The Pretty Ones

by Jamie Lee Fry

  “What are you doing here? You have to leave. Get out now!” I shout.

  He steps forward, leaving my bedroom and entering into my living area.

  I shout again. “You have to go, please get the hell out of my house.”

  “Jenny, I wanted to see you,” he says with sincerity in his voice. Spoken like a true psychopath.

  I now understand how easily people can be manipulated by their abusers. I’m not going to play that game. My eyes are open now and I can’t be fooled again.

  “I brought you a gift.” He gestures over to my kitchen counter.

  A single red rose and a monkey stuffed animal with a heart in its arms sit on my counter.

  I feel the bile rising in my throat. I swallow it. I will not show him any weakness.

  “Why are you following me? Why are you doing this to me?” I say.

  He smiles an eerie smile.

  “Liam, I really need you to get out.”

  Liam takes a wary step forward and then another.

  “Stop or I’ll scream.”

  “Jenny, if you were going to do something about me, you would’ve done it by now. Tsk, tsk, tsk, Dr. Jenny, whatcha going do about it now?”

  Before I know it. He lunges forward and grabs me around the waist. I drop my mace and keys. He has a hold of my body with one strong arm and then he covers my mouth with the other. Memories of him choking me cause me to panic. I thrust my body harder.

  No, no, this can’t be happening.

  I try to wiggle my body from his embrace, but he is just too strong. I feel like he has gotten even more muscular since the last time.

  Liam whispers into my ear, “I told you not to ignore me, Jenny.”

  I stomp down on his foot, but it does no good. He’s like a beast.

  The main house’s back door slams shut. “Someone is coming,” I try to say, but his hand is too tight across my mouth. I bite him with my front teeth, but they just graze the epidermis.

  “What am I going to do about you, Jenny?” Liam hisses in my ear. His breath is hot against my skin.

  I hear the crunch of footsteps in the gravel path outside. Someone will be in here in just a matter of seconds. They will see me in danger, and they will run and call the cops.

  My bedroom door to the backyard squeaks open. I try to shout again. A little noise comes out. Liam hears the door this time as it shuts.

  He drops my entire body in one swift motion. I fall to the floor. One hard thump and I am on the ground. Liam runs out the front door, avoiding being seen or caught.

  “Hello! Help!” I shout.

  My door slams again.

  “Hello? Is anyone there? Charlie?” I yell into the empty abyss of my home.

  I get up and run to the backdoor. No one is there. I head back through my house and open the front door. I glance in both directions and Liam appears to be long gone, but when I turn around to go back inside, I see what is taped to the front door. Another little white envelope.

  Fuck you, Liam. Haven’t you done enough damage to my mental state and now you have to play this sick game with me too? Still, my hands quiver as I reach for the note. This little twist to his game is getting immature and pedestrian. I don’t understand it.

  I rip the note down that is taped to the door. To Jenny, the bitchface. How fucking clever is that.

  To Jenny, the bitchface.

  Now I’m just pissed. How could you do this? You fucking slut. You might be pretty, but you’re fucking dumb.

  Dumb is right. I should have thrown the stupid note in the trash. I’m over this childish game.

  But what if it’s not Liam, and it’s . . . no . . . I shake my thought from out of my head before I even let myself entertain it.

  CHAPTER 36

  Jenny

  May 2008

  I can’t sleep. The sun is creeping into my room and I’m not sure I even got a full hour’s rest. I don’t want to think about last night, but I have to. My mind has been spinning like a hamster on a wheel. Round and round, and round and round. How did he get into my home? Is he still watching me? Who snuck into my house yesterday when he was here? Could it have been Charlie? Did she see us together? I heard the back door. I swear I did. I’m pretty sure I did. It couldn’t have been in my head. The noise scared him away. Then there are the notes. I can’t figure out why. My suspicions and thoughts are overwhelming me, and everything that is spinning through my mind has me sick to my stomach.

