-Chapter 1-
-With Blind Eyes They Speak-
At the sound of footsteps coming up behind her, she glanced over her shoulder. Apparently, walking the streets of Truro was dangerous. She kept walking, trying not to draw attention to herself. She weaved through the crowd of people, trying to get away from the man that was following her. It worked; once on the other side, she quickly looked back. He was looking around. He couldn’t have seen her. Just to be safe, she started walking faster. Five minutes, and she would be home.
She looked around. Good. He didn’t see me. She thought. When she opened the door, right away she noticed the smell of Chinese food. “Mom, are you cooking?” She asked.
”No. I ordered take-out.” Her mother said as she walked into the kitchen.
”Good. ‘Cause, you can’t cook.” She laughed.
”So, Lila, how was your day?”
Lila refrained from telling her mother about what happened ten minutes before. “Eh, pretty good. I Guess.”
”Anything happen?” Mothers, they love asking questions.
”Nothing happened; it was just kind of boring.” Lila was used to lying to her mother.
After dinner Lila ran up stairs to check her email. “Facebook, Facebook, Facebook, Tagged… What’s this?” She whispered to herself. Lila opened the email and read it.
Thought you could get away, huh? Well, it didn’t work. I saw you walking up the street. Now I know where you live. You’re a smart girl. Look around before you go inside. But, you’re not smart enough. I’m watching you right now. You’re Very Beautiful, Lila. You and your mother are both very beautiful women. Wouldn’t it be a shame if something happened to her…?
Lila reread the email at least 5 times. Then went to her window, pulled the blind down and pulled the curtains closed. She wasn’t taking any chances. It’s not worth it. She then decided to go downstairs and check on her mother. When she got to the kitchen she found a note taped to the fridge, “Gone grocery shopping. Be back later.”
”Oh s**t.” Lila ran up to her room, pulling her cell phone out of her pocket on the way. She locked her bedroom door and dialed her mother’s number. Pick up, please, pick up... She thought.
After four rings her mother picked up “Lila? What’s going on?”
A wave of relief washed over her. She’s alright. “Nothing, I was just wondering if you could pick up some peach juice. That’s all.”
”Okay, sweetie. I will. See you when I get home.”
“Wait. What-” The line went dead. “Damn it.”
She walked over to her computer and sat down. She logged onto MSN and almost immediately she got an instant message.
Blind_Eyes says: Don’t worry about your mother. I’m not interested in her. It’s you I want.
*`Lila; says: Why are you doing this? Leave me alone!
Blind_Eyes says: Now, Why on earth would I leave you alone. I’m in love with you.
*`Lila; says: In love with me? And you show it by stalking me? You pervert! Leave me alone. Or I’ll call the cops.
Blind_Eyes says: I wouldn’t do that. You don’t want me to kill your mother now, do you?
*`Lila; says: Ugh. Fine, I won’t. Just don’t touch my mother.
Blind_Eyes says: Good Girl. Now, tomorrow you are going to… It’s Thursday right? So you’ll be at school. Then you’re going to Ashley’s house? Call her. Tell her you can’t make it. Don’t tell your mother. You’re going to the beach, instead.
*`Lila; says: Why do you want me to go to the beach?
Blind_Eyes says: I want to meet you, Lila. I’m getting tired of just watching you. I want to be with you.
*`Lila; says: How old are you?
Blind_Eyes says: Younger then you would think.
*`Lila; says: If I go, promise not to hurt my mother…Or Ashley.
Blind_Eyes says: Don’t worry, honey. I won’t hurt them.
*`Lila; says: Fine, I’ll go.
Blind_Eyes has signed out.
She started crying the second Blind_Eyes went offline. What is he planning? Should I go? Of course I should. If I don’t he’ll…kill mom. She made up her mind quickly. She’ll go. Once calm, she called Ashley.
Two rings. And she answered. “Hello?”
“Hey Ashley. I…can’t come over tomorrow.”
”Ok. It’s fine. We have-” Something cut her off. And there was a muffled “Ouch.”
”What was that?”
”Oh. It was nothing. I,” She paused for a short moment, “Forgot something. That’s all.”
“Ok... Well, I have to go. Bye.”
“Bye-” Something cut her off again.
That’s odd. Ashley is usually really talkative…
The day went by slowly. After finishing her homework and getting a quick shower, Lila crawled into bed. Before long, she fell into a dreamless sleep. After what felt like ten minutes, she woke up. She looked at her phone. 1:05 a.m. She rolled out of bed and stumbled to her desk to check her email. She found a message from Blind_Eyes.
