Page 13

Alora

I couldn’t even remember the last time I slept through the night or ate a solid meal. I hadn’t seen Mr. Laurent or Greyson or whatever he called himself. But the nervous jitters I felt thinking that he was lurking nearby were very real. A car horn blared, and I almost gave myself whiplash. Someone was trying to parallel park and holding up traffic. My poor heart was getting a workout, and I hated that this was exactly what he wanted. I was giving in to him, he said so himself, and he wasn’t wrong. I thought about him constantly.

Some tiny part of me liked the feel of him, the sound of his voice, the sheer will and confidence that ebbed off him. If he was who I thought he was, he was undeniably hot, but no one was hot enough to be okay with a knife pressed to their throat in the dark. Were they? Ugh. Fucker.

I had to go to the mall last night to get new sneakers, and I swore I saw him out of the corner of my eye multiple times, but as soon as I looked in that direction, no one was there. Scared shitless that he would grab me off the street on the way to the shelter, I purchased the first pair that fit. Luckily, they were comfortable. I sprinted the whole way back. I couldn’t live like this, but how the hell to get out of this mess eluded me.

Yanking open Molisano’s door, I walked in and was happy that music was playing to mask the growl of my stomach at the scent of fresh baking. I longingly stared at the glass cases full of fresh puff pastries, hot biscuits, and everything in between.

“Alora, good to see you,” Mr. Molisano said as he came out with a tray of fresh beignets. I licked my lips, and he laughed. “You want one?”

My cheeks heated with embarrassment that I was that obvious. “Do you mind?”

“Not at all. Here, take two,” he said, holding the tray closer for me. They were still warm, and I ate the first one so fast that I barely tasted it.

“Thank you,” I said after swallowing the mouthful of food. Mr. Molisano put the tray on the shelf and then wiped his hands as he walked toward me.

“Tell me honestly, Alora, when was the last time you ate?”

“A few days. But I have access to food. It’s just that it’s been stressful, and I forget to eat.”

He gave me a scolding look. “Our minds don’t work well when we’re hungry. How are you going to learn to bake the custom cupcake tower I have an order for if you are not at a hundred percent?”

“You’re right. I…wait, did you just say you want me to help bake today?”

He smiled wide, and giddiness pushed aside all my concerns. “I did. I’ll need you to help with the counter during the afternoon rush, but otherwise, yes. This will be a good one for you to do as the decorating is half the fun. They want whipped icing, molded chocolate hearts, and fresh berries on the top. There are also four flavors of cupcake, so lots of practice for you.”

“Thank you. I’m so excited for this opportunity.” For just a moment, I was a teen again, excited about the prospect of what my life and future held for me, but also scared to dream.

“Well, come on in and get washed up.”

I’d never gotten changed and washed up so fast. Six hours in, my arms were sore, and I’d eaten way too much raw batter, but I was still riding the same earlier high. The other chefs had their own things to do, but everyone was nice, and Mr. Molisano had the patience of a saint. Other people might have hated the precision needed to bake a great anything, but not me. I made sure each ingredient was handled with the same care and accuracy. The best part of all was the decorating. Everything was in separate stages: batter making, cooking, cooling, and then decorating. Mr. Molisano had it down to a fine science. Timing each stage and moving seamlessly through the steps. It was like watching an orchestra and the conductor work effortlessly. That was who I wanted to be, and for the first time, I had a clear image of what I wanted for myself out of this life.

“Those look fabulous, Alora. You really have a gift,” Mr. Molisano said as he appraised my latest batch of decorated cupcakes. Each was identical, with a perfect swirl of icing and a candied blackberry. It was finished with a chocolate heart and gold shavings that made them shimmer. I loved the tweezer work of laying the gold down like I was creating miniature masterpieces.

“Thank you. I love doing this.”

“It shows. I hate to pull you away, but can you help up front while I finish up and box everything?”

“Of course.” Smiling, I pulled the apron off over my head, removed my hair net, and rolled my shoulders. Even with the taller decorating table, everything was going to ache tomorrow.

Pushing open the door to the front of the store, Kim, Deshawn, and Emily were attending people, and the line was all the way out to the sidewalk. Insanity. I waved the next person up, and it was an easy order of a dozen fruit tarts. Between the buzz of people and the flourish of activity, it was easy to fall into a rhythm.

“Next,” I called out, and a man stepped up to the counter while I popped open an empty box ready for the order. “How can I help….” The rest of the question was lost as I lifted my head. The world stopped spinning as I stared into the furious glare of Tammy’s father, Hank Landry. In a heartbeat, I was thrown back into the past. The last time that I saw this man, he was removed from court for yelling that I killed his baby girl.

