Green Eyed Monster

As Strong As Death

I spent six hours in jail and then I was free once again. Hyde saw red because my swimsuit was red. Still, I stood on that stage in utter shock. Never in a billion years would I have believed my Hyde secretly hated me.

Lee called me two days later saying, "Nana, Hyde entered the foyer, kicking the console table over. Huffing, I lagged behind him. Soon I'm shoved over by my dad rushing in after him. Now face to face with Hyde, dad clasps his hands atop his head then groans out, "Hyde, why would you do that?"

"Because I'm sick of playing your game! It's time mommy gets her justice!"

Tears streaming beneath his shut eyes my dad says, "But we had a plan Hyde. Her alibi is too solid. We agreed we'd make her confess..."

"What is it? You just want to fuck her again..."

"Before Hyde can finish his thought my dad is gnashing and choking him. While Hyde's gagging and grabbing at my dad's arm I rush over and try to snatch my dad off of him. Now caressing his neck as he staggers backwards, Hyde just starts wailing. My dad runs over and starts hugging him crying, "I'm sorry Hyde. Please forgive me! I just don't want you entangled with this anymore. I hate myself for ever involving you. Please forgive me."

Lee continues, "While they hugged and sobbed I sat at the kitchen island watching, letting my tears fall. After a few minutes my dad walked over to the sink and splashed water on his face. Looking up he saw me just watching. He then came over to me and asked, "Are you alright, Lee?"

Glaring a moment, I clear my throat answering, "No."

"What's wrong?"

"I don't get why you both keep making Nana this killer when her alibi proves she couldn't have done this?"

Squinting my dad answers, "Hyde was there Lee. He saw her."

"No disrespect to you or Hyde, but Hyde was six, dad. Does he really remember that day that well or has your beliefs infiltrated and became his truth?"

"Lee, fuck you!" Hyde yells.

Lifting his hand dad shouts, "Hyde, be quiet! Lee's entitled to his opinion. Let him speak."

"Glaring through me, Hyde folds his arms then leans against the wall. Returning his focus to me, my dad sighs, "Contrary to your beliefs Lee, I know exactly how you feel. Granted you don't remember your mom but that void of not having a mother is very much there. That's how me and Mrs T got so close. She filled that hole in my heart and although you don't think you're filing a void, you are. Does that make sense?"

Heaving, I don't respond but keep listening. Nodding, dad continues, "I'm not here to make you side with us. If you can prove us wrong, I welcome it. I pray to God you're right, but our family history says differently."

"Dad, I understand you and Hyde. Honestly I do. But there comes a time when we have to accept the truth. Our entire family, even some of the police believe Hyde's words are true. No one accepts he's telling a blatant lie, but his words aren't lining up with the facts. Yes he was there, and he was a brilliant child, and he's intelligent now, still his words don't overthrow the facts. So your only hope is to get Nana to confess? My point is, until we get contrary proof, the proof that stands is that she's innocent. So my question to you both is, is it okay if I believe the facts and accept she's innocent until she's proven guilty?"

"Dazing through me, my dad doesn't answer. It's then I focus on Hyde who's just staring through me too. Releasing a loud sigh I continue, "And you're right, I do feel a void in my life. Unable to simply remember my mother does leave me feeling a loss. Nana makes me feel as if I know her. The pictures, her memories even of my mom as a infant just brings me fulfillment no one else can give. So I ask again, if I keep her in my life, is that okay by you both?"