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We spent all day where the north wind blows
And you bought me a lavender rose
Put it in water when we got home
That's what heaven is
On the pier on the shore by the lighthouse, Chatterbox felt a cool breeze. The sea air eased his nerves as he waited for his fiance to be done swimming in the ocean. He smiled as she came out to the surface, her long black hair slicked back and her tan skin glistening.
Taking a swig from his beer, he takes pleasure in watching her relax by the shore. His mask was completely off, stored away safely in a tote bag.
This was life post-engagement.
Going to the farmers market, buying flowers for her, and helping her take care of them. He felt at peace for once in his life. Lavender was the current flower adorning their funhouse. It sat on the mantle of the fireplace in the middle of countless renovations.
Once Vinny, his future father-in-law, had stepped foot inside it was decided that his princess would not live in a shithole. He asked for the floor plans and told Chatterbox he would be renovating the place. “She deserves a home, and so do you. Take this as an engagement and wedding present.”
No tears to cry and nothing to mourn
Wearin' your shirt, so tattered and torn
Lyin' in your arms, so safe and warm
That's what heaven is
Coming out of the water in a white bikini, she raced to meet him on the shore, her ring refracting the sunrays. Ray smiled seeing his face. She saw it every night before going to bed, but the feeling didn’t get old.
Walking over she recalled the first time sleeping in bed together at the funhouse. He let her borrow one of his old shirts. It featured tears by the collar and frays at the end.
It smelled like him.
Climbing into bed with him, she moved her body close to his, her head on his chest. Feeling his heart beat faster made her smile. He pulled his mask off in the dark, and she traced the marks on his cheek.
“You’re very handsome”, Ray whispered looking up at him. He kissed her forehead tentatively, encouraged by the intimacy. Nothing happened that night. Just two broken humans holding each other as if their life depended on it. Sleep didn’t come easily, but that night he slept like a baby.
I don't care for money or fame
All for you, I'd give it away
The way you sound when you call my name
That's what heaven is
“Chatty!”
She collides with him where he’s sitting on a beach chair, tripping on a blanket that was laid on the sand. He catches her and giggles as she screams.
“Careful, Cups! Oh my goodness!” Instead of climbing off of him, she settles into his bare chest. He covers her with a towel and holds her close, feeling her shivers.
“Babe”, Ray mumbles, her face pressed to his chest. She traces the marks there too. Not all from painful memories, but some from her nails during post-engagement nightly activities. “How do you feel about a funhouse wedding?”
Nobody knows where we go when we die
Maybe we'll ride white horses
in thе sky
And if we don't then, darling, tonight
That's what heavеn is
Death never really bothered him.
A long time ago, he had come to the conclusion that his painful life coming to an end would be nothing but bliss.
Now death felt terrifying. He thought about it before drifting to sleep every night. He thought about his first wife who met her demise at his own hands.
His death would leave her abandoned, something he promised never to do. Her death would end him.
It was silly, but Chatty prayed that they would exit earth together. Maybe they would ride the white horses she loved riding in her trip to Texas in the sky.
If all I have is the light in your eyes
That's what heaven is
Looking in her eyes, nothing else mattered. Dread dissipated, and he felt at peace. Who knows what the future would hold for them. Fuck the lighthouse beside them, she was his guiding light. She was made of sunlight.
“I think that’s a great idea”, Chatty beamed, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. “I’d marry you anywhere.”