Page 98 of Shattered Mind

The entire neighbourhood is different to what I had in mind. Every house is so close to the other. This city is a far cry from Rosewater Creek, that’s for sure.

It all began to make sense when I saw it through my own eyes. The awe on her face when I took her horse riding. The way she soaked up every inch of land around her like it was the first time she was experiencing it.

The door swings open and I’m greeted by the man who was on the receiving end of my fist just yesterday.

“For fuck’s sake,” we say in unison.

Carter takes a tentative step back and holds his hands up in surrender. “Before you go all jealous boyfriend on me again, let me introduce myself,” he holds a hand out for meto shake, but I ignore it. He continues anyway, “I’m Carter. I’ve been living here for years and taking care of the place. I helped Liv sell the place and now I’m helping her pack it up. What you saw yesterday was the aftermath of a Christmas decoration mishap.”

I frown in confusion, and he shakes his head, waving a hand through the air. “Never mind. Liv isn’t here right now.”

I cock my head, not quite believing him. “Where is she?”

He shrugs. “She said something about visiting her parents and borrowed my car to pick up some supplies.”

My confusion deepens momentarily before it dawns on me. “Do you know where they’re buried?”

He thinks for a moment before turning and grabbing a piece of paper from the table next to the entryway. He scrawls something down and hands it to me. “I have to warn you; she’s pissed at you.”

I nod. “I’m used to it.”

I turn and walk away, feeling like an asshole as I climb back into my rental car and following the directions he just gave me.

It doesn’t take long for me to find the cemetery and I park in the empty space next to the car I now know belongs to Carter.

I spot Liv almost immediately where she sits on her knees as she scrubs at the headstone that clearly belongs to her parents.

I approach her quietly, nerves swimming in my gut the closer I get, and I see her shoulders tense as she senses me behind her.

“I thought you’d be on the next flight home by now,” she says, not bothering to turn around.

“I’ve got some unfinished business here.” I reply, putting my hands in my pockets and rocking on the balls of my feet.

Liv lets out a tired exhale and her shoulders drop in exhaustion. “Can we not do this right now, Gray?”

“When should we do this, Liv?” I counter, still staring at the back of her head.

“I just want to get through the rest of this week without anymore drama and then I can go home.” Her words have hope blossoming in my chest.

And then I can go home.

“So, you really are coming back?” I ask as the worry of losing her completely lifts from my shoulders.

She finally turns to face me and the distraught look on her face steals my breath.

She looks so different to the girl I’ve come to know and love. She looks drained.Her eyes have dark circles surrounding them. They’re bloodshot from crying and I hate the fact that I played any part in that. Her usually olive skin is pale from exhaustion.

“I was always coming back. I don’t know why you thought otherwise.” She says, placing the brush on the ground and standing.

“No one will tell me shit. I had to beg Savannah to give me the address for your parent’s house. I’ve tried calling you.” I admit.

She cocks her head. “Oh? You do still have my number then?”

Ouch. I deserved that. “It didn’t work.”

She purses her lips and nods. “Temporary sim card.”

“I just wanted to check you’re okay,” I say, taking a step towards her. I reach a hand out to cup her face, needing to touch her, but she takes a step back. My hand drops and my heart sinks in my chest.

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