Good night, sweetie. Sweet dreams. I can’t wait ‘til tomorrow.
A chat window popped up.
Blind_Eyes says: Awake are you?
*`Lila; says: Yes…
Blind_Eyes says: Couldn’t sleep? Worried about tomorrow?
*`Lila; says: Yeah, sure.
Blind_Eyes says: Don’t worry. Everything will be fine. I promised I wouldn’t hurt your mother or Ashley. And I promise I won’t hurt you either.
*`Lila; says: Yeah. I believe you… Right… No, I don’t. I have no freaking idea who you are. Why would I believe you?
Blind_Eyes says: Because, you have to. Otherwise, you’ll be in danger.
*`Lila; says: Danger? Am I not in any danger now? You are stalking me.
Blind_Eyes says: I wouldn’t say stalking. More like watching. I’m keeping an eye on you. Making sure you’re safe. I’m not the dangerous one. Someone else is; someone close to you. I love you more then you could ever know. I want you to be safe. I know I came off as dangerous. And I’m sorry for that. I didn’t mean to.
*`Lila; says: Right, so I’m supposed to believe that? You’re probably making it up.
Blind_Eyes says: Please, Lila. Believe me. You have to. Tomorrow, when we meet, I’ll tell you everything.
*`Lila; says: Yeah. Sure, I guess I have no choice. If I don’t go you’ll hurt my mother, right?
Blind_Eyes says: I won’t hurt them. But, please. Do this, for me.
*`Lila; says: For you? I HAVE NO IDEA WHO YOU ARE. But, I guess I’ll go, FOR MY MOTHER’S SAKE.
*`Lila; has signed out.
Quickly, Lila crawled back into bed. She didn’t realize he was still watching her. Sleeping in a tank top and underwear defiantly wasn’t a good idea. She laid back and began to relax, falling into a deep, dreamless sleep.
~*~
Lila awoke to the steady beeping of her alarm clock. Without opening her eyes, she reached over and turned it off. Pulling the purple and black cheetah print blanket over her head, she groaned. “s**t. It’s Thursday…”
School went by quickly; too quickly. It was last period; English with Mr. White, the worst teacher to have for English. “…want you to write a memoir about…” Lila wasn’t paying attention. She hasn’t all day. She’s been to busy thinking about what is about to happen. Someone tapped her shoulder, making her jump. Turning around, Lila realized it was only Emalee passing her a note. She took it from her, and read it.
Are you alright? You seem a little on edge today.
She wrote back, carefully, so Mr. White wouldn’t see.
I’m fine. Just not feeling very well…
Lila reached over her shoulder, pretending to scratch her back, and passed the note to Emalee. Just as she took the note out of Lila’s hand, the bell rang. Lila quickly put her books in her bag and got up, almost running to the door.
“Lila, wait!” Emalee called after her. But she kept running. She needed to get away from the school. She felt like she would accidentally say something about Blind_Eyes if she talked to anyone. When she made it to her locker, she grabbed her math textbook and binder, and then walked to her car.
She turned into Bayview Street, driving up to the front of the apartment building she and her mom were living in. She pulled her key out of her pocket as she walked up to her door. Unlocking the door, she noticed a piece of paper sticking out of their mailbox, so she took it out and walked inside.
Meet me at the point by the lighthouse on Warf Road, in Bass River.
- Blind_Eyes
Lila crumpled the piece of paper into a ball and threw it in the garbage. “I have to do this.”
She took a bottle of water out of the fridge and walked to the door, locked it then got back in her car. It was a 45 minute drive from Truro to Bass River. Just as Lila turned onto the highway her phone stated vibrating in her pocket. Pulling it out and not bothering to check the caller ID, she answered. “Hello?”
“Lila, what was wrong? You just ran out of the school?” It was Emalee.
“I was in a hurry. Mom wanted me to be home as soon as possible. She’s making me do some shopping and stuff for her.” She hate’s lying to her friends.
“Oh, can I come?”
“No. Sorry, I have to go to Bass River to get something from my aunt, and I’m already on the highway.” That wasn’t exactly a lie. She is going to Bass River.
“Oh, ok then. Have fun!”
“Yeah…” Have fun meeting my potentially dangerous stalker. She added mentally.
