Chapter 31 | Freedom

Callie's POV

Katherine had been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. It sounds worse than it is, but it was the best the District Attorney could do given her guilty plea. Best of all, the death penalty was completely removed off of the table due to her cooperation with police after having turned herself in. Stefan's family formally stripped Katherine of any financials that had been left to her during Stefan's untimely passing. She was stripped of his last name, and written out of any family inheritance she had gained over the years while being married to him.

Detective Massey turned in his badge shortly after Katherine was charged with the murder of Stefan. He did so on orders of his superior after Katherine had blatantly accused him of threatening her before turning herself in.

Jeremy continued his work at Georgie's Pub, which was completely transformed into a sports bar and grill before the year was over. Besides the college students, I believe Jeremy was the only one who was satisfied with the outcome and result of his change.

Melanie was laid to rest while I was still kept captive behind the walls of the jail. I visit her gravesite now from time to time. Her untimely death was ruled a suicide, but to this day I had my questions. If it were true, what was going through my best friend's mind on that horrific day? What drove her so far over the edge that taking her own life seemed to be the only good way out?

After my release, Chad formally moved into my apartment breaking the lease at his place. Having said that seeing me in an orange jumpsuit for months was enough time apart for a lifetime. He was never one for change, and I thought deep down it was going to me having to move in with him.

Stefan's body was released from the city coroner into the custody of his mother. He was later cremated and his ashes are now kept in his father's office. It is said that Stefan will formally get his wish to have a piece of the law firm one day. It's said to be passed down to Chad, renamed in Stefan's honor, and passed down formally always kept in the law firm's building for generations to come.

In the Summer I gave birth to a little boy. As much as it pains me to admit, he looked like the spitting image of Stefan. To my surprise, Stefan's parents actively wanted to be involved in his life.

Chad and I find ourselves visiting Katherine every week, just to update her on the greener side.

For the first time in awhile, Katherine seemed to be at peace with herself.

"How are you guys?" She was grinning from ear to ear as she sat down on the cold sorry excuse for a seat.

I held out my ring finger and shined for her the glimmering rock Chad had placed on my hand just the night before.

She took my hand in amazement and just gazed between the both of us in utter disbelief, "You didn't!"

"I did," Chad let out a chuckle which nearly erupted and gathered the attention of the rest of the visitors in the room.

Glances were brought in our direction, but not even that could rip away the excitement coming from Chad.

"I was surprised too," I went on to start the story, "I was laying Malcom in his bassinet the other night, per Chad's request while he was washing the dishes. He left the water running which insinuated to me he was still in a rinsing cycle. I heard a loud crash which sent me into a panic, Chad didn't scream out or holler so I thought something was terribly wrong. I cannot put to words the scenarios going through my head when I walked back into the living room, and not being able to see him at the kitchen sink. He was on his knees in the kitchen holding the ring out, as if he knew the first thing I was going to do was walk in the kitchen. No matter the circumstances."

The three of us erupted in laughter, and Katherine began beating the table trying to catch her breath.

"I am so happy for the both of you," tears began filling her eyes, "I just hate that I'm going to miss it. I'm going to be in here while your lives move on."

I cupped my hand over hers, and stroke the back of it with my thumb. "I hate that it has to be this way. I wish the DA could've done something."

She shrugged her shoulders, "You know it is what it is. This is the way it should've been in the first place, me in your place. I only have myself to blame for being in here, I took my vengeance too far. I'm paying the price for it. It's just nice to know I have people like the two of you to help me get through the rest of my days."

The guard in the corner of the room gave the signal for everyone to say their goodbyes, a time I knew Katherine dreaded.

The happiness on her face became a memory as she wrapped me in an embrace, "Give Malcolm a kiss for me."

I gave her back a couple of swift strokes before sending her on her way, watching her orange jumpsuit disappear down the long narrow hallway leading back the cells. The hallways that I knew far too well, and the memory of the hell hole that awaited for her beyond the doors.

Chad and I exited the jail, returning to our now seemingly normal life. One day we would look back and see this time as a reflection of self growth, a troubling journey leading us to the happily forever after we now know.

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Dear Readers,

It is bittersweet to say, but the story has officially come to an end. Though I dont want to end this here, I have been mentally deliberating my next approach. A sequel, or a prequel. Once I can grasp a great idea and run with it, I will start the next step. Happy Horror! xx