“One thing I know about you is that you’ll never do something you don’t want to do. You’ve always managed to make the right decisions, but now that there are so many unknowns in your life, you’re frozen. You’re scared to make the wrong decision so you make no decision. I know I’m the king of avoidance, but it’s not your style. You’re trying to adopt a way of existing that really isn’t you.”
“How do you know?”
“I remember the fight you had when you woke up in the hospital. You wanted to get right back into law school. You didn’t want life’s circumstances to dictate your outcome in life. You were so angry that you couldn’t get back in.”
“Somehow that has changed.”
Aaron nodded. “Somehow it has. You were the first person I’d ever met who was filled to the brim with enthusiasm for school. Not just any school, but law school. I don’t think that’s normal.”
“I’ve heard that a time or two.” I smiled, as Aaron’s fingers fell from my chin. “I was tired of feeling angry so I stopped feeling.”
“I know how that happens. I recognize it and it kills me that I can’t fix everything for you. I mean if I could personally escort Derek to—”
I held up my hand to stop him. He didn’t need to say it. I already knew and loved him for it.
Aaron took my hand and guided me to the next statue, and the next, and the next. All were women of great strength and beauty, and I was surprised at the small bio that Aaron managed to give me as we stood in front of each one.
Standing in front of Clemence Isaure, I looked up in awe at the mythical figure. She looked carefree and above it all. Her legend was built on grace and poetry, and I had a fondness for what she represented. Not to mention she was the only female figure in the garden that was based on myth, at least to my knowledge.
“We can make this a tragedy or we can make this a victory. I know the woman I fell in love with was all about winning. Sometimes at any cost, but that’s for another discussion.” Aaron’s statement took me aback.
I hadn’t thought about how my story, my life, would be defined in the end, and there would be an end. There was nowhere more fitting to realize that there was an end than when standing in a garden full of statues commemorating the dead’s legacies. I’d been so involved in the clutter of the moment that I didn’t step back and imagine how I wanted my life to unfold. I’d lost sight of who I wanted to be and it took Aaron to point that out. He’d had this planned the whole time, and I fell right into his plan.
“I think it’s time I stopped watching my life go by.” I spun around and looked into Aaron’s eyes. “I think I’ve let Derek poison my life enough.”
“So what do you propose we do about it?” Aaron asked bemused.
“I’m going to stop running, and I’m going to make sure the world knows my side of the story. If I don’t want Derek to have a platform, I certainly can’t hand him one on a platter.”
“I can’t tell you how long I’ve been hoping to hear that come from your lips.” Aaron smiled and pulled me into him.
There was nothing like living in old-world charm yet having the conveniences of today pumping my music through the apartment. I had my iPod repeating my favorite playlist that mixed indie and alternative music. I was feeling completely reenergized after spending time with Aaron in the gardens yesterday, and I’d spent most of my morning researching Derek.
Everything was going wonderfully until our doorbell buzzed incessantly. It was like my sixth sense kicked in and told me to ignore the peculiar sound. At first I thought there was something wrong with the iPod speakers, but when it continued to sound like a crow was being electrocuted, I realized it had to be the door.
I shuffled to the foyer and pressed on what I assumed was the speaker button to downstairs.
“Hello. May I help you?” I yelled into the speaker.
The crow kept squawking so I let go of the dull red button and then pressed it again.
“Is there something I can help you with?”
Two more cackles echoed into the foyer, and I’d about had it. What the heck was I doing wrong? I pushed on the button once more and leaned against the door as I spoke to the anonymous person downstairs. As I vented into oblivion, I looked over and spotted another contraption that looked very similar to the one I was using, except it looked newer. Like maybe from this decade. I released the button and glanced over my shoulder, thankful no one was around to see my brilliance shine through.
I pressed the shiny red button and spoke into the speaker box.
“Can I help you?”
“I hope I’m not interrupting. This is Tracy Sennet. I’m here to see Aaron.”
Well, that’s just wonderful.
“Oh, sorry. He didn’t mention he was expecting anyone. He’s been working in the studio all morning. I’ll buzz you up.”
“Thank you.”
I released the red button and tilted my head as I looked at the row of black buttons. I wondered which one it was. Only one way to tell. I started at the top and worked my way down until I heard a beep. Huh. Wonder why it wouldn’t just be the top one.
I glanced in the mirror and congratulated myself on my choice of wardrobe. Since I hadn’t planned on going out today, I was in a pair of ripped jean shorts and one of Aaron’s button-down shirts. My hair was a bit of a frizzy mess, but at least it was all collected on top of my head in a bun. Who was I trying to impress anyway?
Yeah right, the best friend of the woman who was in love with my boyfriend.
The knock on our door boomed through the air like a judge’s gavel and completely disoriented me. I smoothed my shirt down with my palms and took a deep breath. At least it wasn’t Elizabeth on the other side.
Flinging open the door, I greeted Tracy with open arms and air-kissed my way to hell and back as I invited her in. Unfortunately, she walked in and knew right where to put down her purse as she slithered—err walked—into the living room.