“Well, I have to go. I have lots of homework. Well, to much actually…”
“I finished all of mine in class.”
“You’re a nerd!” Emalee laughed.
“A sexy nerd.”
“Oh, yeah, sure. You keep telling yourself that.”
“’Kay, bye then. b***h...”
“That’s what I am!” She said, and then hung up.
As she drove, Lila thought of her father. About 4 years ago, there was an accident…
5:00. He was supposed to be back an hour ago. Lila’s father, Robert Sharpe, had gone to Bass River to see his sister. He was supposed to be gone for 2 hours. Lila’s mother turned on the news while they waited. They weren’t paying attention until they heard the words “Accident on highway 104…” Lila shot a worried look at her mother, and then directed her attention to the television. “…Three cars, a ‘02 Mustang, a ’93 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited, and an ’85 Chevrolet Blazer.” It showed pictures of the scene. Lila stared blankly at the screen as they showed her fathers truck on its roof on the median.
A silent tear fell down her cheek as she passed the 7 crosses on the side of the highway where the accident occurred. The memory of her father’s death still haunted her. Not paying attention, she almost missed the turn off.
~*~
She pulled over to the side of the road and cut the engine. Stepping out of her 1967 Chevrolet Impala, Lila took in the breathtaking scenery and the strong scent of the Cobequid Bay. So many summers she has spent on this very beach. She could almost see herself at the age of 6 playing in the tides.
Walking down the narrow path to the beach, her stomach twisted into a knot. Lila made her way to a log sitting by a fire pit, looked around and sat down. After a fifteen minute wait, she became very impatient. “Ok, I’m here. Now where are you?” She called out. The beach was deserted. Nothing more then a flock of Seagulls down by the shore line, probably eating fish bait left behind by some fishermen. As the minutes passed, her impatience grew, until finally, she heard footsteps behind her.
Slowly she stood up, and turned around. “Lila…” A young man, who looked to be 20 smiled at her.
“Are you the one who has been watching me?” She was careful not to let her fear show through her voice.
“Yes, but I’m not the only one who is watching you. I’m so glad that you have come.” He stepped one step closer, and Lila took a step back. “It’s alright. I’ve already told you, I am not the dangerous one. I will not hurt you” His voice was almost soothing.
Slowly, Lila stepped over the log that separated them. “How can I trust you? How do I know you’re not lying?”
“By telling you to come here, I saved yours and Ashley’s lives. By listening to me, you showed that you do in fact trust me.” He took two steps closer. Standing just inches away from Lila. He looked down at her, “I’m Nick McCallum”
She met his gaze, his eyes burning into hers. He was telling the truth, she could see it in the way he looked at her. Leaning down slowly, his lips brushed hers as he stole a kiss. Still gazing at him, Lila subconsciously wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed her lips to his, kissing him back.
Only a few seconds had passed though it seemed like an eternity. Wrapping his arms around her tightly, he nuzzled his lips to her ear and whispered, "I've wanted to do that for so long..."
-With Blind Eyes They Speak-
At the sound of footsteps coming up behind her, she glanced over her shoulder. Apparently, walking the streets of Truro was dangerous. She kept walking, trying not to draw attention to herself. She weaved through the crowd of people, trying to get away from the man that was following her. It worked; once on the other side, she quickly looked back. He was looking around. He couldn’t have seen her. Just to be safe, she started walking faster. Five minutes, and she would be home.
She looked around. Good. He didn’t see me. She thought. When she opened the door, right away she noticed the smell of Chinese food. “Mom, are you cooking?” She asked.
”No. I ordered take-out.” Her mother said as she walked into the kitchen.
”Good. ‘Cause, you can’t cook.” She laughed.
”So, Lila, how was your day?”
Lila refrained from telling her mother about what happened ten minutes before. “Eh, pretty good. I Guess.”
”Anything happen?” Mothers, they love asking questions.
”Nothing happened; it was just kind of boring.” Lila was used to lying to her mother.
After dinner Lila ran up stairs to check her email. “Facebook, Facebook, Facebook, Tagged… What’s this?” She whispered to herself. Lila opened the email and read it.
Thought you could get away, huh? Well, it didn’t work. I saw you walking up the street. Now I know where you live. You’re a smart girl. Look around before you go inside. But, you’re not smart enough. I’m watching you right now. You’re Very Beautiful, Lila. You and your mother are both very beautiful women. Wouldn’t it be a shame if something happened to her…?
