“Oh yeah? What did you do to her?” Tommy asks. Great.
“Wouldn’t you like to know, you freak.”
“So it was R- rated then?”
“More like X,” I quickly reply.
“Oh, girl. As long as you enjoyed yourself, and didn’t let this dork take and not give, it’s all good,” Tommy says, hazing Dylan some more.
“He gave. Twice,” I say under my breath.
“I’m a sick, perverted bastard. Don’t say any more, ‘cause if you do, I’m going to want to know details. You know, so I can add it to the spank bank for later. So, how’s that cousin of yours? She still a private investigator?”
Spank bank? Oh my God! Tommy is great.
Yeah, I like him. Can I meet him?
“No, you can’t, Kate.”
“Wait, is Kate one of the people living in your head?” Tommy asks.
“Um, yeah.” I feel myself going back into my shell, more reserved. Dylan takes my hand in his while Scott brings out some platters of food.
“Don’t be embarrassed. It’s okay, you can tell me anything.”
“Kate lives with me,” I say as I add in a humorless chuckle.
“That’s cool. Who are the others?” Tommy reaches across and begins to fill his plate from the various dishes Scott has placed on the table. “Unless you don’t want to tell me. Which, you will in time, so you may as well tell me now.”
I really like him. He makes me laugh.
“Me too,” I answer Kate. “Well, Kate’s talking to me now. She wants to meet you, she says you seem like lots of fun. Kate likes having fun.”
“Well, hi Kate.”
Tell him I said hi.
“She says hi.”
“And who else lives with you?” He bites into his food, chewing it while he watches me.
“Tommy,” Dylan warns with a slight head shake.
“It’s okay,” I reply. “Um, well, there’s AJ, he protects us. All of us. And there’s Neve. Neve’s young, and she um…” What do I say about Neve. “She likes to color. And she likes Harry Potter.”
“And AJ is male?”
“Yeah. He’s really protective.”
“Wow. This is super intriguing, but I won’t ask any more questions. But I will say, I’ll listen to anything you want to tell me. I’ve never met anyone with multiple personalities.”
“It’s not called multiple personalities. It’s DID, which stands for dissociative identity disorder,” Dylan explains.
“I must admit, I did a bit of research online when Dylan told me about you, and I watched some YouTube uploads. Really interesting. I take my hat off to you, Molly. You’re a strong person to be able to get through that every day.”
“It’s not about strength, it’s about learning to live together with three other people. Just like any family. Sometimes they come through without giving me a second’s warning, but we’ll work it out. We have to if we all want to live together.”
“I think it would be strange, but then again, I’m strange, so maybe strange times two equals a normal.” He begins to laugh.
“Yeah, you’re weird. Probably weirder than me.” Dylan chuckles. “Thank you for lunch, though.” I drag a platter over to me, and move some of the food onto my plate. “So, do you have a girlfriend?” I ask Tommy.
“He has me,” Scott replies.
“Oh, you’re gay. That’s cool. My bosses at the gym where I work are married and gay.”
“We’re not gay,” Tommy says.
“Oh, I thought.” I point between him and Scott, now not fully understanding the dynamic between them. “I thought from what Scott said, you two were gay.”
“He couldn’t handle this.” Scott flippantly waves his hand at his body.
“We’re brothers,” Tommy adds.
“Brothers? I thought he was your chef.”
“He is. And my brother. Same Dad, different Mom. You know, our father had an affair with my mother, and they had me. He’s older, I’m better looking,” Tommy says.
“You’re better looking? If you need to tell yourself that to get through the day, then you do that,” Scott says. “But yes, he’s employed me to be his chef. Because he’s an antisocial bastard who doesn’t like people, so he chooses to not go out anywhere, and he can’t cook. So I come in to do a massive cook once a week, and whenever else he needs me.”
“Aww, you’re sweet. Are you married?” I ask.
“Nope. I’m not the marrying kind.”
That’s a weird thing to say. “Why aren’t you the marrying kind?” I ask.