“What the fuck are you doing out of prison?” There wasn’t much that could quiet a massive crowd, but those words sure did. “And working here? Do you have no class? You would’ve fucked out of town if you had even a single respectful bone in your body.” Each word he said got louder, and my anxiety ramped up along with it.

“Mr. Landry, I’m sorry, I….”

“Sorry? Sorry, won’t bring my dead daughter back,” he screamed, and each gasp and pair of eyes on me felt like another blow to my soul. I glanced around and took a step back from the glass case.

“What is going on out here?” Mr. Molisano’s deep voice boomed as he came out from the kitchen.

“Do you know that you’ve hired a murderer?”

Again, there was a collective gasp. Sweat trickled down my back as I fought off the tears and tried not to notice everyone staring at me.

Mr. Molisano put his hand on my shoulder and moved me back so that I was standing behind him.

“I know exactly who I hired, and you should get your facts straight.”

“I’m Tammy’s father,” Mr. Landry yelled, and even though I couldn’t see him, I could still feel his words like a physical punch to my stomach.

“I’m sorry for your loss. But you have no right to come into my establishment and make a scene like this. And you certainly do not have the right to attack one of my employees the way that you are. I’m going to ask you to leave now and not come back.” He put his hands on his hips, and even in his fifties, he was an imposing figure. My lip trembled, and the first drops of tears spilled free. I feverishly wiped at them as I held myself together. No one had ever stood up for me before, and I wasn’t sure I deserved his kindness or loyalty. Mr. Landry was right. I was a murderer. I’d killed his daughter, and I couldn’t take it back. I could never take it back.

“You’re really going to stand there and protect her after what she did? I’m blasting this all over social media. I can’t believe you willingly employ her.”

“Get out of my bakery. Right now, or I will call the police and have you charged with trespassing.”

“Fine, but this isn’t over. I’m going to tell everyone, and soon, I’ll put you out of business. Criminals like her should never get a second chance. Murderer, Mr. Molisano hires murderers,” Mr. Landry yelled, and I ran for the back of the bakery and slammed the door to the bathroom. Gripping the sink, I covered my mouth to keep in the wail of pain that wanted to rip loose. I met my eyes in the mirror, and all I saw staring back at me were the horrors of my mistakes, the failure I’d become, and the suffering I’d caused. It didn’t matter that I was no longer in prison. I’d been sentenced to purgatory, and my soul was already burning.

I had to get out of here. Opening the door, I walked over to my locker and grabbed my stuff, all too aware that even those in the back were now staring at me and probably wondering who I had killed and how I’d done it.

“Where are you going,” Mr. Molisano asked as I aimed for the back door.

“I’m sorry I brought this drama to your door. You’ve been so kind to me, and I…I just can’t work here anymore. I can’t have Mr. Landry, and whoever he drums up put you out of business for me.”

“He is angry, Alora. You made a mistake, and it was an accident. You did your time, and you’re a good person who deserves a second chance.” He walked toward me, but I took a step back. If he hugged me or touched me, I was going to lose it completely, and no matter what he said, he was wrong.

“Do I, though? Look, I love working here, but it would crush me if being here hurt anyone else. You, your family, your employees, even your reputation…I just can’t. This was Evie’s favorite place, and I can’t ruin it like I’ve ruined everything else in my life.” I held out my apron. “Thank you for giving me the best day that I’ve had in so long and for making me believe I was worthy of more. Today was like living a dream, and your kindness….” I wiped away the tears. “I’ll never forget it.”

I turned and walked to the back door, too scared that Mr. Landry would be waiting out front for me with a pitchfork.

“Alora, please reconsider.”

Laying my hand on the door, I looked back at the man who, for even a short time, felt like a real father figure, and I shook my head no. “It would kill me to think that I hurt you or your business in any way.”

He crossed his arms. “At least come back, and I can give you the pamphlets for school. You have a real gift, Alora. Don’t let him chase you away from it or your dreams.”

“I was never meant to dream, Mr. Molisano. Thank you for everything. My sister was right. You’re an incredible person.” Before he could say any more, I pushed outside and pulled my hood up even though it was still warm out.

One foot in front of the other, I walked down the alley and then the sidewalk with no real destination as Mr. Landry’s words rattled around my brain like a merry-go-round. Stopping, I looked up and stared at the corner market with a sign for vodka on sale. My demons had taken my hand and led me to the one place I shouldn’t go.

“You should go back to hell and stay there this time.”

“Criminals like her should never get a second chance. She’s a murderer, a murderer.”

Hands shaking, I pulled open the door and stepped inside. Who was I trying to fool, thinking that I could put what happened behind me? It would never be behind me. It would always hang around my neck like a chain, wanting to drag me down. Maybe it was time I just let it.

