Carla held my hand. “Control your emotions or you will mess up the whole investigation, partner.”
I didn’t respond but proceeded to pace up and down in Carol’s bedroom. I couldn’t bring myself to believe that Carol was nursing a rotten hope more than ten years later. I began fearing that she was the one behind eliminating my wife. It also clicked that she might be the one who killed my son.
I dropped on the carpet when I bent for the spade. I wanted to grab the spade and trash her bedroom but I fell.
Carla sat next to me and embraced me.
It hurt me a lot to learn all that had happened. And it wasn’t like Grace came and snatched me from her. Carol and I were not compatible. We never agreed on anything. I tried to compromise for some things, but when she told me she wanted to be like her mom and be a cardiologist, I knew it had to be all over. I couldn’t afford to wait for her to study for almost a decade in Europe. Stupid her – for whatever reason, she thought I would dance to her tune and wait for her until she was done with her studies and internships.
“Come down so you can make smart decisions,” Carla said.
I nodded. “Yeah, you are right. This is very confusing. This side there is Karen. Now, Carol. Anyway, I will figure it out. When are you going back to work? Seriously, they will start noting you aren’t active.”
“I thought about it when we were under the bed, waiting for that girl to finish making herself up. I think if you can give me one five zero dollars we would be all set.”
“That’s okay.”
I rose and offered a hand to her. She grabbed it and jumped to her feet. “Thanks. You are a gentleman even when hurting.”
I smiled. “I think we can go now. I need to connect the dots well and make a plan as you say. What’s confusing me is that when I dated Carol at college Karen was her best friend. They were in the same class. But now it seems each girl wants me for herself.”
“Don’t be reluctant to involve the police if you see the need.”
I took the spade and we walked out. But I felt like I had forgotten something crucial inside. I couldn’t figure out what.
Unfortunately, some man greeted us when we locked the door. We almost collapsed.
Three years ago
GRACE
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
11:02 AM
I chose not to wipe the tears wandering down my cheeks. They were the sweet kind – the kind you wish could stream forever. The kind that reflects the warm harmony deep in your heart.
Dr. Harris, the physiotherapist, smiled. “One more lap Mr. Turner, and we will be done for the day.”
Elijah frowned like he had been asked to walk from New York to Los Angeles. “O--O--ne only,” he said with a wobbly voice and a drooling mouth. He couldn’t even wipe the watery saliva dropping on his chest, stomach, and thighs. The drooling didn’t terrify me at all – I was used to seeing him drool when attempting something hard like walking. And I wouldn’t run to wipe him for I knew Dr. Harris wouldn’t let me. He wanted him to believe in his mind that he could do it all alone – with zero assistance.
Elijah glanced at us with an exhausted vision and turned slowly. He started his last lap across the physiotherapy hall, shaking like he would drop on the exercising equipment on his sides. He was worse than a baby taking her first steps. I rushed to support him, but Dr. Harris said, “No. Leave him, he won’t fall. He’s just tired.” Irritation was obvious in his voice. “Get used to it. It’s important he starts believing in his mind that he can do it without crutches or assistance.” He sighed. “Even his muscles need exercise, Mrs. Turner.”
I nodded and wiped my tears. I knew he was right. It’s just that I couldn’t watch my husband struggle to walk – almost dropping on the floor without trying to help him. Yes, my mind was clear it was for his good, but the woman in me overrode the rationale sometimes.
Dr. Harris peeked at me several times and I knew he wanted to say something. He always did that before talking. “Don’t mind my presence. Cry if you like. It’s a powerful therapy too. People like you make us feel proud of our work. Let those tears of joy flow. You have no idea how much they mean to us.”
I raised my head and gazed at Elijah, shaking across and tears filled my eyes again. “Thank you so much, Dr. Harris. God really used you.”
He turned swiftly. “Nobody used me, Mrs. Turner. I did this myself.”
