It had been one week since my confession. The news was everywhere—my father's arrest broadcasted across every channel. Reporters kept trying to get an interview, but thankfully, none of them knew who I was. Detective Murphy made sure to remove any photo evidence from the house, which wasn't hard—there wasn't much to begin with. He gave me the choice to speak publicly when I was ready, and I was deeply grateful for that. His respect gave me something I hadn't felt in a long time: peace.
"Earth to Veronica," Nurse Richards said in a robotic voice, gently tickling me so as not to aggravate my injuries.
"Anikaaaa!" I shrieked through laughter, trying to fend off her hands.
"How's my baby girl?" she asked, her tone shifting to concern as she handed me my meds.
"They taste absolutely disgusting," I groaned, staring down at the pills.
"Take them. I heard how much you cried out last night when I wasn't on duty. These will help," she said, her voice laced with worry.
Reluctantly, I gave in and swallowed them, doing my best to avoid letting them touch my tongue. The bitterness was unbearable. She smiled victoriously, and I pouted like a child, which only made her laugh harder. She sat beside me on the bed—technically against hospital rules, but I'd asked her to. Anyone who had a problem with it could kiss my fat ass.
That's right—I said it.
KISS MY ASS! Ha!
"Would you consider living with me after you're discharged?" she asked, her voice soft and sincere.
"You'd want that?" I asked, stunned.
"Question can't answer question, dear Missy. But yes—obviously," she replied with a grin.
I loved her motherly attention, but I never wanted to be a burden. I appreciated everything she'd done for me.
"And before you start thinking you'd be a bother—you won't. I want you to come live with me, even if it's just until school starts," she said, as if reading my mind.
How could I say no to that?
"Sure," I whispered, pulling her into a hug.
"Greeeat! You and Renae will get along beautifully," she squealed.
"Renae?" I asked, surprised.
"Yes, my daughter," she said sweetly, slipping a piece of chocolate under the sheets.
"For the bitter aftertaste," she whispered, kissing my forehead before heading toward the door.
Smiling, I lay back down, excited for discharge—and for the possibility of a real home.
But life, as usual, had other plans.
I was still going to live with Anika, but on the morning of my discharge, I got an unexpected visit. I'd woken up energized, too excited to sleep the night before. Nurse Richards had come in at least five times, reminding me to rest and avoid overexerting myself. Too much movement could aggravate my injuries and delay my release.
"Sister," Elainese's voice echoed, snapping me out of my thoughts.
I turned slowly from the suitcase on my bed toward the devil I never thought I'd see again. She stood in the doorway holding white roses, her expression unreadable. Behind her, Anika stood like a silent sentinel, watching Elainese like a predator sizing up her prey.
"Elainese," I said, lowering my gaze—not out of defeat, but to hide the fury boiling inside me. My body tensed, instinctively preparing to fight, even though I knew I'd lose. I was still healing.
"I'm sorry," she blurted out, tears streaming down her face.
My eyes shot up involuntarily. Before I could process what was happening, she rushed toward me and wrapped me in a hug.
What the actual hell?
"I'm so very sorry," she sobbed.
My arms began to lift, ready to hug her back—until she whispered her next words.
"I'm sorry you didn't fucking die, you useless whore. If you think sending Dad away and watching Mom suffer because of your self-centered, pathetic existence makes you powerful, think again. I will destroy you in ways you never imagined. You'll be begging for death… sister."
Her voice dripped with venom, her hatred palpable. My skin crawled.
Her hug tightened—excruciatingly so. It felt like my ribs were being crushed, each breath a battle. My heart pounded against the pressure, my chest compressed like a vice. The pain mirrored the emotional torment, leaving me gasping for air and desperate to escape.
"Anika," I gasped, trying to push her away as the pain from my fractured ribs surged through me.
Each inhale felt like a war against her grip. My lungs screamed, my body strained. It was like being bound by invisible chains, every fiber of me aching to break free. With a sudden burst of strength, I shoved her off me.
It was a reclaiming of space. A defiant act.
A breath of liberation.
"That's enough," Anika snapped, stepping forward.
"It was just a hug," Elainese said innocently.
"A hug?" Anika repeated, stepping into the narrow space between us.
I felt rage bubbling inside me. My teeth clenched, my eyes locked onto Elainese with murderous intensity.
"Whoops! Didn't realize my hug was that strong. Hope I didn't squish you too much. Still in one piece?" she said mockingly.
Her words only fueled the fire. My fists clenched. My body trembled. The urge to lash out was primal.
"GET OUT!" Anika growled through gritted teeth, her voice sharp and venomous. The air vibrated with her fury.
I smiled inwardly as Elainese's face fell in disbelief.
"Who do you think you are, woman?" she spat.
"Child, I won't say it again. GET. OUT." Anika stepped forward, her presence radiating power. Elainese's smirk vanished. She stepped back—and for the first time, I saw it in her eyes.
Fear.
Doctor Limbon and Detective Murphy rushed in, drawn by the commotion.
"Is there a problem? I heard shouting," Doctor Limbon asked, concern etched in his voice.
"There's no problem," Anika replied coldly. "Because it is leaving and never coming back."
I burst out laughing. Nurse Richards had just called her it.
Elainese glared at me, realizing she'd lost—for now. I kept laughing, savoring the moment.
"Miss Elainese?" Detective Murphy said.
She turned to him, nodded, then threw the roses at me with fury. Her final look was pure hatred.
This isn't over.
She stormed out, pushing past the crowd gathered outside my room, all trying to catch a glimpse of the drama. We stood in silence until she disappeared from view.
The door closed. Six pairs of eyes turned to me, full of concern.
"Are you okay?" Nurse Richards asked, pulling me into a warm, motherly hug and kissing my forehead. My body relaxed instantly.
I nodded.
I was lying.
I couldn't let her worry.
But I was terrified.
Something was coming. I didn't know when or how.
But I knew it was coming.
And that scared the hell out of me.
"She can't hurt you, baby girl," Anika said gently.
But the truth was… she could.
And she would.
They always find a way.
Tears streamed down my face. I wanted to scream.
To run.
To hide.
I just wanted peace.
Longing.
Desperate.
Freaking peace