PANDORA

by Rebecca Hamilton

I unbuckled my seatbelt and opened the car door. As I looked up toward the house, anger seeped through my veins. Stupid Abriana! She always finds a way to ruin everything! Ugh! I shook my head as I got out of the car. She was supposed to get pissed at MatÍ as, not me!

  As the rage continued to build, I reached in and grabbed my purse out of the backseat. She’s such an idiot!

  Slamming the car door, I heard the squeal of tires. Looking up, my eyes met MatÍ as’, which were filled with rage.

  Uh oh . . . Looks like he talked to Abriana . . .

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Abriana

  Detective Lock cleared his throat. “Abriana, Easton has confessed.”

  I inhaled sharply and raked my nails across my thighs. Studying the red marks I had left behind, I allowed my mind to wander back to the night Easton had told me, we’ve got company. I chewed on my lower lip. Who was she? Why was she helping him? Was the entire thing her idea? The same questions raced through my mind over and over again. Am I ever going to get the answers I so desperately need to hear?

  My mother wrapped her arms around my shoulders. “¡Gracias a Dios!”

  “Did he say why he did it?” asked my father. “He must have given you a reason?”

  Detective Lock exhaled and shook his head. “Easton hasn’t given us much. He confessed to kidnapping you, but he won’t give any details. He also apologized repeatedly and asked for your forgiveness.”

  Anger stirred up in my core and I felt my cheeks flush. “Forgiveness? Are you serious?”

  He arched an eyebrow. “Once they’re caught . . . ” he trailed off. “People will say just about anything.”

  Rage swirled with sadness. Closing my eyes, I pictured Easton’s gray eyes. They reminded me of a storm on a warm summer’s day. How could someone with eyes like that be so evil?

  “What does this mean for Abriana?” asked my father. “What comes next?”

  The detective stood up and smoothed out his tie. “As soon as he is well enough, we will move him to Dane County Jail, where he will stay until the trial is over.”

  Turning my head, I could hear raised voices coming from outside. My heart dropped when my eyes landed on MatÍ as storming toward the front door.

  Biting my lower lip, I excused myself for a moment and headed toward the door. I swung it open just as MatÍ as had raised his hand to knock.

  “Bri,” he said with tears in his eyes.

  “What do you want?” I asked in a cold voice.

  He reached forward, but I stepped back, letting his hands fall into the space between us.

  “Don’t touch me,” I hissed through clenched teeth.

  MatÍ as ran his hands through his hair. “Nothing happened! I swear!”

  I ran my tongue over my lips and let out a chuckle. “Yeah, right.”

  “Bri, I love you! I always have,” he pleaded.

  Cocking my head to the side, I studied the man I had loved since high school. Even if we weren’t together, my love for him would never completely fade. His dimples were what drew me in years ago. Seriously, he could give Mario Lopez a run for his money. Then came his dark brown eyes and long eyelashes. You could stare into them for hours and never get lost. Lastly, his body . . . his body was beyond perfect. I remembered the first time I saw him with his shirt off. I almost fainted. He had just finished baseball practice and sweat dripped down his chest and toned abs.

  “Abriana,” came his voice, shaking me out of my flashback.

  I crossed my arms. “Did you kiss her or not?”

  “Yeah, but-”

  I cut him off. “But what? Listen, MatÍ as, I’ve been through an awful lot recently and quite frankly, I don’t have time for this mess!”

  He dropped to his knees and reached forward, grabbing me behind the knees. “Please, it was a mistake. I meant what I said in the hospital! I want to be here to help you through this, not make it worse!”

  Pulling back, I felt his hands slip away. “Don’t touch me,” I spat in disgust. The only man I trust from now on is my father!

  I cracked my knuckles and pressed my lips together. “Goodbye, MatÍ as,” I said, closing the door in his face.

  A moment later, it swung back open. “Look, Mat—” I started to say before stopping myself.

  “I’m so sorry, Abriana,” said Alexa with mascara running down her cheeks. “Please, please don’t be upset with me.”

  Without saying another word, I spun on my heel and walked back into the living room. Those two deserved each other.

