Chapter 15: True Happiness

A black Cadillac convertible coupe pulled down the drive of Notley Abby. The scene was a site to see. The cherry blossom trees were in full bloom as the lovely peddles flew up as the car drove through them. It was good to be home. Pulling around to the front door the car stopped. Could this really be her home? Vivien couldn’t remember the last time it looked this beautiful. Walking to the other side Larry opened door for Vivien. 

“Thank you.” She spoke as she smiled up at him. Stepping from the car Vivien looked up at the big 13th Century estate. Taking in the lovely scene Vivien stepped toward the front door. Feeling her heart in her throat she shut her eyes for a few short moments. Would her father remember or recognize her? 

Stepping up to her, Larry took her hand. Opening her eyes she looked over at him with a smile. She knew he would always be there for her no matter what they went through. Before they could reached the door opened. Sitting there in a wheelchair was Richard with a smile on his face. 

“Is that really my little girl?” he asked as he looked at his only child. Could this really be her? She had finally come home after so long of an absence. 

“Yes, daddy it’s me.” Vivien said as she looked into her father’s face with love. Running up to him she knelt down and gave him a hug. It really was him. He was home from the war. It had been so long. At the touch of her father’s hand tears came to Vivien’s eyes as she found this to be true. It was no longer a dream. The tears spilled down her face. 

“Why are you crying?” Richard asked pulling away from the hug. 
“I’ve missed you,” cried Vivien as she dabbed her eyes with Larry’s handkerchief, “I’ve gone through so much.” “I know you have.” Richard 

“Then you know of what Catherine has tried to do?” questioned Vivien as she drew in a breath. 

“Yes, and I should have paid more attention to you sooner dear. I’m so sorry.” Richard said patting her hand. 


Laughter could be heard from inside as Catherine along with some soldier’s who had come to pay Richard a visit emerged from the house. At the site of Vivien, Catherine froze. “You can’t be here.”

“She tried to poison me with an apple.” Vivien said as she stood and looked at her stepmother. “I was in London when she tricked me into taking the apple from her. She told me that it would give me what I wanted the most. She told me that you weren’t doing very well father and that Larry had been killed in battle.”

“Is this true Catherine?” Richard asked turning toward his two faced wife. 

“Well I-I, I wanted to be the most beautiful in London and that girl took it from me!” Catherine yelled as she stepped towards Vivien. Stepping in front Larry would do whatever it took to save her. He had already lost her once he wasn’t going to do it again. 

“Take her way.” Richard commanded as he turned his wheelchair around. 

The two soldiers advanced forward. Taking Catherine’s arms they placed them behind her back. “Catherine, you will never be a threat to this family again.” Richard announced. “You’ve harmed my daughter for the last time.” 

“Where to sir?” questioned the younger solider as he tightened his grip on Catherine’s arm. 

“Take her to Germany and to a camp by the name of Raguhn.” Richard answered as he looked his wife in the face. 

Fear was written all over Catherine’s face. “You can’t do this to me. I’m the lady that runs this home.” How could she be sent to a camp? She thought Richard loved her more than that. Rubbing up against Catherine, Callie turned on her and bit her ankle. “I should have thrown you in the river when I had the chance.” 

“Good kitty.” Vivien told Callie as she came back to her side. She knew her cat would watch out for her.

“What have you done to me?” Screamed Catherine as she was taken from the grounds. This couldn’t happen. She was the lady of the house. She gave the orders around here. 

“What you tried to do to me.” Vivien spoke as she knew this was true. Only this time Catherine wouldn’t get her chance to hurt her or her family again. 

Frozen with fear Catherine was dragged to the car and placed in the back. As the door shut Catherine gave a cold, death stare to Vivien as the car turned to go back down the driveway.

Feeling fear grip her body Vivien wondered if she really was going to be executed or if some other fate was to come of her stepmother. What if she escaped? Then she would be after her the moment she was free. Feeling tension build between Vivien Larry told her everything was going to be just fine. “She won’t be getting out any time soon dear.” 

Taking a deep breath Vivien agreed with him. She would never rein over this house ever again. Taking her in his arms Larry twirled Vivien around. Hearing her laughter for the first time in months; felt as if he had never left in the first place. 

“Our love is stronger than any spell” Vivien said as she looked up at her love. The sparkle that was once gone from her lovely blue eyes was back. It had been too far of an absence. 

Larry could tell that Vivien was truly happy for the first time in months. “It always has been and always will be, no matter what happens.” 

Clapping his hands Richard was so happy that his daughter had found her hearts true desire. It truly was a happy ending fit for a prince and princess. 

“I love you with all my heart.” Vivien said as she knew she had finally found the missing piece to her life and heart.

“As I do you,” Larry said as he held his love in his strong arms. Giving her a kiss the sun began to set as they knew a new light was shinning on their future. 

The gas fumes began to thicken as people could be heard screaming as the gas entered their lungs. A little while later the cries died as the gas began to die down. While the clouds began to clear a figure could be seen walking through the doors of the gas chambers. Becoming clear, the figure’s face began to come through. A smile was written on the lady’s scratched and scared face. Taking a deep breath she knew she had a second chance. A second chance to get her revenge. 

“Those fools may have sent me away, but next time they won’t be so lucky. If it’s the last thing I do I’m going to get rid of that stupid girl and this time she won’t live .to see the light of day.” Her evil laughter filled the air as she knew this time she would not fail. 

The End