A Long Walk Home (Sequel to Left Alone in the Dark)

Chapter 5

Claire's POV

That morning I went for a jog. Just to cool of all of the stress.

I decided to treat myself to a muffin that morning at a deli just down the road from my apartment.

I sat down and my eyes with someone familiar.

Marilyn.

Her eyes started to water and she mouthed my name in confused.

I bit my lip and slowly nodded my head. Me and her both went outside to talk.

"Claire" she said hugging me. "I thought you- you were dead" she told me.

"Marilyn, I faked my own death. And I feel sorry for it but it's the best thing I could of done. For mine and Patrice's safety.

She nod her head understanding.

"Can you come to my apartment and talk about it? I've missed you so much" she said.

I agreed and we drove to her apartment.

• • •

"So why did you fake it?" Marilyn asked, handing me a cup of coffee.

We both sat on the couch. "I'm afraid that if Erin's "friends" know that I'm alive, they will come and hurt me, or Patrice." I said, playing with my fingers.

"How did you fake your death though?" She asked.

"I bribed the nurse and doctors. At my funeral we made a fake grave and a fake body to put in the casket" I said.

Marilyn began sobbing. "You should of seen Patrice. He was devastated. He couldn't sleep at night and he was depressed" Marilyn said.

"When's the last time you saw Patrice" I asked.

"About a week ago, he and Marchy stopped over just to say hi"

"I miss everyone." I said.

"Well everyone misses you." Marilyn responded.

A familiar voice started talking by Marilyn's front door.

"Hide" she quickly whispered to me.

I quickly got up and hid in her closet, while she got up and opened the door.

"Hi Patrice and Brad" she said.

"Hey! We just came over to check up on you" Brad said.

The talking kept going on.

"So remember how we came here a couple days ago? Well I think I left my jacket here" Patrice stated, "If I remember clearly you put it in the closet?" Patrice asked.

No Patrice. Don't do it

"Patrice sit down, I'll get it for you" Marilyn said, almost stuttering.

Thank the lord.

Marilyn opened the door and pulled out the jacket, I quickly mouthed "thank you" to her. She nodded her head.

Brad and Patrice sat on the couch.

"So how's it going Patrice?" Marilyn asked.

"Eh, it got better. I still miss Claire." He said. "It's like I keep on seeing someone that looks exactly like her, but Brad keeps on telling me it can't be her." Patrice sad saddened.

"I can't do this" I mumbled to myself.

I need to let Patrice know I'm here. I can't take it anymore. I love Patrice too much to make him hurt like this.

"I guess your just seeing things you know?But don't worry Patrice, Claire is still here. In you heart" Marilyn said.

Patrice and Brad said their goodbyes and I once they left I walked out.

"Thank you so much, that was clo-" I said.

Brad quickly opened the door.

"I'm sorry I lef-" he said, immediately seeing me.

"Holy shit" he mumbled.

I ducked down, but realized it was too late and he spotted me.

He shut the door behind him.

"Is that actually you Claire?" He asked, with tears coming down his cheek.

I slowly nodded my head and hugged him.

"I thought you were dead! How? How are you alive" he asked.

I quickly explained the story, and he understood.

"Claire, but I will feel really bad if I can't tell Patrice" Brad whined.

"Brad, every single day I feel horrible. But it's only for mine and his safety. Please, do not let anyone know." I responded.

"I'll come back later. I have more questions. Claire just so you know, Patrice is really hurt. He even tried killing himself. Please." Brad said.

"Brad please do not tell him anything. Or anyone. Do not tell anyone" I said.

"Okay I won't. But I'm still coming back. I should get going, pat is waiting in the car" Marchy said.

A tear splurged down my cheek and Marilyn hugged me.

"This is hard" I responded. "Because of me, Patrice almost killed himself. Because of me. I feel horrible. I'm just a regular girl. There's nothing special about me." I said.

"Claire, everything is special about you. Your an amazing women. That's why Patrice is in love with you. Don't you see he's willing to give up anything for you?" Marilyn said.

"I love him too. But right now, it has to stay this way."