Noticed

Chapter 20

Chapter 20

      I’m currently in the car, driving to Louisiana. Last night, Carlie drove me to Alexis’s house and I said goodbye to him. He still wants to keep in touch, as do I. We were such great friends. I told him to say goodbye to Gazelle and Kataline fore me; give them hugs for me. I’m going to miss them, but I’m going to miss Damen the most. Mom and Dad found a nice little home for me, Carlie, and themselves. It’s cream colored and has greenish shutters. It’s very pretty, and not to big, but not too small; just right. 

      “Mom, I’m hungry,” I whined. She smiled back at me. I’ve been more open since I talked with Damen yesterday. I’ve been offering my opinions and talking more. I can tell everyone’s glad. “Want to go to McDonald’s?” she asked. I instantly went silent. Carlie slapped Mom on the arm. “Mom ” she scolded. “That’s where Isabella went when she got in the car accident ” Mom looked at me apologetically. 

       “Sure,” I said quietly. “I want to go.” Mom and Carlie looked at me with smiles, while Dad looked proud. “That’s my girl ” he said. I smiled. Mom pulled into the drive thru and ordered us all two burgers and a sundae. I smiled as I remembered Michael begging me to get them that one fateful day. 

       Even if I lost a part of my pinkie, and broke my leg, I’m grateful for the accident. It gave me an excuse to get closer to Damen and Alexis, but mostly Damen. If it wasn’t for the accident, he wouldn’t have had to get close to me. Even if we were best friends, he probably wouldn’t have been as open as he was in the hospital. And Alexis, too.

       The car accident made me realize just how lucky you are to just be alive. No one has to be perfect or anything, but you can be thankful for your life. I realize that now.

~

      After getting settled in, I received a letter. I don’t think I gave anyone at home my address, so I had no idea who it was from. I opened it with shaky hands, and was not all that surprised. It was from Damen:

Dear Isabella, 

      Hi, Is. I bet you’re wondering how I got a hold of your address. It might help you to know that your Mom told me. Don’t get too mad, I practically forced it out of her. I’m sorry this is so unexpected. I know you don’t want to hear from me, or even see what I have to say, but I have to tell you, Isabella. You’re still perfect to me.

       Yes, it’s true; you’ve been raped many times, but that doesn’t take away from your character. Your personality is still just as it was, if you would let it. Your Mom told me all that you’ve been doing when you were here. Don’t yell at her; I forced her to. She knows how much I love you and I needed to know. 

         Isabella, I don’t want you to think any less of yourself. What happened wasn’t, in any way, your fault. You tried your best to get out of it, but you just couldn’t. I know that. And I understand. I know that you might think you’re not worth it, or you’re repulsive, but I don’t think so. I think you’re sweet, and loving, and flawless. There’s nothing wrong with you, or anything you’ve been doing. 

        You’re in a state of depression. I know you don’t want to hear this, but I could’ve helped you out of it. I could’ve helped you through it. You might think you’re not good enough for me, but in reality, it’s the other way around. I don’t deserve someone like you. I’ve watched you since I first saw you. You’re the nicest person I’ve ever met. Well, besides Alexis, but that doesn’t really count.

        I love you, Isabella. Nothing, and I mean nothing can change that. You know how I feel about you. I would like to think that you still love me like you did, but there’s not saying what you feel right now, besides disgust for yourself. I know what you’re thinking: ‘Oh, I’m not thinking that, Dame ’ But I know you are. I can always tell what you’re thinking. Because I love you.