Broken

Chapter: 13

A/N: I'm so sorry I haven't been updating a lot lately; it's just been a hard summer… I just got dumped twice by a text :( so I haven't really been in the mood for a love story, but today I'm going to suck it up and give you a guys a good story you deserve! :D Special thanks to nberes for the great ideas!

Chelsea:

Its dark outside… gray clouds cover the sky and snow is falling swiftly onto the ground. A cool breeze sends chills up my spine. I don't know where I am... I'm scared and my entire body feels broken. I look around and there's a car flipped over, and two people are trapped underneath the debris of the crashed car. I make my way towards their cries, tripping so many times because my feet can't get a grip on the snowy forest floor. With each passing moment, their cries become more and more quiet. I'm trying my best to get there before they are completely silent… Finally I reach out towards the woman's hand and hold it tightly with mine, trying to find warmth within the weak hands of this woman… this woman who I care for dearly. She's telling me something, but I can't hear her. I try so hard to listen, but soon she's finished talking and her hands grew icy cold, and the color in her face was completely drained. My mind is telling me she's gone, but my heart is hoping somehow she'll be ok. I start to cry out for help and this boy… the boy with the silver hair appears, and he's so close. I stand up, and begin to run towards him, but no matter how fast or long I run he remains in the same spot; no closer no farther. But I can't give up… I have to keep running. Then all of a sudden someone is holding me back.

I shot up out of the blankets, sweating, shaking and terrified. I look over at the clock… 2:30 am… sighing, I climb out of bed knowing there's not a chance I'm going to be able to go back to sleep. This is the first time I've had this nightmare since I was a little girl. I wonder why of all times it's come back now…

I sit at the kitchen table, sipping my coffee in the dark watching the clock tick away and listening to the quiet noises of nature. Mark is still snoring loudly, sleeping like a baby. I smile at him and for some reason get the urge to get dressed and go down to the beach. I grab my clothes from off the floor and put them on quietly while I scanned the room for my shoes. After I slipped my shoes on, I grabbed my keys and went outside. Everything was so calm and quiet... the only noise you can hear are the toads, crickets, and the ocean. No sirens, car horns or jack hammers, and I knew then this place is where I belong. I took a deep breath of the crisp spring air, and started to walk towards the beach. When I got there, I almost couldn't believe how clearly I could see the stars. I took my shoes off, and walked slowly into the cold salt water and let it wash up onto my ankles.

The cool salty air blew my hair back gently, and I finally felt at ease... the horrifying nightmare almost completely forgotten. That's when I heard someone walking towards the beach. It never really occurred to me that some creep would come and attack me in this small little town, where everyone knows everybody, but the years of being in the city still kept me on guard. I froze, fists in the air, and slowly looked around. There, standing nonchalantly and puffing on a cigarette, was the silver haired cowboy who greeted me a few days ago. He didn't seem to notice me and he started to take his boots and hat off. That's when I freaked out.

"Hey, hey! I'm here please don't get all naked and stuff," I yelled while closing my eyes tightly and looking the other way.

Vaughn, if I remember correctly, turned red and dropped his cigarette. He looked down at his burnt out cigarette for a second, then glanced up at me and glared.

"You dumbass! I wasn't getting naked! I was just taking my shoes and hat off so I can walk into the water," He said through clenched teeth.

Embarrassed, I muttered a quiet apology and looked out at the ocean. Well, I looked just about everywhere except at him.

"What are you even doing here any way? It's dangerous for a woman to be out this late."

I rolled my eyes at him. "I can watch out for myself."

Vaughn reached into his pocket for his pack of cigarettes, only to find the box empty. "You don't belong here, city girl. This is my spot- my town in fact. I suggest you leave."

I couldn't believe my ears. What is he gonna say next; this town aint big 'nuff for the two of us?

"I have as much of a right to be here as you, Mr. Cowboy! And you should really start working on your people skills," I huffed as I placed my hands angrily on my hips.

"Don't call me Mr. Cowboy. My name is Vaughn, and frankly I don't give a rat's ass about my people skills."

