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Dedication: Rachel20030406 for the awesome cover! Thank you!

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Six Years Later

"I have something to tell you."

"You're pregnant?" I guessed, taking a sip of my coffee.

"No," Marissa laughed and I found myself smiling, having missed the sound.

Marissa and her boyfriend, Adrian, have been on a three-month trip, backpacking around Europe. She got back yesterday. Considering we spent almost every day together, either catching up over coffee or jogging of an afternoon, I had missed seeing her.

"You're engaged?"

A grin broke out on her face as she threw her hand across the table. I stared down at her finger in awe, the classic-cut, diamond engagement ring shining up at me. It was a simple ring, but looked very elegant on her slender finger.

"Oh my God!" I exclaimed, my eyes wide. "Congratulations!"

"I know, now we have two weddings to plan!" she giggled, gesturing to the ring also attached on my own hand.

"Josh and I have agreed to be engaged for a little while, before having the wedding," I reminded her.

"I can't wait for my wedding. I think I'm going to do it early next year, before it gets too cold."

"Wow, that's soon!"

"I know, but I just can't wait to be Mrs Macintosh!" she sighed dreamily, planting her chin into the palm of her hand. "So, how have you been?"

"Good," I smiled, my fingers lightly tracing the handle of my coffee mug. "Work is crazy and mentally draining, but I really enjoy it."

"I knew you would, you were practically made for that job."

After studying a counselling degree and majoring in teen mental health, I landed myself a counsellor/support worker position at the community hospital. I also work one day a week, at a high school across town. My specialty is suicide prevention/awareness, being the person there for teenagers who are feeling lost or need guidance.

The job is mentally demanding and draining, but I love it. I get to meet new people and help them, every day. I couldn't ask for a more rewarding or fulfilling career. Even though it challenges me, I also feel I can relate, because of the hell I have lived through and my own personal struggles with suicide.

"What about you? Back to work next week?" I asked.

"Unfortunately," she agreed with a nod.

Her fiancé runs a mechanic shop in town. He owns the business and works their full-time. Marissa works in the admin part, doing all the bookkeeping tasks, which is how they met. She began as the receptionist, having started there three years ago.

"Tell me all about it! Show me photos, I want to hear about everything," I grinned, leaning forward eagerly.

She launched into her story and I couldn't help but smile at how much she was glowing. The holiday was really good for her. Her skin looked much more bronze that it usually would, her light, auburn hair having light streaks running through it, from the sun.

"This is where he proposed," she exclaimed, her voice high, attracting looks from others as she shoved her phone under my nose.

"Wow, that place is beautiful. He must have had that planned from the start!"

"I think he did," she giggled, unable to hide the glee from her eyes.

I couldn't stop smiling. Seeing my best friend this happy, is one of the best feelings in the world.

Marissa has been wanting to settle down and have kids for a few years now. I'm glad she has finally met someone she can do that with.

I finished my coffee and leaned back in my chair. "It's good to have you home. I missed you."

"I missed you, too," she told me. "I have to get going, I need to stop by mum's house before her meeting. Can I meet up with you for a jog this afternoon? I didn't do any work outs while I was away."

"Of course, text me when you're ready," I replied, getting to my feet.

I slid my bag over my shoulder as we exited the shop. She tightly wrapped her arms around me.

"I loved my trip, but I'm glad I'm home."

I hugged her back. "Me too."

As I drove through town, I couldn't help let my thoughts wander. When I was at school, I never would have imagined my life would turn out like this. I am so thankful for having Josh and my family to support me.

As I pulled into my driveway, my eyes lingered on the modern town-house I now reside in. I exited the car, having upgraded from Casey's old car, long ago.

"Hey," I greeted Josh, planting a soft kiss on his lips.

"Hey babe," he replied, giving me his gorgeous smile.

He was dressed in his polo shirt and pale shorts. I grinned at him. He often plays golf and dresses up for it.

"Heading out?" I asked.

"Yeah, I'll be back at about 3. Is that alright?"

"Sounds good. Still going out for dinner tonight?"

"Yep."

He leaned down, kissing me once more, before exiting through the front door.

I tidied up around the house quickly, before making myself lunch. I settled back in the lounge, loving my new home. Josh and I had bounced around a few houses and nothing quite felt like home, until this one.

I glanced down at my watch, sometime later. It was time to go pick up my son. I got to my feet and stretched, before padding to the front door.

As I pulled up, I couldn't help feel excited to see him.

I knocked on the door and stepped back, my finger lightly tracing around my engagement ring as I waited.

"Hi Sadie," Annette greeted. "He was very well behaved. We made some cupcakes, if you'd like to take some home."

Casey appeared behind her and I quickly scooped him up into my arms. "Cupcakes!?" I gasped as he gave me a toothy grin. "Yum!"

He nodded his head enthusiastically. Annette smiled, handing me a container.

"Same time next week, your house?" she asked.

"Sounds good! See you," I replied, turning and taking Casey to the car.

I placed him into his baby sit, doing up the buckles.

"Did you have a good time?" I asked him.

He nodded again. "Yes!"

"That's good!"

I decided to name my son Casey, after my first love and my best friend. He will never be forgotten.

At first, Josh seemed a little hesitant on the idea, but he soon warmed up to it.

Casey had darker skin than mine, taking on Josh's complexion. He inherited my dark hair and eyes, his lips seeming to take shape like mine as well. He was a very handsome boy already, just like his father.

The trip home was short. I hitched Casey onto my hip as I shut the door with my foot. I walked inside, gently placing him down. He took off at run, tripping over the floor mat in the process.

"Slow down!" I called after him, shaking my head.

I headed into the kitchen, placing the cupcakes on the bench.

I leaned on the counter as I pulled out my phone, to see I had three missed calls from Marissa and four messages, all in capitals, telling me to answer.

Furrowing my eyebrows together, I rang her back.

"What is it? Are you okay?" I asked her urgently.

"You will not believe who just called me."

"Who?" I questioned, trying to make a guess but coming up blank. Suddenly, I felt sick. "Not Amelia?"

Amelia moved away a long time ago. Neither of us had heard or seen her since. I'm definitely not complaining.

"Even worse... Owen."

"Owen?" I exclaimed.

"He rang me from Richmond Clinic. He's getting out. He wants me to pick him up."

I gripped the kitchen bench, feeling dizzy.

Owen had a psychotic break a few years ago and has been locked up in a psych facility ever since. It has been peaceful, knowing he's not roaming the streets.

This was all meant to be in my past. Isaac and Owen were away. I was meant to be free.

"Did he say anything about Isaac?" I whispered, feeling sick.

"He is still in prison."

"Oh my God," I croaked, fumbling towards the dining table and taking a seat.

"Are you okay?"

"No."

"Hold tight, I'm coming over. I'll bring wine."

She quickly hung up. I laid my phone down on the table, trying to comprehend what I just heard.

"Mummy?" Casey asked as he wandered into the kitchen. "Was that Aunty Rissa?"

I blankly nodded, unable to form words at this moment.

Owen, one of my tormentors, being released.

This will never be over.

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Annnnnd we're done. I hope you guys enjoyed reading the epilogue and getting to see into the life of Sadie, Josh and Marissa, after all this time! Don't hate me for the (kind of) cliff-hanger ending - it IS a mystery/thriller after all!

Thanks for reading this story and don't forget that I have heaps of stories posted on my Wattpad profile if you want to read them as well! <3