I wiped the tears on my face feeling that their funnel had stopped abruptly. “You don’t believe in God, Dr. Harris.”
“Why should I. It’s a waste of time to believe in someone who doesn’t exist. A fictional figure created by ancient novelists.”
“He doesn’t exist?”
“You think He exists, Mrs. Turner. Ever saw Him? Touched Him? Talked to Him?”
“Of course, I have never touched Him or seen Him, but I speak to Him every day and He also speaks to me.”
He laughed hysterically. “Let’s say I agree He exists and speaks. Why didn’t He tell your husband to use another street to avoid being shot in the head?”
“Look. Look. Let’s stop this conversation.”
He smiled. “No problem, Mrs. Turner.”
Tension took over.
Elijah had his hands on the glass wall on the other side of the hall. He still had to turn and start walking back to us. At the corner of my eye, I peeped at Dr. Harris. He had folded his arms watching his “handiwork” withdraw his eyes from the cars in the parking lot and take his first step towards us. “Dr. Harris. If you don’t believe God exists, where did you come from? I mean everybody. Where did we come from?”
He laughed with his mouth sealed. “Mrs. Turner, that’s reproduction. Ever read about evolution?”
“Reproduction? Okay, how about the very first man and woman?”
“You never studied the evolution science?”
“Oh, God.”
“Ok, let’s forget the big stuff. Let’s talk about Mr. Turner. When he was shot, let’s say nobody called 911 and no doctor helped him in any way. Would he be alive now? I doubt that.”
I stroked my hair. “Probably not. But that’s why I said God used you.”
“But I told you. He never did. I used my expertise to help Mr. Turner.”
“You know what? Let’s stop it. Let’s talk about something else. Politics, whatever.”
He laughed with his mouth closed again.
I shook my head, relieved Elijah was half way. And above all, I was relieved they were releasing him to me to nurse at home.
Another doctor, a female one, came in with several men and women. They looked like stroke patients for they limped as if one side of their bodies was affected.
Thursday, February 12, 2015
5:35 PM
I walked in worried Elijah was back to doing the exact thing I asked him to stop doing. I passed through the living room almost sure he was back at it for he wasn’t even watching the television. I pushed his home office door. “I knew it. I knew.” There he was at his desk glued to his laptop.
He gazed at my eyes and smiled. “I’m wrapping up, babes.” He pulled me. I fell across his lap. My handbag dropped on the carpet. He kissed me. “How was your day, sweetheart?”
I giggled like a high school girl. “It was perfect, babe.” My eyes were locked with his. I also kissed him.
“You always say fine. Today was perfect. What was perfect about your day?”
“Everything.”
“Everything?”
“Oh yes, babe.” I gazed into his eyes. “Oh no. You see what you have done?” I jumped off his lap, but he pulled me down. I laughed. He laughed too. “You crook, you made me forget why I came here in the first place.”
Elijah laughed. “You know you came here for a kiss. Nothing else. Whatever you say now will just be a camouflage you use to cover the truth.”
I laughed and spanked his chest. “I was angry when I came in here. I wasn’t thinking of any kiss.”
“Where did it go?”
/>
“What?”
“The anger.”
I laughed. “Stop it. You sucked it with your mouth,” I spanked him again. “I wanted to kill you for working until this time. I tell you every time.”
“What do you tell me?” He laughed. “Jog my memory. The amnesia must have deleted whatever you said.”
“I can see you remember everything. Why are you laughing if you don’t?” We laughed. “I reminded you…hmm…on Tuesday, I guess, I told you that atheist doctor said you must work five hour days, not ten, twelve like you’re doing.”
“Oh that, but I’m perfect now.”
“No, no. That word has to come from him, not the patient.”
We laughed.
“Ok, Dr. Grace, tomorrow I’m back to five hours.”
“Thank, Mr. Turner,” I said, mimicking Dr. Harris’ gestures – big accented voice – and straightening the spine like a lizard.
We laughed hysterically.
