Epilogue
It had been three weeks since I had been discharged from hospital, and another seven weeks since my life had changed forever.
Today was actually the day that I was finally leaving Easton. Leaving behind all the things that represented a part of my life that I'd rather forget. But before I left, there was one thing I had to do.
Knocking on the door at the Hart Mansion, I couldn't help but notice that the place looked almost abandoned or desserted.
The nanny immediately opened the door and I could tell that she didn't know whether to smile at me or offer condolences. At last, she smiled at me warily and I smiled back at her as she invited me inside the house.
Julie's parents had visited me while I was recuperating, and they had been nice enough not to accuse me of leading their daughter to her slaughter.
Apparently, she had been happier the last few months, her grades had improved, and they had thought it was because of a certain boy... but there was no boy, just a simple brunette haired girl.
I had called before, and Mrs. Hart had said that they would be glad to have me over for a while.
They were already waiting for me in Mr. Hart's study/library/sittingroom.
I already knew that they might not have been completely ok with how Julie had chosen to love, but every parent had certain expectations. Even false ones.
The Harts were sitted next to each other on a twin seat, and I logically took one that was adjacent to theirs.
"Hello Charlotte? It was very nice of you to come visit us," Mrs. Hart said pleasantly.
Despite being well into her forties, she could easily pass for a thirty year old.
"Thanks for having me," I said looking at the khaki envelope in my hands. "I don't have much to say really," I continued looking at them, "I am leaving Easton, and I thought I should tell you."
"But why?" Mrs. Hart asked surprised by my announcement.
"I hope it's not because of what happened?" Mr. Hart finally spoke.
"No. It was something that Julie and I had wanted to do together, and now more than ever; I really think I should leave," I replied.
"Then I wish you all the best," Mrs. Hart said seeming abruptly sad as she made herself busy and brought over a decanter of brandy. "Would you like some coffee or cocoa?" She asked trying to maintain her composure.
"No thanks," but I wouldn't mind some brandy myself. "I am afraid I have to leave," I said getting up. "These are photos we took on that night." I handed the envelope to Mrs. Hart and remained standing.
"Oh, so soon?" She asked as her hands slightly trembled.
"I'm traveling tonight, that's why I'm in a bit of a rush," I replied.
"Thank you for coming," Mr. Hart said helping his wife stand up.
They walked me out to my car and told me to call if I ever needed anything. But unfortunately, I couldn't have what I needed...
Back at home, I found my Mom and Harp waiting for me.
"I'll wait outside," Harper said giving me and my Mom some privacy.
I sat down next to my Mom and leaned against her since it had always made me feel safe, loved, and like everything was going to be fine.
"Though you're old enough to make your own choices, to me, I don't feel much difference than when you were just born; you're still my baby," she said stroking my hair. "I know the last two months have been very hard for you, and I understand that you have a need for a fresh start... I do too. But I want you to know that I will be there when you need me, and that I will always love you."
"I wouldn't leave if I didn't have to, and I don't know how it will be on my own... but you're all I have left," I said feeling my tears wet her bosom.
"God wouldn't have let you go through this if He hadn't already known that you could make it through."
"But I feel so helpless and small."
"You may feel that way, but you are truly strong inside. And your dreams, what about your dreams? There's a whole future ahead of you, she said comfortingly.
"I love you so much," I said wrapping my arms around her neck.
"And I love you too, more than you could imagine, until the day you finally hold your own child in your arms and feel it too," she said kissing my head.
"So, this is it?" Harper asked shutting my trunk after we had finished loading in my stuff.
"Not indefinitely: we'll still be friends, we'll still talk," I said putting the wrapped gift he'd given me in the backseat.
"I hadn't thought it would be this hard to say goodbye."
"I always knew it would," I said leaning on my car next to him. "I would be away from all the people I had loved even before everything happened."
"And I will still be loving you, but I guess you knew that too."
"You're going to be happy with Claire. I've seen the way you look at her; you're already in love with her."
"Maybe we'll make something," he said shrugging.
"I have to go," I said looking at my shoes.
"I know."
There was a moment of silence as we just stood there.
"Goodbye Charlie," he said as he hugged me. "Don't start to forget me."
"Never," I said looking up a him. And then it happened...
He kissed me.
I don't know why, but I kissed him back. There just seemed to be something precious about that one last kiss.
Getting inside the car, I waved at Harp and honked once for my Mom before I started down the familiar lane.
This was it, this was the beginning of my new life.
My rebirthing.
***The End***
