Before he could finish his sentence, Mary plunged the knife into his chest and twisted it. In and out. In and out. In and out. In and out.
Joseph screamed at the top of his lungs while attempting to get her off of him. Falling to the floor, he continued to scream. Mary ran to the kitchen and sat at the counter like her mother told her to do.
“Lovette. Why? Why would you…” said Joseph in between taking deep breaths and spitting up blood.
Bending down to the floor and crouching close enough to hear, Lovette made sure she didn’t touch his blood at the moment.
“Because, Joe. You’re evil. I know that shed was there and you had a company clean it out, fill it with cement and placed new grass there. I’ve seen all of the files. All of the humans you and your sick family have tortured and sold.”
“I’ve seen footage,” Lovette continued. “You have everyone wrapped around your finger. Everyone at Joseph’s every command. No one being able to refuse what you want or they end up….like you’re about to be.”
Joseph continued to gurgle on his own blood as Lovette sipped her champagne and watched.
“The icing on the cake is Matthias. I know he isn’t dead and I know what you did. You got rid of him but kept him alive this entire time. Yea, Mary found out about the red head boy who tried to escape from the shed.”
“You took my son from me. You destroyed his files but guess who told the truth? Dr. fucking Oar. You knew that Mike would continue to come around and you got rid of what you thought would be a problem. You felt like he was a threat. Competition.”
“You put on a good act,” said Lovette. Joseph had been on his side with blood still seeping from his nose and mouth. He was no longer breathing but Lovette continued to talk.
“You probably killed Joyce and Mary was next, huh? I mean, the child was talking to her deceased sister and you clearly wanted her away with all of that nut house talk. The doctors searched up and down to find what was wrong with Joyce and well, did you pay them off, too?”
“It’s funny how Will, Brenda and Caron all up and moved out of Shawford at the same time. Funny, huh? Because, I don’t hear you laughing, Joe. Did they know, too?”
“All of the deceitful shit you’ve done, threats to people and every single one had obeyed your command. You deserve to be dead right now. And, to think I actually ended up loving you,” said Lovette. Whispering so that Mary couldn’t hear her, she continued.
“You’re actually going to get your wish.”
Lovette put the glass down and screamed at the top of her lungs.
“WHAT HAPPENED?! WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED?!” Falling over onto Joseph and pulling his lifeless body into her arms, she cried and wept over her dead husband.
Letting his body drop back to the floor, she ran to the kitchen and continued to scream. This time, it was towards Mary.
“WHAT HAPPENED?! WHY ARE YOU COVERED IN BLOOD?! WHAT DID YOU DO?? NO!” screamed Lovette.
“What? Mama, what are you talking about?! You’re scaring me…” said Mary. This hadn’t been part of the plan.
Backing up and going into the downstairs bedroom, Lovette locked the door and rushed to call for help.
“Yes! 911! My daughter just stabbed my husband! He’s on the living room floor and he isn’t moving! She’s banging on the door and I think she’s trying to stab me next!” cried Lovette.
Mary continued to bang on the door screaming for her mother to let her in. The frightfulness she had felt had taken over her body. Her mother had acted as if she wasn’t the one to tell her to do this and now, she was placing full blame on her.
Minutes went by of continued screams and as soon as Lovette heard the police announce themselves, she cracked open the door.
“PUT YOUR HANDS ON YOUR HEAD! NOW!” screamed the officer. Lovette watched as a fearful Mary placed her hands on her head. Opening the door, Lovette shot out into the hallway brushing past her and running towards the officers.
“Someone please help my husband! He needs help now!” cried Lovette.
“Mama! What’s going on?! MAMA!” shouted Mary over and over again.
The first officer proceeded Mary with caution and before Lovette knew it, he had her in handcuffs. Her stomach immediately knotted up and she began to feel guilty. She hadn’t realized what procedures were needed to get to the point she knew would happen. Her baby had been in handcuffs like she were a criminal.
Seeing her child being handcuffed wasn’t her intentions. Mary didn’t deserve this. But, the plan needed to be fully carried out. Lovette would see that she would never see the inside of a jail cell.
“Unit 606 to dispatch. The scene is clear for paramedics to enter,” said the second officer.
“10-4,” responded the dispatcher.
Mary’s screams continued to echo throughout the house until the officer had gotten enough and took her to the back of his car.
“Please, be gentle with her!” shouted Lovette. “She’s just a kid. We’re going to get you some help, baby,” cried Lovette.
Lovette had been crying as if she had come home to this event and had known nothing about it. While one officer attempted to calm her down, the medics rolled Joseph’s body out of the front door.
Lovette looked at the sheet covering her husband’s body and let out the biggest scream she could muster up. Her knees buckled and one of the officers caught her before she could hit the floor.
“Ma’am, let’s go outside and sit on the porch. You need some fresh air,” he said.
Doing as he instructed her, Lovette stood on the porch crying while staring at Mary in the back of the police car. How did things get this far?
*********************************************************************************
June 11, 2002
“Tell the bitch to go away! She’s the reason I’m in here! I don’t give a shit about it being my birthday!” screamed Mary while looking up at the camera in the corner of her room.
