The Day I Died

By Kelly Hashway

Chloe Hendrick never expected to die on her eighteenth birthday. And fate didn’t expect her to either.

There’s been a horrible mistake, and Chloe’s death throws off the balance of the universe, setting in motion several other deaths.

With the help of a spirit Guide, Chloe will have to relive her eighteenth birthday and try to figure out how to prevent her own death. But she has a limited number of chances to right this wrong, and each time she doesn’t succeed, more people will die.

But the more Chloe discovers about what’s really supposed to happen on her eighteenth birthday, the more she’s convinced death might be her best option.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kelly Hashway
• Release date: Sep 10, 2018
• ISBN: 9780463035009

Kelly Hashway

Kelly Hashway fully admits to being one of the most accident-prone people on the planet, but luckily she gets to write about female sleuths who are much more coordinated than she is. Maybe it was growing up watching Murder, She Wrote that instilled a love of mystery, but she spends her days writing cozy mysteries. Kelly’s also a sucker for first love, which is why she writes romance under the pen name Ashelyn Drake. When she’s not writing, Kelly works as an editor and also as Mom, which she believes is a job title that deserves to be capitalized.

Book preview

One

Not many people can say they get exactly what they want for their birthday, but I can. My birthday wish is standing in front of me, holding my cake and singing in his off-pitch but totally adorable voice. Nick Andrews isn’t like most eighteen-year-old guys. Sure, he looks the part with his spiky sandy-brown hair and blue eyes atop his six-foot frame, but it’s his undying love that sets him apart. Undying love for me, the girl who is so average in every way, from my build to my brown hair. The only thing out-of-the-ordinary about me is my blue-gray eyes. I’m nothing special, except to Nick. If you asked him who the most incredible person to ever walk the earth is, he’d say me, Chloe Hendrick. And that’s why I’m the luckiest girl alive.

Make a wish, beautiful, Nick says, the corner of his mouth curving up to reveal a dimple on his cheek.

I reach over the cake, careful not to burn myself on the single candle in the center of it, and cup his face in my hands. I don’t need to. You already came true.

Aw! Amelia says. You guys couldn’t be more adorable.

Yeah, yeah, adorable, Luke says. Now can you blow out the candle so we can cut the cake already?

I let go of Nick’s face and blow out the candle, forgetting to make a wish. Happy now? I ask Luke.

He reaches for the cake in Nick’s hands. Very.

You know it wouldn’t kill you to act more like Nick, Amelia says as Luke brings my cake to the table and starts cutting it without responding. Amelia rolls her eyes and turns back to me. The boy is hopeless, but I’m in love with him, so what can I do, right?

I never would’ve picked Luke for her, but they seem to be crazy about each other. I squeeze her hand. He loves you, too.

She shrugs a shoulder like it doesn’t matter, but the look in her eyes says differently. I know. It’s just he’s, like, the least romantic guy on the planet.

Nick steps closer, pressing a kiss to the side of my head and wrapping his arm around my waist.

See, like that. Amelia gestures to Nick. Luke would never kiss me like that. If he can’t shove his tongue down my throat, he’s not interested.

He’s...passionate, Nick says, and I love him more for trying to make my best friend feel better.

The fact is Amelia’s right. Luke is a typical teenage guy—driven by hormones. Nick has hormones too, but he always makes sure I know he has genuine feelings behind them.

Babe, Luke says, walking over with his mouth full of cake and two plates in his hands. You have to try this. Crumbs fall from his mouth as he hands a plate to Amelia.

You brought me a piece? Amelia says with a smile. Her eyebrows rise, showing just how surprised she is by the gesture.

Of course. Luke shovels another bite into his mouth. Sometimes I wonder if he has any idea how lucky he is to have her.

Nick tugs on the belt loop of my jeans and whispers Come on in my ear. His hand slips from my waist and into mine, and he pulls me toward the stairs. I follow him up to his room, happy to get away from the music and all the watching eyes. It was sweet of him to throw a party for me, but I’m dying to be alone with him. I step into his room and whirl around, throwing my arms around his neck and pressing my lips to his.

His fingers play with the hem of my shirt as he deepens the kiss. When he pulls away, he says, I’ve wanted to do that since the party began.

Same here. I peck his lips again and then wipe my thumb across them to remove my strawberry red lip gloss.

I want to give you your birthday present. He moves to his desk where a box wrapped in shiny blue paper is waiting.

I thought the party was my present.

He picks up the gift and turns back to me, cocking his head in a way that’s both questioning and reprimanding at the same time. Did you really think I wouldn’t get you a present?

