https://youtu.be/4yWTxNRxdRI

Part 2:

It had been about a week since she came back. Elena woke up at 8:00 AM on a Saturday to the sound of the steady wind occasionally tapping on her window pane. She could hear some black-capped chickadees chirping in the distance as she admired the thin blanket of sparkling snow covering house rooves and their chimneys. 

Elena was a work in progress and she was okay with that. She was finally okay with a lot of things. But, she needed to right a lot of wrongs. She needed to make amends with her sister and mother. After experiencing what she did in Cartagena with Andreas, one may think she would become a completely different person. But, that's not how addiction works. Drugs take a lot of time and commitment to get off of them for good. At least for Elena. 

The orange and yellow cover of The Alchemist sitting on her dresser stared at her, yearning to be opened. She still hadn't opened up page 24 of The Alchemist partly because she was afraid. She had no idea what Andreas had for her on that page and though she was curious, she wanted to open it up at the perfect moment. So, she gave it a couple more days. She decided she would take the book with her today to the cemetery.

She tiptoed downstairs and grabbed her navy blue coat, wrapping it around herself. She put on her snow boots and opened the front door as quietly as possible, careful not to disturb her mother or sister. The sun was a pale pearl in the winter sky. She took out her leather gloves from her jacket pocket and put them on as she headed toward the bus stop. As she sat on the bench and waited for the bus to arrive, her breath made puffs of visible cool air which quickly disappeared into the cold morning. After a couple of minutes, two large headlights appeared and she stepped into the approaching bus. 

The bus was empty and Elena sat down in the front on a cold seat. When her stop arrived, Elena stepped off and grabbed two bouquets from the nearby flower shop. Conveniently, the cemetery was just two blocks away. 

Elena entered the eerie graveyard with no one in sight. She passed by grey tombstones and her breathing quickened ejecting a cloud of smoke in front of her. Elena felt a pit in her stomach and was consumed by overwhelming nausea. Hues of various flowers peeked out from under the blanket of snow. The blinding white of the graveyard made it strangely beautiful to look at. 

She arrived at Melissa's grave. She hadn't visited it since she passed away. The memories with her were as sharp and clear as glass. The tombstone read:

In Loving Memory of

Melissa Carter

1982-2001

There was no epitaph. Her parents were in such shock and disbelief that they could not think of any words. Elena remembered their horrified eyes staring into Elena's as if they had seen a ghost. But, Elena could hear Melissa's careless laughter in the air around her.

"What are you doing here?" A voice all too familiar asked, approaching Elena from behind.

Elena whipped her head around, shaken by the sound. 

It was Melissa.

****

Melissa had one of her thick eyebrows raised and her long arms crossed. Her curly, chocolate brown hair was parted in the middle and fell to her shoulders. Melissa's dark eyes looked at Elena in confusion as Elena began to tremble. Was she hallucinating again?

"I-I came to see you," Elena's eyes widened looking at the girl.

She couldn't believe she was interacting with her hallucination.

"Oh," Melissa said, smiling kindly at her.

"Am I dead?" Elena asked.

Melissa laughed in her high-pitched voice. "No, silly. I am."

Elena figured she was dreaming. She gulped down her fear.

"I'm-I'm sorry it's been a while since I came to see you," Elena said, still not sure whether she was dreaming or hallucinating.

Though the winter cold made it seem like the latter. 

"That's fine," Melissa smiled at her, stepping closer. "I'm glad you didn't."

Elena frowned. "Why?"

"Because you make me want to live again. And you and I both know that's not possible anymore."

She stood there casually in her light pink winter jacket and kind eyes.

Then, Melissa's face became serious. "Don't do it, Elena."

Elena frowned. "Do what?"

"Don't mess yourself up as I did," She said.

"I-I wasn't planning to," Elena said, still a little shocked. "I'm trying to...To fix things."

"You were planning on it," Melissa declared excitedly. "You don't even know it. But I know. You wanna know how? Because if there's one good thing about being dead, it's having this sixth sense. It's kind of like seeing into the future. And right now, you're not in a good place."

