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  Liz dropped me off and went home to change and grab some lunch to bring back. I went inside, threw my jacket off, and headed right to my bed. It was tearing me apart knowing that, only a little over an hour ago, John was right here with me, and now I wouldn’t see him for months. Lying on my bed, I stuck my face in my pillow. FUCK! I, of course, had to stick my face in the one John used last night. His smell was there, too. What the hell is wrong with me? I never get so damn emotional. I tossed the pillow aside and grabbed my own. I stuck my face in it and let the waterworks open up again. Eventually, I ran out of tears. My throat hurt. My eyes hurt. My entire body hurt. I was emotionally drained. I didn’t want to get up, so I just laid on my bed with my eyes closed.

  Chapter Nineteen

  Breaking the News

  Liz

  After dropping Mandy off, I raced to the hospital where my mom worked. I was supposed to just go home and change and grab some lunch to go back to Mandy’s, but I wanted to tell my mom the news in person. She deserved to know, and I wanted to be the first to tell her, since John had already left.

  I found a parking spot and practically ran inside. It took forever to get to the section of the building where she worked. I stopped at the desk and had them page her. I took a seat and patiently waited for her to get there. A few minutes later, I saw her walking down the hall towards me. I jumped up and ran to her, yelling down the hall that everything was okay, so she wouldn’t think I was there because of some emergency.

  When I got closer, I could see her smiling. “I already know,” she said grinning ear to ear.

  Damn it, he called her. “He called you, huh?”

  “Yes, he did. Right after he got through security. I’m so happy, Liz. I’ve been terrified all these years that he’d end up like his father and it would end up killing him, too.”

  “I know, Mom.” I leapt into her open arms. “I’ve been worried, too.”

  “I’m going to start getting his old room ready this weekend,” she said, practically jumping up and down.

  “Mom.” I had to stop her. “He’s going to live with Mandy when he comes home.”

  “Mandy? Really? He didn’t mention anything about that.”

  “Yeah. Well, she offered and it sure looked to me like he accepted.”

  “You know what? That’s fine. I don’t care where he stays as long as he’s close. Hell, maybe they’ll give me a grandbaby.”

  “Okay, ewww. One thing at a time, Mom.”

  “You see.” She slapped my arm. “That reaction is why I don’t count on one from you and Brady.”

  “Oh, my God. Mom!” I turned red. “Besides the fact I don’t want to talk about my sex life with you right now, I haven’t been with Brady long enough to even consider kids. What ever happened to marriage first anyway?”

  “Oh, please.” She laughed. “You kids are porking as soon as you get to high school these days.”

  “Porking!” I gagged. “Okay, this conversation is done. I need to do some things, so I can get back to Mandy. She’s not handling him leaving well, so I’m going to spend the night with her.”

  “Oh, I’m sorry to hear that. I know what it’s like. Please, give her my love.” She hugged me goodbye. “I’ll see you tomorrow then.”

  “Okay, Mom. Love you.”

  “Love you, too, Liz.” She turned back the way she had come and disappeared through the big, double doors.

  I ran back to my car and drove home to clean up. When I got home, I pulled my phone out to text Mandy to let her know I was on my way and to ask if she wanted anything special to eat. I saw that I had two missed texts. One was from Brady.

  Stay strong, love. Call me if you need anything. I’ll be over later.

  I replied back.

  Thanks, I’m okay. I have great news! Will tell you later. I’ll be at Mandy’s; she’s upset. Come there later instead of my place.

  I checked the next text. It was from John. Damn it! I didn’t hear it go off.

  Tizzy, I love you and miss you already! I’ll be home soon. Please take care of Mandy for me while I’m gone. PS- I called mom and told her the news ;)

  I replied.

  I’m sorry I missed your text. I didn’t hear my phone! You’re already on the plane, so please text me later to let me know you’re safe. I’m heading over to Mandy’s now to keep her company. She’ll be fine… worry about you! I love you!

  I pulled up Mandy in my contacts and shot her a quick text.

  Hey, I’m on my way now. Anything particular you want? Food, booze? Let me know and I’ll grab it on the way over.

