Destiny Destroyed

Chapter 38 (Present Day 1986)

NOVEMBER 1986

I'm still wearing my black pants and white shirt from work. The name tag still visible on my shirt. I've only been home for a few minutes when the doorbell rings. I'm confused on who would be ringing the bell. Ryan wasn't due home for a good hour. I contemplate not answering it so I can shower and change. I smell like food and feel gross. I sigh and walk over to the door. I look out the peep hole but can't see who's there. The bell rings again. I open the door and instantly feel the blood drain from my face. "Hello Destiny," the woman says. I'm speechless as I stare at Seth's mother.

Her black hair and brown eyes the same shade as Seth's. She's wearing heels that place her a good bit taller than me. I hadn't seen her since the hospital over two years ago. She had come to see me when I woke after Seth had died. She had been looking for answers as to what happened. When she realized I didn't remember anything, she proceeded to tell me what a horrible, worthless and selfish person I was. I believe her parting words were "I wish it had been you that had died". Seth's mother had never liked me. From the very first time I had met her she had disliked me. I don't think there would have been a girl out there that would have been good enough for Seth. Her obsession with him was borderline creepy.

I stand staring at her. I don't say a word. "Well I don't know what it is about you Destiny. You're not exactly drop dead gorgeous. You're not much more than average really. I'm just going to chalk it up to both of my sons having bad taste. I hear her talking but can't process what she is saying. "And you're dumb to boot." She snaps her fingers in my face. "Is anyone in there," she says annoyed. "Why are you here," I finally say. It's not a question. It's more of a comment. "I came to see Ryan." I stare at her. "Why," I ask. Now I am confused. "You really don't know do you." I watch as a wicked smile comes across her face. "Well I'll be. He never told you." My patience is growing thin. "Told me what." She laughs. "That he's my son. Seth and Ryan are brothers." I feel the color drain from my face. "You're lying," I tell her. My head is spinning. "Oh Destiny. You really are unlucky in love. Tell Ryan to call me," she says as turns and walks off. I can hear her laughing as she leaves.

I have my bags packed and I'm just sitting on the couch waiting for Ryan. My dad is on his way to pick me up. I was going to just leave, but I decided I wanted to hear what Ryan had to say. I've showered and changed out of my waitress attire. I'm sitting on the couch wearing sweatpants and a t-shirt. Not Lucas' AC/DC shirt. I had that packed away with all my special things that has to do with Lucas at home. I haven't looked at any of it since I left Meadow Crest. I am trying to move on and constantly looking at the Polaroid photos and sketches Lucas drew was holding me back. I know one day I will be able to look at them with love and not heartache. Until that day, they are safely tucked away in a chest in my old room.

Ryan comes through the door about an hour after his mom had left. During that time, I had packed and called my dad. I had cried and cried some more. I couldn't understand why Ryan had deceived me. I just knew I needed to leave. I couldn't stay here with him anymore. My heart was breaking once again. I was losing one of my best friends. I wondered if I would ever stop losing the people I loved. I wiped away the last of the tears when I heard the key in the door. Ryan took one look at me and knew immediately something was wrong.

He closed the door and hurried to me. I put my hand up to stop him. I didn't want him to touch me. "Destiny what's wrong," he asks full of concern. Everything I think to myself. I will myself not to cry. I swallow hard and say, "Your mom stopped by." I watch the color drain from his face. "Please let me explain," he says full of panic. "Explain what. That you've been keeping the fact that you and Seth were brothers from me. That you've been pretending to be my friend." The tears slide down my face. There's no way to keep them from coming. I sob as he stands there looking helpless.

"Please let me explain. It's not like that." I wipe the tears and snort the snot back up my nose. "Then tell me how it is," I say and wait. He runs his hands through his hair. For the first time ever, I notice it's exactly like Seth used to. I stare at him looking for any other similarities. My mind racing to make a connection. "Seth was my half-brother. Different fathers, same mother." I feel a tear trickle down my cheek. I feel my heart cracking under the pressure once again. I tell myself I can survive this. I won't need Meadow Crest. I'm strong. "Honestly Destiny, I hated Seth. He was a self-righteous lying conniving brat. Even though we were years apart, he was always finding ways to get me in trouble. I was constantly being punished for stuff I never did. The minute I turned eighteen, I left and never went back."

"I went to college and got my degree in psychology and social services work. I cut all contact with my family. I hadn't heard from my mom until Seth died. After he was gone, we tried to become close again, but our relationship was strained. Seth was clearly the golden child. Seth's dad came from a long line of investment bankers. The family was wealthy. They had political connections. Knew important people. My dad was a factory worker who drank too much. His leaving was the best thing that ever happened to us according to my mom. I was only four when he left. I never saw or heard from him after he left. Seth's dad tolerated me. As soon as Seth was old enough to understand, he did everything he could to get me in trouble. He made my life miserable."

I listen and my heart gives just a little. "After I graduated college, I hadn't been able to find any type of work in my field. When my mom called me to offer me the special guidance counselor position at the school, I jumped at the chance. I should have known better. My mom never does anything without an agenda. She made a nice donation to the school to get me the job. My sole purpose was to "babysit" you," he says using my words. I was supposed to find out what really happened to Seth. She was so sure you were behind the whole suicide thing." There's a knock at the door. "That's probably my dad," I say as I stand to go open the door. I open the door and let my dad in. He has no idea what's going on. I only said I needed to come home when I called him. That I wasn't going to stay with Ryan anymore.

My dad gives Ryan a stare along with a polite nod. He doesn't know if he should be saying hello or punching him out. I hand my dad my stuff and tell him I will be out in a few. My dad gives Ryan one last look and says, "you have ten minutes." I nod. "Please stay Destiny," he pleads when my dad is gone. "I need time to think Ryan." He reaches out and takes my hand. I look up at him torn. "I never told her anything that was said or happened between us. I swear. No matter what you would have told me, it never would have gotten to her. I have an oath and would never betray that for anyone. I only had your best interest in mind Destiny. You became my friend. I love you. I would never hurt you." I look at his hand still holding mine. Then I look up and him and say, "But you did." With those words I pull my hand from his and walk out the door.

Two weeks later Julie and I are on a plane to California. We're going to live with my cousin Tony and his girlfriend Pam. They have an empty bedroom now that their roommate moved out. They had been trying to find another roommate with no luck. With an empty bedroom and my situation, Tony offered it to me. He thought a change of scenery would do me good. I had to agree and couldn't say no to the offer. A change of scenery was just what I needed. It's was my first time on a plane. I stare out the window at the blue sky and white puffy clouds. I close my eyes and think of Lucas. I miss him every day. I'm learning to live with what happened to him, but it's still so hard. My mind goes from Lucas to Eric. I miss him also. I made the best decision for both of us. I had to believe that. I feel someone take my hand and give it a squeeze. I look over to see Julie smiling at me. "We're going to have the best time in California," she tells me before letting go of my hand. I smile back at her and hope she's right.