Circle of Deception

by Skye, M.

  “Say it now!”

  “Bianca stop this, let go of our daughter and we can talk about this just us two,” he said with tears coming down his face.

  “Just tell her Alex,” Meg said and sat up. “You’re okay, how is the baby?” Alex asked quickly.

  “We are fine. I just took a fall when Melissa pushed me out of the way. She took a bullet for me.”

  “Damn you Meg! I wanted to shoot you! You ruined everything. I tried to kill you once before, but you just won’t die,” Bianca yelled and pulled the gun up to Allison’s head.

  “You were responsible for the wreck weren’t you? You killed my baby,” Meg yelled.

  “Oh boo hoo, cry me a river,” Bianca said and laughed.

  “I don’t get it Bianca, why do you hate me so much? What did I ever do to you?”

  “You took everything! You took my dad, you took Alex, and now you're taking my own damn daughter,” she screamed.

  “Your dad? Who is your dad?”

  “Richard Leon you clueless bitch. Your mom stole our dad from my mother,” Bianca snapped.

  “You're my sister? Are you kidding me?”

  “Yes princess Meg, I’m your sister, and Sean is your brother. You stole everything from us, and now I’m going to take everyone from you one by one just like Maria,” she said and laughed.

  Meg took a second to absorb everything Bianca was saying to her. “You killed my mother? What did she ever do to you? Don’t you understand? Our worthless father ran out on us just like he did you and Sean,” Meg exclaimed.

  “So that’s what you think? Well I have news for you, our lover boy’s dad killed our father because he was jealous about your slut mother. So you see this is all her fault.”

  “Ben killed our father? He didn’t leave us?” Meg asked sadly.

  “You got it, our dad ran out on us and chose you, Alex chose you, and now even Allison is choosing you. If you were dead then no one could ever choose you over me again,” Bianca said with a crazy look in her eyes. “Your mother got what was coming to her. She realized who Sean was. That night when she saw him, she freaked out because he looks just like our dad, and it only took her a little while to figure things out. I know she was going to tell Ben that night at his house, and I had to stop her by any means necessary.”

  “So you killed her because she could identify you? That’s so stupid Bianca, you're telling us everything right now,” Meg snapped.

  “Oh I haven’t even begun to tell you everything,” she said and laughed sinisterly.

  “I didn’t kill her alone. My mother finally got her revenge on that slut. Let me tell you how we held her for almost a month before we slit her throat, but that wasn’t enough so we cut her wrists. After that, we still weren’t satisfied so we stabbed her and then stabbed some more. When we were done with her, she looked like a Thanksgiving turkey.”

  “You heartless bitch,” Meg screamed with tears rolling down her face.

  “No my dear sister, that was just payback. When we made Sean dump her lifeless body in the garbage where she belonged, I felt empowered like I could do anything, so I did. It was easy to plant the murder weapon and the bloody shirt I borrowed from Ben on the grounds. He was an easy target because he also sampled the poisonous fruit. Your mother was toxic to all men,” she said with a blank expression. “To think, she even tried to convince me that she was someone else, in a pathetic plea for her life.”

  “So you made our brother help you?” Meg asked trying to rile her up.

  “Who Sean?” she asked and laughed. “Sean masterminded everything back in college. He hated Alex and Aiden when they were roommates. He said they always thought they were better than him, so he came to me with the plan to stick it to them. He knew Aiden wanted Emily and that Alex was in love with you. It was perfect. Finding out that you were our sister was just icing on the cake, and it gave us the chance to work with our mother to bring you down. Once we knew who you were and about your slut mother, everything changed. She should have felt inspired, she was the one who took our plan from good to brilliant,” Bianca gloated.

  Meg was dazed by what she was hearing. It seemed that no matter what happened, these psychotic siblings of hers would have snapped. They were just looking for an excuse.

  “This is too much! You did all of this because you were jealous?”

  “We did it for everything that you had that we didn’t. For the way they turned their noses up at Sean like he was beneath them, when all along it was their father and your mother who made us that way.”