So she’d been here before. Being the daughter of the gallery owner that would make sense. No need to overreact.
“Again, I’m so sorry. Aaron didn’t mention he was expecting you or I would’ve had been more prepared.”
“Oh, you’re such a dear. You look fine.” Her smile was saccharin as I let the knives slowly work their way into my back.
“I meant I don’t have any tea or coffee to offer.”
“My apologies.” She continued into the dining room with me on her tail.
“No need for apologies,” I laughed as I bit my tongue to stop it from lashing out. “I’ll go get Aaron.”
“You’ve done enough. I’ll go check on him.”
And before I had a chance to say or do anything, she’d opened the not-so-secret door and shut it behind her. I stood in the dining room for a few seconds reenacting what just went down. Obviously I didn’t want to do anything that would jeopardize Aaron’s show but what the hell just happened?
I shook my head and trudged into the kitchen and grabbed my phone from where it was charging. I unplugged it and texted Lily.
You know that moment you just want to smack a…
It was midnight in Seattle, and my hope was that Lily was still up. She was a night owl like me, so the odds were in my favor. When I saw the little bubbles on my screen indicating that she was responding, my insides lit up with hope. I missed my girls. I wished I lived in a world where we didn’t need backup, but apparently that was only in the land of fairytales.
Lay it on me. Who do I need to visit when I get there-lol
She brought a smile to my lips, and I let out a nice big sigh. If only it were that easy.
The daughter of the gallery owner just waltzed in and up to see Aaron. She also appears to be the best friend of the woman who is still in love with Aaron. Yes. That’s right. I’ve failed to mention a few things since I landed in Paris. I was hoping my predicament could wait until you arrived in two weeks but…Grrrr. I hear her laughing upstairs.
Lily was typing so fr
antically, her texts were coming over in pieces and I had to laugh.
What
are you
doing still…
downstairs if she’s upstairs?
What
the heck is going
on over there?
I wondered the same thing and scratched my chin before beginning a new text.
You’re right. I’ll go check on what she wants. I just didn’t want to
I didn’t even have a chance to finish before Lily’s words landed on my screen.
Get your butt up the stairs
like now
I shoved my phone in my pocket and grabbed bottled water out of the fridge for Aaron just as laughter hit the airwaves again. I squeezed the bottle and marched back into the dining room and opened the door just as Tracy appeared at the bottom of the steps.
“Oh, sorry. I was bringing Aaron a water.”
Her look said sure you were, doll, and all I wanted to do was bop her on the head, but instead I took a step back and placed the water on the table so I could gladly lead her out of our apartment.
Tracy’s gaze fell onto some of the papers I’d printed out regarding the case and I froze in place.
“You’ve got your hands full,” Tracy said. I caught a trace of a smirk, and I was unsure what she was referring to in particular. She brought her eyes to mine and I smiled.
“Was he able to help you with everything you needed?”
“More than you know.”
“Well, that’s good.” I began walking to the door, but she stayed anchored in place so I spun around to see what else she had in store for me. Aaron already gave up a lucrative position in China for me. I didn’t need to jeopardize his next opportunity, and I felt like one wrong move on my end and that would be precisely what would happen.
“I don’t know what Aaron has told you about Elizabeth, but as her best friend, I can assure you that their bond is unbreakable.”
I pushed down the lump in my throat and continued to stare at Tracy. Amazed at how only minutes before I felt alive and ready to take on the world, and now my existence felt very fragile. One wrong move and I was certain I’d shatter the world Aaron was trying so hard to create.
“I’ve not questioned their bond and pardon my bluntness, I’m not sure how any of this is your business.”
Tracy’s smile widened. “Did I touch a nerve?”
I looked around the room positive I’d somehow managed to sink into the Twilight Zone. In fact, since I set foot in Paris things had felt slightly off, like the earth was skewed and reality distorted. Bringing my gaze back to Tracy, I shook my head and folded my hands in front of me. “Not at all. I’m very secure in the relationship I have with Aaron, not that it’s anyone’s business.”
“So is Elizabeth.”
I shifted my weight and unclasped my hands. “I’m not sure what you’re getting at. I apologize if I’ve given you the wrong impression. I’m not in competition for Aaron’s affections.”
“It’s got to feel awful to feel like you need to be taken care of all the time.” She crossed her arms and waited for a reaction that I refused to give.
“It probably would if I felt that way, but I don’t.”
“At least you didn’t hold him back from coming to Paris like you did China.”
I could feel the tension building in my shoulders, and for the first time ever I wanted to hit someone. I—an aspiring attorney—wanted to feel what it would be like for my fist to connect with her chin. My brothers had obviously worn off on me, but I resisted the temptation and just stood tall, infuriated by her outburst but completely at her mercy.
“I’m sorry you and Elizabeth feel that way, but I don’t care to go into things that are as personal as the choices Aaron and I make together as a couple.”
