Broken

Chapter: 11

….

Vaughn's P.O.V:

Summer has finally come around, and I'm standing by the mailbox holding my breath. I open it slowly, finally letting the air out of my lungs. Nothing… again. It's been a few months since I've heard from Chelsea… and it's really starting to worry me now. Not to mention, I haven't been in that dark room with the doors again either. I sigh, pick up my backpack and sadly walk back into the house.

"Hi, Vaughn how was school, Hun?"

I look over at the kind woman who had let me in her family almost a year ago. Mirabelle and Julia were the best, and the only people I really trusted since I moved to the island. "Same as always," I reply simply.

Mirabelle walked over to me and handed me a cookie, then motioned for me to sit down at the table. I do, and when she sits at the chair next to me, she looks close to tears.

"Have you heard from Chelsea yet Vaughn?"

I shook my head no. Mirabelle places her hands on mine, and tears roll down her plump cheeks.

"There's something I need to tell you," she looks down. I wait for her to explain, my heart sinking as I think of all the possible things she has to tell me… and I can't help but feel it has something to do with the letters.

"There was an accident, Vaughn. Chelsea… they don't think she'll make it. I wasn't told much, and I can't find out more… but I don't think she'll write back Vaughn… she's gone."

I swallow hard… how could? No! She's not dead! Chelsea is strong, she won't… I try my best to process her words, but I can't, so I refuse. I stand up angrily, choking back the tears.

"You're a liar Mirabelle! Don't you dare talk about Chelsea, you don't know her… you have no right!"

Mirabelle tries to say something, but I don't listen. I storm over to the door, making a point to slam it hard, and I begin to run. I don't know where I'm going; all I want to do is get away from there. I begin to run over to the one place I feel at home; the mountain. I knew the one mountain on Sunshine Island like the back of my hand, and I usually spent most of my free time there. I run past the green, lush trees, the scattered objects on the ground, and past the rock walls of the upper part of the mountain. I finally reach the top, and I look at the vast sky and water you can see when you're up this high, and I scream. I scream so loud, I'm sure the entire island could hear me. I scream, until my voice cracks, and sound no longer escapes my lips. By this time, I just fall to the ground, and cry. My best friend… she's dead?

Maybe if I had stayed, she would still be ok… How many times had Chelsea saved my life, and I couldn't save her just this once? It's all my fault. How could this happen? I stare out at the ocean, and wonder if I could swim to her? This makes me laugh quietly to myself. What a ridiculous notion. I just wish I could go back to see her one last time, and tell her how grateful I was to have her as a friend, tell her how much I loved being around her. But she's gone now.

I sit there for about an hour when I hear Julia shouting my name. I turn around to see her running this way. She finally reaches me, and she's bent over in exhaustion, breathing heavily and sweating.

"Vaughn, we've been looking everywhere for you! Why don't you come on back home?"

I roll my eyes at her, trying to ignore her revealing outfit and her kind gaze. "Just go away, Julia. I don't want to talk to you."

Julia plops down next to me and punches me harshly in the arm. "How could you say that? Mom is so worried about you; in fact she's got the entire neighborhood looking for you. It's almost 100 degrees out here, and I've been running around like a crazy person trying to find you, and when I do, you tell me to go away? I don't think so mister."

I simply ignore her, and look the other way, letting the hot summer breeze brush my silver hair back. Julia scooted closer to me and sighed. We both stayed very quiet for a long time.

After sitting silently next to each other, Julia started stroking my head. I let her, only because I was a little mean to her, and she's like a big sister to me. I then carefully rest my tired head on her shoulder.

"I'm sorry Vaughn. I know how important she was to you. But were here to help you through this. Please know we love you," she whispered.

I guess I realized for the first time since I got here, I do have a family now, and they love me and care about me. Just like Chelsea. I'm not ready to forget her though. And I don't think I ever really do.

Over the next ten years, the only people I talked to was Mirabelle and Julia. I grew cold, and I always seemed to be glaring harshly at absolutely nothing. I began to pick fights at school whenever the kids would make fun of the cowboy hat Chelsea had given me that I know wore on a constant basis. After giving a kid a broken nose with one hit, people finally left me alone, in fact they feared me. I even scared Julia and Mirabelle sometimes. I graduated school, and as soon as I did, I got a job at an animal dealership. I was home less and less, and soon I only came to the island twice a week. I got an apartment in the city close to where I work, and I felt somehow, content with my loneliness. I grew used to coming home to a small apartment, eating frozen microwave dinners, and falling asleep alone.

….

"Mom! Vaughn's home!"

Julia ran down the stairs and greeted me with a tight hug. I roll my eyes and push her away.

"I've only been gone for a week Jules. Don't act so surprised to see me," I huff as I get a cold glass of milk out of the fridge. Julia places her hands on her hips and giggles. "I still missed you!"

Mirabelle walks slowly down the stairs and smiles when she sees me. The ten years have given her a few gray hairs, but she still looks pretty much the same as she did when I was eight years old. "Julia, honey can you run over to Taro's house and give Felicia the orders for the new animals?"

Julia nodded happily, grabbed the orders from the table and walked out of the house. Mirabelle smiled kindly at me and handed me a bowl of porridge.

"How was your trip sweetie?"

