63 | Z A C K

A week.

It has being a week since the last time I saw her.

But it felt like eternity. I've waited for her call impatiently just like she demanded but she never called. I barely slept at night with the phone next to me, expecting it to vibrate, to indicate that she was calling. My phone never lived my side. I became obsessed with it, checking it all the time to see if she had called but their was nothing.

For the duration of the case and to give their side of the story and evidence against the Coleman, Daisy and Cole had to visit the court everyday. After her discharge from the hospital, she moved in with her brother in the local hotel. It was before she left that she suggested I move in with my grandmother to try get over what happened. I was reluctant at first but I gave in after a heavy persuasion.

But throughout my stay at grandmother's, I felt this uneasy feeling settle in me, like something bad was about to happen. I tried to brush it off and blamed it on the miscarriage and anxiety attack. I couldn't eat nor sleep. My body refused to relax and my mind was in a battle of chaos. I tried contacting my family to ask if there's anything unusual but they always assured me that everything was fine.

I debated with myself whether to reach out to Daisy or not but each time I attempted to, her demand for me to not contact her filled my head and I had to terminate the call. I was becoming impatient, like a beast trying to escape his cage. It was a relief to me when my Dad came to pick me up and announced the end of the battle.

Apparently, Cole was granted full custody of his younger sister. I was full of joys of spring that Daisy finally got rid of those horrible people and would lead a normal life. She has bring living in their shadows for a very long time, it was time she find a better place.

The Coleman were convicted of emotional cruelty, child emotional neglect and abandonment of their adopted children. They were arrested and would face a threat of jail. The Coleman also lost full custody of their biological daughter for maltreatment and not giving her the medical attention she needed.

Jenna is locked up in the asylum and being treated over mental instability. She has very rare case of multiple disorders among which was the attention deficit disorder she developed during her childhood because her parents didn't allow her to have anyone but them in her life for the fear of loosing her. They thought they were doing the right thing by protecting her but they soon regretted it.

"You look like the old, beat up truck my Dad used to have, son." Dad said as he took the bag I was holding from me. We just arrived home but to be honest, I didn't miss this place. All I wanted to do was to find Daisy and hold her in my arms. To kiss her and tell her I'm better than ever.

The door swung open and Mom rushed out to hug me. I gladly hugged her back but the unmistakable tears I saw in her eyes didn't go unnoticed. I was away for a week and I know she missed me but this couldn't be the reason of my mother suddenly becoming an emotional wreck. My siblings and I once stayed with grandmother for three weeks because our parents went on a small vacation but they never cried when they returned. This triggered a suspicion something's going on that nobody wants me to know.

"I missed you so much, darling." She muttered when she pulled away. Mom didn't try to hide the tears glistening in her eyes. I scowled at her when she started sobbing.

I grabbed her shoulders, surprised at her sudden breakdown. "What happened? Mom, is everything okay?"

"Zack, it would be better if you get inside." Dad suggested.

Mom helped with my other bag and we went inside the house. I met all my sisters there and they welcomed me back home. After the small greeting, I noticed the small bright white ball curled up in a blanket. Except it wasn't a ball because it was moving like a tiny baby. It's so adorable I had to blink my eyes several times to believe it.

"That's my new dog, Titus!" Eden yelled and carefully picked up the cutest dog I've ever seen. It looks fragile in her arms I want to take it to protect it from any harm.

But something suddenly surged in my mind. I remember Daisy mentioned adopting a Samoyed dog. "Where did you get that from?"

She looked at me, the glint gone from her eyes. Her smile fell as if though she realised her mistake. "Daisy gave it to me. Before she left."

I took a couple of steps forward. "What do you mean before she left? What are you not telling me?" I think my heart missed a beat.

They all faced away like cowards, unable to meet my gaze. I was confused to what was happening. Why aren't they talking? Does it has to do with Daisy?

"Listen son, you deserve to know the truth." Dad approached me with a grim expression pinned on his face. My eyes were drawn to the white paper he was holding. It was neatly folded. "But it's not our place to say it. Daisy sent this to you. It has the explanations you need to know." He handed me the paper.

