Elevator

Chapter 19

Charlie's POV

I was greeted by the beauty of Brooke's humble home. I knew she had the life she always wanted. Being able to be carefree and artistic spirit as she became a prominent author of children books. My twin brother, Alden told me how descriptive the books were written and it helped his son's creativity and thinking.

It was sad to see my brother having to balance taking care of his son and working off hours just to meet ends. Sheena was currently serving her time in jail for conspiracies. I did met her a few times and it was from her I realised Brooke did not visit her at all.

Last month, I made a visit to the bookstore where Brooke used to work at and was told by her boss that she had quit the job. Thankfully, she gave me her new house address and off I went to her house. Brooke's house was easily spotted since she just arrived home. She looked beautiful as how I first met her at the elevator.

With mixed feelings of happiness and nervousness, I got out of my car which was parked a few blocks away. Finally, I stood behind her with my mouth lost of words. "Am I late?", I said as Brooke turned around. Her eyes sparkled in excitement and yet sadness. I could see how much she missed me, desperately missing me. "No, you aren't.", she said and I saw her tears rolling down her cheeks.

Back to reality, Brooke came back with a cup of hot chocolate to combat the latest winter and she made herself comfortable in her armchair. Once she was finally settled down, I started the conversation.

"How are you?"

"I'm good. You?"

"Same.", I replied as I sipped the cup of hot chocolate, so refreshing. Brooke gave the brightest smile in such an awkward conversation after many months.

"I see you no longer wear the ring.", I said once I noticed her fourth finger.

"I thought I needed to move on.", Brooke answered. "How are Collin and others? Are they well?"

My heart stopped for a moment. I did not know how or where should I start.

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"Master's unfortunately not feeling well.", said Lucius, looking at the portrait of Collin as we were sitting in the study room. "He is at the hospital."

"Why is he in hospital?", I asked. I could swear Collin was looking well the last time I met him. Lucius did not answer the question, saying it was "Master's business". I was left with the location of where Collin was and I took off.

Once I arrived at the hospital, I found a nurse who was willing to take me to the ward Collin was in. The room she took me to was private, no one could enter in unless one knows him. I could see Collin lying on the bed, looking out of the window.

The nearer I got closer, the more horrified I was to see him. Collin looked terribly skinny and his bones were visible. His lips were in lighter shade and his eyes were lifeless. "Hi Charles.", he turned to look at me.

"Why didn't you tell me you were having cancer?"

"I didn't wanted to trouble you. I was already having it before you met Brooke.", said Collin. "She is a lucky girl, Charles."

Collin then explained his rationale of kidnapping Brooke and everything until the part where he entered the dungeon and confronted Sheena. He wanted to kidnap Brooke as a test to find out her personality. "I knew she was the one for you. She definitely a keeper.", he said.

By the time Sheena and her men were taken away, Collin's cancer was already getting worse. It came to a point when he decided to check himself in and Lucius sent him there. He gave instruction to him, not to tell anyone about his illness and wishes to die alone.

"Why die alone?", I asked.

"I wanted to leave peacefully."

"You are kidding right?", I said. Collin then looked up at the window and so did I. I knew he wanted to fly to heaven, but he was hesitating. No one likes to die alone, I could confidently concluded.

So I did, I stayed with Collin for the rest of the day and spent the last moments with my best friend and partner. We had a history and I wanted to make this moment the best one before he leave. By the time the clock struck to midnight, I knew it was time for Collin to go.

"Take care, Charles.", he reassured me. He gave a genuine smile as his last memory of living stopped. His hands which used to be warm are already cold.

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"Charlie, are you alright?", Brooke poked the bubble and asked the same question again.

"Yes, they are fine. Mr. Owen is now in Italy. Sheena is obviously, you know where. My brother, Alden is currently balancing his life with his son. He likes your work by the way.", I said.

"What about Collin?"

I was at the point of hesitation, but nevertheless Collin lived a life full with wonders ahead of him. He did what he wanted to do.

"Collin", I paused. "Collin is in a better place."

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The next chapter would be the last of the story and I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for reading up to here. Your presence on this story inspired me to keep on writing. In a meantime, do check out my other stories, The Truthful Game and Downtown Love.

The next and last chapter will returned to Brooke's perspective.