Forever Changed

chapter 19



Landon and I finished our meal and headed to the car. We had taken all of our purchases out before we sat down to eat. I was so thankful for this I was ready to go and for some reason I was extremely tired. Landon talked my ear off all the way to my house. Unfortunately, I only half listened to him.

I pulled into the garage and Landon said he would meet me in my room. He grabbed all the bags and disappeared. I got out of the car, with one bag in tow, and walked into the house.

My mother was sitting at the kitchen table, “Where have you been?” She said with worry in her voice.

“I went to the mall,” I said holding up the bag in my hand.

“Do you know what time it is?” She said with a stern look on her face. I couldn’t help it ever since I read my father’s note in the book, I looked at my mother differently now.

“Sorry mom,” I said and I really meant it. “I stopped to watch a movie and then I rode around to think.”

She looked at me in wonderment for a minute and then replied, “No, it is fine, go on up and get ready for bed.”

“Are you ok mom?” I asked her while walking to the stairs. “You look, well depressed.”

“Honestly, I am Elizabeth,” my mother lost it and bust out into tears. “I loved your father so much, I didn’t mean or want to kill him and I have been a horrible mother. I shouldn’t care what either of you are. I should love you, no matter what! For some reason, I thought I could change you both and instead I killed him. The love of my life murdered and then had my own flesh and blood, take care of his body. Oh my God, Elizabeth what have I done.”

I was dumbstruck, my mother really did love us and now she is grieving over my father and over me.

“It is ok mom, I understand. You may not, but I do. No worries ok? Things are going to get better. I promise” I said and walked to the stairs. My mother sat and watched me with confusion on her face and curiosity.

I walked into my bedroom and Landon opened the door for me. “Hi,” he said.

“Hi,” I said back.

“I had a question for you,” he said looking down at his hands. Nervous I guess, I thought it was adorable!

“What’s that?” I asked while taking my shoes off.

“Will you take a picture with me?” He said looking a little embarrassed.

“Of course, I just have to grab my camera and try my damnedest not to fall over all these bags.” I said giggling.

While Landon moved all the bags away, I went to my dark room to retrieve my camera. I made sure to grab film this time. I walked back into the bedroom and sat up the camera on a tripod. I set the timer and I wrapped an arm around Landon smiling from ear to ear. The flash went off and snapped our picture.

“Thanks, Elizabeth, I can’t wait to get a copy.” He said excited again.

“Landon, will you stay with me tonight? I really don’t want to stay alone.” I blurted out really fast, tears pressing against my lashes.

“Of course Elizabeth, I will,” he said wrapping an arm around my shoulders, pulling me close to his warm body.

I pulled the blanket back, slid out of my pants, and crawled into the bed. Landon did the same. I rolled over and faced away from him and he wrapped an arm around me.

“Thank you Landon,” I said, though almost asleep.

“Anything you want I will give you, Elizabeth. You are my destiny that will set me free.”

I was not even able to reply. I passed out falling into a deep dark sleep, with Landon’s arm wrapped tightly around me.