Chapter 44

Annie's P. O. V.

I burst into tears as soon as the car started to move. He never came to say goodbye. Why is he so mean?

"There's no point in crying about leaving here. You are about to start a new life far away so you better forget about everything and everyone here," my grandmother said. Easy for her to say. She didn't fall in love and got her heartbroken!

I didn't say anything else and quietly followed her home. Which was now my new home.

"It'll take some time to get used to it but you'll be fine," my grandmother said. "Marina!" she called for someone.

"Yes madam?" I heard a woman's voice.

"This is Annie, my granddaughter. She will be living here from now on. She can't see so you may assist her with anything she needs," grandma ordered.

"Alight madam. I'll take care of Ms. Annie," Marina said.

"Well then, I'll be going now. Take care," grandma said and left.

"Don't mind her cold behavior Ms. Annie, she is a good woman at heart," Marina chuckled. Anyone seems like a better person than my mother at this point.

Weeks went by and I haven't heard from Evan since. Is he really going to just forget about me? I thought he loved me!

I had no way to find out. My grandma didn't give me a cellphone. She said I didn't need it until I started school and make new friends. I guess she was right. As the day went by, I was getting more and more comfortable with my blindness. I didn't bump into things or hurt myself anymore. I started maneuvering around the house just as easily as everyone else. Funny how you can get used to things when you need to.

I never once stopped thinking about Evan, his mom, and even Mike. I tried to talk to my grandmother about contacting them but she shut me down immediately.

"Forget about that boy, you need to focus on yourself," she had said.

"But grandma, I love him," I said meekly.

She scoffed. "Love. What do you know about love? Your mother thought she was in love too and look where it got her?" she said.

"It's not like that with him! He loves me back. And he took care of me and so did his mother!" I protested.

"Yes, and I thanked them properly, so you don't need to worry about it anymore. End of discussion," she said.

How can she be so cruel! If only Evan came to say goodbye.

1 month later...

"I am taking you to an eye specialist," my grandma informed me.

"Why?" I asked. What was the point anyway?

"I heard there might be a surgery that can fix your eyesight," she said.

My heart thumped. Could it be true? I got used to the new life but maybe I could go back to how things were back when I could see. Maybe I'll finally be able to see Evan again.

Evan... I never forgot about him. How he bullied me and showed me how to love all at the same time. Does he think about me too?

"I am getting old, I could die anytime soon so I should do everything I can to help you so you can take care of my business as my only bloodline," my grandma said casually. "Because God knows your mother is not gonna be the one."

I still felt disgusted at the mention of my mother. I wondered if she was happy now that she didn't have to deal with me anymore. I remembered something suddenly.

"It's my birthday today," I whispered.

"Is that so?" my grandma asked.

"Ca... can I ask you of something grandma?" I asked nervously.

"I... I want to talk to Evan," I said. "I know you still have Stacy's home phone number."

"Impossible!" she exclaimed.

"Please? I won't ask you again I promise!" I said.

"I told you. There will be no boyfriend allowed as long as I am alive," she said harshly.

"I know and I am willing to do anything you want. I just...I just want to hear his voice. I won't talk to him after this I promise," I said.

Grandma sighed. "Fine, but you'll have to do make it quick. And we are destroying the phone number right after," she declared.

I nodded silently.

I dialed the number nervously, hoping he would be the one picking up the phone.

"Hello?" My heart fluttered as I heard his deep voice. I didn't say anything.

"Who is it? Speak!" he barked impatiently. I gripped the receiver so tight that my knuckles turned white. Tears started to stream down my cheeks as I sobbed in silence. I hope he doesn't hear me crying.

He went quiet for a moment. I thought he hung up so I proceeded to hang up too.

"Annie?" he said. I couldn't hold it anymore and let out a loud sniffle.

"I know it's you little hamster. I know what your breathing sounds like. You sound like a dying chipmunk when you breathe," he chuckled.

"You are so mean. You never came to say goodbye," I said in a trembling voice.

"And you never called me. It has been a month," he complained. "I still love you."

"I am not allowed to have a boyfriend. My grandma said so," I whispered.

"Fuck her," he said grimly.

"She is taking care of me. I have to listen to her. I just called to tell you...to tell you to forget about me," I said.

"Annie I can't..."

"Please...Evan, let me go. Say you don't want me anymore so I can move on," I begged.

"NO!" he yelled over the phone. "You are mine. I will come find you!" he cried.

"It's over," I whispered and hung up the phone. I knew I didn't believe it myself but I had to try.

I had no choice but to move on and see where life took me. Even though my grandmother was strict, she wasn't abusive. She kept her end of the bargain and took care of me. The pain of losing my first love slowly started to disappear. Time heals all wounds I guess.