Post by Danielle Basch on May 5, 2018 12:54:33 GMT -5
Pacific Crest Cemetery
Redondo Beach, CA
Saturday, May 05, 2018
The cemetery’s employees are just barely beginning their morning rounds, but the familiar marker at the final resting place of Danielle’s long-departed fiancé has already been tended to, the clippings from the recent pass of the lawnmower brushed away. Danielle takes her usual position, sitting with her legs off to the side, her hand resting on the grass as she looks down at the letters etched into the stone.
Danielle: I know it’s been a while since the last time I came to visit, but if you’ve been watching from wherever you are, I’m sure you know I’ve been busy. But you’ll be happy to know...
She glances at her hands, then back to the headstone as she chuckles softly.
Danielle: I didn’t bring any donuts with me this time. At least now you won’t have to worry about all the damn birds pooping all over your headstone.
She chuckles again, then sighs.
Danielle: Well, I’m defending my title tonight, against one of Alicia’s relatives. When I told her I was coming here, she mentioned that she has a few relatives buried here. One of them not that far away from you, even.
She pauses, brushing some lawn clippings away that the wind has blown onto Jackson’s headstone.
Danielle: Donovan has been amazing. Normally, I would never feel right talking about another man in front of you like this, but I know you wanted me to be happy, and he has gone above and beyond the call of duty in that respect. I know it sounds corny, but it’s the truth. And as cheesy as it sounds, there are times when I can picture you two chatting it up as if you were lifelong friends.
The image this conjures in her mind brings a gentle smile to the champion’s face.
Danielle: No seriously... you would’ve liked him. Might’ve taken a while to get through the crunchy outer shell, but yeah.
From behind, a tall, hulking figure towers over her, casting a shadow that catches her attention. She looks up at her husband, reaching for his outstretched hand as he helps her back to her feet.
Donovan: Having a nice visit, I presume?
Danielle nods her head.
Danielle: How much of that did you hear?
The West Coast Champion holds up his hands in an apologetic gesture.
Donovan: I wasn’t eavesdropping, if that’s what you’re asking. No... I was just taking in the scenery.
He looks off to the east, where the South Bay Galleria stands off in the distance, beyond the train tracks that run along the other side of the cemetery’s eastern fence.
Donovan: I can always purchase a plot for us over here, so you can forever be close to your favorite haunt...
She looks up at him, feigning indignation at his remark.
Danielle: DONOVAN!
Donovan: Calm down, Nixy; I didn’t mean it like that....
Her expression softens into a light smirk.
Danielle: Besides, I preferred Del Amo. At least, the way Del AmoUSED to look. I was so bummed when they took out the arcade....
Donovan shrugs his shoulders.
Donovan: I wouldn’t know; I wasn’t much of a mallrat as a teenager. My free time was spent either breaking boards, hitting the gym, or studying.
Danielle falls silent as Donovan stands behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist.
Donovan: For what it’s worth, I’m sure he’s proud of you, Nixy. And you’re going to keep making him proud, just like you do for me.
She turns around, not breaking from his embrace, looking up into his eyes as she gives him a smile of gratitude.
Danielle: Thank you, Spidey.
Donovan: For what?
Danielle: For coming out here with me. It means a lot to me.
Donovan: You know, there is nothing I wouldn’t do for you, dearest.
Danielle: That only makes me love you all the more....
Donovan tightens his grip, pulling her even closer to him. She slips her arms around his massive torso and rests her head on his chest.
Donovan: And I you...
He leans his head down to kiss Danielle on the top of her head before moving his hands to her shoulders.
Donovan: Now come on... we need to get to Long Beach. You have a title to defend tonight.
Danielle: Right. And you have a misnamed chump to stomp on....
Danielle stoops down one final time, placing her hand on Jackson’s headstone, silently mouthing the word “goodbye” before turning to walk away, careful not to walk across the other graves.
END