by Brannon, M.
Reggie kneels down to Darcie’s side as she leans against his strong body and sobs.
The air is warm, but I only feel the chills run down my spine. Nothing is making sense right now. This is not how our story is supposed to end. Presley and I are not supposed to be without each other. From the moment we looked into each other’s eyes, it’s only ever been us. Together is the only way I know how to be.
What kind of father will I be if the better half of me is dead? I will be worthless—a walking shell. Mia deserves more. She deserves someone who can face adversity and overcome the pain then come out strong on the other side.
I look over to Reggie and Darcie holding each other. Here are the two people who’ve overcome so much in their life, both together and alone, and are still strong enough to stand. They’ve been abandoned, beaten and suffocated from life’s cruel jokes, but they’re still standing. They kept one foot in front of the other never giving up on life—holding on tightly to its possibilities.
I’ve always strived to be just like Reggie. Every day, I would try and live my life just as he does—be the man he is. Now though, as I stare at him comforting Darcie, I realize I will never be anything like Reggie.
The moment Presley died I knew I was not strong enough to survive her death. As painful as it would be if something were to happen to Darcie, Reggie would be strong enough to survive. The moment Presley’s life left hers the desire of mine went right along with it.
I look down and lying beside the pool of Presley’s blood is Carter’s gun. The gun he dropped right after he shot her and ran into the night. Here is the gun that took everything I’ve ever lived for from my life. It’s this gun that will reunite Presley and I back together.
I glance to it and back up to Reggie. He’s consoling Darcie tightly in his arms. Quickly as possible, I pick up the gun and slip it between Presley’s and my body. The steel is hard and unforgiving against my stomach. I pull my knee up, planting one foot to the ground readying my legs to stand.
I look to Reggie and say, “Take care of Mia. Whatever she needs, you need to give it to her. Keep her safe.”
I stand with Presley’s limp body in my arms and walk to the backyard. My head is spinning and my heart is besieged with grief. I can’t go on living another second without her. I refuse to breathe if she’s no longer breathing. The gate creeks as I walk to the back of the property—Presley’s favorite spot by the wildflowers and oak trees. I kneel to the ground, still holding her in my lap.
Leaning over, I whisper, “I love you, baby.” I kiss her again, feeling the love I carry for her inside myself.
I look to the Heavens and know she is there waiting for me. I won’t spend the rest of my days walking through life without her. It may be the pussy way out, but I know with every fiber of my being I will never move past her death. After all, I’m dead now, too. My soul has been detached and lives with hers.
I grab the gun from between our bodies and pull the hammer back until I hear a click. Looking down at the love of my life, I ready myself to join her in the afterlife. One final kiss to her lips, I put the gun under my chin then whisper, “I’ll see you soon, baby.”
Tragic Love Playlist
1. “The Story” by Thirty Seconds to Mars
2. “Alibi” by Thirty Seconds to Mars
3. “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” by Roberta Flack
4. “Demons” by Imagine Dragons
5. “Broken” by Seether and Amy Lee
6. “Right Here” by Staind
7. “Wicked Games” by Stone Sour
8. “You Ain’t Alone” By Alabama Shakes
9. “Hurt” by Nine Inch Nails
10. “Sex on Fire” by Kings of Leon
11. “Sweet Child of Mine” by Guns N’ Roses
12. “Hospital” by Lydia
13. “Save Me” by Shinedown
14. “Feeling Good” by Nina Simone
15. “Back Together” by Citizen Cope
16. “Best of You” by Foo Fighters
17. “Use Somebody” by Kings of Leon
18. “Gloomy Sunday” by Billie Holiday
19. “Goodbye My Lover” by James Blunt
20. “Stay Awake” by Lydia
21. “A Modern Myth” by Thirty Seconds to Mars
22. “In the End” by Linkin Park
23. “Back to Good” by Matchbox 20
24. “By Your Side” by Sade
25. “Comfortably Numb” by Staind
26. “Drugs Don’t Work” by The Verve
27. “Hear You Me” by Jimmy Eat World
28. “No Ordinary Love” by Sade
29. “Pain” by Three Days Grace
30. “Under the Bridge” by Red Hot Chili Peppers
Acknowledgements
Writing Drake and Presley’s story had me overjoyed, frustrated and emotionally drained at times, but it wouldn’t be the story it is today without me immersing myself into every emotion Drake and Presley experienced. With that, I would like to thank the two people who had to live with me every day, my husband and son. Their patience, support, and encouragement were always there when I needed it the most.
Thank you to the most amazing group of friends and family a girl could ask for. All of you have given me so much love; I often have to pinch myself to know this is really happening. Thank you for trudging with me every step of the way and listening to me ramble incessantly about writing.
I must share another great, big thank you to my editors, Alizon Duckwall and Kristin Campbell of C&D Editing. I consider myself extremely lucky to have found you and I know it would be impossible to pour over a manuscript without both of you in my corner cheering me on.
Thank you Robin Ludwig of Robin Ludwig Designs, who’s my cover designer extraordinaire. Thank you to all the bloggers who beta read Tragic Love and fell in love with the story as much as I did. Megan Morrell of Love, Literature, Art, and Reason, Peggy Warren of LeBook Squirrel, Roni Guzman of Roni Reviews, and Kady Deaton of Bookworm Beauties. Lastly, thank you to Cindi Anderson and Michele Wigert for taking the time out of your busy schedule to read Drake and Presley’s story.
This absolutely would not be possible without all the fans that purchased my debut novel, Scarred Love. I am graciously overwhelmed with all your words of compassion and appreciation; it makes writing every day worthwhile knowing how much my words mean to you. I only hope to grow as a writer and bring you many more stories filled with love, desire, heartache and inspiration. Thank you all very much!