No, but you didn’t have to. I step into him, wrapping my arms around his waist and laying my head against his chest.

We’ve been together for almost a year, Chloe. What kind of boyfriend would I be if I didn’t get you something for your birthday?

I tilt my head back and look into his eyes. You’d still be the best boyfriend ever.

Open the present, and tell me if you still feel that way. He kisses the tip of my nose.

I laugh because he’s obviously impressed with the gift he picked out for me. That means I’m definitely going to love it. I step back and hold out my hand.

Nick places the present in my hand but then pulls it away. You know, you’re right. The party is enough. You don’t want this.

Oh, no. I’m getting my present now. I grab for it, but he holds it up in the air, much higher than I can reach.

Say please, he says, trying to keep a straight face, but he falters and breaks into a smile.

I move into his body, reach up on my toes, and place a kiss on his neck. Please, I whisper in his ear.

That’s just playing dirty. He lowers his hand and gives me the present.

Thank you. I take the gift and whirl around, walking to his bed and sitting on the edge of it. In one clean sweep, I rip the paper off to reveal a white box with the logo for Charmed, a store in town that sells Celtic jewelry. My eyes rise to Nick, who smiles and gestures for me to open the box. I lift the lid to see a beautiful silver Serch Bythol. The symbol for everlasting love.

Nick walks over and sits down next to me, taking the box from my hands. He removes the necklace and brushes my hair to one side so he can put the necklace on me. Once he does the clasp, he kisses the soft spot between my shoulder and neck. I saw you eyeing it about a month ago. It’s kind of perfect, don’t you think?

I raise my hand to the charm. I love it, I say, shifting and closing the distance between us. I love you.

He brushes his fingers across my cheek. Chloe, I think I’ve been in love with you since the third grade when your sneaker fell off while you were climbing the monkey bars at recess.

What, you have a thing for girls acting like monkeys?

He shakes his head, his face remaining completely serious. You looked down at the muddy ground and jumped right into a puddle. Your sneaker was filthy and soaking wet, but you just put it back on and climbed right up again.

I laugh because I remember that day. It was the first time I saw Nick. He had just moved here and was in the classroom next to mine. I saw you every day at recess after that.

That’s because you stole my heart. The girl who cared more about having fun than what she looked like. He caresses my face again. Even covered in mud you were beautiful.

I can’t hold back anymore. I lunge for him, knocking him back onto the bed.

What are you doing? he asks, smiling at me like I’m still that little girl with the muddy sneaker. But I’m not. I’m eighteen and totally in love with the most perfect guy ever.

I— There aren’t any words to describe how I’m feeling, so I show him instead, starting with a kiss that leaves us both panting for air.

Hey, where have you two been? Amelia asks when Nick and I emerge from his room thirty minutes later.

I feel my cheeks getting warm and wonder if Amelia can tell I just lost my virginity in the middle of my birthday party. Thankfully, her eyes lower to my necklace. Oh my God, did Nick give you that? She jumps up from the couch and takes the charm in her hand.

Yeah, I say, smiling at Nick, who has this total look of disbelief and bliss on his face. He’s going to give us away, but he’s so adorable I can’t complain.

A new song starts, and Amelia pulls me toward the den where everyone is dancing. Nick follows but hangs back in the doorway, letting me have time with my best friend. His eyes never leave me, song after song.

I hope you know how lucky you are, Amelia says, nodding in Nick’s direction.

I do. My hand rises to my necklace. Everlasting love, that’s what I want with Nick. I can’t imagine anyone loving me more than he does. He makes me feel like the most important person in the world.

So, when are you two going to...you know? She wags her eyebrows at me, and my cheeks warm. I have no doubt I’m as red as a strawberry. Oh my God! She grabs my arm and stops dancing. You didn’t!

Shh! I say, pulling her through all the people dancing and into the dining room. I don’t want the entire party to know.

Why not? This is huge! She’s still gripping my arm tightly in her hand. I can’t believe you did it before me. She looks back toward the living room, no doubt searching for Luke. It was when you disappeared, right?

Yeah.

Her eyes lock on Luke, who is dancing like a madman, his arms flailing and his hips swaying back and forth. Good Lord.

He’s having fun.

He’s like a child trapped in a really hot eighteen-year-old body. I mean, he’s tall, he’s got big brown eyes and hair to match, and he’s built. He’d be the perfect package if he didn’t think boogers and farts were hysterical. She sighs. Do you know he hasn’t even tried to sleep with me? I mean, is there something wrong with me? She looks down at herself. I’m curvy, but in a good way, right?

