our favorite spot to sit and talk. I have her ashes sitting on my lap. After remaining there awhile thinking of her, I could sense her spirit so great.

“Luke?” I turn around and see my parents. I completely forgot people are coming over today to pay their respects. So much going on in my head.

We walk back to the cabin. “We wanted to get here before the others in case you needed any help or just to talk, son.” “We’ve been worried about you.” Mom explained. “I’m making it slowly day by day.” I stopped walking, “I want to tell you what I’ve learned.” He told them all about the mansion, inheritance, life insurance. Mom stated, “You’re going to make it, son. She loved you and will always be in your heart. You shouldn’t feel guilty about living in it, that is what she wanted.” “That’s true.” I grab mom’s hand. “Thank you both. Guess we better head inside.”

I was feeling better than I was before we talked. Keith, Jade, and little Brielle arrived. Soon, the cabin was filled with people who all loved Nicole. They brought many flowers; the scent filled the cabin. 

By the time everyone left, I was exhausted, so I crawled into bed, wrapped my arm around Nicole’s pillow, which has become a nightly thing, and fell straight to sleep. 

I slept in this morning, got up and ready, went to the mansion to check it out.

Standing in front of the mansion, looking at the size of it, was astounding “It’s so huge. The room we could’ve had for a big family, Nicole.”

After pulling the keys out of my pocket, put the key in the lock, then opening the door, I just stood there in shock. “This can’t be real.” I stepped in and looked around. There was the biggest chandler handing inside the entryway I have ever seen. Gold with what looks like crystal diamonds hanging from it. To the right was a huge room that looks like a living room, with a fireplace, white with a gold outline, white furniture, with gold design. A large painting hanging above the couch.

Across the hall was an empty room with beautiful marble floors, and another fireplace. Down the hall was a study. A wall-size, built-in library. Shelves filled with books! A fireplace, large expensive looking desk, an enormous rug that is a cheetah skin, chandler, so far this is my favorite room.

Down the hall and to the left was the kitchen. It’s big enough that it could be used for a large restaurant. Nicole and I wouldn’t even use half of this! Off the kitchen was a pantry, then on the other end was a bedroom. “Maybe this is where a cook or maid stayed.”

Another room further down the hall with both walls nothing but floor to ceiling windows. Looking outside the windows was a huge in-ground pool, an island in the middle with a fountain. A slide like the kind at water parks. The stone walls surrounding it had small fountains coming out of it, areas of flowers, different color lights everywhere including inside the pool.

There is a spiral staircase going up to the second floor. White marble steps with gold railings.

I counted six bedrooms all off to the right of the hall. Each of the rooms with their own separate colors, design, and with a balcony over-looking the large, well maintained yard, with flowers surrounding it, fountain in the middle, flowers and small statues around it. Colored lights pointing up towards it.

Further past it was a kids' playground. As big as ones you see in parks. Seeing that gave me a pain in my heart.

“Oh Nicole. I can just imagine us sitting on the benches watching our children play, my arm around you, your head on my shoulder.”

“I love you, Luke.” I whipped my head around to Nicole’s voice. Nothing. “I could’ve sworn I heard her.” Suddenly, I had chills all over my body. “must’ve been so deep in thought, I imagined her saying it.

Standing in front of the mansion, looking at the size of it, was astounding. "It's so huge. The room we could've had for a big family, Nicole."

After pulling the keys out of my pocket, putting the key in the lock, then opening the door, I just stood there in shock. "This can't be real." I stepped in and looked around. There was the biggest chandler handing inside the entryway I have ever seen. Gold with what looks like crystal diamonds hanging from it. To the right was an enormous room that looks like a living room, with a fireplace, white with a gold outline, white furniture, with gold design. A large painting hanging above the couch.

Across the hall was an empty room with beautiful marble floors and another fireplace. Down the hall was a study. A wall-size, built-in library. Shelves filled with books! A fireplace, large expensive-looking desk, an enormous rug that is a cheetah skin, chandler, so far this is my favorite room.