Lila reread the email at least 5 times. Then went to her window, pulled the blind down and pulled the curtains closed. She wasn’t taking any chances. It’s not worth it. She then decided to go downstairs and check on her mother. When she got to the kitchen she found a note taped to the fridge, “Gone grocery shopping. Be back later.”
”Oh s**t.” Lila ran up to her room, pulling her cell phone out of her pocket on the way. She locked her bedroom door and dialed her mother’s number. Pick up, please, pick up... She thought.
After four rings her mother picked up “Lila? What’s going on?”
A wave of relief washed over her. She’s alright. “Nothing, I was just wondering if you could pick up some peach juice. That’s all.”
”Okay, sweetie. I will. See you when I get home.”
“Wait. What-” The line went dead. “Damn it.”
She walked over to her computer and sat down. She logged onto MSN and almost immediately she got an instant message.
Blind_Eyes says: Don’t worry about your mother. I’m not interested in her. It’s you I want.
*`Lila; says: Why are you doing this? Leave me alone!
Blind_Eyes says: Now, Why on earth would I leave you alone. I’m in love with you.
*`Lila; says: In love with me? And you show it by stalking me? You pervert! Leave me alone. Or I’ll call the cops.
Blind_Eyes says: I wouldn’t do that. You don’t want me to kill your mother now, do you?
*`Lila; says: Ugh. Fine, I won’t. Just don’t touch my mother.
Blind_Eyes says: Good Girl. Now, tomorrow you are going to… It’s Thursday right? So you’ll be at school. Then you’re going to Ashley’s house? Call her. Tell her you can’t make it. Don’t tell your mother. You’re going to the beach, instead.
*`Lila; says: Why do you want me to go to the beach?
Blind_Eyes says: I want to meet you, Lila. I’m getting tired of just watching you. I want to be with you.
*`Lila; says: How old are you?
Blind_Eyes says: Younger then you would think.
*`Lila; says: If I go, promise not to hurt my mother…Or Ashley.
Blind_Eyes says: Don’t worry, honey. I won’t hurt them.
*`Lila; says: Fine, I’ll go.
Blind_Eyes has signed out.
She started crying the second Blind_Eyes went offline. What is he planning? Should I go? Of course I should. If I don’t he’ll…kill mom. She made up her mind quickly. She’ll go. Once calm, she called Ashley.
Two rings. And she answered. “Hello?”
“Hey Ashley. I…can’t come over tomorrow.”
”Ok. It’s fine. We have-” Something cut her off. And there was a muffled “Ouch.”
”What was that?”
”Oh. It was nothing. I,” She paused for a short moment, “Forgot something. That’s all.”
“Ok... Well, I have to go. Bye.”
“Bye-” Something cut her off again.
That’s odd. Ashley is usually really talkative…
The day went by slowly. After finishing her homework and getting a quick shower, Lila crawled into bed. Before long, she fell into a dreamless sleep. After what felt like ten minutes, she woke up. She looked at her phone. 1:05 a.m. She rolled out of bed and stumbled to her desk to check her email. She found a message from Blind_Eyes.
Good night, sweetie. Sweet dreams. I can’t wait ‘til tomorrow.
A chat window popped up.
Blind_Eyes says: Awake are you?
*`Lila; says: Yes…
Blind_Eyes says: Couldn’t sleep? Worried about tomorrow?
*`Lila; says: Yeah, sure.
Blind_Eyes says: Don’t worry. Everything will be fine. I promised I wouldn’t hurt your mother or Ashley. And I promise I won’t hurt you either.
*`Lila; says: Yeah. I believe you… Right… No, I don’t. I have no freaking idea who you are. Why would I believe you?
Blind_Eyes says: Because, you have to. Otherwise, you’ll be in danger.
*`Lila; says: Danger? Am I not in any danger now? You are stalking me.
Blind_Eyes says: I wouldn’t say stalking. More like watching. I’m keeping an eye on you. Making sure you’re safe. I’m not the dangerous one. Someone else is; someone close to you. I love you more then you could ever know. I want you to be safe. I know I came off as dangerous. And I’m sorry for that. I didn’t mean to.
*`Lila; says: Right, so I’m supposed to believe that? You’re probably making it up.
Blind_Eyes says: Please, Lila. Believe me. You have to. Tomorrow, when we meet, I’ll tell you everything.