“What the hell took you so long to get here,” Evie asked as she hopped in the passenger seat, and Tammy got in the back.

I glared at my sister. “I could’ve not come at all,” I growled at her. Evie smirked, and I knew that she was just fucking with me. I glanced at the guys standing around the front yard of the shitty farmhouse. They were all a lot older, like seniors or even college. “How the hell did you end up at a college party?”

“Johnny.” Evie crossed her arms over her chest as I backed out of the long, dark driveway. “He said he wanted to come here. That his brother was having a party and wanted us to come. He didn’t mention that no one else from our grade was invited or that there were only five other girls who were all drinking and playing sex games,” she said, looking down.

Reaching out, I grabbed her arm. “No one hurt you, did they,” I asked and then looked in the rearview mirror at Tammy. “Either of you?” They stayed quiet, so I slammed on the brake. We weren’t going fast on the dirt road, but they both jerked in their seats. “Who the fuck did what to who?”

“No one, okay.” Evie yanked her arm away and looked out the window, but I could see her reflection, and her eyes were filled with tears.

“No, one of you had better start talking right the fuck now.” I hit the lock on the door when she tried the handle and kept hitting it, so she couldn’t get out.

“Fuck you, Lora. I don’t have to say anything,” Evie said.

“Just tell her, Evie,” Tammy said from the back, and that answered who it was.

Evie and I fought all the time, but we always had each other’s back, and seeing the tears rolling down her cheeks had me growling and squeezing the steering wheel. “Just tell me. I love you. You know that.”

“I’m just so stupid. He told me to come and that he liked me, but then he let his brother….” She stopped, and I turned on the light in the car and noticed the mark on her neck. Oh, hell no.

“Did he….” I licked my lips, my throat suddenly dry. “Did he force himself on you? Like…all the way?”

“Yeah, it’s why I made the crack about Sadie. I’m so sorry. We should’ve called as soon as we arrived and realized that we were in over our heads. Please don’t tell Mom.”

I looked into Evie’s eyes, and all the logical parts of my brain stopped working. Slamming the car into reverse, I flew backward up the road while stones peppered the undercarriage.

“What are you doing? Lora, no, please don’t make a scene.”

There was no reasoning with the rage flowing through my body. “What’s his name?”

“No, Lora, please,” Evie begged.

“Tammy, what’s the fucker’s name?”

Tammy’s wide eyes stared at me as I looked over my shoulder. “Ke…Keith,” she stuttered. Passing the driveway, I pulled back in and looked at Evie and then Tammy. “Do you know which vehicle is his?”

“Lora….”

“Answer me!” I smacked my hands on the top of the steering wheel, only able to see red. I hadn’t been able to help Sadie, and now my sister had been attacked. It was too much. I could teach this one fucker a lesson he wouldn’t forget.

“The black truck,” Tammy answered again as she pointed to the fancy Dodge Ram up near the front of the line.

“Stay here. No matter what, you stay in the fucking car, do you understand?” They both nodded, and I popped the trunk and got out.

Stomping over, I grabbed the tire iron and hid it behind my back as I walked casually toward the truck. There were fewer guys on the lawn, but they were watching me. When I got to the truck, I started with the headlight. Crushing it in with a satisfying smash. The next to go was the side view mirror, and with each swing, the wilder and more lost I became in the act.

Thump. Smash. Crack.

Raising it above my head, I brought it down on the windshield, and a large crack splintered across.

“What the fuck?” A voice boomed, and I looked over to see a guy stumble down the front porch steps, his eyes wide as he stared at the truck. He wobbled on his feet as he came closer. Raising the tire iron again, I screamed and brought it down on the windshield, spidering the original crack. “Stop it, you crazy bitch!”

“You want me to stop?” I put my weapon on my shoulder like a baseball bat and waited as he tried to stomp toward me. “You must be Keith. Good,” I said. As soon as he was close enough, I dodged to the side, swinging the iron and catching him in the stomach. Any other time, it wouldn’t be a match, but I was fast, enraged, and sober while he was drunk. Swinging at him again, I caught him in the side of the knee, and he yelled in pain as he went down.

“She’s fucking fourteen, you piece of shit!” I swung for a third time, but he got his right arm up, and I missed his head. He yelled as the hard metal connected with his elbow. Panting hard, I pointed the iron at him. “That’s statutory rape, and I’m going to have you tossed in prison for the rest of your life, so I really hope you like getting ass fucked.” Keeping a wide berth, I took a final swipe at the truck, and the driver’s window smashed in. “You won’t see the outside of a cell again. I’ll make sure of it.”