  “What in the world is going on out there?” asked my mother with wide eyes.

  I tried to calm my quaking hands as I eased down on to the flower couch cushion next to my father. “It’s nothing.”

  “Didn’t sound like nothing,” said Detective Lock, giving me an inquisitive look.

  “It’s MatÍ as . . . He just stopped by, but he had to leave,” I said quietly.

  My mother frowned as she clutched a small pillow in her lap. “Are you all right?”

  “I’m fine,” I lied.

  Trying to ignore the awkward silence, I turned toward Detective Lock and asked, “Has there been any progress on finding Easton’s shooter?”

  He leaned forward and rubbed his chin with his forefinger and his thumb. “No,” he admitted. “And we still haven’t found the gun.”

  “Well, there’s your proof right there,” I said.

  He kept a neutral expression on his face. “What do you mean, Abriana?”

  My heart skipped a beat. “There has to be a second person involved if the gun is missing!” Finally, some evidence that proves I’m not lying!

  Detective Lock shrugged. “That’s one theory.”

  Shock radiated through my core. “One theory?”

  “We’re still investigating,” he drawled.

  “And what?” I said, my voice getting louder with every syllable. “Do you still think I shot Easton?”

  “Abriana—” Detective Lock started.

  I stood up, cutting him off, and placed my hands firmly on my hips. “When are you going to believe me? I didn’t shoot Easton! There were two people involved!”

  “Victor,” said my mother with a look that could freeze a grizzly bear in his tracks.

  “Detective Lock,” he said before clearing his throat. “I think we’ve had enough information for today.”

  “No!” I shouted. “I want to know! Why doesn’t anyone believe me?”

  My father stood up and placed his hand on my shoulder. “It’s time to leave, Detective Lock,” he said firmly.

  I let out a guttural scream before shouting, “WHY DOESN’T ANYONE BELIEVE ME?”

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Alexa

  I stormed into the house and up the staircase. Stupid MatÍ as! What the hell is his problem? Why can’t he just get over her and be with me?

  “Alexa?” my mother called from downstairs.

  Shut up!

  “Alexa?” asked my mother again. “Are you okay? What’s going on?”

  Closing my eyes, I forced myself to take a deep breath and exhale slowly. “I’m fine,” I shouted. “I just need a few minutes to myself.”

  I paced back and forth, the beige carpet squishing between my toes. Congratulations, Abriana! You managed to ruin everything, again!

  My cheeks flushed, sending a warm sensation across my face, and my fingers tingled. Ugh! That’s fine . . . Don’t worry, Abriana. I’ll fix this . . . I’ll fix everything, once and for all . . .

  ***

  After a few hours passed, I ventured into the hallway. Forcing a despondent look on my face, I knocked softly on the door leading to Abriana’s childhood bedroom. “You there, Bri?”

  No response.

  “Bri?”

  I knocked one last time before reaching for the door handle. But before I could grasp it, the handle turned and the door swung open.

  My insides danced with glee as tears leaked from Abriana’s eyes. Her hair lay matted against
her forehead and her skin looked pale. How is it that she still looks good? I thought in disgust. After everything, she’s still beautiful. Ugh!

  “Bri,” I said, trying to sound sincere, “I’m so sorry. I never meant for anything to happen with MatÍ as.”

  Abriana brought her hands to her face. “You still don’t get it . . . ” she said quietly.

  Anger boiled just beneath the surface. Oh, I get it. You’re a self-obsessed, attention-seeking whore! Forcing my thoughts into the back of my mind, I reached out toward my sister. “What do you mean?”

  With her hands still on her face, Abriana’s body went rigid. “Lex, someone tried to kill me and it wasn’t Easton. Someone is out there and no one else believes me! How do I know they won’t come after me again? What if they try to hurt you? Or our parents?”

  I wrapped my arms around her fragile body. “I believe you,” I said firmly. “And I’ll do whatever I can to convince Detective Lock that there is someone else out there.”

  “Really?” she asked, her voice cracking with emotion.

  “Yes,” I replied. I believe you more than you’ll ever know.

