Epilogue-3

This week, he just flew back from Africa, having spent the last six months there on volunteer work. Whenever Jesse and Everett spoke on the phone, the pure joy coming dripping from every word he spoke, showed Everett just how much his brother loved the choice made several years ago. "It's just been an amazing experience over there, you know?" Jesse said, letting go of the hug he pulled Everett into. "I've met so many amazing people and they all just have this incredible story to tell. I can't wait to fill you in on everything! Oh, yikes - Mom is making her bee line, I'm getting out of the way." No sooner did Jesse move aside was Everett bundled up in a happy armful of Denise, with a side of Peter. "You did so good, sweetie!" she cheered, squeezing Everett as tight as she could. She succeeded in evicting all the air from his lungs, but all he could do was smile. "Thanks, Mom," he told her sincerely. "I don't want to toot my own horn but . . . But I'm really proud of that piece." An extra arm found a place around him and Peter soon had Everett in a hug, maybe not as tight as the one Denise gave, but loving all the same. "I can see why, Everett. Not a dry eye in the seats tonight," he said proudly, clapping Everett on the back. Frowning, Everett realized a few people were missing. "Hey, where are Jeffrey and Allison?" "Oh, Violet got sick towards the end, they were taking turns walking around trying to get her to sleep. They stayed in the auditorium though and said they would meet us at the restaurant. Don't worry," Denise told him assuredly. "They were here for you, too." And then knowingly added on, "So is someone else. I'll give you guys a moment." Denise and Peter disappeared from Everett's side and he grinned, knowing exactly who was left to say hello to. After what felt like an eternity (really, only ten minutes passed so far), Everett finally had his chance to talk to the person he really wanted a moment with. It was easy for Everett, so, so easy when Lizzie strode up to him and immediately wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him close for a hug. His arms automatically closed around her. He'd missed her so much since the last time they were together and it felt good to have something real to hold onto. For Everett, having Lizzie in his arms was as good as sitting at a piano playing his favorite song. "I'm so proud of you, Everett," Lizzie whispered, pulling back so her hands rested on his shoulders. "That song was just . . . incredible. Beautiful. Perfection. And so much more. I just. . .you are just brilliant." Everett grinned from ear to ear and pulled her close again. They settled together comfortably, like they did so many times before. The only difference this time was Lizzie's height; with it being a formal occasion, she deigned to wear heels for the event. "I'm really glad you came tonight, Lizzie," he murmured, his lips next to her ear so the conversation between them could stay private, despite the noise around them. She just tightened her arms around him in return, letting him know that she heard. "Of course I'd be here, you goof. Like I would miss your shining moment." Everett smiled against her hair. "I love you, you know that?" He felt her vibrate with a chuckle and she pulled back, just enough to give him a kiss and reply, "You've mentioned it once or twice." Pulling back slightly, Everett mumbled, " I seriously can't wait to tell you the good news I got tonight after the ceremony. I'm so excited, Lizzie, it's ridiculous." Lizzie pecked him on the lips as fast as she could, a grin in her voice when she said, "I can't wait to hear all about it. I bet it's the best news ever." Everett was about to respond with something modest but at the same time proud of his accomplishments when Jesse's voice cut through all the noise, letting the party know they had to leave for dinner. As Jesse's voice grew louder to inform the guests for Everett of their plans to leave soon and grab dinner, Everett loosened his hold on the girl in front of him, instead choosing to take her hand. His fingers grazed hers until he found the small band of metal that he put there six months ago during vacation. A promise, he told her, down on one knee, that as soon as he came back from college, he would change her last name. Standing there, listening to the chatter of his family and with an arm around the love of his life, Everett marveled at how much his life changed. He used to think he had the worst of the fates; alone, bitter and unable to view the world around him. These days, the lack of sight didn't both him as much. Everett found that when he focused on the things he loved in life, the little things didn't matter so much. He found a sort of peace in letting the frustration go. Sure, there were still times where he wished for just a few moments of sight, just enough to see his little brothers, his parents, his fiancee. But it didn't bring that crippling self-deprecation. Everett knew he was loved. He found a voice through music and now, he would be able to share that voice with so many other people. His family was happy. He was happy. And really . . . What more could Everett ever search for? the end