“Fuck you, she wanted it.”

I raised my weapon and acted like I was going to bring it down on his head. Keith cowered, but instead, I jogged to the car and got in, handing Evie the tire iron.

“Jesus Christ, Lora, you scare the shit out of me, but I fucking love you,” Evie said. “I’m so happy you’re my sister.”

“Fuck you, assholes,” we all yelled out the windows as I flew backward out the driveway and then slammed the little Honda into drive. Reaching the stop sign, I pulled out onto the main road. Evie stuck her head out the window and howled like a wolf, making me smile.

“I love you, too. Both of you, I’ve got your back, always.” They nodded and cheered as we blasted the music.

When a bright light flashed behind me, I looked in the side mirror. A vehicle was gaining on us quickly, and a trickle of fear raced down my spine as I noticed the driver’s side headlight was smashed in. Shit. I floored it, but the little car groaned at ninety.

“What’s wrong,” Evie asked.

“I think they’re following us,” I said, and both girls looked back.

“Shit! Step on it,” Evie yelled.

“I am.”

“Go, go, go,” Tammy squealed as the truck roared closer, the single high beam lighting up the inside of the car.

“The pedal is to the floor,” I said as we careened around a turn in the road, and the car shook. My heart pounded in my chest, and my hands were sweaty. As we hit the straightaway, the truck swerved out to try and pass. I jerked the wheel to keep them behind us.

“Just let them pass,” Evie said, her hands gripping the handle on the ceiling.

“No, then they can stop and block us. We need to get to town. Where is your phone? Call the police.”

Evie dug around in her pocket as I jerked the wheel again, and the car slid sideways slightly. Shit, shit, shit.

“I got it,” she said, pulling her phone out of her pocket, but her hands were shaking so badly that she couldn’t get it to unlock.

“Hurry, Evie.”

“I’m trying.”

“I got mine open,” Tammy said, the little car whining as the revs continued to push the red line. We were going to blow the engine at this rate.

Thud.

The car jerked as the truck rammed us from behind, knocking the back end loose. My stupid anger. We should’ve called the cops. Why did I have to go back there? He was going to kill us, the crazy asshole.

“Call 911,” I yelled, and then we all screamed as we were hit again.

“It’s ringing,” Tammy cried.

With a loud bang, the engine blew at the same time the truck pulled out and slammed into the side of us. I screamed and slammed on the brake as we headed for the ditch and the dense trees, but it was too late.

“Hang on!”

As soon as the tire hit the gravelly edge, everything stopped, and the car became quiet as it sailed through the air. There was a peaceful moment as it flipped upside down, and then we hit the ground, the metal groaning and tearing apart as the car rolled. Glass smashed around me, and the airbag hit me with so much force it felt like I’d been punched in the face. Then everything went black.

Tick, tick, tick, tick, tick.

My eyes fluttered open. What was ticking? What happened? My head rang, and my eyesight was blurry. Blinking, I looked to my left and stared out…a window and trees? My legs hurt, and I winced as I tried to move. Was I stuck? Everything in front of my face was white, and I slowly lifted my arm and wiggled my fingers as I stared at my hand. I could feel something warm running down my face, and I touched my head. My hand came away red. Blood? Was I bleeding?

Accident…we were being chased, and we went off the road. No. I turned my head to the right and opened my mouth. I stared at the side of my sister and tried to make sense of what I was looking at. As my brain pieced it together, I screamed at the top of my lungs. Evie’s body was limp, her head sagged forward, and her long hair curtained the side of her face. But it was the tire iron lanced through Evie’s chest that had terror lancing my own.

“No, no, no. Evie?” I tried to move, but my legs were pinched under the steering column. No, no, no. Reaching out, I moved her hair away from her face. “Evie? Wake up, please stay with me.”

Her eyes were open, but she didn’t blink, and I cupped her face, blood dripping from her mouth. “Evie! No! Don’t you dare die. I love you, stay with me. Help, we need help.”

I looked back but couldn’t see Tammy. “Tammy, did you reach 911? Tammy?” I pushed the airbag down, and blood smattered the inside of the windshield, a gaping hole in the center, and Tammy’s lifeless body was lying on the hood of the car. Oh my god, oh my god.

“Hello, hello, 911 here. Are you there?” A flicker of light could be seen in Tammy’s hand, her phone still glowing in the darkness. Tears clogged my throat and raced down my cheeks. “Hello? Can you hear me?”

“Help, please help us,” I yelled hysterically, grabbing my sister’s limp hand. I linked our fingers together. “Please help! Come on, Evie,” I cried. “I love you, please God no…I’m so sorry, Evie. I’m so sorry.”