"Then what is it?" Kelsey asked. "You look troubled."
"All of this," Evie said, "is not what I expected." Kelsey had told her the past would catch up to her, but it still was so…weird. It was the best word to describe it. So utterly weird. "Memories are still coming at me, some dreamlike at first, then growing stronger as if I really did live those moments."
"You did live them," Kelsey said firmly. "Your self in the past lived those moments. You lived those moments. It's just taking you time to catch up," she reminded her again.
Kelsey told her she had the same moments of catch up also. Lisa, too. They were there with her and the magic spread over to them. As far as she knew, they were the only ones who were aware that the timeline had been altered in some way.
Kelsey spoke to her mother and she claimed that things could only be altered if they were meant to be, and it couldn't be helped that other events would evolve from the rift shifting. If Bellamy had been meant to die, he would have, no matter what she did in the past to prevent it.
"You know, Bellamy called me that night." She didn't have to say which night she spoke of. They both knew what night. "He was distraught, not making any sense, and I knew he was on the verge of reaching the decision to end it all." Her thoughts drifted back to that moment, the breaking point, seeing it so clearly in her mind.
"Listen to me, Bellamy," she said into the phone. "I'm coming to you. Don't you move. Don't you do a damn thing until I get there. Do you hear me? Bellamy?" she bellowed.
"I'm here." But his voice sounded distant and slurred and she knew he'd been drinking, and she knew the cocktail of drugs he had in his system the night he died.
"I'm coming," she said again. "Promise me. Promise me now you'll wait for me. So help me if you don't, I will never forgive you. I need you to say it. I need you to promise me."
The silence proved painful and her heart beat so fast she feared it would escape her chest, but finally he spoke, "I'll wait." His voice was a hoarse whisper full of pain, desperate in the telling.
The sound of applauds drew her back to the present and she focused her attention on Kelsey once more. "I never drove so fast in my life," she told her. "When I arrived at the hotel and raced to his room, I pounded on his door. A part of me died a little more each time he didn't answer," she said and even now the sick fear of losing him coiled in her stomach.
Kelsey placed a hand on her shoulder. "But he did answer."
Her eyes burned with tears. "He did. We talked and cried and talked some more, and in the morning, I drove him to the rehab center. The rest of the tour was canceled but the following year he cut his first solo album, and the band came back with Bellamy stronger than ever. They had new material and they toured all over the United States and the following year they toured worldwide." She closed her eyes. The memories were so vivid now. "He had another relapse six years ago, but he went back to rehab of his own accord." She opened her eyes and glanced toward the stage where Bellamy stood at the podium. He was giving his account of his struggles with depression.
"I was depressed after losing my sense of smell and taste," he shared with the audience, something he'd kept secret for a long time. "Turning to drugs and alcohol seemed to help, or so I believed. But they were my crutch, and I could hobble around, make people believe nothing was wrong. But then my father died..." He told them about his father's unfortunate accident and how he'd blamed himself. "I was stuck in the moment where guilt festered and I couldn't see a way forward. Couldn't move past that one significant moment," he stressed the last words. "Everyone believes a person who commits suicide wants to die. For me, I didn't want to live. There's a big difference. I didn't want to feel guilty anymore and as irrational as it seems, I sought the ultimate escape." He went on to tell them about rehab, the help he'd received, his friends and family standing by him. "This is why these programs are essential for others in need." He leaned forward, closer to the microphone. "I've been clean and sober for six years."
The crowd clapped again. Lisa then took the stage. "Let's give Mr. Lovel another hand of applause." Lisa clapped too as she looked at Bellamy. Lisa had dressed in a dark-blue gown and she wore her straight blonde hair twisted into a bun. She glanced at the audience again. "Now, do we want to hear some rock and roll? Let's give the Civilized Heathens some encouragement."
Applauds and stomping feet were heard as the curtain rose on the stage behind Bellamy. He took the microphone from the stand as he glanced at his band mates already in position. The music intro began and he smiled, and those ever so blue eyes found her, as he bolted out the lyrics in that sultry, dynamic voice of his. His heart and soul were in those words, and if it were possible, he was sexier than he'd ever been at twenty-eight in tight jeans and a button-down shirt.
"You made that happen," Kelsey said with a nod toward the stage.
Her lips curved. Maybe she'd helped, but Bellamy had to want this too. Dreams were what kept people going. Without them, there was no hope. Bellamy had moved forward and reached for his dreams.