*`Lila; says: Yeah. Sure, I guess I have no choice. If I don’t go you’ll hurt my mother, right?
Blind_Eyes says: I won’t hurt them. But, please. Do this, for me.
*`Lila; says: For you? I HAVE NO IDEA WHO YOU ARE. But, I guess I’ll go, FOR MY MOTHER’S SAKE.
*`Lila; has signed out.
Quickly, Lila crawled back into bed. She didn’t realize he was still watching her. Sleeping in a tank top and underwear defiantly wasn’t a good idea. She laid back and began to relax, falling into a deep, dreamless sleep.
~*~
Lila awoke to the steady beeping of her alarm clock. Without opening her eyes, she reached over and turned it off. Pulling the purple and black cheetah print blanket over her head, she groaned. “s**t. It’s Thursday…”
School went by quickly; too quickly. It was last period; English with Mr. White, the worst teacher to have for English. “…want you to write a memoir about…” Lila wasn’t paying attention. She hasn’t all day. She’s been to busy thinking about what is about to happen. Someone tapped her shoulder, making her jump. Turning around, Lila realized it was only Emalee passing her a note. She took it from her, and read it.
Are you alright? You seem a little on edge today.
She wrote back, carefully, so Mr. White wouldn’t see.
I’m fine. Just not feeling very well…
Lila reached over her shoulder, pretending to scratch her back, and passed the note to Emalee. Just as she took the note out of Lila’s hand, the bell rang. Lila quickly put her books in her bag and got up, almost running to the door.
“Lila, wait!” Emalee called after her. But she kept running. She needed to get away from the school. She felt like she would accidentally say something about Blind_Eyes if she talked to anyone. When she made it to her locker, she grabbed her math textbook and binder, and then walked to her car.
She turned into Bayview Street, driving up to the front of the apartment building she and her mom were living in. She pulled her key out of her pocket as she walked up to her door. Unlocking the door, she noticed a piece of paper sticking out of their mailbox, so she took it out and walked inside.
Meet me at the point by the lighthouse on Warf Road, in Bass River.
- Blind_Eyes
Lila crumpled the piece of paper into a ball and threw it in the garbage. “I have to do this.”
She took a bottle of water out of the fridge and walked to the door, locked it then got back in her car. It was a 45 minute drive from Truro to Bass River. Just as Lila turned onto the highway her phone stated vibrating in her pocket. Pulling it out and not bothering to check the caller ID, she answered. “Hello?”
“Lila, what was wrong? You just ran out of the school?” It was Emalee.
“I was in a hurry. Mom wanted me to be home as soon as possible. She’s making me do some shopping and stuff for her.” She hate’s lying to her friends.
“Oh, can I come?”
“No. Sorry, I have to go to Bass River to get something from my aunt, and I’m already on the highway.” That wasn’t exactly a lie. She is going to Bass River.
“Oh, ok then. Have fun!”
“Yeah…” Have fun meeting my potentially dangerous stalker. She added mentally.
“Well, I have to go. I have lots of homework. Well, to much actually…”
“I finished all of mine in class.”
“You’re a nerd!” Emalee laughed.
“A sexy nerd.”
“Oh, yeah, sure. You keep telling yourself that.”
“’Kay, bye then. b***h...”
“That’s what I am!” She said, and then hung up.
As she drove, Lila thought of her father. About 4 years ago, there was an accident…
5:00. He was supposed to be back an hour ago. Lila’s father, Robert Sharpe, had gone to Bass River to see his sister. He was supposed to be gone for 2 hours. Lila’s mother turned on the news while they waited. They weren’t paying attention until they heard the words “Accident on highway 104…” Lila shot a worried look at her mother, and then directed her attention to the television. “…Three cars, a ‘02 Mustang, a ’93 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited, and an ’85 Chevrolet Blazer.” It showed pictures of the scene. Lila stared blankly at the screen as they showed her fathers truck on its roof on the median.
A silent tear fell down her cheek as she passed the 7 crosses on the side of the highway where the accident occurred. The memory of her father’s death still haunted her. Not paying attention, she almost missed the turn off.
~*~
She pulled over to the side of the road and cut the engine. Stepping out of her 1967 Chevrolet Impala, Lila took in the breathtaking scenery and the strong scent of the Cobequid Bay. So many summers she has spent on this very beach. She could almost see herself at the age of 6 playing in the tides.