"Well then, what do I do?" Elena asked, unknowingly dropping the geraniums and facing her.

Melissa laughed and her rosy cheeks glowed. "Don't do what I did."

She nervously chuckled and then a shadow of concern appeared on her face. "I was a terrible influence on you. I did this to myself and almost dragged you down with me."

Her friend smiled again at Elena and looked at her seriously. "Know who you're surrounded by, Elena. The people around you are what make you."

"Do you love your parents?" Melissa asked as she stepped closer to Elena, eye to eye with her.

"Well, do you?" Melissa asked again louder.

Elena vigorously nodded her head stepping back onto the snowy pathway.

"Then, don't do it," Melissa sternly said. "Look at the grave beside mine."

Elena looked and was surprised to see that the girl next to her, also died at 18 in the same year as Melissa.

"She died of addiction too," Melissa said casually. "Her mother's in a mental asylum because she believes her daughter is still alive. The woman pulled out every hair on her scalp and eyebrows because she had become insane. It was all because of addiction eating away at her daughter."

Melissa calmly smiled and walked over to her tombstone, turning her head towards Elena who couldn't believe she was staring right at her dead best friend.

"Thanks for the geraniums," She grinned, picking them up.

Elena stared at Melissa in confusion, panic, and shock. Her voice was muffled and distant and then turned into a high-pitched ring. Elena closed her eyes and then snapped them open to see that Melissa was gone. She took a deep breath and shook her head. The geraniums on the tombstone hadn't budged.

Surprisingly, she wasn't afraid. Maybe, it was a vision. Jennette always said that trauma could make you envision someone so vividly that you thought you were having a conversation with them.

Elena spent a few moments reminiscing about the short-lived memories of a great friend. She could finally let Melissa rest in peace and let her own heart rest in peace too. She was still surprised by her vision but decided to ponder on it later. Then, she slowly walked over to her father's grave and laid the sunflowers there.

Jeremy Wilson

1950-2001

Dad, you are the morning light before the sun itself.

Elena smiled at the epitaph. She and her sister Stella had thought long and hard about that line. Sunflowers were perfect as they always saw their father in the sunlight. She explained her incredible journey from start to finish. It was bittersweet. It almost felt unfair that her father wasn't there to hear about her trip, but it also felt good to confront the past and come to terms with it. 

Elena decided to finish The Alchemist for her father, making sure she didn't accidentally open up page 24. She frowned when she saw a piece of paper inside. It was folded up. She knew she couldn't read it right now because she didn't want to think about Andreas. It made her feel upset like a piece was missing from her heart. She put the note into her pocket and went to the last couple of pages of the book, reading them out loud to her father. She almost cried when she read the ending; it was perfect.

Elena was trying to show her mother how responsible and caring she was. These days, she helped around the house with errands and cooking meals. She wanted to show She got home just in time to make breakfast. The sound of her sister and mother coming downstairs with an excited smile on their faces pleased her and made her feel somewhat accomplished. Sometimes, it felt like those moments slowed down and Elena saw everything in slow motion. She tried to savor every laugh, every smile, and every word that was said. It was like being a mere stranger watching her happy family from the window. 

For a long time, Elena felt so detached. She would always be in her room completely isolated, feeling like a danger to everyone. The only place she would go was Melissa's home or Tarence's garage. Things with her mother were turbulent like a silent war being waged in each of their hearts. But, it was all for love.

"You're up early," Her mother said, coming up behind her.

Her mother had the same hazel eyes as Elena and a contagious smile. Her eyes looked tired though as if she hadn't slept for many nights. She slouched over tiredly.

"I thought I'd make you guys some pancakes," Elena smiled at her.

Elena flipped the pancake in the pan.

"Thank you," Her mother said, yawning and smiling warmly at her.

Stella sat at the table, still half-asleep in her chair. Her long, straight hair was almost black unlike Elena's and her mother's brown hair and her eyes were a beautiful ocean blue. Her eyes reminded Elena of the salty Caribbean Sea. Stella's pale face was a beautiful oval and she was graceful and polite. Elena and she were physically opposite, but they had almost the same taste in everything.