I stared at the paper for a moment, afraid to touch it. Like a cat on hot bricks, I couldn't stand still. I gulped down the fear and took the paper from Dad. I instantly open it, about to read but I noticed their curious eyes on me. This isn't the best place to open the so called letter.

My bedroom was the best option so I went upstairs, got inside and locked the door. I sat on my bed, gazing at the white paper in my hands. I was scared of opening it. My heart's already broken and I feel like this is going to shatter the little hope I had. I wasn't going to give up on Daisy. We might lose something very special, something we once had but this isn't the end of it. Our angel brought us together and saved us from the nasty people in our lives.

My curiosity got the best of me. I unfold the paper, my hands trembling, my heart in my mouth.

"Hey.

How you doing? How are you coping with the pain? It hurts like a bitch but don't worry, it's because our baby mattered. Some say it's too painful to remember. I say she's too precious to forget. She was our little star that had the brightest glow in the sky at night.

I no longer seek those things that help me to heal but for those things that reinforce me with the strength required to carry the load, destiny has set upon my shoulders. No. Our angel didn't just come and go. She didn't scar our minds. She gave us special memories together, made us realise that sometimes the people we care about, the people we thought we knew are total strangers. She was there for a reason - to bring us together.

For the past several years we know each other, we resented each other for all the wrong reason. I tried so hard to be the strong, brave girl and never allowed anyone to see the weakness of my soul. I made myself believe I wasn't worth my adopted parents' attention. I didn't deserve to be their daughter because I was just an orphan. I tried to blind myself from the reality and made myself believe that someone's coming to save me. In the end, you never know how strong you are until being strong is your only choice.

Our princess happened. You happened.

You were like a saviour to me and I will forever be grateful you came into my life. Your love for me healed my wounds and filled the emptiness inside me. You made me accept my flaws and guided me along the right path. All my life, I always thought none of the boys would love me because i was unworthy of their hearts. I was just a distraction to them but you you proved me wrong. You earned a special spot in my heart and drove away all the wrongful thoughts in my mind.

Before I carried the pain, I carried her. And in my heart, I still carry her. I'm just glad she never got a glimpse of the cruel world. The only thing she knew was the unconditional love her parents have for her and the protection we provided her.

Our daughter taught each of us a lesson. She taught you how to love an imperfect person and she taught me being weak is okay. She made me realise that I was just trying to be someone I'm not. Without her, we would still be total strangers living in the shadows of heartless monsters.

Zack, learn to accept this. Don't forget about her. . . and don't forget about me. I made my decision and thought it was better if we try to resume normal separate lives. You gave me a glimpse of the beauty of a normal life. I can't be a part of your perfect life, Zack. You are too perfect for me.

The best option was to move faraway from you as possible. That's why I moved to Detroit with my brother to start afresh. Please Zack, for me, for our daughter, don't look for me. I want you to have a new beginning and learn from experience. I want you to find a decent, beautiful girl you can love and trust and would love to marry at the end of the day. You deserve it, love. I'm willing to sacrifice everything to make you happy.

I didn't left you because I don't have feelings for you. I wish we would have met in a different life under different circumstances. Even if we can't be together in the end, I'm glad you were a part of my life. Remember that we still share beautiful memories that would never be buried."

Tears of agony rolled down to the side of my head as I lay on the bed, staring at the ceiling whilst hugging the paper to my chest. I lost the love of my life that day. She stole my heart and disappeared with it. I was left alone to lick my wounds with painful memories that makes me question my existence in this world. Is this what it feels like? Hollow emptiness and complete darkness?

One thing I don't regret was having Daisy Coleman in my life. Her beautiful smile, those crystal clear beautiful blue eyes that reflected the sea, her giggles that sounds like music in my ears, her sweet, enticing scent that will forever linger in my nostrils, her golden heart. . .

What I have with you, I don't want with anyone else.

THE END.