Dear Elizabeth,

Clare thought it would be a good idea to write to you. Clare's usually right so I thought I'd give this a shot.

It's been two months since you passed away. Clare visits your grave a lot, I try to come too but you know, after everything, it's still hard.

You told me not to blame myself and I try not to but sometimes I feel like I tricked you into loving me. When we slept together, I mean. I shouldn't have done that and I'm sorry for what it did. For all the shit it caused.

I didn't know about the voices. I wish you told me about them. That you told someone about them. You could have gotten help and Julia and Alli wouldn't be fucking dead right now. Neither would you. I'm sorry if I sound angry but I am still. You took away so much from me. You left me Clare though and for that I am grateful.

The doctors told Clare and me that you had a severe case of schizophrenia. I don't know much about that, but from what they told me it sounds like hell. I feel bad for what you went through. I feel bad that no one was there to help you. You were trapped in your own head. God, it sounds so awful.

Clare doesn't hold any grudges against you. She misses Alli a lot but she doesn't blame you anymore. She's also always there for me when I need her. Clare's a saint, she's perfect and I love her.

I know this letter is just me rambling. Clare said it doesn't have to make sense, I just have to get my feelings out. So I guess that's what this is.

I hope wherever you are now, that you are free. If anyone deserves happiness it is you. Tell Julia I still miss her and tell Alli to look over Clare.

And Elizabeth? I just wanted to say, I forgive you too.

-Eli

"Do you think she'll like it?" I asked. Clare and I stood by Elizabeth's grave. My letter to her was tucked underneath a rock to keep it from blowing away.

Clare kissed me on the cheek and grasped my fingers.

"I think it'll mean a lot to her," Clare said. "Do you want to visit Julia while we're here?"

I bit my lip. I turned to Clare and stared into those stunning cobalt eyes. The eyes that had taken me over from the moment I saw them.

"Actually," I said hesitantly, "I'm kind of sick of dwelling in the past. I'd kind of just like to be in the present for a while...with you. If that's okay?"

Clare rested her head on my shoulder.

"That sounds perfect," she murmured. We walked away and I felt for the first time in a long time something I thought I'd never feel again: happiness.

"Hey Clare," I asked, smirking slightly. "I could uh, use some help studying for my French exam if you know what I mean."

Clare raised her eyebrow at me in amusement. "I think that could be arranged...boyfriend."

~The End~