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. Annoyed, 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 starts wailing. My dad runs over and hugs 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. When he saw me crying, he came over and asked, "Are you alright, Lee?"

Glaring a moment, I cleared my throat and answered, "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 become 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 past me, Hyde folded his arms and leaned against the wall. Returning his focus to me, my dad sighed, "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 Mrs. T and I got so close. She filled that hole in my heart. Although you don't think you're filling a void, you are. Does that make sense?"

Heaving, I don't respond but keep listening. Nodding, Dad continued, "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, but still his words don't overthrow the facts. So your only hope is to get Nana to confess? My point is that, until we receive contrary proof, the evidence 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 didn't answer. It was then that I focused on Hyde, who had a blank stare. Releasing a loud sigh, I continued, "And you're right, I do feel a void in my life. Unable to 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 an infant, bring me fulfillment no one else can give. So I ask again, if I keep her in my life, is that okay by you both?"