Down the hall and to the left was the kitchen. It's big enough that it could be used for a large restaurant. Nicole and I wouldn't even use half of this! Off the kitchen was a pantry, then on the other end was a bedroom. "Maybe this is where a cook or maid stayed."

Another room further down the hall with both walls nothing but floor-to-ceiling windows. Looking outside the windows was a huge in-ground pool, an island in the middle with a fountain. A slide like the kind at water parks. The stone walls surrounding it had small fountains coming out of it, areas of flowers, different color lights everywhere, including inside the pool.

There is a spiral staircase going up to the second floor. White marble steps with gold railings.

I counted six bedrooms all off to the right of the hall. Each of the rooms with its own separate colors, design, and full-size bathrooms, with a balcony overlooking the large, well-maintained yard, with flowers surrounding it, a fountain in the middle, flowers, and small statues around it. Colored lights pointing up towards it.

Further past, it was a kid's playground. As big as ones you see in parks. Seeing that gave me pain in my heart.

"Oh, Nicole. I can just imagine us sitting on the benches watching our children play, my arm around you, your head on my shoulder."

"I love you, Luke." I whipped my head around to Nicole's voice. Nothing. "I could've sworn I heard her." Suddenly, I had chills all over my body. "must've been so deep in thought, I imagined her saying it." 

There is another spiral staircase that looks like the other one going up to the third floor. Four more bedrooms, with their own bathroom and balcony, fireplace, two bedrooms on each side of a large sitting room. Another staircase went to a door that led out to the roof. There is a grill, two picnic tables with umbrellas, and the biggest Hot Tub I've ever seen.

 I took a seat on a chair by the hot tub. I can just vision Nicole and I sitting in it at night with our heads laid back looking at the stars. It would’ve been so romantic. Tears started escaping my eyes. “How do I live on without you?”

After I calmed down, got up and went to the main floor to the study. I wanted to see what books were in there.

After spending awhile looking, they all seem to be ancient. 1909 and up so far. I pulled one out and sat down at the desk. A few pages in, I was fully into it when I heard a noise. I sat quietly, not moving a muscle. Again I heard it. Sounds like it’s coming from the back part of the house.

Shaking a little, I slowly get up, come around the desk to go see what it is.

Bam! I nearly jumped out of my skin. I pull my phone out of my pocket in case I need to call the police. BAM! I threw my hand over my mouth. My heart pounding so hard I can see my shirt move.

Debating on running to my car and getting out of there. No, I need to know what it is. I peek around the doorway and look down the hall. Nothing. So I tiptoe down the hall, coming up to the kitchen and stand with my back as close to the wall as I can. Standing by the doorway, I look into the kitchen. Then, seeing through the kitchen into the bedroom back there, I saw movement. Dialing 911 and holding my thumb over the send button, I walk back there.

Suddenly, a woman appears in the doorway right in front of me. We both jumped, feet coming off the floor, and said,

”Who are you?” “I’m the new owner. Who are you? What are you doing in here?”

“I’m Renee Lang, I was Mrs. Johnson’s Caretaker. I came to pack up the rest of my belongings.”

“I’m Luke Tate. Mrs. Johnson’s granddaughter’s fiance.”

“So you’re Nicole’s Fiance. I’m sorry to hear what happened. She was an extraordinary woman.” “I thought Nicole took care of her?” “She did. But I was her nurse, and stayed here to keep a check on her vitals, administer medicine, and any help Nicole needed.”

“Here are my keys. I think I’m all packed up now. If you ever need any help, I also cook and clean for people. Here is my card. Take Care.” “Thank you and you too.”

Sitting in my car, thinking about the changes taking place. I have this place, the house, and renting the cabin. Pulling google up on my phone, looking up realtors. After finding one, I head there to see about selling the house. 

                                                                     3 Months Later