Chapter 25 - The End The keys to my apartment in Big Island were still hidden under the mat. I opened the door and stepped slowly inside. It was weird, like nothing had ever happened. I put down my small bag of clothes and went to the living room. I noticed all my post and bills piled up on the table, all opened and all marked with a "PAID" stamp. I just stared at them. Two months' bills paid and my place kept clean. There was even fresh food in my fridge. They were expecting me to come home any second. A single tear dropped from my eye. I looked at the clock on the wall. Three hours to go. I better start getting ready now. I went to take a long, hot shower. With a towel wrapped around my body and hair, I prepared a nice, healthy dinner and ate it with a good appetite. It was like I forgot what real food tastes like. With a full stomach, washed and refreshed I felt like a new person. I only needed one more thing: the courage to face the Chapmans. My wardrobe as left untouched. I picked up a plain, dark green maxi dress and put my hair on a messy bun. That was the fanciest I could go for without feeling uncomfortable. A little bit of make up to make my face look the best it can after weeks and weeks of abusing, and I was ready to go. No. I wasn't ready to go. But I had to. For make sake, and theirs. I looked in the mirror and took a deep breath. I have to do this. Most of the wedding guests were already taking seats when I arrived. The wedding ceremony was to take place outdoors, quite close to Lyssa's favourite beach. The wedding chairs were covered with white linen and decorated with big, hot pink bows. So Lyssa, I smiled to myself and took a seat from the back. I spotted only a few familiar faces, like Westley from the office, and Tim's family. Most of the guests were people I never had met before. The Chapman men apart from Dog were all standing in a row at the altar. I felt my heart skip a dozen of beats when I looked at Leland. I felt m eyes wet, and I had to look away. Lucky for me, the music started playing and the ceremony was about to begin. Lyssa looked so beautiful and radiant, and I couldn't help but smiling when I saw the extremely proud face of the father of the bride. I could almost swear I saw a tear in his eye. And even though the ceremony was amazing and touching, somehow most of it went in from the other ear and out of the other. I just stared at the happy couple, and the best men. I had thoughts running through my mind even though I didn't remember any of them later. After the bridal party had left the scene and me being unnoticed, I tried to avoid them for awhile. I even considered leaving, going home, but what would be the point of coming in the first place then? Wasn't the idea of the whole thing that the family would see me back? Nevertheless, I made my moves during the night based on the location of the Chapmans. Then it was time for the first dance of the newlyweds. Everyone else was standing in a circle around them, smiling, clapping and taking pictures. I spotted Leland leaning on a pole, his hands in his pockets and his eyes on his sister. He was standing alone, apart from the rest of the family. I knew that I had to do it then and there. I walked next to him, but kept my face on the dancing couple. I'm pretty sure that Leland knew it was me, but he did not move or say anything. I sighed. I had no idea what to say. "I need help." I told him finally, still looking at the bride and groom. "I don't want to go back to what I used to be. I have a problem, and I can't deal with it alone." I turned to Leland, and saw him looking down on his shoes, like there was something really interesting in them. "Look at me" I begged him. "I'm so sorry."He looked at me. "I need help."I repeated. "I know" he said. "I need your help" I told him since I felt he didn't understand me. And then, for my surprise, he took his hands out of his pockets and took me in his arms. "Don't ever do that to me again." he whispered and softly kissed my hair. "Don't you dare." "I won't." I told him and looked him in the eye. "I promise." I feel a bit sad to finish this. I want to thank you for your comments and support, because this was my very first story ever to be published. It means a lot to me that you liked it :) it also gives me a very good reason to keep on writing the second story. I have written three chapters so far, but I know how the story goes in my head so it won't take long for me to get it to paper. :) See (or read) you soon! -T