  I locked the phone and tossed it on my jacket. I went upstairs to my bathroom, figuring I should pack a toothbrush and some supplies along with my clothes. I finished packing and went back down. It felt colder in the room than it was before. Did I forget to shut the door? I checked the front door; it was closed and locked. I looked around to see if any windows were cracked, trying to find where the cold air was coming from. I didn’t notice anything.

  As I glanced past my back sliding door, I noticed the blinds were moving. I went to investigate and could feel the cold draft as I closed the distance between myself and the door. What the fuck?

  I pushed the blinds aside and looked outside. I didn’t see anything out of place, other than the fact that the door had been opened a few inches until it reached my security locking bar. I closed the sliding door and locked it again. I was pretty sure that nobody had unlocked it, especially since we never went out back in the winter. I went back and grabbed my phone to text my mom to see if maybe she had come home and done something.

  Did you unlock the sliding door and forget to lock it?

  I hit send. A few seconds later I got a reply.

  NO!

  No worries, I texted back. Everything is fine. Was just checking. Love you.

  Did someone try to break in? Maybe we should call the police!

  I don’t know. I didn’t notice it when I came in, so it just happened, but I didn’t hear anything and don’t see anyone outside anywhere.

  That sounds weird, Liz.

  Don’t worry. It’s locked and the bar is there. Heading to Mandy’s now.

  Okay. Love you, too. I’ll call later.

  I locked the phone and grabbed my jacket. Grabbing my stuff, I made sure all the lights were out before leaving and flicked on the porch light, so it would be on for my mom when she got home later. As I unlocked the front door, it swung open.

  “HELLO!” a deep voice yelled. I knew instantly; it was Mike.

  “What the fuck are you doing here?!?” I yelled at him, slamming the door in his face. He kicked his foot into the doorjamb and stopped the door from shutting.

  “Relax, bitch,” he said. “I’m here to say sorry.”

  “Sorry for what?” I kicked at his foot to try to get the door shut. “For not being able to rape me, like you raped Mandy?”

  “Well, for that, too,” he laughed sinisterly. “Who the fuck is Mandy? Ahh, I don’t care, but listen, I don’t need your fucking boyfriend and whoever that giant guy is who roughed up Brandon fucking up my life.”

  “You’re such an asshole,” I spat. “Get the fuck out of here. I’m calling the cops.”

  “Fine, just remember I’m trying to make peace, whore.”

  He moved his foot and I was able to slam the door shut. My body was shaking uncontrollably. I couldn’t control my hands to even pick up my phone. As I instantly replayed what had just happened, my fear was overwhelmed by anger.

  I ran up to my room and dug my gun out of my nightstand. I tore about the drawer, looking for the key to unlock the cable lock that John always insisted I put on it. I finally found it and unlocked the gun. I ran back downstairs and peeked out the windows. Front to back. Back and forth, I kept looking. He was gone, or at least I thought he was.

  I slipped my gun into my bag and slowly walked outside. I gave it a few seconds before closing and locking the front door behind me. I walked briskly to my car and lock
ed the door right away.

  Starting the engine, I threw it in reverse. I was paying more attention to everything around me than in front of me and almost hit a few neighbors’ mailboxes. Pulling my phone out, I noticed Mandy still hadn’t texted me back. I hit the call button and her phone began ringing. After a few rings, it went to voicemail. Shit! I hung up and kept driving.

  I wanted to call Brady next, but I knew he’d go ape shit, so I waited. I tried Mandy again. No answer. She wasn’t too far from me, so I skipped stopping for lunch and headed straight there. I knew Mike acted like he didn’t know who she was, but maybe he was lying and had gone to see her next.

  The thoughts raced in my mind, compelling me to put more pressure on the gas pedal. I sped down the side streets until I got to her house. I didn’t notice any cars outside, other than hers. I pulled into the driveway and grabbed my stuff, locked the car, and headed to her door.

  I knocked. I knocked again. No answer. I rang the bell over and over. Nothing. I grabbed my cell and called again. No answer. I grabbed the door handle and twisted. It was unlocked. I slowly opened it and reached into my bag.