Amelia Canton, I say, using her full name so she knows I’m serious, don’t you dare question how beautiful you are.

I’m not beautiful. I’m cute. I know that, but still.

I take her by her shoulders. You’re beautiful, and Luke knows it. So what if he’s not ready yet. I think that’s sweet. He respects you.

Nick respects you, and you two got all freaky just a little while ago.

I shake my head and let go of her. We didn’t get all freaky.

What was it like?

This is not a conversation I want to have with her, especially here. Luckily, Nick interrupts. Hey, it’s getting late.

I might be the only girl who has a curfew on her own birthday, but as Dad reminds me on a daily basis, I’m all he has and he can’t sleep if I’m not tucked safely in my bed. I nod.

You’re not getting out of this conversation, Chloe, Amelia says, wrapping me in a goodbye hug. Happy birthday.

Thanks. Now go show that boy of yours how to move on a dance floor.

She rolls her eyes but walks off in Luke’s direction.

Did you have a good birthday? Nick asks.

I lean into him and place a soft kiss on his full lips. The best.

Nick takes my elbow and leads me toward the kitchen. Come on. I’ll drive you home.

But you live here, silly. I tap my finger on his nose.

Yes, but you’ve been drinking. I’m not about to let you drive home.

I had exactly one drink over two hours ago, and Amelia barely put any vodka in it. I’ll be fine.

He shakes his head. Not happening. You’re a lightweight, and we both know it. Besides, my truck is still at your house, remember?

It’s true. I’m not a drinker by any means. I only agreed to have Amelia’s concoction because she insisted it was to die for. I didn’t have the heart to tell her I didn’t like cranberry juice, even if it was mixed with two other juices and Vodka. Luckily, she didn’t notice me dump it after two sips.

You know I’m not drunk. He wouldn’t have slept with me if he thought I was.

Yes, but I’m still not taking any chances with you.

Okay, my wonderfully overprotective boyfriend, why don’t we make some coffee and hang out for a while before I head home?

And risk breaking curfew? He raises his brow at me. No way. Your dad finally likes me. I’m not bringing you home late. He’d assume we were— He stops, and his cheeks turn red, because my dad’s worst nightmare did come true tonight. I slept with Nick.

I don’t regret anything about tonight. Well, maybe drinking Amelia’s cocktail, I say with a nervous giggle.

Hey. He tilts my chin up and stares into my eyes. I don’t regret it either. I just don’t want your dad finding out about it. He’s kind of protective of you, and in case you haven’t noticed, he’s put on about twenty pounds of muscle since we started dating.

Twenty pounds is an exaggeration, but Dad did start lifting weights when I told him I was seeing Nick. He’s not going to find out. I can promise you that. I could be nine months pregnant and I still wouldn’t admit to my dad that I’d ever had sex. I shudder just thinking about having a sex talk with Dad. I never knew my mom because she gave me up for adoption the day I was born. According to Dad, she never even held me or saw what I looked like. She didn’t want to, and I’m okay with that because Dad’s great. He grew up in foster care, not knowing any blood relatives, and swore he’d adopt a child when he turned twenty-five and had his life together. That’s how he got me. He goes on the occasional date, but I’m the only woman in his life.

"Could we not mention the word pregnant either?" Nick’s voice cracks, and his face loses all color. My tough boyfriend, everyone. What? he asks, most likely because I’m just staring at him.

Dad put me on birth control when I turned sixteen. I think it was his way of avoiding any uncomfortable conversations about periods or babies.

Nick cringes and holds up his hands. Okay, I’m with your dad on this one.

I take his hands in mine. All right, I guess you can drive me home now. A yawn follows my words. I’m not sure how it got so late. Even if we disregard the speed limit for the seven miles to my house, I’ll still miss my curfew.

Nick glances at his watch and groans. Damn it. Come on.

I cover his watch with my hand and kiss him. It’s my birthday. If there’s ever a night to break curfew, it’s tonight.

He smiles and kisses me again, a passionate kiss that makes me want to take him back to his room, but I pull away before he gets any ideas.

I grab my keys from my purse and toss them to Nick as we head outside. He walks around to the passenger side of my Ford Fiesta and opens my door for me. Once I’m in, he gets in the driver’s seat, but he doesn’t start the car right away.

Have I said happy birthday to you?

Only like six times, I answer.

He leans over the center console and kisses my cheek. Happy birthday, Chloe.

My night couldn’t have been more perfect thanks to Nick. He backs out of the driveway and onto the road. We usually take the back roads to and from each other’s houses, but there are too many deer on those roads at night, so Nick pulls onto the main highway. Not that I really consider it a highway. There are tons of traffic lights, which make it impossible to get up any speed.

