Lunar Revenge

Not Yet Gone

Emerald POV

I wake up in the most beautiful field with green grass and wild flowers. It smells heavenly here. I slowly sit up and find myself clothed in a beautiful white dress. The sleeves are long like the dress, it is simple but beautiful. The silk feels amazing against my skin. To my left, 40 yards or so away, there sits a beautiful spring. The water is almost teal in color. On shore sits a woman with white blonde hair. It’s hard to tell just how long it is while she’s sitting, but it is definitely long! Her dress is similar but with a little more flare. Hers seems to shimmer in the light. As if she’s covered in glitter. Slowly rising to my feet, I make my way gently to her. Maybe she knows how I got here.

I slow my pace as I near her, not wanting to startle her.

“You won’t startle me, Emerald. Please, come sit.”

Her voice is deep and silky, drawing like a moth to a flame. I do as I’m asked and plop down to her right. We both stare at the spring, lost in its beauty. I fidget my fingers, wanting to ask how I came to be here, wherever here is. My voice is lost to me. Despite all I want to know, I don’t seem to have the words.

“You’re in heaven.”

Her words make me freeze. I start rubbing my eyes and pulling at my ears, thinking maybe I misheard. Perhaps I’m dreaming. Then, the memories come flooding back. My breathing increases, my palms start sweating. I remember my death. I remember jumping. I even remember flipping off Jeremy and my sister. Will they feel anything about my death? Guilt? Joy? What about that Cooper guy? He seemed really nice. Did he die? Will my body be found? Will anyone bother looking? A soft hand covers the top of my left one. Ever so soft and delicate, it’s like a butterfly landing on me. I instantly feel calm. All my cares and worries evaporated. Instead, I feel warm, happy, hopeful, any good feeling or emotion to be had I’m having.

I turn to her eyes wide with shock. She turns to meet my gaze. Her eyes are such a light bright blue it’s shocking and mesmerizing all in one. I hadn’t noticed before, but her hair is in an intricate half-up hairstyle. Her smile bright and warm. Her skin is so fair, with a slight touch of pink, giving her a healthy glow. She looks so young, about 20 or so.

“My goddess.” I breathe out.

She giggles, patting me on the back, “Selene will do just fine, my child.”

In a blink she’s up on her feet, gently pulling me to mine.

“Walk with me. We have much to discuss, and I have something to give you.”

Just when I think my day can’t get anymore shocking. She wants to talk to me?? The reject?? The freak??

“You can stop those thoughts at once!” Her voice rises, causing me to shrink back. Noticing my fear, she softens her tone, "You are so much more than you know. You need not fear me. I am sorry for raising my voice. It just hurts me to hear you think so little of yourself.”

My head begins spinning. How did she know I was having those thoughts? Of course, she can hear your thoughts, she’s the moon goddess for crying out loud! The unspoken conversations versus the spoken ones are starting to get a little confusing. I'm unsure if I can keep up with everything going on. I am still coming to terms with the fact that I'm dead.

Another soft giggle escapes her lips. “You have quite the inner dialogue.”

“I really can’t help myself.” I blush.

“I like it. It just proves me correct.”

“Correct? About what?”

"You will see in due time, my child."

It suddenly registers we are no longer in that field, but now in a lush forest. Before I can think or ask how or why, I hear a rustling in the brush. I subconsciously inch closer to the moon goddess. I don't think I will be attacked while in heaven, but my life hasn't gone how I had hoped. Who's to say my afterlife will be any better?

Turning to face me, Selene says, "You have nothing to fear here. In fact, you have nothing to fear from now on. I need the brave girl who kept going to school despite the torment. The girl who would not give up her education for them. I am with you, I have always been with you. I am sorry I could not do more until now."

"Why couldn't you?"

She pauses. A sadness spreads across her beautiful face. "Despite being the moon goddess, I have limits. My limits in your world are much greater in my weakened state. Gods and goddesses must follow rules. Rules put in place to keep the balance. To keep this balance, we are limited in our interactions with your world. Too much from us causes consequences. If I were to directly help, or do something good, something bad would happen to balance it out." Sensing my confusion, she continues, "That is a story for another time, dear. I promise you, one day I will explain it all. Unfortunately, we do not have much time. We must work quickly. Oh and Emerald?"

I look into her beautiful eyes.

"Cooper is fine."

My heart flutters. A crush? Maybe? Either way, I find peace knowing he is okay. Someone finally stands up for me and I thought I got the guy killed. At least I know he can go on living his life. Hopefully it is a happy one. He seems like he deserves it.

More rustling from the bush catches her attention.

“Nikkia! Come out my dear!”