  “Sean came here today trying to win us over, he wants to marry Maddie! When are you going to get it? It’s just you and your crazy ass mother who are still dwelling on this. Richard was a grown man! He was no saint. If he left you it was because he wanted to. You need to grow up and take some fucking responsibility for the way you are,” Meg screamed, finally having had enough of the explanations.

  Meg’s words hit harder than she expected and Bianca tightened her grip on Allison causing her to scream out from the pain. “You're hurting her! You need to stop it you crazy bitch,” Meg said and began to stand.

  “If you take one step towards us, I’ll blow her head off and then come for you. Trust me, I’m an excellent marksman.”

  “That’s all touching and everything, but if you harm one hair on that child’s head, you're going to wish you had a tank,” Meg said sternly without backing down.

  “Bianca, this is ridiculous, let our daughter go. If you want to shoot anybody then shoot me. I’m the one who got you pregnant and then left you to deal with our daughter alone. It’s all my fault,” Alex said trying to reason with her.

  “Shut up, you don’t mean it. You hate me just as much as they do. You still resent me for having Allison.”

  “What are you talking about? I love Allison, and we both slept together. I can’t blame it all on you,” he said calmly.

  “You’re lying! You really don’t remember do you? You never slept with me, it was all a trick.”

  “How could that be? The DNA test was positive; it proved she was mine,” he said sounding confused.

  “Turkey baster,” Melissa said breathlessly.

  “Mom, what did you say?” Alex asked, relieved that she was still alive.

  “She said I used a turkey baster,” Bianca snapped.

  “I don’t understand, if I didn’t sleep with you, then how did you get my sperm to use with the turkey baster?” The look of confusion on his face was amusing her and she let it show by smiling.

  “I’ve always had the inside track,” she said and laughed.

  Alex was puzzled by what she meant, and then it hit him, Sean. Sean talked him into trying these new condoms one night because they were supposed to have some sort of cooling effect. He thought that they had just worn themselves out because soon after making love, he and Meg both passed out. That was the only night that they ever wore condoms since they graduated high school.

  Everything was hitting Alex like a ton of bricks. He couldn’t believe someone went as far as to bring an innocent life into the world just for revenge. “Now you're getting it. We got you both toasted and Sean swiped your condom,” Bianca said and grinned deviously. With all the information out in the open, things suddenly made sense, like why Allison never seemed to connect with Bianca and why Meg was so drawn to her.

  Meg had gotten back on the floor to apply pressure to Melissa’s wound when she realized that Bianca was inching towards the balcony with Allison. “What are you doing?” Meg screamed and lunged towards them. The sudden movement caused Bianca to lose her balance and topple with Allison.

  Bianca landed on the ground beside the railing, but Allison was hanging over the edge. “Daddy, help me,” Allison screamed and drew the attention of Alex and all the others locked outside.

  “I’m coming sweetie just hold on,” Alex said and ran out the door.

  “Pull her up Alex! I’m going to kill you once I get my hands on you Bianca,” Emily screamed fr
om the ground.

  “If you reach for her, I’ll shoot your precious Meg,” Bianca said and cocked the gun back.

  The situation was impossible. Save Allison and let Meg and the baby die, or save Meg and let Allison fall. Alex was a nervous wreck. When he looked to Meg, she looked terrified. She wasn’t thinking of herself, she was looking straight at Allison.

  “Alex save her, don’t worry about me! Don’t let Allison fall,” Meg screamed. He knew what he had to do, but that didn’t make the decision easier.

  “I’m serious Alex, if you take one step towards her I’ll shoot Meg, so you choose. The woman you love or your daughter.”

  “Meg forgive me, I love you,” he said and lunged towards Allison. Bianca was stunned that he chose Allison and let her guard down. Meg took that opportunity to subdue her by elbowing her in the gut and taking cover.

  A gunshot rang out and the force of the gun, added with the hit Meg threw, sent Bianca flying over the balcony into the grass. As soon as she landed, Emily was on top of her pounding her fist into her face. Alex pulled Allison back over the railing and held her close to his chest.

