Without Words

40- Better (Epilogue)

"We're visiting next weekend." I instructed Noah as the guys got his bags from the trunk. "Based on your exams last week, you need more help in Math. Dan could tutor you with that and I would bring more books and maybe some flashcards so-"

"He gets it, Elle. Stop babying him." Matt chastised as he slammed the trunk shut, balancing the bags in his hands.

I just glared at him.

"Matt, why did you give him so much blankets?" Dan complained, holding out paper bags containing various blankets of different colors.

"They are surprisingly soft and with good quality."

"Guys, I'm going to rehab, not boot camp." Noah whined as he fixed his new glasses, taking the bags from Dan's arms and hugging them protectively. "And I like those blankets."

"When did you learn to complain? I told you not to hang out with Matt more." I commented, scowling at my brother. "Danny's a much better person."

"Only because he spoils you." Matt countered than ran away before I could whack him on the head.

Matt and Noah went ahead towards the rehabilitation facility. A lot has happened six months after the incident at the Page's. First, we had to get better and move without experiencing extreme pain. They did a number on us. Declan said it's a smart thing to subdue and wham Dave first because if he was at his full strength when he attacked me, I might not have survived it.

Second, it was the court hearings. The buffoons had the audacity to point the finger at us and accused us of attacking them out of the blue based on our misguided belief from a kid's diary we read. It seemed plausible at first, but then Noah testified for his own abuse, then the pictures were shown, videos played and soon enough, more victims came out in hiding and testified. The Monroe Law Firm was so busy for those six months, from all the witnesses and victims who volunteered to give their statements as well as the press that took great interest in the story. It's not every day the three well- known families in Boston: the Forbes, Monroe and Page are involved in this kind of controversy. We had to get a restraining order to stop them from following the four of us and asking for interviews.

Third, another kind of court hearing, Noah sought to terminate his parents' parental rights over him and assign guardianship to the Monroe's. The ground was neglect and abandonment and Mr. and Mrs. Clarke provided all the proof we needed when they refused to answer the summons or even appear on court. They were informed that their only child has been abused and suffered addiction for years and they didn't even bat an eye. Naturally, after a few months, the Monroe's got custody of Noah with stipulation that he be entered into a rehabilitation facility for his treatment.

Fifth, the four of us returned to the Fortress. Diane decided to sell the mansion after news broke out of her husband's crimes. We sought her permission first then the four of us decided to burn down the Fortress. Our special place was tainted in the most horrible way and if a new family would take residence, we want them to see this place the way we saw it when we were kids. Because now, all it represented was Violet's end and the violence and abuse that took place in it. After the evidence were submitted in court, we took those that weren't needed anymore, the poems, letters and other entries, and burned them all to the ground along with the tree house. Violet would forever be remembered for her smile, compassion and strength.

Fifth, as action and drama- filled our lives were, we are still students and had to return to school, attend so much makeup classes and pass loads of home works and projects to make up for our absences. Our friends were a big help and we were able to catch up just before our final exams. Graduation was a bit anticlimactic with everything that happened. Dan and I got admitted to Harvard; our parents bought us our own apartment near campus and we'll be moving in together next week. Matt got accepted in Stanford, together with Katelyn- who is now sporting her natural strawberry blonde hair. Although, if I have to be honest, I think Matt preferred her pink hair. Dan and I also made a bet that in a month's time, they would be dating.

Matt and Noah bonded over the break since Matt would be busy in California and wouldn't have the time to visit. Dan and I, however, are staying in Massachusetts and would only be a twenty minute drive to Noah's rehab center. I decided to continue my mentorship with Professor Sybil because I enjoy learning under her so much. She was glad for my decision and promised to provide more flexible hours for me.

All in all, we're all in a good place now with so many opportunities ahead of us. The future lay in front, vast and uncertain. But one thing's for sure, this time, we have each other.

"Penny for your thoughts?" Dan said beside me.

"Dad's game." I chuckled, seeing Matt and Noah fighting over those ridiculous blankets again. What is it with those blankets?

"The Good, The Bad and The Ugly?"

I nodded wistfully. "We had to experience the Bad, go through the Ugly so that finally, we can reach to the Good. Only this time, I think dad got it wrong."

"Why?"

"The Good is what we have now." I explained, turning fully to face him. "What's ahead of us is the Better. Because I know, the future would be so much better for the four of us."

Dan smiled and pulled me for a swift kiss on the lips. "It will."

"I should remind you, though." I smirked playfully, wiggling my finger to him. "Better expect a mess when you come home to the apartment. I have been known to play around with paints a lot."

Shaking his head, he just chuckled. "You already stained a few of my shirts, Elle. I think that's why you have the overwhelming need to buy me shirts every week, to appease those you destroyed." He teased, arms wrapping around my waist.

"Hey, here I am trying to spoil you for once and you offend me?"

"Nope." Pulling me closer, I put a hand on his chest. "I am more than honored to be the one to spoil you for the rest of our lives."

I smiled brightly and reach for my tiptoes, pressing my lips to him. I planned for a swift peck but Dan's hand went to my neck and pressed me closer to him. I moaned and opened myself up to him, kissing him with passion and a promise of excitement for the new lives ahead of us. A new beginning as we grow into a much better version of ourselves, with each other beside us. There would be no fear, doubts, insecurities and hesitations. It would just be me and Dan; always and forever.

"Damn it." I heard Matt complain from a distance. "Can't you two wait when I'm in California and Noah is safe from your constant PDAs?

Yes, the future would be Better for all of us.