Read The Second Life of Magnolia Mae for Free Online

and Magnolia reached the greenhouse, located right outside the agriculture room doors, she saw Sarah standing with Bash, trying desperately to keep his attention. Remembering that Bash had offered to give her a ride since Jace had picked up an extra shift, Magnolia tried to catch his attention.
    “Miss Clemens, go to practice or go home,” Mister Hanson called to Sarah. Then he turned back to Magnolia. “Not a foot on school property until next Thursday.”
    Magnolia nodded then walked over to Bash’s truck and hoisted herself up.
    “Thursday?” Bash asked once the truck was started, and they were pulling away from the school.
    “Suspended.”
    “You did beat her up then?” He sounded impressed.
    She slid her eyes in his direction to see a faint smile.
    “No, I should have though.”
    “What is Jace going to say?” His voice was serious this time around.
    She leaned her head against the truck’s window and squeezed her eyes shut. “I don’t care.” The tears were forcing their way forward. “Bash? Can you just take me home?” Her voice cracked as the first drops slid down her face.
     

     
    Magnolia climbed the stairs and went to the room at the far end of the hall and pushed the door open. She came in once every other week to dust and vacuum, but other than that, the room was pretty much untouched. She stepped onto the plush carpet, her bare feet sinking into the softness, and crossed over to the dresser where her mother’s jewelry box, makeup, and perfume were kept. Magnolia picked up the small bottle of vanilla musk and uncapped it. She spritzed a little into the air and inhaled deeply, memories of her mother flooding back. Her mom’s laughter had always reminded her of jingle bells, such a merry and happy sound.
    Magnolia crossed over to the bed, pulled the covers back, and slipped under them. In the warmth and safety of her parents’ bed, she allowed herself to cry. The sobs racked her body as she cried for the parents she loved so dearly. Could she have saved them? Was she the reason that they were gone? “I’m so sorry.” She sobbed into the pillow her father had always used.
    “It is going to be alright, dear one.”
    The voice sounded so much like her mother’s that Magnolia’s eyes shot open and searched out the shadows of the room. There was nothing — nobody — there. Closing her eyes, she snuggled farther down into the blankets and cried until she drifted off to sleep…
    “It’s almost time. You need to be ready, dear one. Everything will change soon.” The woman before her had long blond locks with natural red highlights and eyes that reminded her of lavender. She was holding the hand of a tall handsome man with black hair, barely greying at the temples. His laughing golden eyes shone brighter when they looked at Magnolia.
    “I don’t understand. Time for what?” Magnolia held back the tears threatening to flood her cheeks. She could not take her eyes off her parents. How were they sitting before her? They appeared so happy, completely in love. “I’m sorry…” The words came out with a stifled sob. “I am so sorry. I didn’t mean for you to get into that accident. I miss you, I need you. Jace needs you. I am sorry.” The tears refused to obey her commands to stay behind her eyes.
    “My little one.” Her father’s deep voice wrapped around her. “What happened was not your fault.”
    “It was! I knew it was going to happen. I saw it in a dream. I could have saved you. I didn’t need a ride home from you that night. I didn’t need for you to come get me. I was selfish, and it cost me you. I lost you forever because I wanted to get home thirty minutes sooner.” Fat tears dripped off her chin. “I cut your lives short. You missed out on so much because of me… I am sorry, so sorry.” She dropped down to her knees on the green grass.
    Four arms were around her the second she touched the ground. “We did not miss out on a thing. We are always with you and