Walking down the narrow path to the beach, her stomach twisted into a knot. Lila made her way to a log sitting by a fire pit, looked around and sat down. After a fifteen minute wait, she became very impatient. “Ok, I’m here. Now where are you?” She called out. The beach was deserted. Nothing more then a flock of Seagulls down by the shore line, probably eating fish bait left behind by some fishermen. As the minutes passed, her impatience grew, until finally, she heard footsteps behind her.
Slowly she stood up, and turned around. “Lila…” A young man, who looked to be 20 smiled at her.
“Are you the one who has been watching me?” She was careful not to let her fear show through her voice.
“Yes, but I’m not the only one who is watching you. I’m so glad that you have come.” He stepped one step closer, and Lila took a step back. “It’s alright. I’ve already told you, I am not the dangerous one. I will not hurt you” His voice was almost soothing.
Slowly, Lila stepped over the log that separated them. “How can I trust you? How do I know you’re not lying?”
“By telling you to come here, I saved yours and Ashley’s lives. By listening to me, you showed that you do in fact trust me.” He took two steps closer. Standing just inches away from Lila. He looked down at her, “I’m Nick McCallum”
She met his gaze, his eyes burning into hers. He was telling the truth, she could see it in the way he looked at her. Leaning down slowly, his lips brushed hers as he stole a kiss. Still gazing at him, Lila subconsciously wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed her lips to his, kissing him back.
Only a few seconds had passed though it seemed like an eternity. Wrapping his arms around her tightly, he nuzzled his lips to her ear and whispered, "I've wanted to do that for so long..."
-Chapter 2-
-Blood Stains and Black Rose Petals-
She really is beautiful. He thought. Eyes like sapphires, pools of blue. Light golden brown hair that is never neat. She smells of honey. He could hold her in his arms forever.
Lila snapped back into reality, and realized what had just happened. She pushed him away.
“What is it?”
“I don’t even know you.” Lila backed away, stepping over the log carefully.
Losing balance, she almost fell into the remains of a fire pit. But, Nick caught her by the arm and pulled her back up before she hit the ground. “Careful…”
She pulled her arm free, and started walking down the beach. “I’m fine.” But then she turned back to see Nick standing right behind her. “Who the hell are you? And why have you been watching me?
“I told you, my name is Nick McCallum. I’m watching you because you’re in danger, and I care about you.”
“Right, what kind of danger am I in then?”
Nick pulled her back to the log and made her sit beside him. “Let me explain ok?”
“Go right ahead.”
“Well, you know that psycho-ward just outside of town? My father works there. He told me about a man that escaped two weeks ago… that man is your father.”
“My father is dead.”
“No, he’s alive. The man who you think is your father, Robert; he is a man your mother met just after you were born.” A tear escaped her eye. “I know it’s a lot to take in. But in order for me to explain what’s going on you have to know this. Your biological father is crazy. He’s trying to kill you and your mother. He thinks it’s your fault he was in there. He-” A blood curdling scream effectively interrupted him. The horrifying sound came from up the beach, where the river met the bay.
Running, to see what caused the disturbance, Nick had almost fallen. Lila helped him regain his balance, and then followed after him. It wasn’t a long way to run, but, by the time they got to the woman who had interrupted them, he nick was out of breath. He had always hated running.
“What happened?” Lila managed to say. She too, was short of breath.
“I was walking with my dog and he ran over there.” She pointed to the tree covered bank behind her, “I went to see what he was after, and I found a body.” She said. Her voice was shaky. “There was a note; it had the name ‘Lila’ written on it. I didn’t touch it though.”
Nick looked at Lila. You could see the fear in her eyes. And, there was a tear running down her cheek. “Stay here.” He started up the beach in the direction the woman had pointed.
“Ashley…” He whispered, and then yelled for Lila. “Lila, you better come here!”
Lila slowly made her way over to Nick. The second she saw whose body was laying in the sand, she screamed and fell to her knees. “No, Ashley!” The tears were streaming down her face.
Nick handed her the blood stained note. She opened it with one hand.
Lila, me sweet, sweet daughter. I am sorry, but I had to do this. Your friend here wouldn’t do as I said. So, as punishment, I had to kill her.
I want to see you.
At that point she couldn’t take it. She crumpled the note and gave it back to Nick.
~*~
Funerals. Lila always hated them. Even before her father died...
Standing beside her mother, she held six black roses. She knew Ashley loved them. For once, she didn’t cry. Of course, she knew she would later, when she was alone.
