Murders Of The Past

NINETEEN

I HAD JUST walked out of the hallway after taking a shower when I heard a familiar voice. I knew it immediately, even though it sounded different, older, deeper. I guess that's what aging does to ya.

"OK, that's it. I'm leaving." I stop at the end of the hall, hidden from their view by the wall.

"What?"

"I didn't believe you when I heard, and now, after waiting two hours I realize I was right. I'm leaving. Thanks for wasting my time, Wesley."

"I didn't! She really is here!"

"Yeah, and Homer Simpson is real!"

"Vivian!"

"You know, I had a date tonight, but I cancelled. Just for this!" I hear feet stomping. "I'm such an idiot!"

"You got that right."

Oh Sadie, you call everyone an idiot. When actually you're the real idiot.

Have you met my husband?

Hazel eyes stare at me, speechless. Her brown hair has lightened to almost a caramel brown, and was cut to her shoulders, looking straighter and thinner. Instead of ripped black jeans and a flowing tank top, she's wearing black leggings with a magenta cardigan. She fumbles with the long sleeves of her shirt, gawking at me. I raise a brow.

"Oh my god," she whispers. "You weren't lying. She is here."

"No I'm not," I shake my head. "I'm just a figment of your imagination." She blinks at me before turning her head.

"You just found her on your porch?"

"Sleeping. Yes," Wesley replies. She turns back to me, a smile growing.

"Caroline," she breaths out, spreading her arms and charging at me. "Caroline!" She embraces me, almost knocking the towel off my head.

"Hey, wait a minute." Wesley steps into my vision. "I never got a hug." He frowns. I roll my eyes, gesturing for him to come here with my hand.

"I can't believe you're here!" Vivian exclaims on my shoulder. "I never thought we would see you again." Wesley comes to my other side and embraces me, the two of them making me feel warm and calm. At peace. But that peace is soon broken by the sound of my phone ringing.

They pull away, giving me looks as I pull it out. When I see his name, I go pale.

You knew this was going to happen. You knew he would call you. You knew you'd have to face him at some point. Why are you so surprised?

"What's wrong?" Wesley asks. I shake my head, declining the call.

"Uh, do you guys want to go out for drinks?" I look at them, trying my best to put on a believable smile. They look at each other.

VIVIAN TURNS IN the bar stool.

"So what's life been like for you?" She asks me. I shrug.

"You know, the usual." She tilts her head.

"No, I don't know actually." Before she can press on I ask, "What about you?"

"Well, I graduated."

"Lucky," I mumble.

"So now I get paid for taking photos."

"How much?"

"Depends what I take a picture of."

"What do you take pictures of?"

"Right now I'm doing models."