“Don’t you find it odd I know all of this? That Aaron would be willing to reveal so much to Elizabeth? It’s always been this way, you know.”
Yes. I do, but you’ll never hear it from my lips.
“Well, that’s what life is about. You learn something new every day. I don’t mean to be rude, but I have a lot of work to get back to.” I motioned toward the door, but Tracy stayed put.
“Do you think Aaron’s pieces would be in my father’s gallery if it weren’t for Elizabeth? An artist without any branding or history behind him?”
My heart shattered at this wicked woman’s revelation, and I prayed to God he didn’t hear this witch’s accusations. His work was phenomenal, and if she didn’t recognize that someone else would.
My veins burned with fury as I stared at Tracy and waited for her to leave. It took everything I had not to say something that would completely ruin Aaron’s chances. My fists were balled so tightly, my nails etched into my palms.
“His work has appeared in several galleries to critical acclaim.”
“I think you know what I’m talking about. Well, I enjoyed our visit. I’ll show myself out. But please remember as quickly as we put Aaron in the gallery, we can take him out.”
“Thank you for coming over, Tracy, and please give Elizabeth my best.”
Tracy grabbed her bag and walked out of our apartment, quietly closing the door behind her.
My hands trembled as the anger finally spilled out of me. I didn’t understand in the slightest what had happened. I had two best friends who would do anything for me, but never in a million years would they stoop to something so grotesque. I took a step back and slowly slid down the wall as I tried to comprehend what kind of evil person just swept through the space. Between the accusations and very real threats, I didn’t even know what she actually wanted from me.
What angered me most of all was the only thing I knew to be definitive was that she was not a very nice person. I couldn’t argue the fact that Aaron had obviously told Elizabeth more than I imagined, and what I wanted to do with that information I didn’t know, but I needed time to regroup.
I sat on the floor for well over an hour as I went through all of the things I wished I could say or do. It was a frivolous rehashing of another reality, but somehow it became quite empowering. And I realized I might not be able to make any headway with that kind of crazy, but maybe I could make a difference in my world—a world that I created. I didn’t want to interrupt Aaron with this nonsense because that really was how I felt about it. It was like a flashback to high school except one of us had already graduated.
Miraculously, the anger I bottled up about Tracy manifested itself in the best possible way. I began combing through the articles at a feverish pace. I was able to zero in on how Derek wanted to be painted. He was the poor misunderstood victim in all of this. After all, he was the one without his mother. The press had fallen for it and that was going to change.
My stomach knotted at the thought of my poor mother and everything she’d worked toward. She was being picked apart because Derek painted her as an incompetent attorney when it came to defending his mother. My mom only wanted to help people, and this criminal somehow threatened to undo all of her wonderful work with a handful of lies. My mom’s philosophy had been not to dignify his statements with a comment, but I couldn’t help but feel this was my fault and I wanted to fix it. My cheeks warmed as the anger continued to boil over.
The final straw was seeing a description of myself in a headline. They referred to me as a Law School Dropout. That was all it took. I was tired of having someone else give a voice to my story. I left school because I was hospitalized and in physical therapy so I could walk again. This was absolutely absurd. My pulse was on a wild adrenaline ride as I continued to sort through my research.
I quickly blasted off an email to the prosecuting attorney’s office to ensure that I wasn’t overstepping my bounds. I wanted to know exactly what I could and couldn’t say to the press. I didn’t want to do anything to jeopardize the case against Derek, but I could no longer sit idly by as something as important as this churned on.
I found the names of the reporters who had mo
re than willingly written stories about Derek, and I sent emails requesting to speak with them. While Aaron worked away upstairs, I managed to compile all the online discussion boards and threads that Derek contributed to while he was trying to garner more support and create his following over the last couple years. The more I uncovered, the more disgusted I was by the events that unfolded, and I also understood how lucky I was to be alive.
Aaron treaded softly down the stairs, and I looked up from the dining room table to see him open the door. My heart warmed at the sight of him. Somehow our walk down memory lane was exactly what I needed to put my life in perspective, and Tracy was exactly the fuel I needed to stop the destruction of my life before it began.
“You doing okay?” he asked, closing the door behind him.
“It feels like a new day. I have you and Tracy to thank for that,” I chuckled and stood up from the table. I glanced outside. The sun had set and even though we’d only been at the park the day before, it felt like a lifetime ago. Just this morning I was wallowing in my own self-pity, and now I was riding a high with a purpose and more determination than I knew what to do with.
“Tracy?” he asked bewildered.
I waved my hands. “Long story for another day.”
He tilted his head, but I continued on to tell him about what I’d been working on. I didn’t want to give any weight to her existence.
“I’ve managed to contact all the local magazines and newspapers that seem to think Derek is an intriguing individual. I plan on setting them straight.”
“Do you now?”
“I do. I’m waiting for the phone to start ringing.”
He looked at his phone. “It’s what? About three in the afternoon back home?”
I nodded. “Oh, my gosh. Is it really that late here?”
Beyond Chance Page 11