I screamed as I burst out of the water. The pain was unbearable. My heart began to race when I saw Tyler. Reaching for him, I nearly fell beneath the waves. Luckily, he grabbed me in time.

Tyler started to push my limp body to shore all while keeping himself afloat. People still continued to run out of the water as the lifeguards ran towards us. I was closer to them now so they didn't have to swim.

"Don't die on us, September," Tyler said. "Don't die on us."

—————————

We were back at the meadow where I first arrived. Everything was finally back to normal, or as far as I knew. I still needed to check up on my family. But something was keeping me from doing so. There was something I needed to do first.

"Guys, I need to talk to you," I said.

Amelia and Caleb looked at me. They smiled as they were ready to hear what I had to say.

"So, the other day, God talked to me. He said I needed to remember the good in things. I still don't know if I can do that. I need your help to do so."

"September," Amelia began, "we will help you. Your journey is nearly over. We will do anything to help you reach the end."

"Thank you. I will need the help of both of you. And I know I have been a complete jerk and child through this process, but I didn't know who I was. I didn't love God, I only loved Tyler and my family. I didn't know what I had to lose until I lost it. I valued my life more than anything."

"Jesus said it himself, you are blessed when you lose your most prized possession because then you know what it is like to lose something you love so much," Amelia said. "When you lost your family, friends, Tyler, and your life, you understood in a way what it felt like for God to lose His son. You are blessed, September. I just wish you could have realized that sooner."

"Me too," I said.

"September," Caleb said. "What I was saying earlier, I apologize. I was way out of line. I shouldn't have said any of—"

I kissed his cheek. I know Caleb was genuine with this, but he was genuine with that before, as well.

"Caleb, I love you, as well, but only as a friend. I know my place isn't with you because there was never meant to be anything for us. You were my guardian angel and I was this messed up Virginia girl who thought she knew her place. Also, my place is where God needs me to be. It might be with you, but not in that sense. We have created this amazing friendship that I want to lose. You were here to help me find who I am and I thank you for that. But nothing more can happen besides the friendship we have. If I end up going to heaven, our friendship will stand. I hope you understand."

He nodded. "I do, but if you will allow me to do one thing before you reach the end..."

I looked at him, slightly confused. Caleb stood before me, looking at me. His gold eyes glistened. I knew right then what he was about to do, and I would not deny him of that, as he has done so much for me. I smiled as I looked at him. Slowly, he bent his head down and kissed me. It was only for a split second, as he stepped back a moment later.

"Thank you," he whispered.

Amelia looked at us, shock painted on her face.

"Well, I obviously missed something here, but I'm not going to say anything else."

I laughed and looked at both of them.

"If you two will excuse me," I began, "I am going down to see everyone and say my final goodbyes."

They nodded as I smiled. I nodded back and thought of my house. Wind enveloped me as I transported to my home.

————————

"We're glad you're home," Mom said as I walked into the living room.

Sitting on the couch was Tyler. I smiled as joy bubbled in the pit of my stomach. Megan hugged him, laughing at Tyler's reaction.

"Is September here, Little Munchkin?"

She looked around, trying to see if she could hear me. I tried to stay as quiet as possible, as I knew that was the right thing to do. It hurt me at first, but I rather would have remained quiet instead of letting her believe I was here then leave. It would break her little heart.

"No, but she's in a better place. She isn't in pain anymore."

"How do you know, sweetie?" Mom asked.

"I can feel it. She's happy."

Everyone smiled and hugged Tyler and Megan. I smiled as I looked at the happy group. They were finally happy and Satan no longer had his grip on them.

Just as I was about to walk out of the house, I sensed a joyful presence. I turned around to see a little white orb just outside my bedroom. Looking back at my family, I smiled. Nothing could hurt them anymore. Knowing they were safe was enough for me to move on. I walked down the hall, past all the photos of Megan as a baby, Megan and me together, me as a kid, etcetera. I went back to my room and walked through the door so a sound would not be heard.

"September," said a voice. "You have made me proud. Look at your friends out there. You have protected them. You have found your place."

"How?" I asked. "You told me that I would find my place once I found the good in everything. This makes so sense."

A gust of wind brushed past me. Goosebumps invaded my skin. I looked around my room, trying to make sense of this all.

"Look at your heart. Why did you stand up to Satan?"

"For my friends..."

"Who did you watch over when it was day and night on this earth I have created for you?"

It finally clicked. Energy ran through me as I knew what this was about. It wasn't about me, it was about them. It was always about them.