  Abriana dropped her hands and embraced me in a tight squeeze. “That means so much to me, Lex.”

  There we go, back on my side again, Big sister . . .

  “I’ll always believe you, Abriana,” I said with a wicked smile. “Always.”

  “Girls,” came a voice from the hallway, “is everything okay?”

  My mother entered the room a moment later, her face breaking into a soft smile when she saw me comforting Abriana. “Ah, mis niÑas.”

  I returned the smile and gave her a reassuring nod. “We’ll get through this,” I said. “No matter what it takes. We’ll get through this.”

  ***

  Abriana slept the rest of the day. I checked on her from time to time, resisting the urge to smother her with a pillow.

  As I sat beside her, her new phone vibrated. Of course, Mom and Dad would go out and buy her a new one right away! Noooooo, they don’t have enough money to send me to college, but they can run out and spend $200 to get their favorite daughter a new iPhone!

  I reached over with a scowl on my face and grabbed her phone. Who’s checking on your now? Abriana’s phone had been ringing and buzzing with text messages all day. I’m so glad you’re okay! Can’t wait to see you! When can I come visit? I rolled my eyes as I typed in her obvious password. Abriana was nothing if not predictable. Of course everyone misses you, Abriana! The perfect daughter, the perfect friend, the perfect everything!

  I froze as my eyes landed on her most recent text message.

  Abriana, I love you!

  Please forgive me. Lex kissed me, not the other way around!

  Please let me come over. I want to be with you right now!

  My insides clenched as I re-read the text over and over again. Running my tongue over my lips, I cracked my fingers and then tapped the screen.

  Leave me alone! I don’t want anything to do with you ever again!

  I moved on when I dumped you. Now, it’s your turn!

  As I sent the message, Abriana stirred. I shoved the phone under my legs and sat still. Waiting for her to fall back asleep, I ran through a list of ways to murder her. I could suffocate her, shoot her, hit her on the back of the head with something really heavy . . . I sighed. All of those would raise eyebrows. This time, I wanted it to look like an accident . . . Or maybe even her fault? What if she overdosed? A smile tugged on the corners of my lips. An overdose is a definite possibility . . .

  When Abriana finally settled back into a restful state, I pulled her phone back out and deleted MatÍ as’ text as well as my response. I decided to stay with her a bit longer, just in case he wrote back or tried to call.

  As I leaned back in the chair, I propped my feet up on the corner of Abriana’s bed and watched her peaceful face.

  I chuckled quietly before biting my lower lip. I bet you’ll look just as peaceful resting in your casket.

  Three Weeks Later . . .

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Abriana

  “Are you sure you want to do this?” asked Addison.

  I lowered my head as my roommate placed a hand on my shoulder.

  “I mean, you could try it another few days?” she added.

  Shaking my head, I wiped a tear out of the corner of my eye. “I just can’t . . . I’m so sorry, Addison.”

  “It’s okay,” said Addison. “I understand. I just wish you didn’t have to move out.”

  Squeezing my eyes shut, I tried to force the tears away. The nightmares had been unbearable since I tried to move back into my college apartment. I couldn’t fall asleep without feeling the sharp blade of the knife cutting my leg or seeing Easton’s smirking face. The reality that I might never be okay started to sink in and the results were beyond terrifying. I couldn’t sleep or eat. Dark bags had developed under my eyes and now were a permanent fixture. Unable to focus on anything, the thought of going back to school seemed like an impossible act. What if I can’t go back to college? I had asked my mother. Just come home, Abriana, she had told me. We love you and we’ll help you get through this as a family.

  “I bet Alexa is excited you’re moving back home,” Addison said.

  I nodded as a small smile crossed my lips. Sweet, Lex. She had really gone above and beyond the last three weeks. Everything from bringing me breakfast in bed, grape juice, oatmeal, and fresh mango slices, to staying up late and watching reruns of Gossip Girl.

  “How are the nightmares?” asked Addison, her face full of concern.

  I paused and exhaled slowly. “They’re pretty bad.”

