This is the letter Eddie wrote to the parole committee. I don't own any rights to Hollywood Heights storyline or characters; this is the fantasy world I created.

Keeping Secrets

Epilogue

To The Parole Committee:

I know I'm the last person you would expect to write a letter on behalf of Chloe Carter because I am the son of the victim. I have every reason to hate her. Chloe lied and manipulated her way into my life; she was my fiancée. A wise woman once told me forgiveness is not for the other person, forgiveness is for you. I didn't know what that meant until I decided to forgive Chloe.

Once I was able to forgive Chloe, I was able to live my life with arms wide open. For the past five years, I have been secretly visiting Chloe once a month. She reached out to me one day and every instinct in me screamed "hang up the phone." But there was something in her voice that wouldn't let me. The Chloe I knew was confident and selfish. The Chloe I visited the first time was scared and abused. You see people who say they are my fans or fans of my wife and parents have taken on the task of dishing out street justice in the form of physical violence towards Chloe. I don't not agree with their actions; Chloe has been punished through the justice system. How dare anyone take it upon themselves to punish her even more?

The Chloe I got to know, the real Chloe Carter is insecure and vulnerable. I've risked my marriage and my relationship with my father becoming Chloe's friend. The Chloe they knew five years ago no longer exists. The Chloe, my friend is loving and caring and growing as a person. Chloe needs forgiveness and acceptance not broken arms and attempted rape.

Another five years in prison won't do anything but kill Chloe. Since she's been incarcerated, she has taken online college classes and goes to therapy once a week. Chloe is on the path to changing her life and deserves the chance to live that life beyond the walls and barbed wire of that women's correctional facility. Chloe's future is still unwritten, but I do know her future is not another five years in prison. I used to believe that Chloe was incapable of change, I was wrong. Chloe can and has changed.

I miss my mom every day but she continues to live in my heart and in my memories. Death and goodbyes are a part of life and saying goodbye to my mom was the hardest thing I've ever had to do. If my mom were here today, she would forgive Chloe and find a way to help her. My mom would never sit back and allow fans to physically harm someone who is already paying for their crime. My mom isn't here to speak on behalf of Chloe Carter; but I'm here, the son of the victim, asking you to please grant Chloe Carter's parole.

Respectfully,

Eduardo Duran

Thank you guys again for all the reviews, favorites and follows. I'm taking a break so I can catch up on the stories and authors I follow. Then I will start another story (after I write the one-shot requested by a reader). Happy Reading. TTYL ~jm~