Chapter 002

Cornelia

It has been 3 months, 19 days, 6 hours and 15 minutes since Matty left me forever. Every second seems too long now.....

I can see the raindrops falling on the train window and I can see the greenery outside. The train is moving at more than 100 km/hr, yet everything seems so stationary. It feels like everything has come to a standstill, not moving no matter what I do. If it were up to me I would skip the next 10 years of my life in a blink. I know that even those would nearly not be enough to forget Matty, but atleast it won't hurt this much.

My thoughts got broken by the station announcement

"Dear Passengers, we have arrived at Charlottesville, this train terminates here"

I picked up the one backpack I was carrying and got off the train. I needed a minute to compose myself... I repeated to me

Matty is dead..... I am alone..... but I need to live.... that's all Matty has ever wanted from me...... I need to or everything I've done till now would go to waste.....

I headed towards the exit, surprisingly Mason was here waiting for me. I didn't think he would be here.... not after what I did to him. He pulled me into a hug and whispered "I am so sorry, Matt was a good man." Tears welled up in my eyes, Matt was the best person there could be... he helped everyone selflessly.... he took me in 8 years ago...a 17 year old girl, with nothing but clothes on her back, hurt by the people who should've protected her.... he was himself just 20 at the time.... he had found me sitting on a bench across the train station, while it was pouring heavily.... he tried to talk to me and offered to share his umbrella with me.... but thinking he was some creep trying to sweet talk me, I had told him to Fuck off. He still left his umbrella and a chocolate bar with me and walked away in rain. Before this I didn't know people were capable of showing unselfish kindness.

My thoughts were broken by Mason's voice, somehow we had already walked upto his car and he was holding the door for me. "Get in Corry". I wouldn't have accepted this ride if we were not already standing next to his car, I don't quite remember how we get here. I didn't want to trouble Mason he was the only one in Amryth who had been nice to me... but I still did him wrong.

There was an uncomfortable silence in the car. Since this was one of those long drives of about three hours, I decided to break the silence by apologizing to Mason.... something I should've done years ago.... I gathered all my courage for this...

"Mason I'm sorry I shouldn't have left you standing at the altar all those years ago.... you loved me and I took advantage of that to plan my escape!!! I broke your trust!!! I'm sorry.... "

My apology was interrupted midway by Mason....

"Corry you don't need to apologize for anything.... you did no wrong.... you wouldn't have achieved all that you have if you stayed back.... I would have only tied you down to that awful place we both had to call home..... But yeah I would've appreciated a heads up...... I could have avoided sobbing in front of entire town.... if you would've told me....."

He said trying to lighten the situation.....

"Mason, I am still sorry for leaving you standing there like that..... I should've trusted you more and I know for a fact you wouldn't have tied me down...... but I had to get away that day or I would've missed my only chance to go to college."

"I know Corry and I have forgiven you a long time back.... you did what you had to do..... you ran after your dreams and even achieved so many of them.... I wish I had half your courage to leave.....my life would be something completely different today"

" When I read about or heard about your life in the City..... the things you achieved.... I was so proud of you!!"

He said keeping his eyes on the road....

Mason's words reminded me of my time in city..... my time with Matty..... I couldn't break down now.... I quickly changed the topic.

"Okay enough about my life!! Tell me how are things with you, how's everyone in town?"

"Everything's the same way that u left it.... you know nothing ever happens in Amryth. We have a new bakery shop.... you should try it sometime..... it's a huge improvement over Bella's......

As for me, I'm a forest ranger now..... "

"Oh wow!! isn't this what you always wanted? I told you you'll get it" I said excitedly.

" Yeah.... but it's very different from what I imagined..... all I get to do is guide tourists, instead of real stuff like dealing with wood mafia, they all just want us to turn a blind eye to all problems. Not an ideal situation if you ask me..." He said visibly itritated.

The rest of the car ride was a little quiet, but I guess we both preferred it this way. We soon entered Amryth, and in a minute after that we were in front of my family's home.

" Thank-you for the ride, I really appreciate it!!....."

I got out of the car and then waved to him.... I would've invited him inside for a cup of tea but even I didn't know what was waiting for me behind those closed doors. Mason knew my family so he just left quickly after dropping me in front of the house.

I tightened my grip on my backpack straps and made my way to the door. I took a deep breath and then I pressed the doorbell.

My youngest sister, a young lady of just 10, opened the door......

"Mom asked me to tell you to come after 8 pm when dad is home, she doesn't want to see you alone"

It was just 3 pm right now but I knew protesting here is futile so I decided to go to Bella's to kill time .