This guy was really starting to make me mad. How he dare he tell me I don't belong here! I grabbed my shoes and began to tie them up. This made Vaughn smirk.

"Good. You're leaving."

I stood up, slipping my shoes off once more and stuck my tongue out at the jerk.

"You better get used to me Mr. Cowboy, because frankly I don't give a rat's ass what you think, and I'm staying."

Vaughn merely grabbed his shoes and hat and stormed off. He left a very awkward silence behind him too… and I just lost interest being at the beach after that. The sun was beginning to rise anyways, and I had work to do.

I walked into the house feeling completely tired. Maybe I should have just tried to go back to bed in the first place. The lights were on, and I was surprised to see Mark already up. He was sitting at the table eating some toast and sipping his coffee, but doing it in a way that made him seem like he was waiting for me.

"Hey, what are you doing up so early Mark?"

He turned his head to the side questionably. "I should ask you the same thing. Where the hell have you been Chelsea?"

"I had a nightmare, so I just went for a little walk and stayed at the beach," I shrugged casually.

"Jesus, Chelsea what's wrong with you? What kind of a person goes to take a walk to the beach at 3 in the god damn morning?"

I was a little shocked and a bit angry at Mark. I mean, apparently I'm not the only one in this town who likes early morning beach visits. But I doubt mentioning a man who happened to be doing the same thing as me was going to help. I just ignored Mark and went to the bathroom and took a long shower.

Mark avoided me for the rest of the day. We both ignored each other as we worked in the fields, and when we were finished and went inside, we got into stupid small arguments about little things like whose fault it was that the remote was lost, or what we should have for dinner.

I finally had enough after a fight that lasted an hour about who did more work on the farm today. I just grabbed my keys, shoved them in my pocket and stormed off to Mirabelle's. Maybe I could check on my animal shipments.

I opened the door a little angrily and found Vaughn, Mirabelle, Julia, and Natalie staring up at me. Awkwardly, I made my way to the counter. After Mirabelle told me the animals have been ordered, I chatted with Natalie and Julia for a bit. I even tried to attempt to say hello to Vaughn. In return, I got a snide remark that I was distracting, and not to talk to him. I wasn't really in the mood to get into an argument with him, so I just shook it off and smiled brightly at him.

I was starting to feel a little lonely… I don't really know anyone here… and the one person I do know I can't seem to stop arguing with, and I already have an enemy. I began to walk a little faster with each step, not really paying any attention to where I was going. Then I bumped into this mousy looking girl with big, thick glasses and long black hair. She seemed oddly familiar.

"I'm sorry about that; I guess I wasn't watching where I was going," She said nervously as her cheeks turned bright pink.

I looked at the girl who seemed so familiar for a little bit too long. "Oh no, it's my fault. I wasn't paying attention. Umm I'm sorry I don't think we've met. My names Chelsea," I said awkwardly and stuck out my hand.

"Umm… my names Sabrina. I live right over there… that big mansion."

Sabrina studied me, as if she was trying to figure something out. "You're the new farmer, Chelsea… I'm sorry it just seems like we've met somewhere before."

My eyes grew wide… and I was beginning to think I was going crazy. I quickly said goodbye to Sabrina, and ran back up to the ranch. What is going on here? Why do I feel like I know her… and Vaughn? I'd be lying if I wasn't freaked out by his silver hair and his eyes. I mean, how many people have silver hair and amethyst eyes?

I found myself by the river, just looking at my reflection. Tears began to fill up my eyes, making them sting. I pushed them back. I don't really know I'm crying. I picked myself up, dusted off my shorts and went to the barn. The pins were clean, and the feeders were full of food. All we really need left is some animals. It looks so alone in here.

I know I belong here… but why does home feel so lonely?

…broken

Vaughn:

Luna paced back and forth with her hands on her hips. I watched her dark black hair flow gently behind her as she walked.

"Vaughn… that girl. Chelsea. You say you think she's the girl from your childhood?"

I sighed deeply, wanting nothing more to leave this damn weird room and go back to bed. "That's what I said Luna. But I don't think she is… Chelsea died that night. She would have done something, anything to let me know she was ok if she did survive the crash." I said quietly.