"Mom," Stella said, resting her head on her hand. "Why'd you name me Stella? It's so boring."

Elena's mother sat down at the table and chuckled. "Do you know what your name means?"

Stella shook her head.

"It means star. You are my star."

"And what does Elena mean?"

"It means bright," Her mom replied, as Elena set down breakfast on the table. "Together, you are my 'bright star.'"

She smiled warmly at both of them. "This means you two have to stick together."

Her mother looked toward the photo frame of their father, with a hint of sadness in her hazel eyes. "Your dad named both of you."

Elena hated when her mom mentioned their father and held a sad smile that made her feel responsible and uncomfortable.

"I think I'm going to go visit some friends today," Elena declared at the table as she set down the pancakes.

"Who?" Her mom asked.

"Cheryl," Elena said.

Her mom let out a deep breath. "Elena. I don't want you going over to Cheryl's anymore. I don't...Trust her."

"She's one of my best friends," Elena frowned.

"I just don't have a good feeling about her," Her mother said softly. "Why don't you go to Kennedy's instead? She's been having a rough time with her parents' divorce."

Elena almost scoffed. Kennedy was even worse than Cheryl.

"Sure," Elena lied.

They ate in silence.

"Stella is going over to Amanda's today," Her mom suddenly declared. "I'm going to drop her off there and then I have a shift at work."

Elena nodded and avoided looking at her mother who stood up and kissed Elena's forehead after breakfast.

"I'll be back by then," Elena said, pulling away from her mother quickly.

She skittered towards the door with her jacket on and turned the door handle.

"Bye, Elena!" Stella called out after her.

Elena was relieved to be out of her home so she could take a deep breath, inhaling the cold winter air again. Things weren't the same anymore. There was an unwelcome tension that never seemed to dissipate. She didn't want to deal with her mother's melancholic eyes that reminded her of what she was capable of. The truth was that she wasn't going to Cheryl's or Kennedy's place. 

She walked a couple of blocks over to Tarence's. He lived alone with his stepbrother who was always passed out on the couch from excessive alcohol. Elena was disgusted by him but knew she wasn't any different. Tarence's brother, Lucio, was so often passed out, that he didn't even know who showed up at the door. 

Elena did the secret knock on Tarence's back door to let him know it was her. She heard some yelling inside and some stomping. Lucio was not passed out this time. Clearly, they were fighting. Then, she heard footsteps running up to the door and opening it. Elena was met by a soft face, white beanie, and light brown eyes.

"Elena!" Tarence said excitedly when he saw her.

Tarence always wore a black trench coat that went down to his knees and a white beanie that covered his buzz cut. He brought her into a hug which Elena desperately needed.

"How are you doing, kiddo?" He asked, welcoming her in.

Tarence was like a brother figure to Elena. He was about ten years older than her and though he was a drug dealer, he always had great advice.

"Is this a good time?" Elena asked, stopping in his doorway.

"Yeah, yeah," Tarence said, looking back into his living room. "Well, actually, no. Maybe we should take a walk outside?"

"Sounds good," Elena said, smiling.

"I'll go grab my coat," Tarence said. "Can't wait to hear all about your trip."

Elena waited in the doorway for him hearing Lucio's slow steps and muttered curses in the living room. Tarence came back with the house keys and a black winter coat draped over his trench coat.

"Let's go," He smiled at her, stepping down the stairs that led to the house. He covered his head with his hoodie. "So, how was your trip?"

"It was great," Elena said.

"Yeah? I'm kind of jealous. You got nice sunny beaches while we're here freezing in the cold," Tarence said, zipping up his jacket to his chin.

Elena chuckled. "It was technically an incentive."

Tarence laughed. "I should really start seeing Jennette myself. Canadian weather is so bipolar."

Elena nodded in agreement.

"Did it help?" Tarence asked. 

"I guess," Elena said. "I don't really know. But, the hike was so beautiful and the place kind of has its own euphoric feeling."

Tarence nodded. "I'm proud of you, kiddo."

"How's Kennedy? And Lucio?"