  I have let Liam torment me for two months and let Charlie slip through my cracks. I’m worse off now than if I would have just gone to the police the day after the handcuff night. I was afraid, but now I’m even more scared. I don’t know how far Liam is willing to go. I have to do something now before things get even worse and more out of hand.

  And on top of all that, today is Charlie’s graduation.

  I failed her. I failed myself. I failed Frank and Joan. I even in some sick twisted way failed Liam.

  I really need to refer Charlie to another professional.

  I’m scared of what I don’t understand. I am scared of Liam. I’m scared of what the truth will do to everyone around me.

  Any minute now my alarm is going to go off, so I may as well give up on the notion of actually getting any sleep. I need to get a run in before graduation; I have to get a little bit of clarity before I can go on with today. I take a long, warm shower while I continue to figure out my plan. I feel someone is always watching me now. I feel like I’m dirty even though I’m in the shower.

  ***

  I need to stay calm if I’m going to get through the day. Don’t forget to breathe, Jenny. I tell myself over and over the entire jog down to the river trail. In . . . out . . . in . . .out. I can do this.

  The morning dew kisses my face, and a chill runs down my back. I don’t know if the chill is from the wet breeze or the complicated fact that everything is going to change after today. Charlie, Liam, it’s all going to be addressed tonight. While I was in the shower, I confirmed I must go to the police. Liam isn’t going to stop. This is going to change everything for me, my career, my home, and my family, but I have to. I will tell Frank and Joan we need to have someone else treat Charlie. I just can’t do it anymore. I will wait until after graduation. I want Charlie to be able to have her moment and enjoy graduation before everything blows up.

  As I approach my running trail, I glance around to get my bearings. Everything seems normal. I don’t see Liam or his car anywhere. I should be OK, although I still can’t help but feel like I’m being watched. I start off at a slow pace as I turn onto my trail. The sun is coming up in the east, showcasing the beautiful snowcapped mountains. It’s such a beautiful morning. I need to enjoy this moment. Breathe in . . . out . . .

  The ground is soaked with the fresh morning dew. I know I need to be careful and watch my step; I can’t afford to slip and fall today.

  I’m startled when I hear branches rustling up ahead of me. I’m cautious as I approach. Please don’t be Liam.

  Oh, thank goodness, it’s just a sweet little deer. Not Liam. I’m relieved. I take off faster and further into the trees. Cars and city noises are fading behind with each step I take. With each press of my foot to the ground, I feel like I’m finding myself again, and it encourages me to go faster and pick up my pace. The faster I run, the safer I feel. Well, that is until I see a runner on the other side of the river.

  The person is in a dark hoodie, with the hood pulled over their head. There is a chill in the air, so maybe it’s to keep warm and it’s nothing to fear, but the person seems to be mirroring my pace. Normal, happy, unfucked-up Jenny would usually welcome the friendly competition and wave to the fellow runner. But scared, frightened Jenny feels fear. I pick up my pace and the runner continues to mirror me. I slow down and they do too. I have to be imagining this. I run up an incline and stop at the top to catch my breath. I see the runner across the river stopping down below as well. The runner waves at me. But it doesn’t feel friendly. The wave is
slow and unnerving. Is this all in my head? Then the person takes off in the direction they came from. Oh, thank God. A massive sense of relief rushes over me. I’m being paranoid and almost let that person ruin my run and my favorite place along the river. I need to start taking back control. I can’t be afraid anymore. I won’t be a victim. To Liam, or even to my imagination.

  I weave in and out of the trees, feeling light as air, only stopping one more time to catch my breath before reaching the bridge to cross the river. I walk to the middle of the bridge. I stop to take in the beauty and a few deep breaths to center myself again.

  “I wish I could stay here forever,” I say out loud.

  I feel the bridge swaying under me.

  “Oh, pretty, pretty, Jenny, you can stay here forever.” A voice whispers.

  I scream.

