September... I heard a soft whisper in my head. Fear overcame me, then it became peaceful. September...do not be afraid...for I am with you...

You know when you're looking at the raindrops on the car window and the light shines through them, making it look like a kaleidoscope? That's what it looked like when looking at the sky, as my shallow breaths lefts my lips. I tried to fight, but it was so hard. My breathing quickened, then went back to its normal pace. Tyler, Mackenzie, Ariel, Mom and Megan all stood beside me. The paramedics put me in the ambulance, denying my family and friends access to entering. I needed space, they said. I could hear their cries and it broke my heart.

Then everything went silent. I breathed out my final breath. The back of the ambulance turned white then black. I heard laughter and screams. Confused, I focused on the ceiling of the ambulance. I saw a girl grinning from ear to ear. Her face was illuminated by the candles on the cake that sat before her. Everyone who sat at the table were singing: "Happy birthday, dear September. Happy birthday to you!" I could not believe my eyes. Then it changed to a different picture.

I was standing by Tyler in the grass. We were talking. The event of that day suddenly rushed back to me. Then I saw him step forward and kiss me. Our first kiss. Then it went on to the days of school where he threw his grapes at me or kissed me in the halls. We were always laughing. They say your life flashes before your eyes when you die and I didn't believe that until now.

Unable to gain enough courage to keep my head up, I turned my head to the left. It hit the side of the gurney and I saw white once again. It soon changed from a blinding white to beautiful, blues, greens, pinks, yellows. I saw myself spinning in a meadow, smiling and laughing. I stopped spinning and lied down on the soft ground beneath me and looked up at the sky. Then I saw nothing. Beeeep... I closed my eyes and was gone.

Later That Day:

I woke up to a blue, cloudless sky. The aroma of flowers swam around me in circles, calming me. It didn't even hit me that I was dead until I realized I was no longer in pain. I shot upright and sat on the ground, fear overtaking me.

"Hello?" I yelled. "Where am I? Is anyone there?"

Everything was silent. Getting up from off the ground, I wiped off the dirt clinging to my skin. To my surprise, I was in a white dress. It looked somewhat like a sundress, but more elegant. The skirt of the dress twirled around me once the wind picked up.

I decided to walk around and try to find someone. As I began to explore the area I walked upon, I was in complete awe. The sun shined onto the clear blue river that cut the land in half. Flowers upon flowers in different colors and shades popped out of the land. Bees flew from one flower to the next, gathering nectar. I looked up to the sky to find white fluffy clouds you could almost bounce on. The birds I once heard flew through the sky, dividing it.

Looking to my right, I saw a deer and its mother. The mother was grazing in the field, while the baby was cavorting through the tall, stringy grass. He reminded me of Bambi running through the field for the first time. He was full of joy.

"Hello, September," someone said. Her voice was like honey dripping from the wand, smooth and rich.

I turned around to find a lady in a long white dress, blonde hair, and gold eyes; her skin was porcelain. Upon her head was a simple silver tiara. Tilting my head to the right a little, I squinted my eyes and looked at her.

"Who...who are you?" I asked.

"Do not be afraid. I am your guardian angel, Amelia. I have come to meet you."

"My guardian angel? Does that mean...?" I turned around and looked once more around the land I stood upon. Everything seemed brighter.

"Yes, September. You are in heaven, or a form of heaven."

I turned to look at her. I couldn't seem to wrap my head around it.

"How...how did I?"

"You were attacked by a shark. A bull shark, to be exact."

Tears filled my eyes. I'm dead. That means...

"Tyler...Mom...Megan..." I whispered.

"Do not worry. They are safe."

I looked down, trying to take this all in. A butterfly which was the color of blue landed on my shoulder.

"September, I was sent to come and greet you. God is aware of your questioning of your untimely death. Due to this, you are to be sent on a quest to show you that you truly were ready."

I looked at her, slightly appalled. "I don't get to see Him?"

"Unfortunately not until you have completed your quest. September, I must ask that we be quick. The more you live in this state of heaven, the more you will fall away from God."

"How?"

"By your unwillingness and confusion to die, you have shown us that your faith is truly not there. By going on this adventure, your faith will be restored."

"Okay, then let's go." I began to walk away.

Amelia grabbed my wrist. "September, there is something I must tell you. There are things no mere mortal will see. Things that are not a fan of you and particularly you. Be careful and do not look into their eyes."

"Demons...?"

Fear ran through my body. I'm going to see demons!? But...how...? My breaths quickened and I grew dizzy.

"Do not fear, for that is what we are here for. I must advise you to close your eyes. It will be in your best interest."

"But, Amelia...!"

