Sinful Past

CHAPTER 10

Trapped

Dianna saw a drastic change in Daniel. He avoided her like the plague and her Aunt Joy had very few words to say to her after the incident. The only bright spot was the twins who continued to adore her. She was happy when they went to spend a few months with their grandparents away from their toxic environment. Dianna looked at Daniel's swollen face and did not know if to gloat or be afraid. Marcus had defended her but it was violent and weird for her. His attention and attraction to her grew over the next few months. He was buying her flowers, insisting they go out to dinner, and giving her attention she was not used to. Somehow it did not feel right. He was treating her well but at what cost? 

Dianna felt happy for some care and attention but she had reservations about him being so much older than her and his true intentions. The more she tried to brush him off the more he embedded himself in her life. It was hard to shake him off. He was especially anxious for her eighteen birthday. Autumn watched each day getting a bit worried about Marcus' affection towards Dianna. 

 Dianna wished Marcus was interested in Autumn instead of her. She was not at all experienced with men and something did not sit right with this. But she did not know how to get out of it. It felt as if she was coerced into a relationship without even knowing how it happened when she was still broken.

Aunt Joy got a conscience as Dianna's eighteen birthday approached and released her insurance money in an account for Dianna. Dianna thanked God she could get on with her life. She loved writing so journalism and news writing were her passion. Dianna was already going to a college in Boston. She just had to free herself from Marcus. She was scheduled to start college in the summer enrolling in summer classes. She was packed and filled with anticipation to leave within three days. 

Aunt Joy stood at Dianna's room door wishing her Happy Birthday. "Thank you for taking care of me the last two years," Dianna said not at all holding in any malice or anger towards her aunt. Joy looked at her remorsefully. Dianna was shocked when her aunt started to cry. "Dianna I am truly sorry. I treated you unkindly because of my own insecurities. There was a time your mother and I were very close but I kept on borrowing money from her and drinking straining the relationship. I had a wonderful person in my life who I blamed when she stop putting up with my nonsense. I took out my hurt and frustration on you when I should have loved you and protected you. Please forgive me," she cried.

Dianna wished this confession had happened two years ago but she was happy for closure. "Aunt Joy, I forgive you," Dianna said reaching out and holding her hand. Aunt Joy hugged her instead and confessed. "My husband is not a nice man. I am getting a divorce and going to rehab to be a good mother who the twins deserve," She admitted. 

"I'm happy to hear that," Dianna cried also pleased the twins would be okay. They both embraced each other. "I believe you when you said he came on to you. He is manipulative like that. So I apologize for blaming you when deep down inside I knew the truth. I just was too embarrassed to admit it," she said hanging her head down in shame. Dianna felt a weight lifted and hugged her aunt again. "Thank you," Dianna admitted. It was always a relief when you were believed instead of being ridiculed. They talked for a few hours releasing much deep-rooted hurt and sadness. Joy admitted she had given her life to Christ and was transforming her mind, body, and soul. 

After they talked, Dianna looked at her phone wondering what to do. Marcus wanted to celebrate her birthday because she never showed up on the day. She was officially eighteen for a few days now and he could not wait to see her. Dianna got dressed for her final night at the diner. She agreed to see him after work briefly. Dianna wanted this to be their final meeting. She was not sure how Marcus would react but she wrote a check for $1,000. It was not much but it was a gesture for the dinners and flowers that she did not want or ask for. However, he was so dominating she found herself saying yes when her mind was screaming no. 

Autumn smiled and hugged Dianna. "I wish you all the best Pearson. You are a sweet and genuine person," Autumn admitted when Dianna said her goodbyes. "Thank you for teaching me the ropes," Dianna gave her hug appreciating the time working at the diner. Diana's phone went off taking her attention. "Saying your goodbyes?" Autumn asked. Dianna nodded not at all keen to meet with Marcus. Autumn was jealous in the past but she saw how this man kept Dianna through a roller coaster of emotions. Autumn hated seeing her friend so conflicted.

"Be careful," Autumn said. "I thought you wanted me to go all in," Dianna reminded her. "Yeah. But you are young and not mature or know how to handle these men. You are walking away and that changes the game," Autumn admitted. "I know but I never asked for anything from him," Dianna said. 

"Just say your piece in a crowded area with witnesses and get out of there. You have college and your entire life ahead of you. Close this chapter and move on," Autumn advised. Dianna swallowed and agreed. She headed outside to meet Marcus with the intention of saying goodbye.