"My Friends...It was always my family. I didn't die for me, I died for them. I died to show them a greater purpose. I died to protect them."

"My daughter, you have found the good in life. The good is not what always makes you happy. The good is what you have devoted yourself to. The good is who you are and what you have set out to do. The good is the ones you love the most and doing everything you possibly can for them, even if it's scary."

"God?" I asked.

"Yes?"

I smiled as tears invaded my eyes. He was finally there with me. I finally knew who I spoke to. I finally knew my place.

"Thank you. For everything. I could not have done this without you. I didn't die for me. I wish I'd known that before yelling at you and them. I wish I'd known."

"But you did. You just didn't know it yet. Look deep inside you, September. Find out who you truly are. Find out your purpose. Your next step awaits you."

I smiled and took a deep breath as I closed my eyes. I thought of the meadow upon my arrival. I thought of Tyler and Mackenzie and Ariel and Mom and Megan. I thought of the sunrises and sunsets. I thought of the beach. I thought of the attack. Most importantly, I thought of my journey.

I opened my eyes and ran out of my room. With one final look at my friends and family, I wished to be with Caleb and Amelia. The soft wind enveloped me, giving me one final look at them.

"Goodbye," I whispered. "Goodbye."

I saw Tyler shiver and smile. The tears I had kept from falling fell down my cheeks and to the floor. Megan laughed as Ariel did a little happy dance. I knew Megan was in great hands. That was the only thing I wanted for her: to be happy. The wind transported me from where I was to where I needed to be. Home.

————————

"Amelia!" I yelled. "Caleb!"

My heartbeat quickened simply out of pure joy. Everything was back to the way it was supposed to be. They were no longer in pain, I was no longer confused, the light was finally shining. Many thoughts ran through my mind as I thought of my journey. Tears formed in my eyes as I looked at my guardian angels.

"Yes?" Caleb asked.

"I understand now," I said. "I understand why I died, I understand who I am, I understand my purpose."

The tears broke free, trailing down my cheeks. I smiled as I told them the news.

"No one is in pain anymore. I'm not in a state of confusion anymore. For once, I feel God's presence. I feel Him. I didn't die because I was disobedient. I died for a higher purpose. I died so I could be a legacy. I died so I could show everyone who I truly was and who He truly is. I died because it was my time. I died because I am forgiven."

"Congratulations, September. You have successfully learned the reasoning behind your death. See? You truly were created for a special, specific purpose."

"Thank you," I said through tears. I gave Amelia a hug then Caleb.

"Now you may enter heaven," Caleb said, smiling.

My stomach flipped with joy. This was finally the moment. I smiled and looked at the light shining before me. Then, a thought came to mind, a thought I never imagined to think.

"Actually, as nice as that sounds, can I go back to the day of my death?"

Caleb and Amelia looked at one another; their eyebrows furrowed together, creating two golden caterpillars. When Amelia looked at me, it seemed as if she understood. Maybe she did. Maybe, she finally understood me.

"You want to go to relive the moment, to—"

"Put what I have learned into perspective, yes," I finished.

Caleb finally spoke up. "Well, I don't see why not. But, be warned, some things might change. You might have to go through the trial again, or you might not. And, you won't remember the attack happening. It will come as a surprise to you, but you will remember your journey as if it were a dream. Just—be careful."

I hugged both of them. With smiles plastered on all of our faces, I had a good feeling. I finally understood what it meant to have a relationship with God, and let me tell you, it is an amazing feeling.

"Okay, you best be on your way," Amelia said.

I nodded and turned around. As I began to walk towards the life I left, I thought of something. Stopping, I turned back around and looked at my two beautiful guardian angels.

"If—if I don't see either of you again, I want you both to know that I am grateful to have you as my guardian angel. You brought me to a place I wish I was in a long time ago. And, I love you both. Thank you, again, for helping me."

They nodded and I turned back around, wiping the tears away. I took a deep breath and headed back to my old life.

—————————

I took a deep breath as I woke up. Confusion enveloping me, I looked around. I was in the hotel room. Tyler's bed was unmade and I heard laughter in the next room.

"Okay, September," I said to myself, "make today count. Remember, no matter what happens today, everything will be okay."

The door to our room opened. Tyler walked in, holding a tray that consisted of a bowl of cereal and a cup of orange juice.

"Did you say something?" he asked.

"No, just talking to myself. You know me, a self-talker."

He chuckled and set down the tray. "You seem like you're in an awfully cheerful mood this morning."

"I do, don't I? I don't know what it is. I guess I just had a really good dream."

