Define Me (25 page)

Present day

It’s been a hell of three weeks my parents are determent to take me back home with them.  Vincent is fighting them every step of the way.   I don’t want to go I want to stay, I can’t let the memory of Hunter and what he did,
darken
my soul again.  It’s been too long, him controlling, defining me.  I need to break the invisible bond he had over me, but even in death I can feel it.

Vincent and I spoke about what happened that day on the beach, God he blames himself for what happened to me.  I love Vincent with all my heart; he helped me see the light again.  Even when the nightmares come and I wake up screaming he is there just holding me, loving me, protecting me from the darkness.  His patience helped to heal me, the bond that we have is something you can only dream of.

I know Brent had no choice but to shoot.  That moment when our eyes connected, the look in his eyes when he showed me to drop, there was more, it was not just Hunter he saw in front of him, there was something else. 

I still have nightmares every night, the things Hunter told me, the things he did to me, I am just so grateful Vincent and Brent showed up when they did. 

There is an on
-going investigation on the shooting, but Vincent said that Brent should be ok.  Hunter’s parents have been phoning my parents continuously, they just don’t want to believe what he did,
their model Christian child
could never be capable of doing such horrible things.  It’s me I made him like that I’m from the
devil
and I poisoned his mind. 

I always thought Annie understood and saw the truth, but what they say is true; a mother’s love is blind especially when it comes to her first born son.

Hunter is gone; as much as his death bothers me at least he will not harm another soul again.

Brent did come to see me in hospital.  I was still sedated so don’t remember too much.  I will forever be grateful for what he did. Vincent told me that Brent had said something about going on his first tour.  He didn’t even come say goodbye. 

I dropped out of school, with all that happened I did not even get to write my exams.  I have decided that next term I will come back but this time I’m going to study what I want and not what my Dad thinks is the best for me.  I’m going to Chef’s school.  Vincent is very excited about my new venture; he’s got some new plans for Simplicity.

“Hey, Princess are you going to sit and bake on that rock the whole day?”

“BRENT, I thought you left already.”

I jump off the rock and walk to where Brent is standing; looking over his shoulder I can see Vincent standing in front of the shop looking at us. 

“I went looking for you; Vincent said you have been out here for a while, you ok?”

“Yeah, I’m fine; all healed up the ugly yellow marks are almost gone.  I thought you left already.”

“I can’t go without saying goodbye.”

We stand staring at each other for a while without saying a word.  Like we both not sure what is the right thing to say.

“Caitlin, I want to say something and I want you to listen and not stop me.
I am going away tomorrow and I might not come back, I need you to know.  I have liked you from the first moment I laid my eyes on you, your free spirit, the way your eyes sparkle when you on the volleyball court, when you spend time with your friends, your wild heart always believing in the good of every person around you. 

However I saw that spark die the day he walked into your life.  His darkness consumed you and nearly cost you your life.  I love you Caitlin, I know you are in love with big boy there, but I need you to know that I will always keep you close to my heart.  If ever you need anything or just need to talk, I will be there, even if it means just as a friend.  I care for you deeply, even if I’m not the one holding your heart.  Take care of yourself.”

Brent leant in and kissed me on my head and then walked away; I was dumbfounded I could not speak.  Shit, I did not expect that.  I start walking towards the parking lot to see if I could see him but he was gone.  I pull out my phone and send a quick text. 

Me:  Thank you

Brent:  Always and forever

…

Follow up novel:

Shadow in Me

Coming

January 2015

Cover Model:  Jeremy Mooney

Photographer:  Jennifer Tanner

Cover Artist:  Gert Erasmus