  CHAPTER 37

  Charlie

  May 2008

  It’s Saturday morning and graduation day. The weather is beautiful, and the sun is shining. I can’t help but smile. In just a few short hours, I will be free. Free from the confines of high-school life and at midnight tonight, I will be eighteen. Officially an adult. I can do what I want. It will be the start of my new life and I have a good feeling about things to come. Now, if I could just fast forward to August, then I would be really happy. Everyone has been driving me nuts lately. My parents are hovering, and even Jenny has been acting strange. Something is off with her, and she’s been absent recently. I’ve been feeling anxious too—probably all the coffee. I haven’t seen Liam in a month. He was quiet the last time I saw him. He didn’t have much to say. We practically sat in silence. Tomorrow I will tell him we can be together.

  ***

  I’m standing in the doorway at home. I went out this morning, and I know my mom is going to yell at me for being late. I’m watching my dad run around the house. He doesn’t even notice me in the doorway.

  “Hey, I’m home,” I finally say.

  My dad smiles at me and continues running around the house from room to room. “Where’s the camera?” he shouts to my mom. “I can’t find it.”

  “It’s in the hallway closet,” Mom yells from upstairs.

  I watch as Dad runs over to the closet. “Ah, here it is. Found it.”

  “Don’t forget the tissues.”

  It’s almost humorous watching them buzz around. They care more about today than I do.

  My mom runs down the stairs and sees me standing in the doorway. She has a displeased look on her face.

  “Charlie! Where were you all morning? I’ve been calling you.” My mother touts in a high-pitched tone. My mom looks exceptionally nice today. Her light brown hair is pinned back neatly, and she’s wearing a long floral dress that accentuates her curves.

  I look down at my phone. “I didn’t hear it ring. It must be on silent.”

  My mom frowns. “So, what’s your excuse? Where were you?”

  “I told you I was having breakfast with Zoey and Mike this morning.”

  My mom looks shocked by my response. She knows I’m lying. I didn’t tell her, but I thought maybe she wouldn’t remember and just let it go.

  “Dear, I would have remembered that today. I don’t think you told me. I wouldn’t have agreed to that on such a big day. But it doesn’t matter now. Come on. You need to go upstairs and get ready. You look like something the cat dragged in.” She says and shoos me up the stairs.

  My mom follows me into my bedroom. “Can you please do something with that hair of yours? It’s a mess. I can curl it for you if you’d like? Or maybe Jenny can come over and help you get ready if you don’t want your mother doing it for you.”

  “No, Mom, I will be fine. I don’t need anyone’s help to get ready. I’m going to be wearing a cap and gown. No one is even going to notice that I didn’t curl my hair,” I respond in a sarcastic voice.

  “What do you think happens after the ceremony? People usually take off the cap and gown. I laid out one of Jenny’s dresses for you to wear under the gown. It might be a little tight, but you didn’t have anything suitable in your closet, and you wouldn’t let us take you shopping,” Mom says not letting me get my way.

  “OK, Mom, I will curl my hair and wear the stupid dress,” I respond, hoping that will be the end of it.

  “Please hurry, Charlie—we don’t want to be late,” she says and walks out of my room.

  I love my mom, I do, but sometimes she can be a little bossy. She and Jenny always want me to wear my hair a certain way or want me to dress how they think a high-schooler should dress. Mom is just more blunt about it. Jenny at least tries to be subtle.

  I get ready quickly to avoid being yelled at. My mom failed to lay shoes out for me, so I slip into my black flip flops.

  “I’m ready to go,” I shout as I make my way down the hall. My mom smiles and seems pleased with my promptness and the fact I followed her instructions for once. I try to cover my feet, so she doesn’t see my choice in footwear. She seems too busy to notice. Looks like I get to wear my choice in shoes. I can’t help but smile.

  “Frank! Are you ready? We need to leave. Frank! We can’t be late,” my mom hollers.

  “Sorry, Joan, I just wanted to make sure I had the extra camera battery. We can’t miss our Charlie Bear’s big moment!” Dad says as he tousles the top of my head. My mom cringes as it messes up my curls. So, of course, I love it.

  “Frank, have you heard from Jenny today?” My mom asks.

  “No, I haven’t seen or heard from her,” he replies.