Epilogue
Time
2017 Grammy Awards, Los Angeles, California
Critics could be cruel when they brutally attacked what people wore to the Grammys, but tonight they would find no fault in Bellamy's appearance. He stood on the stage to accept the Grammy Award for Best Album of the year, All We Have Is Time. He was dressed in a three-piece navy striped suit, perfectly tailored for his muscled trim and fit physique, and to top it off, the shade brought out the color of his beautiful blue eyes. His hair –the trademark of the best rock 'n roll hair of all time– was styled just above his shoulders. Only a few strands of silver highlighted the dark curls that were displayed in a way that made every woman want to run their fingers through his hair. At forty-eight, Bellamy looked sharp, and Evie couldn't be prouder.
For this special night, she wore blue, his favorite color. The dress was elegant and complimented her curves. She never thought of herself as glamorous. She never felt like she was skinny enough, pretty enough, but in Bellamy's eyes, she'd always been perfect.
He beamed with happiness as he thanked everyone who deserved to be thanked for making his seventh solo album a success. He'd teamed up with Leon Green for this one, a friendship that had never wavered over the years. Bellamy was coming to the close of his speech, but as his gaze centered on her, she shifted her weight, already nervous about the cameras panning toward her.
"My wife told me once," Bellamy said, "that she preferred the shadows. The limelight was not for her. What she didn't understand, the darkness did not hide her. I could see her so clearly. She was my light in the dark of night when the shadows haunted me, always my beacon to guide me home. I couldn't have done this without you, Emerson." The cameras focused on her, and she could see her image on the big screens that were situated to the right and left of the stage.
"Aren't my children just the spitting image of my beautiful wife?" Bellamy asked the audience as he motioned with an outstretched hand.
The audience clapped and cheered in response.
She glanced at eight-year-old Michael, who in no way possessed her hair, thank goodness, but instead had ringlets like his father. His eyes were mismatched colors like hers, one eye with a splash of blue. He grinned and God help them all, he had a killer smile like his dad. Sitting next to him was his six-year-old sister, Katrina, who had auburn ringlets. She was shier than her older brother, petite and bright, with sparkling blue eyes. She smiled and then leaned near Michael and whispered, "We're on TV."
To her left was the youngest of the Lovel clan, four-year-old Jules. Poor boy had her frizzy hair, but he was the most like his father, and he would have no problem owning it. He was trying to stand on the seat to wave to everyone, the little showman, and she had to lean over and tell him to sit down.
The audience's laughter told her he'd already won the hearts of the people. Her gaze met Bellamy's again before he was escorted off the stage. He blew her a kiss, and mouthed, "I love you."
>
She returned the gesture and added, "For all time."
The End.
Author Note
Thank you for reading Two Worlds Collided. I hope Bellamy and Evie touched your soul the same way these characters touched mine. If you loved the book and have a minute to spare, I would really appreciate a short review on the site where you bought the book. Your help in spreading the word is deeply appreciated. Reviews from readers like you make a huge difference in helping other readers find stories similar to Two Worlds Collided.
About the Author
Karen Michelle Nutt resides in California with her husband, three fascinating children, and a houseful of demanding pets. Jack, her Chorkie, is her writing buddy and sits long hours with her at the computer.
When she’s not time traveling, fighting outlaws, or otherworldly creatures, she creates pre-made book covers to order at Gillian’s Book Covers, “Judge Your Book By Its Cover”. You can also check out her published cover art designs at Western Trail Blazer and Rebecca J. Vickery Publishing.
Whether your reading fancy is paranormal, historical or time travel, all her stories capture the rich array of emotions that accompany the most fabulous human phenomena—falling in love.
Visit the author at her website: http://www.kmnbooks.com
Blog: http://kmnbooks.blogspot.com
Gillian’s Book Covers, “Judge Your Book By Its Cover”
http://judgeyourbookbyitscover.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorkarenmichellenutt
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KMNbooks
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/karenmnutt/
Time Travel Tales by Karen Michelle Nutt...
Lost in the Mist of Time
Dougray Fitzpatrick has buried one wife and vows to never love again—but destiny has other plans for this 16th century Irish Lord. During a battle, a mist separates Dougray from his men and casts him into the future. Dougray must return to Dunhaven and to his century, but Aislinn Hennessy follows him into the mist, leaving him no choice, but to take her home with him.
Conspiracies, feuds and unexpected violence are commonplace threats, but along the way, Aislinn and Dougray discover a surprise neither one expects: a chance for love even when they're Lost in the Mist of Time.
