The Darkness Within

The Darkness Within: Part 20

Chapter 20:

It's late.

Divine sits comfortably in a taxi, waiting to arrive at her apartment.

Slipping her phone from her pocket, she dials April, who picks up in seconds.

"Why didn't you back me up tonight?" She asks, her voice in a slur as she speaks.

"Back you up with what?" April sounds unbothered, confused.

"Against that bitch" Divine whispers, her eyes slowly closing, before rising once again.

"Oh- you're still going on about that?"

Silence.

"Because," April sighs. "We don't know if anything you were saying about Fallon is even true. For all we know, it's just the alcohol in your system speakin'. Your theories make sense, and I understood everything you were saying, but we just don't know for sure. There's no point making accusations for things that you have no evidence for"

"Whatever" Divine mumbles, rolling her eyes. "Don't worry. It's evidence you want -yeah? Ok then, I'll get you your evidence"

"Be careful, Divine" April warns her. "Because if what you're saying is all true, then Fallon could be dangerous. Sick. And you would need to stay clear of her, before you get hurt"

"I'm telling you- she killed Oaklyn. I'm sure of it. Don't you remember? There was already tension between them because Oaklyn had just revealed that she was having an affair with Damari before he died. It's just too much of a coincidence-

"I know, Divine. I understand why you're saying all this. It does make sense-

"Then why don't you believe me? Why don't you come with me to the police?"

"Just keep your accusations to yourself for now, until the truth is actually revealed. Fallon's our best friend. I can't believe we're actually talking about this" April whispers, shaking her head.

"No, you don't understand-

Suddenly, Divine is interrupted by the sound of the radio. She asks the taxi driver to raise the volume. She tells April to place her phone on speaker, so she can also hear.

"We're here with you live in Brooklyn, New York City with the latest news on Radio Action. Just minutes ago, in Denver, Colorado, a couple was found dead in their home. The police suspect that it's been a home invasion, although no evidence has been revealed yet....."

Divine's lost for words. Her heart begins to throb intensively with fear, as she clutches her chest.

She knew it.

"I guess I was right all along" She sighs into the phone. "This can't be a coincidence, right? The day Fallon Johnston returns from her dodgy vacation, two people have been murdered. Not to mention the fact that she said that she was going to visit family. She clearly did something to her parents!"

"Her own parents? Seriously, Divine? I can't believe you're actually considering this" April laughs. "You're going to laugh about this in the morning when you're sober"

"That must be the reason she flew back to New York so suddenly. That must be" Divine ignores her, continuing to pitch her conspiracy theory.

"Fallon's parents don't live in Colorado, they live in Seattle. Remember?" April laughs, the comedic dialogue bringing her joy.

"That's what she told us, but I don't believe a single word she says anymore. She could've easily lied about the location, couldn't she?"

"You funny as hell, Dee. But why the hell would she lie about her location?" She chuckles, "Honestly Divine, we should just let it go. If her parents lived in Colorado, then your perfect theory would make sense, but she clearly told us she was staying in Seattle. So, I'm sorry to say, but your theory is no longer valid" April mocks.

"Why do you always believe everything she says?" Divine yells. The taxi driver glances at her, before tuning his eyes back on the road. She lowers her voice, slurring as she speaks.

"Why do you always question everything she does? Just let it go, okay? Fallon's going through a lot right now, don't forget that. She's suffered a lot in her life. She needs friends right now, not enemies"

Divine sighs, wrath crawling through her body.

It just doesn't add up.

A couple recently dying?

Fallon suddenly returning from 'Seattle' ?

"It doesn't make any sense. There's a thing called lying, you know, April? Even though it may have never happened to you, it's still a thing-

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"You know what I mean. You with your fine brown ass- always stealin everybody's niggas. Well, it's not your fault that they always fall for the lighties" She sighs. "The point is, the bitch is clearly fooling you. She's been fooling us all our whole lives. She's not okay"

"Divine!" April shouts through the phone. "Are you even hearing yourself speak right now? You sound absolutely mental! Honestly, I'm sick of it!"

It breaks Divine's heart when April raises her voice. "Okay, fine" She takes a deep breath, caressing her forehead with her hands. "You're right. I'm being delusional. Fallon's our best friend. We've known her for almost twenty years now- our whole life, really. There's absolutely no way she could ever hurt someone. We know her" She says.

"Exactly, I'm glad you're no longer acting like the fool you ain't. Honestly, just get some sleep. You always be doin' the most when you're yacked"

"Shut up, I'll fight you" She whispers, finding humour in her own voice as she laughs hysterically.

"Babes, just go home, you'll be fine by the morning"

The conversation ends.

Divine tells the Taxi driver to stop, as they arrive at the large door of her grey apartment.

"Thank you" She pays him, smiling.

Her face seems happy, although heavy glimpses of doubt still hang over her head.

And she won't stop.

She won't stop until she's discovered the truth.