  Mom looks at me questioningly, and I shake my head.

  “Where the hell is she? What is going on with that woman lately?” My mom, who loves being in control, says, clearly annoyed. When people don’t do what they say they will do, or be where they say they will be, it irritates her.

  I can’t help but wonder where Jenny is though. It’s not like her to be late. She should be here. First, my tardiness, and now Jenny’s. Mom isn’t pleased.

  “I’m going to run over to the guest house real quick and see what’s going on,” she says.

  My mom always refers to Jenny’s place as the “guest house,” even though Jenny has lived there full-time since she graduated from college. I don’t think Jenny has ever minded, but it always bothers me for her. It’s her house, not a guest house anymore. Get it right, Mom.

  My dad and I wait in silence. Dad tends to get sentimental on days like today. He cried like a baby at my junior-high graduation. I didn’t want to say anything that would send him off in tears.

  When Mom appears, she has a worried look on her face. “She’s not home. I wonder where she could be? I will just text her to meet us there, I guess. We can’t wait any longer or Charlie Bear will miss her big day,” she says as she corrals us to the door.

  “She is probably just out buying me a last-minute gift or flowers,” I tell her.

  She smiles. “You’re probably right.”

  ***

  When we arrive at the school, Mike, Zoey, and their families are waiting outside.

  “Hey there, Faye family,” Mike’s dad says excitedly as we walk up to them. “We haven’t seen you guys in ages.”

  Mike smiles at me, and Zoey gives me a hug.

  “I miss you,” she whispers in my ear. “You’re still coming to my party, right?” she asks softly.

  “Yah, I will be there.” I grin.

  “Hey guys, I need a picture of the three musketeers all grown up,” my dad says as he forces Mike, Zoey, and I all together. “Smile!” We smile to please my dad, but none of us really wants to be together right now. We’ve already started to drift apart, but I don’t think any of our parents have got the memo.

  “Hey, Bob, can you take a family photo of us?” Dad asks Zoey’s father as he pushes his camera into his hands and then feels the need to instruct him how to use a camera like the man’s never operated one before.

  “Sure, hey, let’s get Jenny in your photo. Where is she?” Bob says as he gazes around us, searching f
or my aunt.

  “She’s on her way,” my mom responds with uncertainty in her voice.

  I can’t help but feel uneasy about Jenny missing our family photo.

  We smile for Bob and impatiently wait for him to snap the perfect shot.

  We all make our way inside. One big group. Our teachers instruct the graduates to leave our parents and make our way into the auditorium.

  In my assigned seat, I gaze around the auditorium, trying to locate my parents. Of course, I spot them in the front row, waving excitedly at me when they catch me staring at them. My mom’s cardigan is placed on the chair next to hers, reserving it for Jenny.

  I shift in my seat, feeling more anxious now. Jenny would never miss this moment. Where is she?

  During the entire ceremony, I keep checking over my shoulder to see if she arrived, but she never does.

  Once the ceremony is over, and our caps have been tossed into the air in celebration, I meet back up with my parents. I’m sad. I’m worried. I’m anxious.

  As I make my way over to my parents, I see my mom has a distressed look on her face, which makes me feel even more uneasy. Once she sees me, her expression quickly changes to a smile. She doesn’t want me to worry, but I’m more anxious now than ever.

  “We are so proud of you, Charlie,” Mom says, giving me a huge hug. My dad joins in on the embrace.

  “Jenny isn’t here, is she?” I ask, already knowing the answer.

  “No, sweetie, I’m afraid she missed it. I’m sure she has a good explanation,” my mom says.

  “Should we get a few more photos?” Dad suggests.

  “No, I only want one of me and Jenny.” I pout.

  Zoey is making her way back over to my family and me. “Charlie, I will see you at my party at six, right? If you want, you can come early and help me finish setting up. You want to ride with us?” Zoey says excitedly.

  My mind is so distracted thinking about where Jenny could be that I snap. “God, Zoey! I know it’s your party, but today isn’t just about you. I will be there when I get there!”