The New Identity

Chapter 4

*16 months later*

I'm quite surprised at the turnout, and half a year after the crash. Almost all of them are here, except for for Jason, probably traveling again. I'm glad that Joseph kept his promise; I really didn't want to have my funeral in Cali, I'd rather have it where I died.

I looked through my veil and groaned in annoyance, it covered my whole face and barely let me see, but it was the only way Joseph let me come. That and the red wig Abigail bought, for whenever she went to conventions and wanted to dress up. He said that I could be near the crowd but I just had to be careful not to get too close to them or they might recognize me, I chose not to, always rather stand in the back then sit. There is also a possibility that I would walk up to them after the service.

I feel horrible for them, for causing the so much pain, but it's for the best.

I could basically see everything from where I stood by the tree. If anyone looked all they would see was a short girl with long red hair flowing in the wind leaning on a tree-if anything just a figure soon forgotten in their hour of grief.

They've grown so much since we all saw each other. Susan should be about nine or ten, Jake is probably seven, Mason looks five, and the baby in William's arms ought to be Little Lee, I think she's two or just turned one. I will miss them but I always have the media, but that would make me a stalker....nevermind. I won't have any time anyways.

By the end of the funeral I'd shed some tears. I was about to walk up to them when Marc stopped me. "No Carter. You can't do that remember." he reprimed me and I just nodded slightly, and with my best annoying voice, which didn't work, I told him, "Told ya I would try and go at the end."

"Yeah you did. Now let's go." he says with a slight tug at my elbow. I just nod.

He starts to take me away but I turn back to get one more glance at them and see people giving their regards to my former family.

And I say, just above a whisper and with the wind, "I am so sorry." a single tear falls as I finish with a fleeting "I'll miss you", before turning around and walking away, hopefully forever.

As I walk away, I let the tears fall freely, because after this day I will shut down my emotions and burry them very deep inside and I'll only let my anger show.

Except to the few who win my heart.