Stealing Promises by Brina Courtney Page A

love him.”
    “ We know, Victoria,” Kate whispered.
    Her parents and Fallon whispered how much they loved Victoria, and how they understood.
    “It’s alright to be sad, honey,” her father said. “Sadness is a part of life.”
    When the pastor was done speaking the only sounds that could be heard were the crashing waves and Victoria’s sobs. Many people approached Levi's family to give their regrets and laid flowers near the casket.
    When everyone else had gone, only Victoria and Levi’s families remained. Victoria was confused as to why they hadn't lowered the casket into the ground yet when she realized there was no hole.
    She looked to Tyne to answer her question. It was the first time they had spoken in over a week. Since before it happened. “He's not in there, is he?”
    Tyne shook her head. “He wanted to be cremated. We’re going to release his ashes into the ocean, would you like to come?”
    Victoria simply nodded and she, Tyne, and Levi’s father walked out to a nearby jetty. Victoria tossed her shoes on the sand and was quite agile on the rocks as they walked to the end. Levi's father held a small box with both hands as he silently cried.
    “You were the best son anyone could ask for. You meant so much to me, to us. Stay with us and continue to protect us.” His low voice was filled with sobs and emotion. It was hard for Victoria to bear.
    Tyne pulled a piece of paper from her purse. Victoria crossed her arms in front of her chest, because otherwise she thought she would jump in the water to get away from this difficult moment.
    Tyne opened the small piece of paper and read it aloud.
    “ And when that day arrives
    That we no longer are apart,
    I’ll smile and hold you close to me …
    Forever in my heart. ”
    “ I love you Levi.” She kissed her hand and blew it out to sea.
    Victoria was at a loss for words, so she did the only thing she could and slowly brought her hands together in a heart. Her hands were shaking uncontrollably and she wasn’t even sure it looked like a heart, but she knew Levi would understand.
    Levi’s father opened the box and let the warm summer breeze take the ashes out to sea. It was a beautiful moment and Victoria felt as though Levi was right there with them, willing them to move on.

10
    Victoria spent the summer recovering. She continued to avoid any large groups of people, such as parties or the local amusement park. But she was enjoying her summer, filled instead with movies and trips to the local ice cream shop. Many days she would spend in the house losing herself in books, for fear of going to a place she and Levi had shared memories. She and Claire found new places to make their own memories. They even took a few day trips between Claire’s job interviews. But her interviews were a constant reminder to Victoria that soon she would need to start her life once again.
    One especially sunny day Claire had dragged Victoria to the beach. Victoria was lost in a book when Claire started to tell her about her latest interview.
    “I don’t know, I really think they liked me at this one. The salary is awesome. And it’s exactly in the area where I want to be. Young and hip. You could go to Wadsworth and we could even live together. What do you think?”
    Victoria keyed in on the mention of school. “Wadsworth? Like the college?”
    “ Well you’re going to finish your degree, aren’t you?”
    “ I mean I guess. I certainly can’t live with my parents forever. But that’s pretty far away. Are you sure that’s where you want to go?” Victoria knew that she would follow Claire wherever she wanted. Their relationship had been some of the glue that had kept her together over the past few months. She didn’t know what she would do without her.
    “ Well, I guess we’ll have to wait and see if they offer me the job first. But until then, let’s enjoy our freedom!” Claire stood up and ripped off her shirt revealing a neon purple bikini. For such a petite