vanished

CHAPTER EIGHT

The next few days went by in a blur. I was taken to the hospital but I wasn’t physically injured so I was quickly discharged, same as Casey. We were taken back to her house to recover since I couldn’t go back to mine as it was now a crime scene. Not that I wanted to anyways. Jeremy and Harry were at our sides, fussing over us like mother hens  all the time till Mrs M had to chase them out of the house, it was really funny.

Casey told me all about how she’d wound up on the road in need of a ride and how she went over to my place that night because she’d heard from a friend that I’d went off with Justin. That was why she’d been on her phone that night and had that quarrel with Jeremy. She was looking out for me, as she always did. I told her all about Harry and how we all were worried sick when she went missing. Rich had grabbed her while she’d been in my room, waiting for me.

As for him, he recovered but was charged with murder, kidnap and attempted extortion. He was relieved of his rights over me and since I was going to turn 18 in a few days there was nothing to worry about. I was finally free, just like my mom had wanted.

I went over to visit her grave with Casey, Harry and Jeremy. I wanted her to know that I was sorry and that I forgave her for not telling me all the things she should, I couldn’t blame her. She wanted me to live a normal life. I placed a single rose on her grave. Casey squeezed my shoulders and I knew that she too had loved her as much as I did.

No one mentioned the inheritance and I didn’t either. Until I got a hand delivered letter from a lawyer on my birthday. It was the details of my trust fund account, ready for me to access. I had a 100 million dollars stored away with a few substantial assets. No wonder Rich had gone crazy over it. I put it away after the lawyer left. I had a lot of time to think of what to do with it.

But most importantly I wanted to know more about the father, who I’d never known. I had a family and although they might not want me but I had a family and I was going to find them

I started staying at the McCauley’s, there was no where else better. Harry drove me and Casey to school every day and we hung out after school too. I quit my job at the store and Mr Green had just asked for my ID and chased me out.

It was time for college applications and Casey had been bubbling with college choices and essays. She was smart, I was sure she was going to get into whatever college she wanted.

I was out on a date with Harry and we’d just got out of the cinema when he blurted out. “You want to tell me what’s bothering you?”

“Nothing’s bothering me.” I replied a little too fast.

He stepped closer to me and brushed my hair. “you could do better than that.”

I sighed. “I don’t want to go to college.”

He held my face in his hands and said “I know. It’s been so obvious.”

He pulled me in his arms and wrapped his jacket around me. “I don’t know how to tell Casey, she’s so excited about it and I don’t want to hurt her.”

“I think,” he whispered, his face barely inches from mine. “that she might know that but she’s waiting for you to make your decision. Casey’s more perceptive than she lets on.”

I smiled. ”That’s true.”

“So why don’t you just stop being so moody and tell her how you feel, she might be hurt but she’ll get over it.”

Wrapping my arms around his neck, I asked. “How about you? How do you feel?”

“Really great, particular because I don’t plan on going either.” He grinned.

I drew back slightly, “why not?”

“I’ve still got to save up for college, so I might just take the year off.” I was about to say something but he added. “And no, I’m not letting you pay for my college from your trust fund.”

I rolled my eyes. ”prideful prick.” He pinched my side and I twisted away from him.

“Asshole.” I squeaked. Bursting into laughter.

“Asshole? Really? Now that’s getting old Kat.” He was laughing as well.

“Not to me.”

Well, miss Katherine Rodriguez, may I kiss you now?”

I grinned. “Why yes of course, my good sir.”

As he took me in his arms, I stared into his eyes, those bright blue that blazed with the intensity of his emotions and I was overwhelmed. I felt that tug that had me gravitating to him all the time. Whatever this was between us, it was real and when his lips met mine, I knew that Harry would always have a place in my heart. Maybe it was love, who knows. I had a long road ahead of me, this was just the first step.

......................................................................
The end??!
Who thinks this story should have a sequel? Comment what you think and please vote, thank you!