  I took a step inside before pulling out my gun. Her lights were off and it was quiet. I called out to her, but didn’t get an answer. I kept my arm straight with my gun pointed out and started clearing rooms, just like John used to make me do with him when we were younger. Downstairs was clear, so I slowly crept up the stairs, paying attention to corners. My heart raced along with my mind. I wish John was here. I wish my dad was here. Maybe I should’ve called Brady.

  I got to the last stair and heard a low moan. It came from Mandy’s bedroom. Motherfucker! I rushed down the hall and kicked her door open.

  “I’m gonna fucking kill you, you disgusting animal!” I shouted, waving my gun towards the bed, but it was empty. I looked over at the attached bathroom and saw the door swing open.

  “What the fuck, Liz?” Mandy appeared in the doorway. She looked like hell.

  “Are you okay? Is he here?”

  “Is who here?” she asked.

  “Mike!”

  “Why the fuck would Mike be here? What’s wrong with you?”

  “Are you okay?” I asked her. I noticed she was wiping vomit off her lips.

  “Yeah, yeah, I’m fine. I fell asleep for a while. I woke up to I guess what was you knocking at the door. I felt like I had to throw up, so I just yelled down for you to come in and then ran to the bathroom and got sick.”

  “Are you sure you’re okay?” I asked again.

  “I’m sure. I’m fine. I think I’m just overwhelmed and shit.”

  I took a seat on the edge of Mandy’s bed and started telling her what happened. I ran through the whole story, up until entering her bedroom. Her facial expressions were constantly changing.

  “Ok, wait,” she said. “If he was only there to apologize, or just say what he wanted to say, then why was the back door fucked with?”

  “Don’t know.”

  “And I find it hard to believe he doesn’t know who I am. I know it was years ago, but I doubt you would forget someone you rape,” she said.

  I put my arm around her shoulders. “I’m sorry. I know it’s still hard for you, too.”

  “It’s fine. I’ll never forget it, Liz, but I’m over it.” She remained strong. “I won’t let some disgusting loser ruin my life.”

  “I’m with you. I won’t let him ruin mine, either. I just wish he’d get what he deserves. I can’t believe he had the nerve to show up and threaten me.”

  “I can.” She shook her head. “He’s an asshole.”

  “And did I tell you he was calling me a whore?”

  “I’m not surprised. He’s such a low life that he actually believes all girls just want to fuck anything or anyone they see. I swear, in his eyes, he’s not doing anything wrong.”

  “Then maybe someone should pull his eyes out!” I said.

  Mandy went back into the bathroom and cleaned herself off. I headed downstairs and locked her front door, then went back up to check on her. She was finishing putting on a change of clothes.

  “Are you sure you’re okay? Do you have a fever or anything? Maybe you caught the flu?”

  “No, I don’t feel hot and I’m not achy. Besides I got my flu shot like two months ago. I don’t know, maybe it’s a bug or something.”

  “All right, if you need anything, let me know. So what do you want to do?”

  “I’m not feeling up for much. Maybe just lay low and watch TV or something.”

  “Sounds good to me.”

  We curled up on her couch and just stared at the television. I missed John, but was more concerned about Mike. I dreaded telling Brady, but I knew the longer I waited, the angrier he’d be for not telling him sooner.

  I could tell Mandy was just daydreaming of my brother. I felt bad, but it wouldn’t be long before he was back and she would have him all to herself. I grabbed my phone and sent Brady a message, asking him to call me when he could. No sooner than the message said it was delivered, he called.

  “I’m just going to talk to Brady quick,” I told Mandy walking into the other room. Hitting the green button, I answered the call. “Hey baby,”

  “What’s up, babe? Everything okay?”

  “Um,” I hesitated for a minute. “Please don’t freak out.”

  “Liz, you saying that is making me freak out. What happened?”

  “When I went back to the house to grab my things to bring to Mandy’s Mike showed up. He said he came to apologize and then threatened me telling me to have whoever roughed up Brandon fucking up his life.” All I could hear on the other end of the line was heavy breathing. “Brady?”