Lovette had arranged for Mary to stay at a psychiatric ward and was standing outside of her bedroom listening to her daughter scream. Mary was refusing to visit with her but since Lovette had new contacts and could pull just about any string, there was nothing Mary could do to keep her away.
Pushing open the white door, Lovette entered her room and sat down. She waited for Mary to stop her tantrum before she said anything.
“Mary, come sit down. Now.”
“Go to hell,” sneered Mary. “You told me that everything would be better if I listened to you and now look at me! Stuck in this place with all of these crazy people.”
“You won’t be here forever. I promise. This is just until you…feel better,” said Lovette. “Do you know what they do to people in jail? You should be thankful I’ve gotten you a very nice set up. Your food is amazing. You get to go outside, use a cellphone, and even have a spa day whenever you feel like it.”
“Then how about you switch places with me! You’re the one that deserves to be here! I don’t know who is crazier between you and papa,” said Mary.
“I know where he is,” replied Lovette while ignoring her comments.
“You know where who is?” questioned Mary. She had stopped pacing around the room and gave Lovette her undivided attention.
“Your friend,” said Lovette.
Her mother had finally found Eric. She had been waiting on the day she could hear those words. Mary rushed over to the table and plopped down in the chair.
“Where is he?!” asked Mary.
“He’s at home…with Bill. He’s…um, different but he’s alive,” said Lovette.
“Why didn’t he come? Doesn’t he want to see me? How is he different now? What’s going on?” Mary felt herself getting angry with how her mother wouldn’t just come out and tell her everything.
“Whatever your father had done to him or told him, he is denying everything. He’s saying that there was never a shed and how he doesn’t know what you’re talking about. He misses you and wants to b
e your friend but he’s not willing to talk about anything.”
“He told everyone that he ran away because he was trying to go visit his dad. He was found at truck stop in a really bad condition and now, his uncle is trying to get him back to feeling normal,” said Lovette.
Lovette let the many lies fly from her mouth just as she had rehearsed it. One thing had been the truth, Eric really did miss Mary.
“The receptionist will bring in your gifts. I hope you love them. We’ll work on getting Eric to come visit you. How would you like that?” asked Lovette.
Mary softened her demeanor. She had missed him so much and seeing him would change her mood for the better. Nodding her head, she continued to listen to her mother.
Lovette had made sure she covered all of her tracks and everyone knew she was in charge now. With all of the information she now had access to, whatever she wanted would be easier than snapping her fingers.
Whoever she wanted to get rid of or whatever she wanted to do in Shawford, as well as many other places, she could do just that. Including, getting rid of Monica.
Chapter 32: Reunited
February 10, 2004
“Are you sure? Because, if you aren’t sure, I won’t sell it. It belongs to the both of us and I want to make sure you’re on board with everything,” said Lovette.
“Lovette, sell the damn thing. After everything that has happened there, I don’t blame you for wanting to get rid of it. I can’t imagine waking up there every single day and having gone through what you’ve been through,” said Iris.
“Yea, well. You’re right about that. Joey refuses to ever come back. Two of my children are gone and they’re not releasing Mary until she’s 18. It’s too lonely here. I can still smell the blood,” Lovette replied.
“I know, sis. I know. I’m so sorry you had to go through so much. I wish you would move up here and be with me. Annie sure could get used to seeing her favorite auntie’s face every day,” said Iris.
Iris had just given birth to her first child and although Lovette would visit, she couldn’t see herself moving up north. She had just picked out the perfect house just outside of Shawford and it wasn’t too far from visiting Mary.
“Maybe one day,” lied Lovette. “How’s my niece doing? I don’t hear any babbling in the background.”
“She’s great. Keeping me up all night. Who would’ve known that a 2 month old would be so demanding? I don’t remember Joey being like this,” laughed Iris.
“Oh, but he was. Whenever I had to be alone with him, I would cry right along with him. The boy had a set of lungs on him and it got really rough some days,” replied Lovette.
“I understand. Annie has her days, too. Her father is useless. But, hey. I already knew that. Stupid me to go back to a married man,” whispered Iris.
“Things happen and you are now the mother of a healthy little beautiful girl. Screw him. If he wants to continue to hide his child from his wife, put him on child support. At least make him pay. You deserve some kind of help.”
“I don’t want to force anything out of him. And, you’re right. She is beautiful and I never knew I could love someone this much. She’s just…perfect,” replied Iris.
Lovette was proud of her baby sister. Yea, she made a couple of mistakes but so did everyone else. But, she had a great career and was already one of the best mothers she had ever known.
“I’m really proud of you, Rissy. Kiss Annie for me and always tell her how she’s named after the best auntie in the world. I’ll be visiting y’all soon. I’m going to call you later, the realtor is coming outside,” said Lovette.
Pressing the “For Sale” sign down into the grass, Lovette felt a bit of relief lift from her shoulders. This change was going to be for the better and she would be able to heal properly this time.
“Mrs. O’Conner, your house is perfect! It won’t take long to sell this at all! I love what you’ve done with the kitchen, family room and turning the downstairs office into a fancy little mudroom,” said the overly hyped up realtor.