“Would anyone like to say a few words?” The minister asked everyone who was gathered in the graveyard.
Lila stepped forward. She could feel everyone’s eyes on her back. “Ashley.” She paused for a second. “She was a close friend. I can still remember the day we met in first grade. I can’t believe this happened. I will miss her so much…” A single tear fell down her cheek as she laid the roses on the casket, and stepped back into her previous position beside her mom.
~*~
As the days passed, the hate Lila felt for her father grew. The one person responsible for Ashley's death was her daddy. Whoever he was. She lost her one best friend. The only person she could talk to about problems in her life. Now that she's gone, what would she do?
"Come on, Lila, you've been lying in bed since the funeral. You have to get up." Lila's mother sat beside her and took her hand.
Pulling free from her mother's grasp, she mumbled something into her pillow that sounded like, "Leave me alone!"
"Fine, but staying in bed all day won't help, let along staying in bed for 5 days straight." She left her daughter in the quiet, lonely, stuffy room.
After her mother left, Lila forced herself out of bed and over to her computer. Turning it on, she noticed her hair was dirty. Maybe I should take a shower... Instead of showering, she signed into her MSN to see if nick was on. She needed to talk to talk to him.
Not even after a second after she was signed in, a chat window came up.
Nick* says: Hey Lila, how are you feeling?
Lila, RIP Ashley says: Shitty. I can't deal with this anymore. I haven't left my room since mom and I got back from the funeral. I can't even look at mom, because she lied to me about my father. ugh I miss Ashley. I don't know what I'm going to do.
Nick* says: Aw, sweetie... It'll be ok. Want me to come over later?
Lila, RIP Ashley says: Sure. Mom's going to my aunts in 10 minutes.
Nick* says: I'll be there in 15 minutes then.
Lila, RIP Ashley says: Nick... Thanks.
Nick* says: You're welcome, sweetheart. I'll always be here for you.
Lila, RIP Ashley says: And Nick...
Nick* says: Yes?
Lila, RIP Ashley says: When we kissed... I didn't realize what I was doing. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have kissed you back. We can't be together... You're to old for me...
Nick* says: Lila, it's not your fault. I shouldn't have even kissed you. It was uncalled for.
Lila, RIP Ashley says: Well, I should go... I have to show mom that I'm not going to spend the rest of my life in my room.
Nick* says: Bye, I'll see you in 10 minutes.
Nick* has signed out.
~*~
Lila's mother's car was gone, so Nick let himself in. "Lila," he called. "It's me Nick." He waited for her to answer, but when he didn't, he went up to her room to see if she was there.
He found her lying on the floor with an empty Tylenol bottle in her hand. "Oh no. Lila!"
He ran over to her and checked her pulse. "No..." He whispered.
Nick pulled out his cell phone and dialed, "9-1-1, What's your emergency?"
"I found my friend on the floor of her room with an empty bottle of Tylenol. I think she might have overdosed..."
-Blood Stains and Black Rose Petals-
She really is beautiful. He thought. Eyes like sapphires, pools of blue. Light golden brown hair that is never neat. She smells of honey. He could hold her in his arms forever.
Lila snapped back into reality, and realized what had just happened. She pushed him away.
“What is it?”
“I don’t even know you.” Lila backed away, stepping over the log carefully.
Losing balance, she almost fell into the remains of a fire pit. But, Nick caught her by the arm and pulled her back up before she hit the ground. “Careful…”
She pulled her arm free, and started walking down the beach. “I’m fine.” But then she turned back to see Nick standing right behind her. “Who the hell are you? And why have you been watching me?
“I told you, my name is Nick McCallum. I’m watching you because you’re in danger, and I care about you.”
“Right, what kind of danger am I in then?”
Nick pulled her back to the log and made her sit beside him. “Let me explain ok?”
“Go right ahead.”
“Well, you know that psycho-ward just outside of town? My father works there. He told me about a man that escaped two weeks ago… that man is your father.”
“My father is dead.”
“No, he’s alive. The man who you think is your father, Robert; he is a man your mother met just after you were born.” A tear escaped her eye. “I know it’s a lot to take in. But in order for me to explain what’s going on you have to know this. Your biological father is crazy. He’s trying to kill you and your mother. He thinks it’s your fault he was in there. He-” A blood curdling scream effectively interrupted him. The horrifying sound came from up the beach, where the river met the bay.