“I used to be a junkie. Tommy paid to get me clean, and since, I keep to myself and try not to socialize with many people. Especially the people who I used to hang out with. My habit nearly killed me, and Tommy saved me.”
“So you’re a good guy,” I say to Tommy.
“He’s always been a good guy,” Dylan replies. “If he likes you, he’ll have your back.”
“Shut up the both of you,” Tommy says to Dylan and Scott. “You’re making me look soft in front of this gorgeous young lady. Hey, you know, I’m better hung then that shithead over there.” Tommy sidles up close to me.
“You have the smallest dick anyone has ever seen. By seen, I mean, you need a magnifying glass to see it,” Scott teases.
“Do you look at your brother’s penis often?” I mock.
“Oh, she’s got you there.” Dylan slings his arm around me, and gives me a kiss.
Zhen comes back from discovering the garden, and sits at my feet. “He’s so well trained,” Tommy says. “I’d love a dog, but I don’t know.” He shrugs.
There’s a deep bell sound coming from inside. “I wonder who that can be?” Scott says as he stands and walks out to the door.
“I’m not expecting anyone.” We all turn to see Gemma following Scott. “Gemma?” Tommy asks as he stands. “I… ah, whoa.” He fixes his hair, then rubs his palms down his jeans. Oh my, is Tommy nervous?
“Hi Tommy. It’s been a long time. But, I’m actually here for them.” She looks over Tommy’s shoulder toward Dylan and me, but I notice her cheeks turning pink when she sees Tommy.
“How did you find us?” Dylan asks.
“Really? You’re asking me how I found you?” her voice raising in pitch. “You both need to get back home.”
“Why didn’t you just call?” Dylan asks.
Gemma’s cheeks flush with a quick tinge of red. “First your phones are turned off, and second I thought I’d enjoy coming out for a drive.”
“A three-hour drive? Okay, then,” Dylan says.
He doesn’t see it, but I do. Tommy and Gemma like each other. Probably have for years, and neither of them have said anything. “When do we have to head back?” I ask.
“Now,” Gemma replies. “David needs you.”
My fists clench at my side, as my body trembles. I find my breathing has escalated too. “What’s happening?” I ask. A sudden shot of ice forces its way up my spine, and into my blood.
“They’ve got him.”
And with only those three words, my life is forever altered.
The ride back home is quiet. Dylan occasionally speaks, but my mind is working so fast. Kate, AJ, and Neve are all talking at the same time. Neve’s frightened of what’s about to happen.
I’m scared.
“I’m scared too,” I say to her.
We’ll get through this, I’ll protect you. AJ’s strong and protective.
“Are you okay?” Dylan asks as we approach the police station.
“I’m um…” Tears are welling in my eyes. “I’m terrified. Absolutely terrified. I feel like my stomach is twisting and churning. My hands won’t stop sweating, and Neve’s not coping very well. Kate’s trying to talk to her, and we’re all trying to calm her. But this is scary.” My throat constricts, and I start coughing, unable to get air into my lungs.
“Hey.” Dylan pulls the car over, unclicks both our seatbelts and pulls me protectively into his arms. “
It’ll be okay. We’ll get through this. Your parents are at the police station. Amelia is on her way there. Gemma’s in the car behind us. We’ve got this. We’re all here for you, AJ, Kate, and Neve. No matter what happens.”
I sob into his chest, knowing I have to face this. I know everyone is here for us, but it doesn’t stop me from worrying. It takes me a few moments to compose myself. Every step has been taken to ensure we don’t fail at this. “Okay, we can go,” I say after a few moments of crying. I need to pull myself together.
We continue on our way. It takes another fifteen minutes before we arrive at the police station. Fifteen minutes of all four of us being in turmoil.
Dylan parks, and we get out of the car and walk toward the police station holding hands. My heart is beating so fast, I can feel it thumping in my ears. A car drives past and honks its horn. I jump at the sound.
“You’re shaking,” Dylan says.
I nod my head, and squeeze my eyes tight. My breathing is quick and shallow as I feel us shuffling closer and closer to the building. I can see Mom and Dad waiting on the sidewalk.
