My Murderous Finale - ✔️

Chapter 27

ELLIOTT

I read the letter Kellan tossed me as he sat in the chair next to the bed. Honestly it wasn't unexpected.

" what's it say?" He asked while scrolling through his phone.

" Evan left all of his assets to his family and I need to have any items purchased by myself for myself out by," I looked around " what's the date today?"

" October 9th, " Kellan said looking up from his phone

" oh ok well by tomorrow at 5:00pm" I stated with a sarcastic chuckle. Well, jokes on them cus I had no money of my own to purchase anything myself. So this letter is pointless."

I knew what it was though. It was one last slap in the face from Evan. he knew I'd have nothing of my own to take. So this letter was just a formality so if I tried to take anything I'd be stealing. I was surprised by how much I didn't care though. Realization hit me that I was actually, finally, free of Evan. I never would've imagined it would have ended the way it did. I knew he was violent and I knew it would inevitably escalate, I just guess I never expected him to try to actually kill me. I guess it was naïveté on my part really. If all of it taught me anything it would definitely be that I didn't know Evan at all.

Kellan was quiet as I sat there lost in my thoughts. He knew it was something regarding Evan and my potential assets. And for his silence at that moment I was grateful. It was the first time I'd actually accepted the reality of my life and marriage to Evan. He had taken so much from me and I couldn't blame him solely, I let him for so long. In the beginning, before it became violent, he was so manipulative that it was near impossible to see him for who he actually was. Then by the time he did turn repulsive and violent and I could see him for what he was, I felt stuck. I had lost myself so much that I didn't have faith that I'd make it without someone to financially support me. Now I know. I know that being alone and failing multiple times along the way was better than being in a marriage alone and being abused mentally and physically.

I would stay with Kellan for the time being. At least until I could get a job and save a little more. I'd get my own apartment no matter how small and I'd be independent. It would be cozy and homey and maybe I'd get a cat or even a dog. I surprised myself when I imagined Milo there with me, sitting on the couch as close as possible watching movies. In my bed, our bodies tangled with the exact same fire they were in the car a few weeks ago. The thought made me blush and smile. Part of me felt guilty for wanting a relationship with him so soon after Evan but the other part of me knew it had been years since I'd had any type of relationship with Evan. I couldn't fool myself into thinking what we had was anything other than roommates where one abused the other. It wasn't love, it wasn't anything close to that. I never felt anything in my entire marriage close to what I feel when I see Milo or think about a possible future with him.

I wasn't ready to put a title on what I felt because that was so final. But maybe it wasn't. Maybe not telling people what you think and feel for them is the wrong way to be. I knew first hand that life wasn't expected and it could be ripped out from your grasp in a split second. But I was scared to be vulnerable. I was terrified to want something or someone so bad that I shared everything with them, emotions and all. I thought of all the reasons why Milo and I shouldn't work. He was my brother's best friend, was the first, but there were positives in that. Kellan loved him. I should feel grateful for their friendship actually because my brother trusted him, I could and he had to be a great person. Then I thought of how I was older than him. I felt like that only bothered me. honestly I wasn't sure why it did. It hadn't changed how he treated me in the time I knew him. Lastly I wasn't married anymore, I wasn't being torn down mentally and physically. And now he knew about all the things I was so desperate to keep from him. There was no good reason for me to feel that we couldn't make a relationship of some kind work.

Tears blurred my vision as I thought for the first time in years that I actually had a full and happy future ahead of me. Hot tears poured from my eyes and I started to sob, full body shaking weeping. Kellan looked up horrified, jumping out of his chair to grab me into a hug tight against his chest.

"El, what's wrong? Is it the letter?" he panicked, rubbing my hair.

"I'm.... Happy..." I managed to get out in between sobs. Kellan leaned back and looked at my face, confusion contorting his features.

"This is happy?" He questioned in disbelief. " If this is happy, remind me to never see you sad," he finally said with relief.

Kellan sat holding me until my tears finally slowed and dried on my cheeks. A hospital therapist came in to talk to me about trauma and possible PTSD. She gave me some pamphlets and a couple cards of people to go talk to eventually. She said even if things hadn't happened like that, I would have still been advised to talk to someone about the abuse and that was a trauma in itself. I thankfully accepted all her information and agreed to consider talking to someone eventually. The thought scared me but I knew it would end up beneficial.

Milo came back shortly after she left and I was able to leave the hospital a little bit after. I walked out with my brother and Milo, smiling, knowing I wouldn't waste this second chance I'd been given.

THE END

(for now...)