Running, to see what caused the disturbance, Nick had almost fallen. Lila helped him regain his balance, and then followed after him. It wasn’t a long way to run, but, by the time they got to the woman who had interrupted them, he nick was out of breath. He had always hated running.
“What happened?” Lila managed to say. She too, was short of breath.
“I was walking with my dog and he ran over there.” She pointed to the tree covered bank behind her, “I went to see what he was after, and I found a body.” She said. Her voice was shaky. “There was a note; it had the name ‘Lila’ written on it. I didn’t touch it though.”
Nick looked at Lila. You could see the fear in her eyes. And, there was a tear running down her cheek. “Stay here.” He started up the beach in the direction the woman had pointed.
“Ashley…” He whispered, and then yelled for Lila. “Lila, you better come here!”
Lila slowly made her way over to Nick. The second she saw whose body was laying in the sand, she screamed and fell to her knees. “No, Ashley!” The tears were streaming down her face.
Nick handed her the blood stained note. She opened it with one hand.
Lila, me sweet, sweet daughter. I am sorry, but I had to do this. Your friend here wouldn’t do as I said. So, as punishment, I had to kill her.
I want to see you.
At that point she couldn’t take it. She crumpled the note and gave it back to Nick.
~*~
Funerals. Lila always hated them. Even before her father died...
Standing beside her mother, she held six black roses. She knew Ashley loved them. For once, she didn’t cry. Of course, she knew she would later, when she was alone.
“Would anyone like to say a few words?” The minister asked everyone who was gathered in the graveyard.
Lila stepped forward. She could feel everyone’s eyes on her back. “Ashley.” She paused for a second. “She was a close friend. I can still remember the day we met in first grade. I can’t believe this happened. I will miss her so much…” A single tear fell down her cheek as she laid the roses on the casket, and stepped back into her previous position beside her mom.
~*~
As the days passed, the hate Lila felt for her father grew. The one person responsible for Ashley's death was her daddy. Whoever he was. She lost her one best friend. The only person she could talk to about problems in her life. Now that she's gone, what would she do?
"Come on, Lila, you've been lying in bed since the funeral. You have to get up." Lila's mother sat beside her and took her hand.
Pulling free from her mother's grasp, she mumbled something into her pillow that sounded like, "Leave me alone!"
"Fine, but staying in bed all day won't help, let along staying in bed for 5 days straight." She left her daughter in the quiet, lonely, stuffy room.
After her mother left, Lila forced herself out of bed and over to her computer. Turning it on, she noticed her hair was dirty. Maybe I should take a shower... Instead of showering, she signed into her MSN to see if nick was on. She needed to talk to talk to him.
Not even after a second after she was signed in, a chat window came up.
Nick* says: Hey Lila, how are you feeling?
Lila, RIP Ashley says: Shitty. I can't deal with this anymore. I haven't left my room since mom and I got back from the funeral. I can't even look at mom, because she lied to me about my father. ugh I miss Ashley. I don't know what I'm going to do.
Nick* says: Aw, sweetie... It'll be ok. Want me to come over later?
Lila, RIP Ashley says: Sure. Mom's going to my aunts in 10 minutes.
Nick* says: I'll be there in 15 minutes then.
Lila, RIP Ashley says: Nick... Thanks.
Nick* says: You're welcome, sweetheart. I'll always be here for you.
Lila, RIP Ashley says: And Nick...
Nick* says: Yes?
Lila, RIP Ashley says: When we kissed... I didn't realize what I was doing. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have kissed you back. We can't be together... You're to old for me...
Nick* says: Lila, it's not your fault. I shouldn't have even kissed you. It was uncalled for.
Lila, RIP Ashley says: Well, I should go... I have to show mom that I'm not going to spend the rest of my life in my room.
Nick* says: Bye, I'll see you in 10 minutes.
Nick* has signed out.
~*~
Lila's mother's car was gone, so Nick let himself in. "Lila," he called. "It's me Nick." He waited for her to answer, but when he didn't, he went up to her room to see if she was there.
He found her lying on the floor with an empty Tylenol bottle in her hand. "Oh no. Lila!"
He ran over to her and checked her pulse. "No..." He whispered.
Nick pulled out his cell phone and dialed, "9-1-1, What's your emergency?"
"I found my friend on the floor of her room with an empty bottle of Tylenol. I think she might have overdosed..."
