Paradisal Tragedy Read Online Free PDF Page B

this conversation with his mother. She’d just end up saying that what he did proved he was a good kid, but he wasn’t. He was a screw-up and that’s all he’d ever be.
    “I do,” she said calmly.
    “When I knocked her over last night I spilled soda all over her iPod and it was ruined. I owed her. If you’re worried about the money, I’ll put it back as soon as I get my paycheck,” Travis offered.
    “You will do no such thing! I was just curious because it’s not like you to buy things for that much. Baby, I’m a lawyer and I make great money. I don’t want you giving me yours. It’s for you to do with what you wish,” Casey said.
    “I know, I just want you to know how much I appreciate you,” he said, his tone serious.
    “I do know that. You’re my greatest blessing. Your father and I had never been happier than the day we brought you home,” she said with a smile. Travis could tell she was traipsing down memory lane.
    Travis flinched at her statement. If his father had been so happy, where was he now?

Four

    When she woke up the next morning, Annabella wanted nothing more than to just hide away and lock the door. She didn’t want to get up and face the day that was waiting for her, but she knew it wasn’t an option. It was like she could feel herself slipping, and the more she slipped away, the less she cared about anything. She was numb and cold, and the warmth of the sun was gone.
    Getting out of bed, she made her way to her bathroom and stared at herself in the mirror. She hated the person who was looking back at her. She hated everything that she let happen. She should have never stayed late that night; everything would have been fine if she hadn’t been so stupid.
    She began to cry as she turned away from the mirror. How did she get to this point; when did she begin to despise her own reflection?
    She wanted to forget it all. Oh how she wanted to run away and never look back. She wanted to hop in her Maserati and fly down the road as fast as she could go, but going one hundred miles an hour couldn’t take it away.
    It wasn’t temporary; it was a permanent hell, and she’d live in it for the rest of her miserable life. Everything just seemed less important than it all used to be. She rarely cared about anything these days.
    A knock on the door distracted her from her depressing thoughts. She wiped away her tears and walked over to the door. After a deep breath, Annabella opened the door, coming face-to-face with her big brother.
    “Ryan?” Annabella squeaked in shock.
    “Hey baby girl,” Ryan replied, pulling his sister to him for hug. He’d always called her baby girl, for as long as she could remember.
    Ryan was eight years older than her, but they were always close. He’d always included her in everything he did while they were growing up until he was eighteen and moved out. Even then, he was always there for his sister.
    There wasn’t a moment that went by where Annabella ever doubted that her brother would be there for her. Even with their age difference, Ryan and Annabella were as close as a brother and sister could be. They were best friends, and he’d kill anyone who tried to hurt her, which was another huge reason why she couldn’t tell him.
    “What are you doing here Ry?” she asked, still shocked.
    “Are you not happy to see your older brother?” Ryan asked playfully, giving her a hug as he pretended to be hurt by her question. It was typical Ryan.
    “Of course I’m glad you’re here, but last time I checked you were in Florida,” she stated. With him, she added in her head.
    “Well mom and dad wanted me to come keep you company when they go to that business thing in California tomorrow. They’ll be gone for a few days and they didn’t want you to be alone. I brought you a surprise,” Ryan told her with a light in his eyes.
    Annabella couldn’t help but smile as her brother led her down the stairs. When she got to the kitchen her eyes went wide. The sight that