Before I could continue my sentence, a rush of wind enveloped me in a tornado. I closed my eyes, the wind growing quicker and stronger. Then it stopped.

I opened my eyes to find myself in a hospital. Nurses walked down the mostly empty halls, clipboards in hand. The walls were a blinding white, the chairs a baby blue, and the waiting room a gross green. Beeps filled the halls, and my ears.

"We are here in Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital where a girl the age of seventeen was attacked by a bull shark on the coast of Virginia. Here with me are the friends and family of the young girl who was attacked, September Jones. Tell me, what was your initial thought when you saw the tragedy play out?" a woman with an unfamiliar voice spoke.

The news is here?

I walked around the corner to find my friends and family: Mom standing in front of a camera, while Mackenzie, Tyler, Megan, and Ariel sat in the blue plastic chairs. Their eyes were puffy and skin blotchy.

"Well, I wasn't there to see it, but there is definitely a sense of terror when your eight-year-old comes running to you crying about a shark and her big sister."

"Tell me," the news reporter later said, "when you saw your daughter being carried to shore, how did you feel?"

Mom looked at the camera, her eyes glossy with tears. "I was scared. It's hard seeing your oldest daughter being carried to shore after a shark attack, looking helpless and lifeless. To see her, and at such a young age, looking like that, you are overcome with fear. I saw how that shark treated her. It basically tore off her whole left leg" I looked down at my leg. "My baby girl was living--for all we know--her last final breaths. I'm sorry, I can't talk about this anymore."

Mom sat down next to Ariel and Mackenzie went up.

"Hello," Mackenzie said.

"Hi. From what I have gathered, you and September were great friends, correct?"

"Yeah. We were...are best friends."

"What was it like to see your friend like that?"

Mackenzie looked down, then back up, revealing tears on her cheeks. "It's definitely hard. She is such an amazing person and didn't deserve this."

"Where is she?" someone asked, bolting through the doors. Dad. "Where is my baby girl?"

Everyone looked at him. Mom took a deep breath, whispered something to Megan, who nodded, and got up.

"Ben...what are you doing here?" she asked calmly.

"What am I doing here!" he yelled. "I'm here to see my daughter! And thanks for telling me what happened. It gave me less of a heart attack when I saw the story on the news!"

Mom started to look around. Some people were staring at the, to them, random outburst.

"Not here, okay?" she whispered.

"Then when, Angie? Do you even know what happened, or were you too blind to see like you always were?" he shot back.

"Hey, that's not fair. I was in a tough situa—"

"Ha, same old Angie. Making excuses. Well you not watching our daughter was your last mistake."

"Sir, if I may cut in," Tyler said.

"Who are you?" he asked in a not-so-pleasant manner.

"I'm Tyler, September's boyfriend. I really don't think this is the time to discuss this."

"What makes you think you can butt in on this conversation, young man? It is none of your business."

"I'm sorry, sir, but I disagree. It is my business because I am involved in your daughter's life."

"You will never be as involved in my daughter's life as I am."

"Oh really?" Tyler yelled. "I think I'm more involved in her life than you have ever been! When was the last time you called her, said happy birthday to her, said merry Christmas? When was the last time you saw her dance recital, or experienced her stages of cooking? When was the last time you congratulated her on the success of her writing? I have been there through it all! I have seen her cry on her birthday, on Christmas day when you never returned her calls! I have been to every single one of her dance recitals since the day I met her! I have watched her grow into a mature, amazing young lady that I am proud to call my girlfriend! I have watched her get so excited that people are buying her book, though it is old and may not be her best work, but the excitement was still there. Where were you?"

People were staring at them now. Dad stood there, a stiff pole, as well as Tyler. Tyler's eyes were full of hurt and anger. He started talking again, but quieter now.

"I have been there through her awkward days, and let me tell you, every day, something awkward happens, but that's what I love about her. She was never afraid to be herself. She is never afraid of being herself. Sir, I have come to know this amazing girl you call your Princess. But, I encourage you to figure things out before you storm in here, accusing your wife of things she didn't do. I know the story between the two of you, but this is not the place nor the time."

I smiled. That's my Tyler.

Beeps came on over the intercom, along with a frantic nurse yelling "Assistance in room 102." Doctors rushed down the hall. I felt a surge of energy run through me. It was only for a second, but it made me weak. Then there was another wave and another. The room grew hazy and I could barely make out any shapes. Then it stopped and I was back to normal. Or at least as normal as I could be.

A doctor in a white lab coat walked out, a sorrowful expression on her face. Her blonde hair sat upon her shoulders, her blue eyes glistening beneath the hospital lights. Her skin was tan and she was tall.