“Sweetheart,” Mom says as she throws her arms around me. I desperately hold onto her, not wanting to let her go. My feet are trying to run away, but AJ, Kate, and Neve are yelling at me to get in there as quick as possible.
“I don’t know if I can do this,” I whisper to Mom.
Yes, you can. AJ’s tone is firm. We have to do this.
There’s no other choice. Kate adds.
“I know,” I answer them both, but I’m so worried about Neve.
I’ll be strong for you, M. Neve says in her small voice.
“No, no more, Neve. I don’t want you to be strong for me. I want you to be just a kid, and stop worrying about me. Please.”
There’s a tight tingling in my chest, and I feel like I’m going to throw up. But I have to be strong, for all of us. “We’re here, for you. For all of you,” Dad says.
Dread shrouds every part of me, but I know I have to face this. Closing my eyes, I take deep, controlled breaths. “Okay, I’m ready,” I say as I move forward toward the police station.
David’s striding back and forth in front of the counter, obviously waiting for us. The moment he sees me, he walks straight over and gives everyone a quick head nod, before he turns to ask, “Are you okay?” I nod, silently. “We need to get upstairs.” I nod again.
The moment he’s in his office, he sits down, and looks at me. “Tell me you’ve got him?” I’m not sure if I’m ready for the answer. I feel myself crumpling back into the chair. I press my lips tight, trying to stop my quivering chin. Maybe this isn’t a good idea. Maybe we should walk away now, while we still have the chance.
“We’ve got him,” David says.
I sit staring at David. I’m unsure on what to do or how to react. I bring my hand to my mouth, holding back a frenzied wail trying to escape. What do I say?
“Molly, are you okay?” Dylan asks as he calmly takes my hand in his.
“I’m…” No. Yes. I don’t know.
Let me help.
“No, AJ. I need you all to stay still, let me process this.” I look around the room, seeing everyone who loves me and supports me here. For me. For us.
I feel myself withdrawing, trying to retreat away from everyone. But I’m painfully aware I can’t do that, not now. I have to be strong and present.
“Molly?” Mom says, her voice shaking.
I look over to Mom, and smile softly, silently telling her I’ll be okay. “Tell me he…” I close my eyes, not wanting to saying what I’m going to. “…hasn’t hurt anyone else.”
“What I can tell you is that Mack Hewitt has been arrested. He’s been a janitor at an elementary school.”
“We already knew that from Gemma,” Dylan says.
“And when we arrested him, we seized all his computers. He’d hardwired cameras in the girls’ bathrooms at the elementary school.”
“Oh God,” I say, feeling like I’m about to vomit.
“He also had thousands of images on his computer. Out of those, a lot of them were pictures of him offending.”
My stomach twists, and vomit quickly makes its way up my throat.
Does he have any pictures of me?
“Oh shit, Neve.” I burst into tears. “Does he have anything from when he…” I place my hand to my chest, unable to say the words.
The room is quiet, filled with tension and sorrow. I can feel the pain everyone is surrounded with. Neve’s crying. She’s not coping with the silence. I can barely breathe. I start to claw at my throat, trying to move pull away the clothing that’s suffocating me. “I can’t breathe,” I yell.
“Molly.” Amelia steps into the room.
I’m helping her!
“No AJ. Stop.”
“Molly. Look at me,” Amelia crouches in front of me, grasping my attention with her strong voice. “It wasn’t your fault.”
My skin tingles when she says the words. A chill covers me, and my stomach suddenly calms.
“Say the words. ‘It wasn’t my fault.’”
“It wasn’t my fault,” I say in a voiceless whisper.
“Molly. ‘It wasn’t my fault.’” She nods her head.
Those words have such an impact on me. They give me strength. Courage. Freedom.
“It wasn’t my fault,” I say with intensity. “I shouldn’t be made to feel like I did something wrong. I refuse to let him to rob me of my freedom.”
Yes! We’ve got it.
“Yeah, we do, Neve.” I can feel Neve smiling proudly. “Did you find images of us?” I ask David.