Nick slows to a stop at the third traffic light and glances over at me. What are you thinking?

That I should’ve wished for all green lights when I blew out my candle, I say with a laugh.

"What did you wish for?"

Actually, I sort of forgot to make a wish.

The light changes, and Nick focuses on the road again. How did you forget to make a wish? It’s a birthday tradition.

I shrug. I couldn’t have asked for a better birthday, so what does it matter?

I look up at the next traffic light, which is surprisingly green. The first one we won’t have to stop for. And then I see something black out of the corner of my eye. I turn to my right where a truck is barreling right at us.

Nick, look out! I yell, but it’s too late. The truck smashes into my door, and I hear the sickening crunch of metal and glass. Something collides with my head, and everything goes black. No, not black. Red. It’s raining red all around me.

Chloe? Nick’s voice is strained, and I can barely make out his image through all the red. Oh my God, Chloe.

I try to answer him, but I cough up blood instead. Blood. That’s what all this red is, and it’s coming from me. I’m dying. I must be.

Hold on. I’m calling 911.

I raise my hand, the only part of my body that will move, and find Nick’s face. I press my hand to his cheek, trying to silently communicate that I love him.

God, Chloe, don’t leave me. Please. I love you. Just hang on.

I’m so cold, and my hand drops from his face as I take my last breath. I feel weightless, like I’m floating, and when I open my eyes I see Nick. Only I’m not in the car with him anymore. I’m outside, looking in at my body, which is partially cradled in Nick’s arms as he weeps for me.

I’m dead.

Two

The sound of sirens rips through the air. Flashing red and blue lights pierce the darkness, illuminating the scene in front of me. My car is unrecognizable—completely crushed on the passenger side. Just like my body. A police officer tries to help Nick out of the car, but he refuses to let go of me. His eyes are wide and red with grief. His pain echoes through the air, making me wobble on my transparent legs. I’m really dead. I died in Nick’s arms.

Finally, the paramedics pry Nick out of the car. He has cuts all over his arms and face, and his shirt is torn in several places. But he’ll be okay. He’ll live. Without me. He collapses in the road and pounds his fist against the pavement. I rush to his side, but I can’t offer him any comfort. Not now. My hand passes right through him, and he looks up, almost like he senses my presence.

I love you, I say. I’ll always love you. My cheeks are wet with tears, and one falls to the ground next to Nick. He looks up at the clouds as if it’s raining. But it’s not. How did he see my tear when he can’t see the rest of me?

Don’t do that, says a voice behind me.

I whip around to see a guy, probably in his mid-twenties, practically blending in with the night thanks to his black clothes and dark hair. Who are you? Why can you see me if I’m...?

Dead? He puts his hands in his pockets and takes a step toward me. It’s sort of my job to see you.

His job? My mind races with thoughts, things I’ve read about or seen on TV about ghosts. Are you like a reaper or something? Did you come to take my soul to the afterlife?

Reaper. He scoffs. I’ve always hated that word. I’m a Guide. I help souls move on. Usually. He steps closer, eyeing me up and down.

Stay back. I’m not going with you. I won’t leave Nick. I turn back to see the paramedics have Nick on his feet, and one of them, a short blonde in her thirties, is flashing a light into his eyes. Nick swats at her hand and tries to get to my car again, to get to me.

Son, you need to back up, the cop tells him. Don’t make me handcuff you. His voice is filled with sympathy, making his threat rather empty.

It’s her birthday, Nick chokes out. She’s my everything. He falls to his knees and sobs, and I swear the cop tears up.

He needs me, I say, about to turn around to the reaper again, but he’s standing next to Nick now.

You can’t do anything for him. He motions to my lifeless body being removed from what’s left of my car. You have to fix this, Chloe.

I narrow my eyes at him, avoiding the sight of my mangled body. How do you know my name?

Like I said, it’s my job. His eyes go back and forth between Nick and my dead body. It wasn’t supposed to happen like this. You weren’t supposed to die.

What? He’s kidding, right? I mean, it was an accident, but accidents happen all the time.

For the first time, I see the truck driver. He’s sitting on the curb with his head in his hands. He’s mumbling and I can’t hear him, so I walk closer. The police officer standing next to him is writing on a pad.

What happened next? he asks the driver.

I told you. I spilled my coffee. It burned my legs, and when I looked down—I didn’t see the light change. He bursts into sobs. How old was she?

I want to do something to console him. Sure,