Murders Of The Past

EIGHT

WHEN I HEAR footsteps I look away from the TV and towards the stairs, watching Carlos walk down them. Maybe he's finally calmed down.

  "Carlos- Where are you going?" I ask as he grabs his keys from the counter and starts towards the door.

  "None of your business," he grumbles and I raise a brow, then I roll my eyes. I see what he's doing. He stops halfway to the door and sighs, looking up at me. "OK fine, I'm going to pick the kids up from school," he admits. "I'm only telling you because unlike you I don't keep secrets because I'm a good person," he mutters. I rise from the couch, setting my glass on the floor before making my way over to him.

  "You're not so innocent here, Mister." I point at him, one hand on my hip.

  "Was I the one who snuck out in the middle of the night to nearly get myself killed?" He raises his voice.

  "I wasn't trying to get myself killed," I explain, shaking my head and waving my hand. "But that's beside the point. Do I need to remind you that you've done some not-so-friendly things in your past too? Like killing?" I cross my arms, smirking triumphantly. Carlos sends me daggers.

  "No Sadie, that's beside the point. I'm talking about you keeping secrets from me, not killing people." He tenses, taking a step back. "You aren't doing that again... are you?" I roll my eyes.

  "Of course not, that's long behind me."

  "Are you sure about that? You said the gang was long behind you but yet here you are, wearing your jacket." He gestures to me and I look down.

  "It's comfy." I cross my arms. "Come on!" I groan, dropping them at my side. "You can't seriously be mad at me! I was just having fun!"

  "That's not the only reason I'm mad, Sadie." He shakes his head.

  "It's not?" I perk up, then sigh. "OK, OK. I won't sneak out of the house in the middle of the night anymore."

  "Not that either." He takes a step forward. "You said our marriage is a curse," he mutters lowly. His gaze is so intense that I have to look away.

  "Everyone says that."

  "I don't say that." I shrug.

  "You probably will."

  "Why would I say that, Sadie? Marrying you is one of the best things that's ever happened to me." His voice raises. Oh my god, shut up! You're making me feel guilty!

  "I'm sorry. I just- "

  "Don't want to be with me." My eyes snap to his and I quickly shake my head.

  "No! Carlos, that's not it at all."

  "Then what is it?"

  "Well if you would let me talk." I cross my arms.

  "Then- " He pauses, looking at his watch. "Save it. I have to get the kids." He turns around.

  "Carlos," I murmur, watching him leave the house. I am not doing a good job at this.

I sigh, shoving my hands into my pockets and slumping my shoulders. He's being so dramatic. I roll my eyes, puffing a strand of hair out of my face. I need more wine.

I TURN AROUND to go to the checkout but pause as a thought crosses my mind. I'm trying to have fun again. Sadie Bane had fun. She always had fun. So if I want to have fun I have to ask myself, What would Sadie do?

I look down at the shoe box in my hand when suddenly a great idea hits me. Sadie you genius!

I walk up to the counter, holding the box with one hand. The man behind it looks up at me then down at the shoebox.

  "Is this all?" He asks, letting out a long, tired sigh.

  "Yup." I nod, setting the box on the counter. I feel my stomach churning, kind of in a nervous way. Am I nervous? Or maybe it's excitement.

The man takes the box and opens it, then narrows his eyes, looking back up at me.

"Where are the- "

"Ah!" I scream as I chuck my old boots at his face before spinning around and sprinting out of the store. When I swing open the door a rough wind smacks me in the face and I stumble.

"Get back here!" I look over my shoulder to find the man charging at me.

"Never!" I shout, giggling. I turn and take off down the street, in my brand new New Balance running shoes. They're bouncy.