"Okay, well, we're going to the beach soon, so I suggest you eat quickly then get changed. I'll be in the other room if you need me." He kissed my cheek and left the room, closing the door behind him.

Smiling, I took a spoonful of cereal and a gulp of orange juice. I couldn't quite put my finger on it, but something about today seemed different—more spiritual, to be exact. I couldn't help but be in a state of peace.

————————

The sand was warm as we walked to find a place to sit. The beach was crowded, and I wasn't surprised as to why. These were our last final moments on the beach before next summer. Megan rushed to a spot close to the water and stood there. Mom, Mackenzie, Ariel, Tyler and I walked over to where she stood and set our towels down. Mackenzie, Ariel, and Megan were the first to go out in the water. I sat down on my towel and took out my book. The sun beat down on my skin, making me feel warm.

"What are you reading, my little bibliophile?" Tyler asked.

I giggled and looked at him. "Bibliophile?"

"Yeah," he said. "I had to look it up. It made you smile so my mission is complete."

I threw sand at him and smiled. "Dork."

"So what are you reading?"

I put my bookmark in and set my book down on the sand. "It's called True Warrior. It's about a girl who goes hiking with her friends and loses her arm. Her friends end up bringing her to God."

"It sounds cool," he said.

"Yeah, it is. I am nearly done with it. I totally recommend the book."

Screams from children rang through my ears as they got hit by the waves. I couldn't help but smile at the sweet sound of joy erupting from the innocent human beings. Megan ran in, drenched from head to toe, kicking sand up in the air and to the sides with every step she took, along with Mackenzie and Ariel. They sat on their towels, completely out of energy.

"Man, September, Megan really loves the beach," Ariel said, out of breath.

"Yeah. She's a ball of energy," Mackenzie added, laughing.

I looked at Megan, who was smiling from ear to ear. I pushed the wet hair out of her face.

"Yup. That she is."

"Do you want to go out?" he asked.

"Yeah, sure," I said.

"Okay, just let me put sunblock on."

"Okay," I said. "I'll meet you out there."

I got up and walked to the water. The waves began to crash over my feet as I got closer to the ocean. I expected it to be cold, but it was warm. Walking out to the water, I smiled as I saw children splashing water at their family and friends. Before I knew it, I was waist deep.

"September!" Tyler yelled. He swam towards me, laughing. I began to swim away, the warm ocean waves hitting me. Turning around, I smiled. Tyler laughed and made his way to me. "Wait up!"

The water was a clear blue. Children were screaming and laughing as they jumped over and under and splashed in the waves. Mom waved at us, her video camera focused on Tyler and me. I blew a kiss and waved back. Tyler picked me up, catching me off guard. I screamed and laughed, telling him to put me down. Mom chuckled as she kept the camera on us. He then set me down. I splashed him, not knowing I had started a splashing war. He splashed me back a few times before the war was over. I won. We laughed and smiled as the waves knocked us down. Tyler jumped on me.

"Tyler!" I yelled before I was sent under the water.

I watched the bubbles float up as I laughed. He was going to pay. The waves looked cool as they curled over me. I never noticed how intricate they looked from underneath. Before I could grab his ankle, he swam away. I swam up to the surface, my head bobbing above the waves. Tyler was too far for me jump on him with no swimming involved.

My dirty blonde hair stuck to my face as the sun hit the intruding salt water. I kicked my legs back and forth trying to keep myself afloat. Tyler made his way back to me, along with my little sister Megan. She was grinning from ear to ear.

The waves splashed against me. Megan started to laugh as I was pushed under the water. Saltwater got in my mouth and I spit it out. She laughed harder as she made her way to me. I laughed, too, and waved at them. Tyler picked her up and set her on his shoulders, resulting in her to giggle uncontrollably.

"Hey, Little Monkey," I said.

"Tyler! Throw me in the water like you used to!" Megan said.

Tyler obeyed and tossed her into the water. Megan burst out from beneath the water, giggling. "Again! Again!"

The people around us began to disperse. As the sun got higher, noon got closer. We swam for a little bit until we heard a whistle. None of us bothered to look at the lifeguards. We thought we were fine as we swam in the designated area. Then it happened.

I was dragged under the water, my sister's screams ringing through my ears. Looking up, I saw the sun glistening against the ocean surface.

"September!" Tyler yelled.