"I'm sorry to inform you," she began, "that September has passed. You can say goodbye to her one last time." Then she walked away.

I heard Mom gasp and Megan whimper. Mackenzie stared blankly at Ariel and vice versa. Tyler sat down, as well as Dad.

"She's...but I never got to say goodbye," Dad whispered. A single tear rolled down his cheek. I have never seen him cry before.

They got up to say bye to me. Tyler brushed the hair out of my face and kissed my cheek. Everyone was crying. Then I realized I was, too. After saying their goodbyes, they exited the room.

"Come on. Let's go home," Mom said.

"Wait!" I yelled. "Wait! I'm still here! I'm right here!"

Tyler looked into the room one final time. His eyes were full of sadness and were no longer the bright blue eyes I have grown to know and love.

"Tyler! Mom! Megan! I'm right here!" They kept walking. "Dad, Mackenzie! Ariel! Guys!"

My voice grew hoarse as tears invaded my eyes and sadness corrupted my body. They walked out of the building and went their separate ways. Standing in the hall, I looked at the door. They're gone. I thought. I'm gone.

"Guys," I whispered. I sat down on the chair in the hall and cried.

—————————

I continued to sit in the blue plastic chair of the now crowded hall for what felt like hours. My face was tear-stained and eyes puffy.

"September?" Amelia asked.

"How could this happen?" I whispered. "How could I lose everything?"

I turned to look at her. Even though there was no sunlight in here, she still looked as if she was glowing. Her gold eyes were sorrowful.

"September, you did not lose everything, for you still have the grace of God."

I stood up, angry. "Oh yeah? Then where is He? I don't see Him. Aren't I supposed to see Him now that I'm dead?" My voice sounded thick with tears.

A woman with red hair pulled back in a ponytail and blue scrubs walked through me. There was a chill in the air around me; it felt weird. Amelia cringed a little at the sight. Someone just walked through me. Someone just walked through me! I sat down due to the mixed feelings of nausea, fear, and sadness. Amelia spoke up in hopes of changing the subject. It worked.

"Earlier you asked me what my mission, what your mission was. We have reason to believe that you have lost that fiery passion for God you once possessed. For example, you asked why you have lost everything and said you weren't ready. My mission is to help you regain that passion within ninety-six hours..

"We will have several stops in which you will see past events, the first one being the attack that cost you your life, as well as chances to see your friends. As I said, our first stop will be the attack. First, I must warn you of a few things. Once we reach the destination, I will not be able to return until you have seen everything you need to see or you have learned your lesson. Also, you must never, ever, try to change something that has already been done. Once we feel you have regained that burning passion, your mission will be over."

"What if I don't want to see the attack?" I asked, crossing my arms. "What if I don't want to see anything? What if I don't want to be dead? I can't be dead! Why, Amelia? Why am I dead!"

"I'm afraid you have no choice. And I have already informed you as to why your time on earth ended so quickly. There is a purpose to what you may think now are God's insane ways. But trust me, something good will come out of it. I strongly advise that you close your eyes as we travel."

Before I could argue, the wind picked up around us, just like in the meadow. I didn't close my eyes, which I soon learned was a mistake. As we traveled back in time, everything changed from black to white to black to white and so on. After only a few seconds, I started to become dizzy. Finally, it was over.

I stood on a crowded beach. Just as Amelia said she would, she disappeared. Children splashed in the water as parents either read books or tried to catch up on their summer tans before the beautiful weather had ended.

It didn't take me long to spot Tyler, Megan, and I. We were splashing around in the water. I didn't realize how far we truly were until I saw it now. Slowly, I walked closer to the frothy ocean. I knew what was going to happen, but I had this awful gut feeling in the pit of my stomach. The knot grew bigger and bigger with every step I took.

As I watched Tyler splash me, I saw it. The shark. The black dorsal fin was cutting the water in half as it traveled. Then the whistle blew. We looked at them. The shark disappeared. Then it happened. I was dragged under.

"No!" I yelled, hoping that they would hear me, but I knew full well they wouldn't. "No! Tyler! Megan! Someone!"

Tyler yelled my name, scared out of his mind. My hand shot up. When did I lift my hand in the air? It looked as if I was trying to reach for the sun, but when I failed, I was dragged further down and fell short of the light. People were screaming. Among the screams, I heard my own exasperated scream.

Before I knew it, I was above water again. I looked so pale. I know that my memory was patchy after the attack and everything was blurred together, but there were some things I didn't realize happened. For instance, once Tyler pulled me up, we both tried to swim. Sadly, I couldn't. Tyler turned me on my back and began to yell for help. The lifeguards went out to the water.