  He was so afraid that he would lose her, he couldn’t think straight. If it hadn’t been for Meg’s quick thinking, he could have lost both of his girls and his mother. Meg was sitting in the corner of the balcony shaking like a leaf. He could tell she was still out of sorts so he slid backwards with Allison and pulled her into his arms.

  She laid her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes. When she suddenly remembered Melissa lying on the floor bleeding, they flew open. “Baby go get help for your mother, she lost so much blood. We need to get her to the hospital.”

  “Hey, unlock the door for us, we can help,” Aiden yelled up to the balcony.

  “Take Allison, I’ll go let the others inside and call the ambulance,” he said and jumped up. Meg was still in shock over what had happened and was clinging to Allison like her life depended on it. Allison was still crying and Meg empathized with her. She had heard so many things no child should ever hear from their mother, it was just downright disheartening.

  It took Alex less than two minutes to get back to them. Once he unlocked the door, he flew back up the stairs to find Meg and Allison in the same position he left them in. Before going over to them, he went to where Melissa was lying. She had lost a large amount of blood, but she still had a pulse.

  He bent down and took her hand and pressed down on her side to help with the bleeding. “Mom you're going to be okay, we have help on the way. They should be here any minute now,” he said and smiled down at her.

  “I’m proud of you son, and I’m sorry for everything.”

  “What are you sorry for mom? You protected two of the most important things in my life. I will always be grateful to you for that.”

  Just as Melissa was about to respond, the paramedics rushed in to collect her. “She is wounded on the right side. She has lost a lot of blood, but she is a fighter. You take excellent care of her,” Alex said and kissed her forehead.

  “I’ll follow you to the hospital mom,” he said as they lifted her onto the stretcher.

  “You stay here with your family, they need you my dear. I’ll have your brothers and I’ll be fine,” Melissa called out as the rolled her out of the room. After watching her leave, Alex made his way over to where Meg and Allison were still sitting and wrapped his arms around the both of them.

  He couldn’t believe everything they had learned and everything that had happened. He had asked everyone to remain downstairs to give them a minute alone, he wanted to apologize to Meg in private. “Baby look at me, I’m so sorry for what I had to do. I could have lost you today, and I would have been out of my mind. I can’t live without you.”

  Meg was taken aback by his statement, she couldn’t believe what he was saying. “Alex, if you would have come for me, then we would have lost Allison. I can protect myself. You made the right choice and I love you so much for that. I know you would do the same for the baby I’m carrying and that's what a parent should be,” she said and caressed his cheek.

  They sat wrapped in each other’s arms for another ten minutes before either one of them spoke again. It was little Allison who finally broke the silence in the room. “Daddy, are you still going to marry Meg?” her question made him smile for the first time in a while.

  “Yes baby. If it’s alright with you, I want to marry her as soon as possible,” he replied happily.

  “Good, because I want her to be my new mommy. My old one sucks,” she replied, causing both Alex and Meg to break out in hysterical laughter. For the first time since that whole terrible ordeal started, they were able to relax and enjoy the small things.

  Aiden, Matt, Emily, and Melia had taken off to the hospital with Melissa, while Gio and Maddie stayed behind to check on Meg and Allison. When they heard the laughter from the hallway, they figured it much be safe to enter the room. They were delighted to see the happy little family sitting on the floor with smiles on their faces after everything they had gone through. Allison noticed them right away and ran right up to Gio with open arms.

  “Uncle Gio, I have to tell you what daddy said.”

  “What would that be princess Alli?”

  “He said that he is going to marry Meg so she can be my new mommy,” she announced joyfully.

  “That’s fabulous news, and your uncle Gio is going to help make that happen,” he said and winked at her.

  With all the excitement, they had almost forgotten to ask about the brother and sister duo. “So where are Bianca and Sean?” Alex asked, trying to mask his anger for Allison’s sake.