Screams surrounded me, as well as shrieking whistles. I could faintly hear the screams as the word "shark" left the mouths of the frantic vacationers. Bubbles danced towards the ocean surface. There was a break in the cloudy sky, finally letting the sun shine over the water. I noticed how peaceful it was. With my hands floating in the brackish water above me, all feeling, all emotions started to co-exist, then faded completely. My long, dirty blonde hair created a halo around my head, swimming with the ocean current. As I looked around me, I began to notice the little things. Silver fish swam before me, the school shimmering whenever they hit the sunlight. Seaweed, green and tangled, got caught in my uplifted arms. Everything was quiet and pure. Nothing could disturb this moment.

Pain rushed through my right leg as I looked up at the ocean surface. The waves bobbed up and down, the energy soaring through me. A hand reached down, splitting the blue surface above me in half for a split second. I reached up for it, my legs kicking as much as they possibly could beneath me.

Successfully, I grabbed the hand. I knew from the moment I held on that it was Tyler's. He tried to pull me up, but whatever had hold of my leg pulled me down—I was the rope in a game of Tug of War.

After several minutes of pulling, the unforgiving creature released its jaws, resulting in my being to fly up to the surface once Tyler pulled me up.

I screamed as I burst out of the water. The pain was unbearable. My heart began to race when I saw Tyler. Reaching for him, I nearly fell beneath the waves. Luckily, he grabbed me in time.

Tyler started to push my limp body to shore all while keeping himself afloat. People still continued to run out of the water as the lifeguards ran towards us. I was closer to them now so they didn't have to swim.

"Don't die on us, September," Tyler said. "Don't die on us."

Some children screamed as parents gasped. I looked to my right. The water was blood red. A dark dorsal fin moved away quickly. I could see the tail moving from side to side as the wretched creature swam away from the shore. I looked back up at the sky, trying to catch my breath.

"Don't worry," a lifeguard said. "you'll be okay. Help is on its way."

Soon, we made it to the beach. Everyone gathered around me. I tried to remain calm, but it was hard to do. I looked over to my side, finding Tyler. He was holding my hand, saying something to me, but I could not make out his words. I tried to read his lips. I came up with "Stay strong," and "You'll be okay." Then I thought of it again. He didn't say those things, he said, "I love you. Please don't leave."

"Tyler," I whispered in his ear, "I will never leave you. God is with you. I love you."

Slowly, I turned my head so I was looking back up at the sky. I closed my eyes, trying to focus on my breathing. They were sparse and shallow. Then I opened them again. Everyone was looking down on me. They were so blurry. I couldn't make out what they were saying. Tyler's eyebrows were furrowed together, Mom's eyes were wide, Ariel's face was tear-stained, as well as Mackenzie's, Megan was nowhere to be seen.

I felt like I was moving. It took me a minute before I realized the ambulance was here and they were putting me on a gurney. I didn't even notice them arrive. A big group of people were standing around us, watching as the paramedics frantically picked me up and set me on the white surface of the gurney. I could faintly hear screams and cries.

I looked up at the now cloudy sky and smiled. Thunder rumbled in the distance, as raindrops began to fall from the sky. Tyler held my hand and I looked at him. He looked almost as scared as I felt. When they began to roll me away, he followed as quickly as he possibly could. I looked back up at the dark, gloomy sky. Raindrops fell on my face and body. Everyone seemed to stand in the place they were before as they watched them roll me away.

"He is with me, He is with me, He is with me," I whispered over and over again. "He is with me, He is with me, He is with me."

I was submerged in nothing but peace. The memories of the past few days ran through my head. Amelia and Caleb, Satan and Demons. It all seemed so real. Because it was real. I didn't care that I was dying anymore because I would be with my heavenly Father.

I smiled, and, without any warning, I closed my eyes, for what I thought was the last time. I felt the ambulance moving as we made our way to the hospital. I couldn't see anything, but I could feel it. I could feel our movement, I could feel my heart trying to stay strong, I could feel my breaths receding.

It didn't take us long to reach the hospital. I heard machines beeping and doctors yelling. I could hear my heartbeat slowing and my breaths wheezing. I could hear everything. Then I heard nothing, then a single sound, a single beep over and over again.

Beep, beep, beep, beep. I shifted, taking deep breaths. A hand pushed the hair out of my face, resulting in me to shiver. I opened my eyes and coughed uncontrollably. Mom and Ariel sat upright and ran out of the room. I took several deep breaths before looking up at the ceiling, then the wall, then Tyler, who sat on the edge of the bed. When he looked at me, he smiled.

"You're back."

"Tyler?" I whispered.

Tears trailed down my face as I sat up to hug him. I smiled and closed my eyes.