Restless Soul

35

  The cemetery was vacant when she arrived. Killing the engine, Lorna stepped out of her car and made her way into the final resting place of two loving souls, taken from this world far too soon.

   Tombstones stood from the ground around her as she made her way through. She knew him without needing to read the name. The dirt pile was still visible and not a single flower had been left. Taking note of this, she couldn't help the pang of guilt that caused her heart to skip a beat. All these years she knew where he was, but not once did she try to go see him.

Instead, she ran. Away from this town and the secret they were all so willing to keep.

   Lorna stopped a few steps away from the gravesite and let out a deep breath. The cold air entered her lungs, releasing a misty cloud upon exhale. It was always cold in Milton Oaks, but this place gave rest to many lives lived and in that effect, felt as if it held the power to drain in away.

"Hey, Austin," she said as low as a whisper.

"It's been a while, hasn't it? Nearly twenty years," she chuckled, "Gosh we're old," she said shaking her head.

Her eyes lingered on the engraving on the stone.

Austin Welhaven

   Her jaw tightened at the sight of it. He was lucky his family allowed them to put his last name on there. They were probably thrilled to finally have him six feet under, the family secret buried at last.

"You shouldn't be here, Austin," she said through gritted teeth.

   The emotions she'd kept hidden all these years finally came rushing to the surface, forcing her to her knees. She should've been there. She should've done more. Instead, she left this place behind, allowing herself and others to forget about Austin Welhaven, the pretty boy with a beautiful mind. The lonesome kid who always sought out those who felt excluded. The young man who was in love with the girl of his dreams, and defied his parents by letting his heart lead him to her. She was his world and he was hers, and someone came and took it all away.

   Lorna's shoulders shook as hot tears overflowed from her lids. "I should've done more," she sobbed. If not for him, it should've been for Skye. The girl whose killer got to roam free, while the love of her life was punished for their crime.

"I'm sorry, Austin," Lorna breathed. She could barely see past her tears as she got up and made her way to Skye's gravesite.

   The lump in her throat seemed to expand with every step. She recalled the day she met Amanda, intrigued by the girl's similarities with her old friend, so alike you'd swear they were the same. Amanda cared to find the truth more than she had eighteen years ago. It made her want to be bitter, to scream at her to just let it go, but how could she? Lorna spent her entire young adult life trying to let it go, only to land back where it all began.

   The gravestone was only partially visible. Night had fallen and the lamp poles surrounding the cemetery were the only source of light. She didn't need it though, Lorna memorized the engraved words a long time ago. As she got down on her knees, a smile spread across her face as she knew what needed to be done.

"I'm done running away," she said and brought her hand up to caress the picture she took all these years ago.

Amanda had ignited in her this desire to discover the truth, and she wouldn't rest until she unraveled this cold mystery.

   On her way back to her car, Lorna felt surprisingly light. Confronting the past didn't break her like she thought it would. It instead gave her purpose, the goal her life lacked since Skye's gruesome death.When her phone buzzed in her pocket, she stopped to check the notification. A relieved grin spread her lips as she read over Amanda's message. 

Amanda: Sorry for running off. I... the details are just too overwhelming sometimes. Still, I'm glad I did't freak you out. See you soon. 

Lorna nodded to herself, taking in Amanda's message. This girl had showed her what needed to be done, and she couldn't wait to let her in on her plans to break her silence. 

   A cold breeze blew by, freezing her fingers from typing out a reply. She slipped the phone into her pocket, and made her way to her vehicle. Before she got into her car, she gave one final glance at her friends' resting place, feeling resolved as she knew they were now together, her guardian angels giving her strength.

   Now behind the wheel, Lorna put on her seatbelt and she groaned upon seeing the foggy windows. As she turned to grab her jacket in the back seat, she froze mid-action, eyes wide as she took in the sight of his familiar face.

"You..." she began to say but her words were cut short when he jolted up and wrapped something around her neck.

   The girl struggled against her aggressor, throwing her limbs around like a fish out of water. Her head was pinned against the headrest while she suffocated. The world around her was slowly fading but she could feel it when he came closer.

"You should've stayed away," a hoarse voice breathed into her ear.

With one final, harsh tug the sound of cracked bones put an end to the struggle.

   The girl sat limp in the driver's seat, her lips stained purple and her eyes red. A red mark on her neck remained when he removed the denim jacket. Before switching her into the passenger seat and taking the wheel.

   Driving through the streets of Milton Oaks, cars whooshed by unaware of the crime that was just committed. Just a repeat of history. He should've done this a long time ago, ensuring all his tracks were covered, but there was never a need to get rid of Lorna, until now.

With her gone that should deter the Fullwood girl from pocking her nose around. He'd make sure of it. 

~Thank you for reading this chapter.~

~Remember to vote if you like it.~

~I hope you're all doing well.~

~Love you!~