“Yes. We found a lot of images of you, and many other children. Um, Molly. We need you to confirm the images are in fact of you. I’m sorry to have to ask you to do this.”
“I… what?” I quickly begin to regress. Curling into myself.
She’s going into panic. AJ says as I feel him coming forward.
We need to help her, AJ. Kate pleads.
Neve, M needs you, right now.
I’m not sure I can. Neve replies.
“I just need you to confirm one image. We have enough to charge him, but without identity of the other children, this will become a difficult case.”
“One picture?” I ask.
David looks down, he opens his laptop, and types something into it. “It’s the clearest picture of the girl’s face. I’m sorry, but it’s likely to be traumatic.”
“I don’t know what I looked like when I was young.”
I do. Neve says. Let me help.
I’ll take over. You can’t go through this again, Neve. And M’s not going to be able to help. AJ’s presence is growing.
“Just wait,” I yell to everyone as I hold my hand up in a halt.
“You don’t have to do this, I’m sure David can find another way,” Mom says.
“She doesn’t have to do this, does she?” Dylan asks David.
“She doesn’t have to. But without a positive ID, we don’t have much of a case.”
“Has he been charged yet?” I ask.
“He’s been charged, and the judge considered him dangerous to the community, so he denied him bail. Which means now it’s up to Eveline and her team to ensure that when it goes to trial, she has a convincing enough case to keep him in jail.”
“So if I confirm that image, it’ll help with the evidence?” I ask. I’ll call Eveline, and beg her to put me on the stand. “Neve can help, won’t you, Neve?”
If this means he goes to prison, then yes.
“She said yes,” I say with a half-smile. Because even Neve sounds more confident and self-assured.
David nods his head.
“But me looking at the image, and confirming it… that means?”
“It means our case is one-thousand-percent watertight.”
I’m ready. Neve whispers in a terrified voice.
I stand and walk around the office. “AJ, Kate, Neve. You’ve protected me all my life. You’ve
been there to take my pain away. But it’s time, I—Molly face this. I have to look at the picture, and I beg all of you, to not come forward. Please stay where you are.”
But…
“No, AJ. I have to face this. You’ve all dealt with it, now I have to, too.”
“I’m so proud of you,” Dylan says.
I straighten my shoulders, and feel empowered. “He needs to be accountable for what he’s done. To me, and to the others. Show me the picture.”
“Are you sure you want to do this, Molly?” Amelia asks.
“You’ll all be here, right?” I turn to everyone in the room, and one by one, they nod their heads.
We’re here. AJ says on behalf of my internal family.
“Show me.”
David looks down at his laptop, and exhales quite loudly. “Okay.” He swings the computer around, and I’m faced with an image of the saddest little girl I’ve ever seen. Her light brown hair is splayed across the pillow, and her dark eyes are filled with so much hurt and sadness, I almost don’t recognize her. My eyes drift all over the unhappy little girl.
“I’m not sure. She doesn’t look like me.” But then I see it. The sheets on the bed. The pink and yellow flowers on the sheets. Like an out of focus memory fiercely trying to correct itself. “I remember sitting on the bed. Reading.” The fogginess is clouding what I can see, but I remember the flowers. I nod my head. “That picture is of me,” I confirm. “Those sheets. I know them.”
David swings the laptop around, and closes it. “Thank you, Molly. I know how hard that had to be.”
“I’m proud of you,” Dylan whispers.
“What about my foster parents? I don’t even remember them.”
“We tracked them down, and they had no idea this was happening. They’re exemplary foster parents. They’ve looked after hundreds of kids over the years, and they were devastated when we were asking about Mack.”
He was very good at hiding what he really was.
“Neve said he was very good at hiding what he really was. He must be, to be able to do this for so many years.”
“He hasn’t admitted to any of the abuse. Instead, he says he has no idea how the images got on his computer. He couldn’t explain the images of himself though. He tried to say they must’ve been Photoshopped, and done by someone who hates him.”
Echoes of You Page 33