Chapter 1: Dead to Me
It had been two years since I left the Sunshine Islands… But every single day I was haunted by them… By their faces, their love. And no matter how hard I tried, they would never, could never, be dead to me.
Of course, I saw one or two of them every so often when they came to the city. But I acted like were just like everyone else; faceless, and of no importance.
It was a cold day in the middle of winter. I was walking hurriedly down the street; I was late for my job. I wasn't watching where I was going and ran right into someone. Someone wearing a Stetson.
I gasped when I met eyes met the eyes of the Stetson-wearing person. They were a deep purple. The Stetson had flown off his head during the collision revealing his silver hair.
I picked up the person's hat and stared at it. I would know that hat anywhere. I had taken it off many times before to kiss the person who wore it…
"V-Vaughn?" I asked, my voice shaky.
"Hello, Chelsea." He said. His voice was as cold as the day I first met him. When he reached out to grab his hat, I saw a gold ring on his finger… A wedding ring.
I felt like slapping him. I fought hard to choke back tears.
Then, I remembered something…
`Chelsea's Flashback`
Spring 26th, 4 Years Ago
Vaughn and I were sitting in my pasture, watching the stars. It was my birthday. My cow, Belle, was grazing beside us. Vaughn kept glancing at her. He was probably nervous she was going to eat his hat.
I laughed at his nervousness and leaned my head on his shoulder. If only I knew what was going to happen in two years…
Silently, I reached into my rucksack which was sitting beside me. I pulled out a beautiful gold ring with C+V written inside the band circled by a heart.
I grabbed Vaughn's hand and slipped the ring onto his finger.
`Chelsea's Flashback`
I tossed the hat in his direction. It landed with a thud on his lap. Before he could retreat his hand, I grabbed it and tore off the ring. Nervously, I looked on the inside of it. Yep, C+V was written, circled by a heart.
"Hey!" Vaughn snapped, and tried to grab the ring. "Give that back!"
"No." I held the ring from his reach. "I gave it to you, so I can take it back." We both stood up, and I began walking away. Vaughn soon ran up to me without my noticing. He grabbed the ring from my grasp and ran away, in the opposite direction.
I stood, watching Vaughn run away, and stomped my foot into the snow and growled. Angrily, I walked away. I was going to get fired…