By the time I reached the shore, I was standing by the the shoreline. I never knew exactly what happened until now. My left leg was completely gone. There was so much blood. My stomach felt as if it got smaller and smaller. I turned around and kneeled on the sand. Tears ran down my face as I sobbed. I couldn't watch it anymore.

"Amelia!" I cried. "Amelia, please. I can't watch anymore." Nothing. "Amelia!"

You'll be able to leave once you see everything you needed to see. Once I felt as if I was able to turn around, I looked at where I was lying. The sand around my left leg was red. Tyler was holding my hand.

"I love you. Please don't leave," he said.

I began to feel dizzy. He didn't say stay strong or you'll be okay. He said he loved me. The conversation we had yesterday came to mind. My whole body began to shake. Could he have known that I was going to die?

I turned around, trying to calm down. I saw the ambulance drive onto the sand in a hurried manner. The paramedics got out, yelling medical terms to each other and ran to my aid. Due to my constant curiosity, I watched them help me. They were swift as they picked me up slowly and gently. Before they wheeled me into the ambulance, I looked down at my lifeless body. It felt cold to the touch and my skin was pale. I heard my shallow breaths and flinched at the horrific sound. How could this have happened? As I looked down, I brushed the hair out of what I will now call past September's face. I stared into her blue eyes, watching the life, sunlight, and joy drain out of them. My once rosy cheeks were no longer rosy. I said one last goodbye before they dragged me away from the beach, from my family, from my friends, from my life.

Mom, Megan, Mackenzie, Ariel, and Tyler all looked terrified. Mom yelled something while Megan was crying into Ariel's stomach. Mackenzie was hugging Tyler, her back to me, as Tyler stared directly at me. My hopes lifted as I thought could he see me? But I knew better as to believe it was true because when I turned around, I realized I was right in front on the vehicle that held my last few moments. I watched as the doors were closed. They drove away, their sirens blaring.

When I turned back around, everyone was walking away. I watched as my family and friends left all of our belongings and hurry to our car. The urge of following them was strong, but i fought it, knowing full well that I shouldn't.

Soon, only I stood on the beach. Everyone seemed to fade. Then I realized, the moment I needed to see was over. I walked over to the ocean. The waves crashed over my feet. Without even thinking it through, I sat down on the sand. The rushing water of the ocean swam towards me, soon soaking my white sundress.

"God," I whispered, "why did this happen? Why today? Why now? If you thought I was drifting away from you, why not give me more time to find find my way back to you?"

A tear slid down my face and to the ground. The sand caught it, quickly absorbing the water that fell from my sorrowful eyes.

"September?" an unfamiliar voice asked.

I turned around to find a man in white, gold hair, and gold eyes like Amelia. Wiping the tears away, I nodded.

"Yeah?"

"I am Caleb. I know you have already met Amelia and that she has told you your mission. I am here to help, as well. God has also sent me down as a guardian angel for you to help you on this mission."

"Can you do me favor?" I asked. He nodded. "The next time you see Amelia, can you tell her I'm sorry? I'm sorry for my attitude towards everything. I know she is trying to help. I just don't know how to comprehend it all. Please, tell her that."

"I will."

"Thank you."

"I'm sure you're aware that you will be seeing past and present events. You have already seen the present and the past, in which was the most important, your death, and now it is time for a past event, in which will show you why this was your time," Caleb said.

"Okay."

"I'm sure I don't need to explain this one to you, but the first past event we will be seeing is your first day at church. There is no chronological order to when these events will be made present to you and unlike Amelia, if you do need help, I will be there to assist you. Just call my name and I am there."

"Why can't Amelia come if I call her name?" I asked.

"Well, there is a process to things. For those who die before their time and think they are not ready, which is your case, that person has two guardian angels: a messenger and a helper. Amelia is your messenger. She will come whenever you are needed at your next event. There are times where I am with her when she does her part."

"Oh. Well then that explains why she never appeared when I called her name."

"Precisely," Caleb continued. "If, for some reason, you are in grave danger and need both the helper and the messenger, then both will be there. We will be watching down on you at all times."

"Okay. Thank you."

"Are you ready for your next event?" Amelia asked as she popped up next to Caleb.

"Yes, I am ready."

"Excellent. Then now we will get—"

"Amelia?" I interrupted her? "I'm sorry. Truly. I just—"

"September," she said, "I heard. I appreciate your apology. You are a strong young lady and I know you will get through this. Just believe."

"Okay. I'm ready."

"Great," Caleb said.

"Let's go," Amelia added.

And with that, we were off. I closed my eyes like I was told to do. This time, it felt different. It felt, warm, gentle, loving. For once since my death, I was calm and ready to tackle whatever came my way. That was easier said than done.