When I rose to my feet, Elijah pulled me down. “You promised to tell me why your day was great.”
“Oh, yes, babe.” I fixed my eyes on his. “Today my day was made special by some charmer who goes by the name of Elijah Turner, aka El.”
He smiled as I did. “What did this guy do?”
“The dude sent me a text, telling me that he loves me. He values me for I’m just that – a beautiful woman of value. A rare breed. Babes, I almost collapsed when this fellow said I make his heart tick and his world go round.” I kissed him already tearing. He wiped the tears with his palms.
I sighed and stood up. “It’s nice to be here – on your lap, in your arms. But you know the drill, I’ve got to cook. Kim and Leon also need their mom. As soon as they come back Kim will search the whole house.”
“I told you not to fire Chloe.”
“Oh no. Never.” I took up my handbag from the floor and headed to the door. “You know the saying – the shortest way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. That girl wanted to steal my man.”
He laughed.
I closed the door and went to the bedroom. Deep in my heart, I was grateful my eyes were opened. If they weren’t I wouldn’t have terminated my friendship with Mila and I would have lost such a great man. I would be a divorcee. For what? Stupid peer pressure.
I threw my handbag on the bed.
When I started undressing, I began being uneasy Leon was still not back with Kim. When I met them at the gate, they said they were only going to get some chocolates from the gym vending machine, nothing more.
I looked through the window. It was completely dark outside. Even the streetlights were on. And it was very cold. “My God,” I sighed, relieved when I saw them coming through the gate – the little Kim leading the way. I laughed.
I turned and took my jacket off. But then I noticed a small unusual box on the bed, next to the continental pillow. It was like a jewelry box. I stopped unbuttoning my grey blouse and took it up. I opened it unsure how to feel.
There were Honda car keys inside and a red note. I quickly opened it with my hands shaking and read:
Babe,
Surprise! Surprise! We have a car now. Brand new Honda Civic. No more boarding the bus to work. Our small blogging business has got us a car! The -
I jumped and jumped and jumped and jumped. Even on the bed with my knees. When I took a deep breath, preparing to run downstairs to kiss Elijah very hard, he pushed the door, laughing. He had been watching me from the door. I forgot that he was still recovering and flew like a bullet to his arms. He grabbed me, still laughing. I tied my feet and arms around him and kissed him beautifully.
Saturday, May 9, 2015
6:05 PM
With all its might the summer was here. Everybody sweated – even though the sun rays were gold and withdrawing.
I couldn’t help it but speed up my cooking. Then I rushed to the couch and laid my head on Elijah’s chest. It was the sweetest, safest place on the planet for me. He put the remote away and held me with both hands. And he held me exactly where I wished he would hold me – my stomach. I felt like a queen, literally. A part of me hated Mila for making me miss all that – for years.
“Let’s look for something interesting. I bet the mood you have just created isn’t for watching the news.” He said, laughing. “Even the fried chicken aroma from the chicken screams special evening.”
“I’m glad you noticed.”
He scrolled through the channels but couldn’t get anything interesting. He ended up stopping on some channel playing a sitcom.
“That’s better,” I said.
He pinched me on the back. “Better than what?”
“Ouch. The news, of course. I hate it with passion.”
“It’s not a matter of liking it. It’s the need to be informed.”
“Whatever?”
“You know, babe, I’ve been thinking. Now that the revenue from our blog has increased I am thinking we can afford to take Leon to a private school from next year.”
“Really babe? That would be awesome.” I twisted my neck and kissed him. But a cloud of guilt and shame engulfed me. It was extremely hard for me to freely enjoy the successes of the business I pronounced as a useless, money wasting nonsense. Elijah just let me enjoy all our growing success without reminding me even a bit of my folly. At times, I would even entertain evil wishes – wishing it would collapse and we would start another business afresh that I would dare not criticize.