"She's lost it. She stops by every other day banging on my back door making me look like the bad guy. Even Lucio thinks Kennedy is a crazy woman. And as for him, I've been trying to move out for so long, but how can I leave Lucio? He's gonna die without me."

Elena sadly smiled up at him. "I'm sorry."

"Ah, well, it is what it is," He said. "That's life."

They walked over to the cafe nearest to the neighbourhood and stepped into its coziness. Elena and Tarence sat down at one of the wooden tables after ordering their drinks.

"You look sad," Tarence said immediately after sitting down across from her.

"I'm upset at myself," Elena said angrily. "I can't even look my mom in the face."

"It's okay, kiddo," He said. "It's not easy. What's happened to you is not fair."

"I don't even know what to do anymore," Elena said. "I thought I finally figured myself out after meeting Andreas, but I-"

"Andreas?" Tarence asked.

"Did I say Andreas?" Elena panicked, not wanting to bring him up.

"Let me guess. It's someone you met during your trip?"

"Yeah," Elena admitted. "He was... Something else. Like you, you know? He was a good listener and made me believe in myself."

"Andreas?" Tarence smirked at her playfully. "Was he really special?"

Elena blushed. "Can we not talk about him, please?"

Tarence chuckled. "Okay, fine. But, you should know you're red as a tomato."

Ever since Elena met Tarence, he reminded her of her father so much. The way he laughed and the way he listened to her. Even the way his facial expressions changed reminded her of him. She didn't know what she'd do without him.

"Everything will get better with time," Tarence said. "And you've already marched through many storms, Elena. Unfortunately, there are still more."

Elena nodded sadly.

"I want you to know that I will support you to the best of my abilities," Tarence said to her in his calming voice. "I know it's not my place to tell you considering I'm not stable myself. I've messed myself up real bad for over seven years now. And I regret every moment of those seven years. You know that guy who would always be in my house? Man, he was so stoned that he ended up in the hospital three times. And every time, he was on the brink of death. Somehow he survived, went to rehab, and all of a sudden, he runs a successful company. He's my age, kiddo. I wish I could turn my life around like him. But, with my stepbrother in tow, it's difficult."

"Let's say you can," Elena said. "What would you do?"

Tarence smiled. "I would open up my own restaurant. You know I love to cook."

"Your tacos are the best," Elena said. "And so is your lasagna."

Tarence chuckled. "I know."

Elena frowned and looked at him. "I had a vision at the cemetery today. It was Melissa. It was like she was right in front of me telling me to do the right thing."

Tarence frowned.

"But, it was like she was giving me advice," Elena exclaimed. "It was really freaky at 8:00 in the morning."

"I don't know if Melissa showing up is freaky or you going to the cemetery at 8:00 in the morning is?" Tarence raised an eyebrow.

"Yeah, I know," Elena chuckled. "But, I had to go before my mom and sister woke up. I didn't want them to know I went."

Tarence nodded understandingly.

"What did Melissa say?" Tarence asked, clasping his hands on the table and furrowing his eyebrows in curiosity.

"She told me that I was planning on doing the wrong thing and that I needed to be wary of who I surround myself with. And she told me not to do what she did."

"And what do you think of all that?" Tarence asked, taking a sip of his latte.

"I mean she's right," Elena said. "I just don't know what I'm planning wrong."

Tarence sighed and sat back in his chair and frowned. "I think the answer to that will unravel itself with time. I think it means to keep your eyes and ears peeled. Look for signs and trust yourself to make the right decisions."

Elena scoffed. "How can I make the right decisions? I can't even think straight when I'm on all these pills."

"Well, if there's one thing we can fix right now, it's who you're surrounded by. Melissa's right: you become who you're around."

"I like being around you," Elena said. "You're one of my best friends."

Tarence leaned forward and made sure no one could hear them. "Elena, I'm also a drug dealer. You just got clean. You don't need to feel obliged to still be around me."

"No," Elena exclaimed. "You have no idea how much I need you."

Tarence smirked and laughed. "And my tacos."

Elena chuckled.

"And your tacos," She repeated, grinning at him.