Page 14 of Something Like Daybreak
“I never knew Mrs. Hemingway,” Michelle said. “And my own parents haven’t reincarnated yet.”
“Maybe they did,” Allison murmured. “We might not know it yet.”
“How so?” her husband asked.
“Jace and Victor went back in time,” Allison said. “From our perspective anyway. The Holdens might, at a later date, choose to follow them. We simply don’t know.”
“I’m still not convinced there is a crisis worth responding to,” Marcello said. “I was born in New York and yet Texas always felt more like home to me. Because of the people, no doubt. Jace and Victor will find their way.”
“I agree,” Michelle said.
“And she’s usually right,” Greg said before glancing at his wife and quickly adding, “no, she’salwaysright.”
Ben locked eyes with Tim, his expression pleading.
“I’m worried too,” Tim said. “Imagine what our lives would have been like without each other. Subtract anyone from this room. We never would have met Jason if not for you, Michelle.”
She reached over and took her husband’s hand. “I never would have made it through Jace’s death without you.”
“And you gave us three wonderful children,” Greg replied, “and found homes for countless others.”
“I’d probably still be an alcoholic,” Brian admitted, putting an arm around his wife.
Allison smiled. “I thought I’d never have a family again until I met you.”
“The lavish life I led would have been impossible if not for Eric,” Marcello contributed.
“And in turn,” Eric said to him, “I always admired how you used that money to heal wounds and foster talent.”
“Myself included,” Tim said. “My career as an artist never would have happened without your encouragement, Marcello.”
“That’s it exactly,” Ben said, already seeming relieved. “Jace and Victor might find each other and do okay. But if we’re all together, their lives will be happier. We take care of each other. Jace told me, before he left, that souls often travel in groups. Like a family. Isn’t that what we’ve always been?”
There was a murmur of agreement, although not without some hesitation.
“You want us to join them?” Michelle asked.
“Yes,” Ben said. “We belong together. All of us. I’m going.”
“And so am I,” Tim said.
“I’m not,” Greg said. Then he grinned. “Unless my life is basically a Michael Bay movie. I want to be a total badass!”
Michelle frowned at this. “I’d rather live in a John Hughes movie.”
Greg made a face. “Who?”
Michelle sighed and looked to the others. “He’s hopeless.”
“I just want to be pretty,” Marcello said. “I suppose we’ll find out.”
“Wait,” Tim said, “does that mean you’re going with us?”
“Of course!” Marcello replied. “Where would you be without the guidance of your elders? Wouldn’t you agree, my dearest friend?”
Eric smiled. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Tim whipped his head back and forth, grinning at them both. “This is going to be awesome! But you guys won’t have to be older than us this time. We can be the same age.”