“I think so. I think we will manage. Even when I bought the car, I was a little scared but we managed it. Months later, we don’t regret having our civic. It’s not even a strain on us. And if our company proceeds like this, we have to start thinking about buying our own house, I’m tired of renting. Once we have our own house, you will have to resign from work.”
“Lots of beautiful stuff babe. Thank you so much. Even Leon will be so happy. But I must specifically apologize to you. I’m so sorry I ceased believing in our blogging business when it was on the rocks. You know, every time I get into that car I feel stupid. I mean, I criticized you, calling the blog a stupid business. But you did it, alone. It’s like I have only shown up to reap the fruits of something I thought was a joke. Aren’t I a stupid opportunist?”
“Don’t feel awkward, babe. As your husband, I understood. Those kinds of weaknesses aren’t the type to make my alarms go off. As I told you when we were still dating, the only thing that can make me lose interest in you is if you get involved with another man. That, I can’t take. I can divorce you without even thinking about it or consulting anybody.” He tickled my stomach and I laughed, pushing his hand away. “As for Leon, I don’t think so, babe. Children, boys in particular, don’t think like that. Probably, he will complain we’re taking him away from his friends or suggest we buy him the football kit he has been bugging us about and also pay for his football classes.”
“Yeah, you’re right.” I cleared my voice. “I want to jump off your chest and call them for dinner but you have glued me.”
Elijah laughed. “Glued? I don’t remember smearing any glue on my chest.”
“Yes, you did. It’s just that you applied it to your heart. Now, I want to jump off but my heart is permanently glued to yours.”
We laughed.
“Do you think Leon will stop their little baseball game at seven and come with Kim for dinner?” Elijah asked.
“That’s one bad thing about summer. You have to call the kids back to the house always. They –”
A sharp scream came from outside. Whoever screamed was terrified to bits. Elijah put me on the couch and ran out. I tailed him with my heart pounding my chest very hard. Jessica, Karen’s eldest daughter, rolled on the lawn, screaming. “They shot him. A red van. They shot –”
I staggered, gazing at Kim. She was yowling, staring at her brother lying in a pool of blood on the lawn. Elijah was already on the phone besides Leon. My breathing stopped when I saw that Leon had been shot in his forehead. His eyes –
One
year ago
CAROL
Thursday, January 21, 2016
8:31 PM
I knocked at Karen’s house. Popping up late was the only option since she wouldn’t even take my calls. Not that I still needed her help, but I had to get her hands dirty to insulate the entire operation.
She opened. “Oh, it’s you. I thought it was Jane or Grace. The Grace you want me to cut off. What were you thinking? Years later, I still can’t believe my ears.”
I gazed at her face apologetically. “Please, let me in, friend. It’s windy and cold out here. I have a new, great, grand plan.”
She scanned my eyes, frowning. “I hope grand means it doesn’t involve killing somebody.” She sighed. “Come in.”
“Thanks.” I followed, celebrating with my hands.
She led me to the living room. “You want some coffee?” She asked, signaling me to sit on one of the brown leather couches.
“If it’s caffeine free, darling. I’m allergic to caffeine. It causes numbing palpitations because my heart is arrhythmic.” I sat down.
She went to the kitchen and came with a steaming mug. She was also steaming inside. No smile or friendly gestures.
I grinned like she was a stranger. I took the coffee and sipped. “Wow! Nice cappuccino.”
She didn’t say anything. I tapped the couch with my right hand, staring at the boring coffee. If I was not on the begging side, I would come clean and tell her that I mentioned cappuccino just to be nice. Otherwise, her coffee was horrible, extremely far from tasting like real coffee, let alone cappuccino. I longed I could vanish. “You were quick.”
“Coffee maker.” She gazed at me with heavy eyes. “What’s this grand plan? Talk everything you wanna talk, bearing in mind that Grace is a friend of mine.”
“Oh yeah, I see.” I ran my hand over my hair. “Are you serious she is your friend?”
Wicked Girl (THE FIRE Book 1) Page 20