  Her face fell. “I wish there was something I could do to help.”

  “Me too, Addie. Me too,” I replied.

  Addison stood up and smoothed out her plum-colored shirt over her white shorts. “I’m going to hold off on advertising for a new roommate for a few weeks, just in case you change your mind.”

  “Thanks, Addie,” I said. “I-”

  A loud knock interrupted our conversation.

  “Almost ready?” asked Alexa as she burst through the door. She balanced two boxes in her hands and she had her keys hanging out of her back pocket.

  I looked around my old apartment one last time. The worn couch where Addison and I had spent hours watching movies, drinking wine, and gossiping sat in the middle of the room. My heart broke as I realized I’d probably never sit on it again.

  Alexa frowned. “Earth to Bri?”

  “Oh,” I said, slightly startled. “Um, yeah. I mean, yes. I’m ready to go.”

  Addison gave me a heartfelt embrace before picking up a box. “Maybe I can stop over some time tomorrow?”

  “We’re going camping,” said Alexa with a big smile on her face.

  A look of concern washed over Addison’s face. “Really?”

  “Well, we’re staying in a cabin, but yeah, the whole family decided to take some time off and get away,” said Alexa.

  Addison frowned. “Are you sure you want to go? I mean, is it the best idea to go into the woods after everything that has happened?”

  I bit my lower lip. I had to admit, I had my doubts, but Alexa seemed so intent on spending some family time together; I couldn’t say no to her or my parents. “It will be fine,” I said, forcing a smile. “It will be good to get away from the reporters. Ever since Easton slipped back into his coma, they refuse to ask me anything without mentioning his name at least seven times. Ugh!”

  Addison nodded. “Well, call me if you need anything. Seriously, I’ll drive up to the woods to find you and bring you back to civilization.”

  A genuine smile broke out across my face. “You’re the best, Addie.”

  “That’s what friends are for,” she said, returning the smile.

  ***

  “I’m so glad you’re moving back in,” said Alexa as we pulled up in front of the house.

  My eyes drifted to the perfectly manicured hedge l
ining the brick walkway leading from the driveway to the front door. Begonias overfilled two large pots standing at either side of the door.

  I found myself smiling again. Maybe moving back home is what I need to get over this . . . This moment in life . . . I had a long way to go, but happiness was slowly seeping back into my life.

  “Hello? Earth to Abriana?” said Alexa, waving her hand in front of my face.

  Shaking my head, I let out a laugh. “Sorry, I’m just zoning out!”

  “You’re such an airhead today!” Alexa said with a smile. A moment later, she swung open her car door and the smell of fresh cut grass filled the car. “Let’s go! We need to get packed for this weekend.”

  She popped the trunk and reached for a box. I slung a duffle bag over my shoulder, and then grabbed the last box.

  Alexa got to the door first. Balancing a box on one knee, she slid the key in the keyhole and turned it.

  Once the door opened, I followed her up the stairs and into my bedroom. The light purple paint and cream-colored duvet made me think of my childhood obsession with princesses. I always believed that I would study abroad in college, meet a prince, fall in love, get married, and live happily ever after in a castle. Oh, how things have changed.

  “¿MamÁ ? PapÁ ?” called Alexa. “Where are you?”

  A groan came from their master bedroom. “Ohhhh,” came the groan again, this time louder.

  I dropped the box and threw the bag to the ground. My heart thumped rapidly in my chest as I raced into my parents’ bedroom. “What’s wrong?”

  “Abriana,” moaned my mother, “I think I caught the flu.”

  “Me too,” said my father from the bathroom.

  I studied her pale skin and wisps of dark brunette hair hanging loosely in her face.

  “Oh, no,” exclaimed Alexa. “You look terrible!”

  A wane smile crossed her face. “Thanks.”

  “I’m sorry,” she apologized, looking at me with wide eyes. “They’re super sick,” she mouthed.

  “What can I get you?” I asked my mother. “How can we help?”

  My mother pushed a pillow under her head. “Maybe just a glass of water? I’m so sorry that we are ruining the family weekend. I know you were both really looking forward to it.”