Luna looked at me carefully. Her eyes were filled with concern; only a spec of gold remained.

"Vaughn… You really need to open your heart up to someone. I feel that door, the one that leads to an unhappy future, is opening up even more every time you don't."

I stared at Luna. She looks so beautiful at times and I can't help but think how caring she was to me, and how she's trying to help me. I looked down at the ground. I knew she was right… I just wish I knew how to open up.

I moved in close to her and just broke down. She was a little shocked at first, but eventually wrapped her arms around me. It felt so nice.

"Vaughn, maybe it's really time to forget about Chelsea…"

…..

I opened my eyes slowly and looked around. I almost wish I wasn't in this room… and I was back in my crappy apartment in the city. Sighing, I untangled myself out of the black bed spread, ignoring the pain of a horrible headache I usually get after a visit with Luna. I started to think about what she said… forget about Chelsea all together. I'm just not sure I can do that. I gazed at the picture on my desk… the only proof I have that she wasn't just some dream. My heart began to grow heavy, just like every time I look at the damn thing.

"Forget about her Vaughn," I whisper to myself as I slam it face down on the wood nightstand.

I go down stairs to find Chelsea hanging around like some lost puppy. She looks happy, but to me that smile seems fake. Like there's something on her mind. I just ignore the urge to ask her what's wrong and sit in a corner and finish up my work. She even had the guts to come say hi to me. I gave her a cold glare and muttered for her to go away. She just returned my rude remark with a warm smile. I was a little taken back by this… it was a smile she used to give… I bit my lip and blocked out any thoughts of the Chelsea from the past. Damn this new girl. How dare she even resemble Chelsea in the slightest way.

After work, the stupid rancher was still chatting happily with Mirabelle and Julia. I found myself glaring at her, just wishing she would go away for good.

"I've got to get out of here," I mumbled to myself. I bean to walk away, quietly so Mirabelle won't notice and won't ask me where I'm heading off too. Unfortunately, my damn boots made the cheap wood floor squeak and everyone looked up at me. Goddess… I can't stand it when people stare at me.

Chelsea laughed nervously. "I'm sorry for taking up so much of you guys' time. Hey Vaughn, I think I'm goin to head out with ya."

"I'd rather go alone."

Chelsea seemed a little hurt, and I actually kind of felt bad. Mirabelle huffed at me and gave me the "I'm sooo going to have a long talk with you about manners" look. Julia just laughed.

"You always go on your weird walks alone. You should take Chelsea and show her around town. Maybe show her that nice Café that just opened up. Or show her that nice spot on the mountain you seem to be so fond of," Julia giggled. I knew she was up to something… and you know I'd probably never hear the end of it from Mirabelle if I didn't take the damn girl, so maybe I'll just play along.

"Alright, fine. I'll take… her. But just around town."

Julia clapped happily, and Mirabelle smiled. I'm such a nice person.

I grabbed my vest, and Chelsea followed me out the door. We had only been walking for a second when she stopped, and crossed her arms angrily.

"What is your deal exactly? Why do you act like you hate me?"

I was confused for a second, and then just mad. I mean what right does she have to get snappy all of a sudden when I'm taking her around town when I really didn't want to?

"You're annoying as hell, and frankly, I just don't like you. I wish you would just leave. I hated this town before, but now I just can't stand it. You make me miserable just being around you."

Chelsea's lip quivered, and small tears rolled down her pale cheeks, but she still continued to stand tall with her arms folded so tightly.

"I hate you, Vaughn! I hate you, I hate you, I hate you," She screamed. She looked at me for a second to see if I was going to say anything, and when nothing was said, she just shook her head and ran off. Fine. Good riddance.

And words I never thought I'd say, even if it's to a different person, suddenly couldn't be held back.

"I hate you too Chelsea."

…..

A/N: Man… I just couldn't stop typing! :D I'm going to stop here, but I plan on finishing a new chapter by tonight because of some help I got from nberes! Tell me what ya think by leaving a review; any feedback is very much appreciated! Well, until next time… (Which will be soon, pinkie promise)-forevergone123