Romantic. || NoCo Angst.

The Aftermath.

Cody's POV ┊ 1ST PERSON

It's been already 3 years since the incident.  I still blame myself for everything that has happened.  If only I wasn't naive, if only I never trusted Noah.  Now I have to live with the guilt of Gwen's death.

I now live with Sierra and Heather.  I don't like being alone anymore, it's too traumatizing.

Most of the time, Noah would leave me locked in a dark room for about 3-5 days with nothing to eat, he'd give me something to drink from time to time though.  He didn't want me to die of course.  But he did plan on killing me at some point.. His fantasies, they were sick, disgusting.  They made my stomach turn.

I wasn't able to be present at his trial though, I couldn't handle the trauma he put me through.  I couldn't even talk to the people I trusted most.  I was scared, trauma does that to you.  It makes you fear things.

Gwen, she was the only one who was determined to find me, to help me.  She believed, and she died trying.  I wish she would've gave up too, I'm not that important.

I miss her.  I really do.  She was my best friend, everything to me.  She loved me, and cared for me, even if she couldn't express it that well.  She still showed her kindness when we'd have our little conversations.

I'm 20 now. She's still 17.

Gwen, I miss you. You were everything...

SIERRA ┊ 1ST PERSON

Ever since everything that has happened, the incident Cody went through .. It hasn't been the same. Heather and I moved in together, and Cody wanted to tag along. Poor Cody .. He went through hell with Noah. The way that man would treat him, the way he'd just torment him for fun.

Cody is strong, he went through so much, and still continues to push through it all. He has so much courage, and I admire him for that strength. I'm not as strong as him though. I really am not. I don't know what I'm going to do, or how long I can keep up this act.

It was 3 years ago. Today would be her birthday.

Gwen, we all miss you. Courtney and Cody took your death the hardest. I don't know what happened to Courtney, I really miss her. I think part of everyone died when you died. I think Cody still blames himself..

It was never his fault. I just wish he'd understand that..

I hope everything for everyone gets better, especially for Cody..

HEATHER ┊ 1ST PERSON

I wish you could be here with us, Gwen. I don't say this a lot about people, but I really liked you. Everything was more lively or interesting with you around. I may not have known you well, but you were a fighter. You knew what was up, and continued to fight.

You inspired me, Gwen. You inspired me to be better as a person. I've opened my own fashion brand, and I made sure to include your name in the title. "Gwendolyn Fashique." It doesn't make sense, but I still love it anyways. Everyday just gets harder, you know? But I'm still growing, I know we can't take back everything that's happened, and that's okay. Everything that's happened, it's happened for a reason, right?

Cody, god, I wish I could explain more of what he's gone through. His journey has been rough, he still stays inside his room for days without eating.. I think he got use to Noah's treatment. God, saying his name makes me want to vomit. That guy, he hurt Cody so badly .. I wish I could've protected him, I'm a terrible older sister for him. I just wished I was there to prevent this from happening. He's my little brother, the person I'm meant to protect.

I do blame myself for not being there, I truly do. But I know I can't take back what's happened. Gwen, I thank you for everything you've done for us. I'll miss you.

Rest well, Gwen.

COURTNEY ┊ 1ST PERSON.

I can't stand it any longer .. I loved her, I loved her so fucking much and I never told her.. She was my love, my one and only. My everything .. Gwen, why did it have to be you? Why? Why couldn't it have been me? I know I didn't do much.. I just sat in that fucking car and watched. I should've stepped out and stoped him! I could've prevented your death.. HEATHER could've prevented it!.. I hate everything... Myself, Heather, Cody ..

If Cody just wasn't so fucking naive..! Ugh! Why'd you have to die? Why couldn't it have been him?

I know it's wrong to think this, I know. I just miss her.. I miss you. Gwen, I wish you were here with me.

I'll be with you soon though.