  “Detective Vanzetti picked Sean up, but Bianca has to make a little trip to the hospital before they lock her up. Something about some broken ribs and a broken jaw. Too bad she landed on the grass and not a few inches over on the sidewalk,” Maddie said and laughed.

  “So it’s finally over?” Meg chimed in.

  “Not exactly, they have to charge them and you know there is going to be a trial. This is far from over, but at least they are in custody,” Maddie replied.

  “So you know everything?” Meg asked quietly. “Yeah, Sean told us, but this changes nothing. Dad loves you and so do we.”

  “Maddie is right oh fabulous one. You are still the same beautiful kick-ass sister you always were and we love you. Now what we need to work on is getting the two of you married before that baby bump gets any bigger. We would hate for you to look all redneck down to the wedding,” Gio said playfully.

  “I don’t care what she looks like as long as I get to marry her. It’s been a long time coming,” Alex said and looked at her lovingly.

  “Alexander Hanover, you have to be one of the most romantic men I ever met. Let’s not wait, let’s elope,” Meg suggested.

  Alex was overjoyed to hear that she wanted to get married right away, but he couldn’t help thinking about her dreams of what her wedding should be like. “Baby, I would love to marry you right away, but are you sure? I want it to be perfect for you, you're only getting one wedding.”

  “After everything that has happened, the only dream I have is to be at that altar with you right next to me. You, Allison, and our baby are my dream,” she replied and touched his face.

  “Well I’m all for dream building, but I will not have my sister in some tacky ceremony. Give me a few days, please,” Gio requested hopefully.

  “If it’s okay with Alex, then it’s okay with me.”

  “I’m fine with whatever you want sweetheart,” Alex replied.

  “It’s okay with me too daddy,” Allison interjected causing the room to erupt in laughter.

  “You're absolutely adorable little princess. How would you like to do uncle Gio a favor and be the flower girl?”

  “I would love to! Thank you uncle Gio! Daddy, Mommy, did you hear that? I get to be the flower girl,” Allison exclaimed and ran down to her room.

  “She just called me Mommy, it was the sweetest thing I’ve ever h
eard,” Meg said with tears in her eyes.

  “Baby, you are her mommy in every way that counts. You have more than proved it,” Alex said and kissed her forehead.

  “This is so amazing. What a cute little family moment,” Maddie said and dabbed her watery eyes.

  “We have to get out of here, you guys are making me soft,” Gio joked. “I am going to go and get started with the plans. I’ll have something for you soon.”

  “Thank you Gio. I love you,” Meg said teasingly.

  “I love you too little sister, and don’t you ever forget it.”

  “I guess that’s my cue. I love you Meg and you too Alex,” Maddie said and hugged them goodbye.

  “We are getting ready to leave too, so let us walk you out. We need to get to the hospital to check on Melissa,” Meg said and winked at Alex.

  When they left the room, they swung by Allison’s room to let her know that they were heading out. Without hesitation, she quickly darted out and grabbed Meg’s hand to walk out with her. Allison was talking her head off about the wedding and how she was going to be the best flower girl ever, and Meg just walked with her listening intently to everything she had to say.

  Alex could tell she had a genuine interest in Allison. With Meg, it wasn’t just a show or some act of revenge, she just enjoyed being with her. He couldn’t have asked for a better woman to share his life with, and in a few days, they would get their happily ever after.

  Chapter 12

  Loose Ends

  The week had been stressful to say the least. Bianca and Sean were both officially charged with Maria’s murder, and Ben with Richard’s. The authorities were never able to apprehend Amanda Leon, and she was still at large. To everyone’s dismay, Ben was given a plea of fifteen years instead of getting a life sentence, in exchange for his cooperation in trying to secure a conviction against Bianca and Sean.

  Ben had turned over a new leaf, but unfortunately for him, it was far too late. His family wanted nothing more to do with him. Feeling defeated, he went through with the previous divorce agreement with Melissa. He made sure to leave out all the details of her indiscretions, knowing he had driven her to it.