Authors note: To clear things up the people who survived are Jessica (Cassie's mother), Cassie, Caryn, Levi, and Chad.

Scream 4 Me

Cassie's Choice

It has been a year and a half since Cassie survived her attackers and killed them. She went into hiding because she no longer felt safe. If someone she knew so well could want to kill her then she wasn't taking any more chances. Her mother tried to convince her it was all over, but nothing worked. Cassie was sure someone out there was still searching for her. She flashed back.

Cassie was sitting next to her mother's hospital bed watching her sleep. She owed everything to her. Her mother survived a car crash and walked a long way to save her. What good was it to survive if you lost everyone close to you? She had lost so many people from this ordeal. Brock, her father, Josie, Tom, Dr. Shrock, and Evelyn had all been killed. Evelyn was on her mind a lot. She died to save her.

Jessica started to wake up. Cassie sat up from her chair and stroked her arm.

"How are you mom?"

Jessica smiled peacefully. "I don't care as long as you are ok."

Cassie gave a hurt look. Jessica knew her daughter was having survivor's guilt.

"I'm so sorry honey."

Cassie started to tear. "How are you so strong? I am at the breaking point. I have no strength to gather."

"Don't say that Cass. You are very strong. You survived this and you are going to enjoy the rest of your life."

"How? How can I ever get over this? Every time I come home I will think of what happened. Dad is gone! Evelyn is gone! Brock is gone!"

"We will move then." Jessica said quietly.

Cassie looked out the hospital window. "That won't be enough. I've decided to go into hiding and change my name."

Jessica sighed knowing that Cassie had already made her mind up. "Whatever it takes for you to get past this."

Cassie was shocked. She expected her mother to shoot the idea down. "Really?"

"Yes."

Cassie went to visit the other survivors to say goodbye.

She went to Chad's door knocked lightly and walked in.

"Hey, Officer Chad, how are you doing?"

Chad barely survived. When they found him he had a knife in his back. He will walk with a limp for the rest of his life.

"I'm doing ok. I'm sorry I couldn't have been more help to you kids."

"Well actually officer, your gun saved my life. If my mother wouldn't have taken it I would be dead."

Chad chuckled. "Oh well in that case I'm a hero hahaha."

Cassie managed a laugh. "Well, I just came by to see how you were doing. See ya later."

As Cassie walked down the hall she saw Levi and his parents checking him out of the hospital. He suffered minor injuries and was lucky Emily thought he was dead or wanted Evelyn and Cassie's life more than his.

He looked at her and his eyes screamed I hate you. Levi refused to let her see him. He blames Cassie for Evelyn's death.

Cassie held her head down and went into Caryn's room. Caryn still had bruises all over her body from falling out of the moving car. She was lucky to survive without major injuries.

As Cassie walked in Caryn lit up.

"Hey Cassie. How are you today?" Caryn sat up in her bed.

"I'm doing as well as anyone could in this situation. I just came over to tell you goodbye."

Caryn's face went from happy to confused. "Goodbye? What do you mean?"

"I can't live here anymore or be Cassie anymore. Cassie died along with everyone else. I am not the same, plus I don't feel safe."

"I'm sorry to hear this Cassie. I hope you can get through this somehow."

Cassie leaned down to hug Caryn. "Me too."

She wiped a tear from her eye and turned to walk out.

"You know I am always here for you, Cass."

Cassie turned and smiled. "I know."

It hurt Cassie to say goodbye to Caryn. All that was left was to actually make the move and change her name. Only then would she feel truly safe again.