A Twist of Fate
Arianna memory is lost when she suffers a blow to her head. It's 1814 and she's married to Captain Keldon Buchanan, a man who despises her. The more Arianna learns about her life, the more she realizes why she's chosen to forget it. Keldon doesn't trust his wife, but he finds his heart softening to the woman his wife has become. If he didn't know better, he'd swear he's married to another woman and he's fallen in love with her.
Creighton Manor
Zachary Creighton, a gambler with one goal: to win back Creighton Manor. Marriage is not part of the plan, but since he is found with Gillian in his room, reputations are at stake, his included. To keep peace with his reluctant bride, he makes a bargain with her. He needs a tutor for his nephew Tyler, and she needs a roof over her head until they can annul their sham of a marriage. However, Zachary finds himself falling for Gillian's oddly charming ways despite the fact the woman claims to be from the future. The gamble is trust, but will the stakes prove too high for Zachery to risk it all and win Gillian's heart?
Storm Riders
Storm Riders must step in and repair the rift before the dimensions collide. Samantha Skelley and Denny Randeli are sent to 1879 Bodie, California, one of the wildest towns of the west. It should have been an easy snatch and rescue, but Ace McTavish is determined to put himself in harms way. Samantha and Denny are forced to help him with his plans before they take the next storm ride home.
Otherworldly Tales...
Magic of the Loch
Michaela and Alan vow to take what time has to offer, but another threat loomed. A sinister shape shifter with a vendetta against Alan is making Loch Ness his personal hunting ground. Now he's threatening Michaela. Alan must discover who the shifter is and stop him before it's too late.
The Gryphon and His Thief
Some Treasures are Priceless…
A long time ago, a Gryphon shifter’s duty was to guard and protect the people of the tribes, but Darrien Andros failed to keep his human wife safe from harm. Cursed for the crime, he must guard everything in the Museum of Cursed Antiquities forever, never to truly live and never to die. Centuries have passed, but when he encounters a thief, who uncannily resembles his dead wife, he is convinced he has a second chance.
Twilight's Eternal Embrace
If Bram cannot find a way for Adryanna to survive the blooding ritual, their romance is doomed. They seek help from Sheerin, Bram's cousin, who believes he's found a way for the Lathe Sith to survive, but others in the Oiche Sith clan do not wish for them to succeed.
Stake and Dust
Derek Hayes and his family are preternatural hunters. Stake and dust is their motto, but Derek has a difficult time accepting his sworn duty when Sloane McBride, his ex-girlfriend from high school, is the one he's been sent to eliminate. Once infected from a Nosferatu bite, there is no turning back. Sloane has been bitten and she will eventually change.
It proves a race against time when Derek puts aside his core beliefs and teams up with Sloane. The Nosferatu wants Sloane for his own, Derek's brothers are hunting her, and every second brings Sloane closer to changing into the very fiend they want to kill.
Soul Taker
A vampire, a werewolf, and a Necromancer are a most unlikely team, but Garran, Harrison, and Isabella plan on putting a kink in the dubbed Soul Taker's plans. It's personal now. One of their friends has fallen victim to the Soul Taker's charms, but to stop him from hurting anyone else, their efforts may involve raising the dead.
Magic of the Loch
Michaela and Alan vow to take what time has to offer, but another threat looms. A sinister shape shifter with a vendetta against Alan is making Loch Ness his personal hunting ground. Now he's threatening Michaela. Alan must discover who the shifter is and stop him before it's too late.
Autumn Moon
Jairec's holiday in San Francisco turned into a living nightmare when he's attacked by a chiang-shih, a Chinese vampire. He has until the end of the Moon Festival to convince Autumn, an herbalist, to hand over the elixir of life. Without it he will become the white-haired demon for all eternity.
Eli: Warriors for the Light (Fallen Angels, Book 1)
Hashasheen demons, assassins for hire, are sent to take out Eli and Ryden. Eli is a warrior and will fight to keep Ryden safe, but time may be his biggest enemy. The Elders gave him until the end of Ol' Hallow's Eve. Ryden must fall in love with him by then or his life will be forfeited.
Lucca (Warriors for the Light, Book 2)
Lucca Marlowe is half human, half angel, one of the Nephilim. Banished for crimes against one of his fellow brethren, the elders bind his glamour and wings, casting him to the human's realm.
Angels and demons demand he do their bidding. His estrange father resurfaces after centuries of being absent and he's brought a friend from Hell. To make his life more complicated, he fears he found his soul mate in a human female. Only Juliet Romeo has a secret that will bring the wrath of Heaven down upon their heads.
It's a race against time to find out who will end up with his soul.
Two Worlds Collided Page 20
