Shackled by Lies

Epilogue

Epilogue

It has been a month since I was admitted to the hospital, since I had been shot. I was finally being released and after considering the stories that had been spread about me, I decided I would rather continue with homeschooling. No one argued with me and Steven and Christopher was more that ready to help me graduate from high school.

It turned out Steven was right about Erick too. About two weeks after I told everyone what my story really was, he showed up in my hospital room with a large white teddy bear. I almost started crying when he handed it to me with a note tied around its neck. It turned out to be a 'get well soon' card and a mild attempt at asking me out on a date when I got out. It was the most romantic thing I ever experienced in my life and Christopher and Steven jumped at the chance to make fun of me. Dan was kind enough to try and defuse the teasing but soon Travis and Mike joined my brothers and Dan was forced to give up.

Luckily, Mrs. Walsh organized my ride home to be with Erick.

"Are you ready to hit the road?" Erick asked as he stepped into the room.

I almost jumped out of my own skin in shock but offered him a reserved smile.

"It would be a nice change for you if you just gave off the warning that you will be walking in before speaking out loud." I suggested, making Erick smile at me.

"Sure, next time I will borrow Mrs. Walsh's dinner bell and ring it from the hallway. Will that help?"

"You are so funny, why did you not become a comedian?" I asked sarcastically.

I slowly let my feet drop over the side of the bed and straightened out. It was still a painful process and I would have to remain in bed for the next two weeks.

The doctors did not want to release me yet but after seeing my glare the previous day, they decided to make a deal. I would be released but I was not allowed to go gallivanting yet, least of all start unnecessary fights. I did not bother asking about starting a necessary fight, it would only put me in a foul mood.

"Come on, you liked sitting through class staring at me. I could not let you suffer without me there." Erick said airily, making a light chuckle escape my lips.

I winced at the pain it sent through my body and Erick came over to my side at once.

"Sorry, are you alright?" He placed his hand on the small of my back.

"I am completely fine, Erick. I am just sorry to say that I will not be able to help you carry out my luggage." I stated and looked at the door of the room just as a nurse stepped in with a wheelchair. I hated myself for feeling relieved at the sight of that horrid thing.

Erick helped me into the wheelchair and I frowned when he picked up my large teddy bear.

"Give me Snow Ball. I will hold her." I held out my arms like a kid and Erick cocked up one eyebrow. "No mocking me about this, just give me my teddy bear." I stated.

Erick chuckled at my antics but still relented, handing me my fluffy teddy bear.

I tightened my arms around it and leaned my head against the softness.

Soon my eyes were closing and I could not even remember getting into the car.

Christopher and I ended up moving in with the Walsh's. They converted two of their guest rooms into our personal rooms after they realized Christopher had been living in a motel. Neither one of us was prepared to live in our grandfather's house and knew we could not put it up for sale because of what happened inside. No one in their right mind would want to buy the place. We were considering having it bulldozed and then building a new house. The project would take a while but it would be worth it. A new house meant a new beginning for someone else.