  “You mean to tell me that filthy motherfucker showed up at your house?”

  “Relax. I grabbed my gun. I just wanted to tell you before you got here, so you would have a chance to calm down. Mandy is having a really hard time and we need to put the Mike thing aside and be there for her right now.”

  “Liz, this guy tried doing unspeakable things to you and you expect me to just calm down? I want to break his fucking face and make sure he’s not around to do it to anyone else.”

  “I know. Please, I need you right now too. Don’t do anything stupid, Brady. He’s not worth it. I believe in karma and one way or another he will get what’s coming to him without you getting involved. I need you to promise me.”

  “Fine, but I’m not happy about it.” I knew it was begrudgingly on his part, but I would take what I could get. I knew damn well as soon as we hung up that he was going to where Mike worked; he knew at least one of Mike’s friends would be there.

  A couple hours went by with barely any conversation between Mandy and me. I realized it was getting late, and neither of us had eaten anything.

  “Come on, bitch,” I said. “I’m taking you to the mall to eat.”

  “Liz, I look like hell,” she said.

  “Who cares? We need to eat, not impress anyone.”

  She got up from the couch and started walking toward the stairs. “Fine, let me at least change, again.”

  I was going to kill two birds with one stone. Feed us girls and check up on Brady to make sure he didn’t lie to me.

  Chapter Twenty

  A Mall Is a Girl’s Getaway

  Mandy

  Walking into my bedroom, I had to change because I wasn’t wearing my dirty, torn sweatpants out in public, and Liz was making me go to the mall to eat and check up on her boy toy. I wasn’t really in the mood to go out because I was feeling blue. I’d never let anyone have this kind of hold on me before. Sure, I’d been in love and I had had happy and sad moments, but nothing to this extreme. Was this really what true love was? I mean, absolute love. I was strong-willed, yet my mind had no control over my emotions this time. I felt helpless.

  I kept finding myself trying to shake it off when the depression set in. My mind kept telling me how stupid I was being. You should be happy! You found your perfect man. He left, but h
e’ll be back soon and, when he comes back, he’s coming back to you! And my mind was right, but my heart was blind. I needed to clear my mind, though, because my friend needed me.

  “I’m ready,” I said when I got downstairs. “Please tell me we’re not getting sandwiches made by Brady.”

  Rolling her eyes, she laughed at me. “You can get whatever you want. Just as long as it’s from the food court.”

  “Sigh. Only hours after my love leaves, I’m back to eating at low-quality joints,” I joked. “I actually wouldn’t mind a sandwich.”

  I grabbed my keys and told Liz I was driving. I might have been in a little fog, but it was clear that she was in a much worse state of mind. I watched her as we walked to the car and she was surveying the entire surrounding area.

  “Liz, he’s not out here.” I really didn’t know that and the thought he might be made my hairs stand up, but I had to try to settle her nerves.

  “Yeah, you’re probably right,” she said, opening the car door with one last glance around.

  “One day, I’ll be your sister-in-law, so you should get used to me being right all the time.”

  Liz laughed. “You realize that Lisa will then be your mother-in-law, right?”

  “Why is that funny? I love your mom; she’s the best.”

  “I know she’s great, but she can be a little nutty, especially emotionally.”

  “Liz, that’s not fair,” I spat. “You were young, and I don’t think you could’ve understood what she went through.”

  Liz snapped. “He was my father! I think I know.”

  “Look, I’m by all means not trying to downplay how horrible that was for you, and still is. I’m just saying what she went through was different from what you and John did.”

  “Yeah, I guess,” she said, lowering her voice. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to snap. I’m just a little on edge.”

  I laughed. “We turned something funny into an argument. We’re such bitches.”

  Luckily, the mall was nearby and we found a super close parking space. Liz seemed a little jumpy as she surveyed the parking lot as we made our way inside. The automatic doors opened and her shoulders seemed to relax a little as she saw Brady behind the counter. I put my arm around her shoulder as we made our way over to him. Brady just stared and smiled at Liz, not even acknowledging me.