“Thank you,” said Lovette. Mike walked out of the house right behind her and walked over towards Lovette who was standing in the grass. Looking down at her, he kissed her on the lips as if he had been waiting all day for the moment.
“I’ll be getting back with the both of you within the next few hours about what’s to come next so be on the lookout for my call,” she said. Getting into her car and leaving, she wasted no time speeding down the driveway. This sale would be one of her biggest ones and she couldn’t wait to brag about it.
Lovette was relieved to know that she didn’t have to stay in the house another night. She had more than enough money to purchase a new house without having to wait on her current one to be sold.
“I can’t wait to start my party planning business. At least it’s one thing I’m excited about,” said Lovette. She wrapped her arms around Mike’s waist and placed her forehead against his shirt. Lovette inhaled his scent and fell in love all over again.
“Ouch, Love. I guess being my wife doesn’t count, huh?” joked Mike.
“Of course, it does! It’s the best thing to happen to me in a long time. We need to go visit Mary before we head out for the night.”
As soon as they both turned around to get into the car, a patrol vehicle pulled into the driveway and parked behind them. As soon as the figure stepped out of the car, Lovette instantly noticed who she was. Jennie.
She hadn’t seen her since graduation and never knew what happened to her. After their incident at the dance, Jennie left her alone and made some other girls her bully victims.
“Jennie,” sneered Lovette.
She walked up towards Lovette and Mike with a white box in her hands. The box was covered with a brown lid and Lovette could see “Marks” written in the lower corner.
“Can we go inside and talk? It’s pretty important,” asked Jennie.
“Whatever we can talk about can be said out here. This house doesn’t belong to me anymore and I refuse to go back inside. But, I’m sure you know why,” sneered Lovette.
“Okay. I understand. I at least want you to have a seat,” said Jennie.
Have a seat? Lovette had been accustomed to these three words. It had echoed throughout her head so many times and for so many years. Having a seat was never good.
“No….please…don’t tell me…” said Lovette. She felt her body began to shake and Mike pulled her towards the bench to sit down.
“When the staff wen to check on Mary today, they found her unresponsive. She had a bottle of pills that they are unsure how she had gained access to them due to protocol about locking away pharmaceutical drugs in the facility. CPR was administered for over thirty minutes and she was transported to the hospital but unfortunately, they weren’t able to resuscitate her. I’m very sorry for your loss,” said Jennie.
Lovette broke. Her entire world felt as if it were breaking into a million pieces. Mary was the last of her trio. Despite forcing Mary to take the blame, Lovette had wanted her to get out one day and eventually, they could make amends. She wanted Mary to be able to get out and return to her first love, Eric.
But, this would never happen. Lovette blamed herself. She saw it in Mary’s eyes the last visit and failed to protect her from herself.
“If there’s anything I can do or the department, please let us know. There are some more items still there for you to pick up at a later date. This is just what they allowed me to bring to you,” said Jennie. She slid the box on top of the table.
“Whenever you are up to it, they need you to come identify the body.” Jennie got into her patrol car and left Lovette to mourn.
“Baby, I’m so sorry. Let it out. Cry as long as you need. I’m not going anywhere,” said Mike.
She had told him about all of the betrayal Joseph had put her through and the things he had done to people. Mike was disgusted. He knew that Joseph was a snake in high school and it hurt him to know that Lovette had to go through so much p
ain.
The best and worst part was that Joseph was now gone. He detested never getting justice from the man who took his only son away but he was glad that such a monster was no longer walking the earth. Lovette made him promise to keep all of their secrets and although he wanted everyone involved to be held accountable, breaking a promise to her would never happen.
Mike had now had the love of his life back and there was no way he was letting Lovette go. She had been there for him when he lost his wife and he would remain by her side to help her get through the losses she had taken.
Lovette peeled herself from Mike’s arms and reached to open the box. She knew what was inside before opening it. Lovette could smell her scent through the box.
The first item was a white sweater Lovette had just bought Mary. The tag was still attached. Mary had refused to wear anything Lovette had bought her. Placing her face into the sweater, she cried even harder.
Mike rubbed her back and kissed the top of her head. After a few minutes, Lovette placed the sweater on the table and reached in the box for the envelope address to Joyce. This alone made her start to cry again.
Opening the letter, Lovette hesitated. She wasn’t sure if she was ready to see and feel her daughter’s words.
February 10, 2004
Dear Joyce,
I wanted to write to you because I knew this would be the only way you would listen to what I had to say. Things have gotten crazy over the last few months and I wish something different would’ve happen.
I wish I could hug you. All of the times I was rude or mean to you, I wish I could take them back and say nicer things instead. I wish I could’ve been more like you.
I’m…different now. You know where I am. These people here make you different. No one is happy and everyone walks around as if they are never leaving. We’re stuck. One girl tried to jump on me and when I stabbed her, they told me that I was a threat to everyone.
They make me take medicine. At first, I tried hiding it under my tongue because I knew what they were doing to me. But, one of the ladies caught on and they forced me to swallow the pills.
Repression Page 31