It was December 11th when Jacob died and two days later, there was a funeral. They called it the Beckingham Massacre. I wore black as usual, and I remember the night before vividly. I tried to be strong but when Tammy fell to the floor, pleading for her nephew's life. I couldn't stop myself. The man I love was dead. We embraced each other that night and cried until we passed out. The dreadful sounds of a victim's family are not something to understate. On the day of my husband's funeral, I was met with wailing of Jacob's family. His sister, Tammy, shook all night long and it was the first time I found myself being strong for another person.

"I failed my husband." Lily cursed herself then Snickered. "I don't understand why you can't hate me"

"You're not at fault for Jacob's decisions. He knew what he was getting into. And if he could I know he'd do it again in a heart beat."

"He shouldn't have to. I wanted to stay to watch over Isobel. I made the wrong decisions."

"No one could have told you this would happen." Tammy tried to comfort her but she shook her head.

"No, I knew. So many people died for me, even when they didn't want to over some obsessed man who could let things go. I am to blame."

"As you said, Lily, obsession poisons us. You're not to blame." She got up, folded her arms then walked off.

Lily could hear the rustling trees around them, and her only thought was the first time she noticed when Jacob was in love with her. They went for a walk at the end of her father's pastures and had a picnic. Even though she could tell it at the time, She realized he loved her even then. She even hear his voice yelling her name when she was up on the roof trying to fix the television. He was there when he was scared and wanted more with her life. He was there when she met her grandfather and learned about her mother's past. He was there when laughed when she cried, she was over joyed, and when she was scared. He was there for her even when she didn't ask him to be. He was a unique man and his spirit emitted the beauty hidden beneath his honey brown eyes. He saw her potential, and the reasons for her cries, he was patient with her truth and even with her lies. He never let a soul lay a hand on her, he protected her when she needed. That's more than she could ever ask for. Jacob Dale, How can such a year change a young woman? A passionate and adventurous man with a pessimist for a wife. How did he have in him to love someone so high-maintenance.

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There she was standing beside me. Even on the worst day of her life, she had to have a smile on her face. I

"Lily Fisher." She scoffed, taking out a cigarette. The black lace gloves exaggerated her look and for a second I swore I had recognized the hate she wore.

"June." I hoarsed out.

"My sister is dead."She said. It was the first time I ever saw her break down. Even if she wasn't bawling or wailing like the others, she broke down. Her voice weakened to even mutter those words. "And you're standing here... still breathing."

"That is the consequence of our own actions, June." I turned to her, her stature always made her look intimidating. But she wasn't going to let that stop her. "She will have to die with hers, and I will live with mine.

She pulled out a lighter and began to laugh. "You never fail to amaze me with the amount of crap that can come out of that mouth. You think I care about consequences!? I live creating consequence, Lily Fisher. You can't tell me about that." She snickered. "But you, you've never been punished a day in your life. You deserve something to actually cry about and I'm going to be it"

"You're threatening me." That was all I could say, I was still weak in denial but I found it funny how fast the tables could turn.

"I'm telling you what going to happen next, love." She breathed out some smoke and then whispered. "I want to take away everything from you, your life will never be yours as long as I have breath enough to curse you. Happiness will be a luxury you can no longer afford."

"What makes you think I'll ever be happy again?" I shook my head. "Your threats have always been empty, ever since we were children. Don't you come to my husband's funeral, when you almost had him killed on our wedding night, to give me threats? I will personally strangle you. I have nothing left to lose. Find your way back to whatever hole you've been choosing to die in." I felt as though I could've cried right then and there. I had to get out of there, I made my way past Juniper as I began to leave but then I heard.

"I know you're pregnant, Lily." I halted, refusing to turn back. How did she even put it together? "A child can be a wonderful thing, so innocent, so beautiful and if he's the spitting image of his father, your heart will be even more immune to his laugh. Then... I will find you again, and I will kill your child."

Instantly, Lily could feel her lungs collapsing on themselves, she started to pant and weep right there on the path. "I, I swear. If you ever harm my child..."

"You'll kill me? " She walked up to Lily and watched as she struggled to put hers elf together. "You don't have it in you."

That was the last time I had seen Juniper. I'm not sure when she'll be back or how she will find me when I'm gone.

But I did meet someone else on that day.