No wonder Lisa-Marie wanted to tell me this story first. Now I could understand why she wanted to alter the truth.
“Do you still want me to tell the truth?”
“I don’t want you to lie.”
“I know you don’t. Facts are facts, though. At the end of the day, she shot me and you. That can never be disputed.”
“I know.”
“What have you told the police?”
“Both Michael, Stephen, and I have told them she was obsessed with Stephen. That she was really pissed off when he joined the station and wasn’t interested in her.”
“Then I’ll just verify that. I’ll tell them I turned up and foiled her plans. When I tried to get the gun from her, she shot me. It’s as simple as that, Cassie. They don’t have to know about the gift, the train crash, anything.”
I bit my lip. “I still don’t feel comfortable with this. You’re going to lie to the police just to protect me.”
She looked abashed. “Wouldn’t you do the same for me?”
“Of course I would.”
“Then shut up!”
All of us giggled, making the tension in the room dissipate. “How are you feeling anyway?” I asked.
“Glad to be alive, Cassie. I feel pain, but I accept that. Pain means I’m alive, and I’m really not ready to leave this world quite yet.”
Without thinking, I took her hand. Lisa-Marie tried to flinch it away, but I held strong. A vision came to me in an instant, just like it always did.
She was at a party. The weather was glorious so it must be next summer. She was in the garden with Catherine, and she looked over at me. I was standing there with a drink, and smiling back at her. I truly look happy.
“Happy Birthday, Lisa-Marie,” I said in salute.
“Thank you, Cassie. Caroline and I have some news. We wanted to share it with you before we announced it to everyone else.”
I look eager to hear. “Oh, yes? What’s that?”
I could feel Lisa-Marie’s absolute euphoria riding through her. “Catherine and I are going to have a baby!”
I released my grip, gasping for air, but then a huge grin appeared on my face.
“What did you see?” Lisa-Marie asked eagerly.
“I think I’ll keep this one to myself. But I can guarantee it’s good.” I winked.
I could feel Lisa-Marie’s happiness flowing through her. She had always wanted a family of her own, but because of her feelings towards women, it would never be possible to conceive in the normal way. I assumed the shooting really did give her a new outlook on life.
I stayed for another hour, talking and giggling at silly jokes. I was so engrossed in the whole conversation, I didn’t realize how long had passed.
“Shall I get you back so you can get some rest?” Caroline asked, concerned.
“You don’t have to. I can make my way back home. Besides, I could use the fresh air.”
“Are you sure?”
“Absolutely.”
We said our goodbyes and I started walking towards home. I stopped to get some food, then was about to walk up the stairs to my flat when I felt something. I wasn’t sure what made me turn around, but I could definitely feel something.
Spinning on my heels, I saw someone familiar. I had never met this person before, but it didn’t stop the little butterflies in my stomach.
As she neared, she gave me a gentle smile, which immediately relaxed me. Angel—must be. And there was only one angel I could think she would be.
Without thinking, I shortened the space between us. She could tell I sensed something because her posture became more confident as she walked.
Before she could speak, I reached out to grab her hand. The feeling of nothing confirmed my suspicions. “Hello, Luana.”
Her look of utter shock was overwhelming. It almost caused me to giggle. “You remember me?” She knew me—or who I used to be.
As I was getting ready to answer, something else hit me. The sound of children laughing. Luana sensed my bewilderment and squeezed my hand. “Are you okay?”
I nodded. “It’s nothing. It’s just my shoulder,” I lied. “I wish I could remember you, Luana. I realise who I am, but I can’t remember anything.”
Remember, the voice whispered.
Oh shit. Please don’t do this to me now.
“Are you sure you’re all right, Cassie? You look pale.”
Nodding, I realised I was still holding her hand. “I’m sorry. I bet you think I’m strange just walking up to you like that and taking your hand.”
I released my grip and Luana giggled. “That’s nothing compared to some things I see on a daily basis.”
I chuckled a little, thinking how true that must be. It would seem it’s true for all of us.