"It was fine. The sheep got a little sea sick, but that's all," I shrugged as I gulped down the porridge and stood up. Mirabelle knows today, I just want to be left alone. Today is Chelsea's birthday.

"I'm going to go to bed. It's been a long day."

Mirabelle nodded. "I understand Vaughn. I'll wake you up when dinner is done."

I drag my feet up to my old bedroom, and dropped face down on my bed. I curled up in the blankets and looked up to the tiny, old picture frame. I wonder why I never took it to my apartment. I turn my head the other way, trying my best to remember that day. It's been ten long years, and I'm starting to forget the times I spent with Chelsea. And I hate it.

"Happy birthday Chelsea," I say. Then I close my eyes and fall asleep.

…

Once again, I'm back in that room with Luna. I'm a little puzzled… I haven't been here for ten years. Not since I found out about Chelsea's death.

I look around, but I don't see Luna… I'm not really quite sure what to expect. Will she look the same or older? Does she even age? Soon enough, I can hear the mysterious woman's giggle.

"Hello, Vaughn! Long time no see, huh?"

I stare blankly at Luna. She looks almost the same, but the gold in her eyes can hardly be seen.

"Why am I here Luna?"

Luna rolled her eyes and snapped her fingers, changing her elegant black gown into a ripped pair of jeans and a black tank top. "It's been ten years, and you can't even say hello? How rude," she huffed. "You've grown a lot. Very handsome!"

My cheeks turned red, and I turned away from her. Luna merely laughed and placed her hand on my shoulder. "Vaughn, I've been watching you very closely, and it seems you've been… how do I put it. Distant? Any way, I thought you would like to see your doors."

Luna pulls me to the familiar area where the doors are. All the doors are opened, but the one that looks kind of ordinary and sad is almost completely opened. And it scares me. I don't want that one to be the open door; the one that holds my future. Luna seems to read my mind, and she grabs my hand taking me away from the doors.

"Open your heart; let it melt and you may be surprised with the outcome."

Luna waves goodbye to me, and I'm back in my bedroom. I wonder about the odd, short visit I just had with her… Why is that door almost completely opened? If I open my heart and let it melt, what outcome will I get? How am I supposed to open my heart and let it melt when it's been closed off and frozen for so long? And who do I open up too anyway? I chuckle to myself… Just like my old visits to Luna, I'm left with a thousand questions.

I sigh, run my fingers through my hair, and place my hat on my head, then walk tiredly down the stairs. Mirabelle is cooking dinner and Julia is flirting with Elliot as always.

"Oh, hello Vaughn. How'd you sleep, Hun?"

I shrug and grab my jacket. I tip my hat towards Elliot, the only greeting I give anyone on this island, grab my cigarettes and open the door. "I'm going for a walk. I'll be back later," I say quietly as I walk out the door.

It's already dark outside, but I don't really care. I stare up at the stars and breathe in the crisp, clean night air. I always loved coming outside on clear, cool nights. I can be alone with my thoughts and the moon. I walk down to the beach, and sit down on the sand, taking a single cigarette out, lighting it and take one long drag, filling my lungs with the smoke then letting it all come out at once. Mirabelle hates it when I smoke. I look out to the ocean and smile. I love everything about the ocean. I then turn my head to see if anyone is looking, seeing no one, I take my hat, jacket and boots off then roll my black jeans up and walk into the water. A gentle breeze makes my hair go back, and I laugh, feeling more relaxed than ever. All my troubles, all my regret, sadness is washed away with the tide.

"V-Vaughn? I-Is that you?"

The small, shy voice brings me back to reality, and I turn to see a young woman in a purple dress, large, thick glasses, with jet black hair tied back in a matching purple bow. She seems very familiar…

"I'm sorry… do I know you?"

The girl blushes, then looks down, playing with her hair nervously. "I-I'm Sabrina…. It's been awhile..."

I remember this girl… Sabrina. She was the weird girl from third grade! I couldn't believe she had come to this island! I walk out of the water, and put my hat, jacket, and boots back on, joining Sabrina back on the sand.

"I remember now. What brings you here?"

Sabrina smiles happily and explains why she came to this little island. Something about her fathers business. We talk, or should I say she talked for another hour, talking about almost her entire life after I left. I tried my best to listen as she went on about her new favorite book when my cell phone rings. It's my boss; he wants me to come back to help with a large order by tomorrow. I sigh, tip my hat to Sabrina and muttered a goodbye.

"W-Will I see you next time then," she whispers. I shrug and walk back to the house. I walk in to see Mirabelle and Julia sitting on the couch giggling excitedly.

"Oh my goddess! Vaughn you'll never guess what we heard from Felicia just now," Julia squeals happily.

"What is it guys?"

Mirabelle grins brightly. "You know that farm up the road? Well, a young woman applied to become the new owner! She's coming tomorrow with a young man to start the ranch up again!"

I roll my eyes at them. I guess I can't say I blame them for the enthusiasm, nothing much happens here. "That's cool I guess. Maybe she'll help fix up this old island."

"I hope she will," Julia sighs.

I went upstairs, grabbed my overnight bag and head back towards the dock to catch the late ferry back to the city. I get off the boat early the next morning, and I notice a young girl with sapphire blue eyes holding hands with a blond guy. They both have bags, and a brochure for some island. And I wonder to myself if these are the ones Mirabelle and Julia are talking about. I scoff, and head towards the bustling city crowd.

…broken