My eyes jerked open and I felt something on my mouth. It took me a while to realize that I was inside a hospital room with an oxygen mask over my mouth. I couldn't recall why i was here.

Trying to sit up, a sharp pain travelled through my spine and I let out a moan.

"You're awake, Thank God!" Hunter's face appeared over me. Dark circles had formed beneath his eyes like he hadn't slept in days. "You're okay Patty."

Hunter leaned over to kiss my forehead and he entwined his fingers with mine.

I remembered what had happened. Mackenzie had shot my mom. I don't know why I had passed out.

I pulled off the mask from my face. "Where's mom?"

Hunter's face went completely pale and tears welled up in his eyes. "She's dead."

"This isnt a time to make jokes Hunter," I almost choked on my words.

"Mac shot her," he covered his forehead with his palm. "It was too late till I got there."

What was I supposed to do? Cry, yell, scream? The only family I had was taken from me too. First dad, now her. My life was fucked up and I had no one with me.

"Patty I am so so sorry," Hunter cried squeezing my hand. "I should have told you the truth."

My body felt weak and I didn't have the strength to utter out any word to him.

"I knew who he was. But he threatened to hurt you and I couldn't risk that," his voice cracked as tears fell down his cheeks. "I wanted to protect you from him."

I scoffed. "No you weren't. Because if you did, you would have told me the truth. You were only protecting yourself."

"Patty i.."

I shoved his hand away. "Goodbye Hunter."

☆

I stood over mum's grave, right next to Dad's. Life was so unpredictable and how just one person can fuck it up so easy.

"I am sorry Patty," Angie placed her hand on my shoulder. "Its really unfortunate."

"Its okay Angie," I sighed digging my hands into my coat pockets. "I'll be fine."

"I know you will," she smiled weakly at me. "You're a strong girl."

Okay.

This had been the worst year of high school. I lost my family, my life and I didn't go to prom. But I knew what I needed to do now.

Angie posted my personal statement to Beaconsfield University and to my shock, I got accepted. It was high time I put my life into my own hands.

Taking a deep breath, I rang his doorbell. I don't know why I was so nervous.

Hunter opened the door and he stood there looking flawless as usual. "Hey Patty."

"Hi," i gulped.

"Come in," he sighed but I shook my head. He closed the door behind him and walked outside.

"I got into Beaconsfield, Hunter." I said looking down at me sneakers.

"That's great," he didn't sound to excited about it. "But that's like in New York."

"I got a scholarship too." I added

He let out a low chuckle. "Ofcourse you did."

"So I just wanted to let you know that I am leaving," I bit my lower lip.

"I think you made it pretty clear back at the hospital Patricia," his eyes seemed to go cold.

"Hunter I didn't mean to hurt you," I sighed taking his hand into mine. No matter what had happened, I still loved him.

"I have loved you for over half my life Patty," he whispered. "You don't have to do this."

"I love you too Hunter," I smiled. "But someone once told me that I need to learn to love myself first. So I have to go."

Without a word, Hunter crashed his lips onto mine. Gently squeezing my body in his strong arms, he kissed me. My knees started to tremble by the feeling of his soft lips against mine. I smiled in the back of my mind knowing how he'd always have that effect on me.

"Come inside," he breathed heavily leading me into his house. I followed him upstairs to his room. A part of me knew where this was going, and I wanted it. But another part of me thought maybe this was a bad idea.

"Patty," Hunter spoke pulling his shirt over his head. "I know you're leaving but just once, let me make love to you."

My heart started pounding and for a minute I forgot how to speak.

"I love you Patty," his eyebrows furrowed and he looked so sad. My heart told me what was right, in that moment, he was the only thing that mattered.

I nodded and wrapped my arms around his neck kissing him. There we were, in his bed, nibbling and kissing, and making love to each other. All these years and not once had I imagined to do this with Hunter Reyes.

It was like we were always meant to be together. He touched every inch and every curve of my body in a way that his skin electrocuted mine. There was nothing more in this world that could ever feel so amazing. I gave me to him. I gave my first to him and I wouldn't have it any other way.