*FLASHBACK*
I lay on the bed, staring at the photos of Reed and me on my phone. The framed ones hung on the wall, taunting me, mocking me.
Reed had been distant lately, and it hurt like hell. I spent my days visiting my little family or texting and video-calling, trying to bridge the gap.
But what bothered me was Sinobelle. She hadn't spoken to me since the night she threatened to destroy my marriage. I should be glad she'd left me alone but her lies and pretenses around Raquel grated on me. Raquel remained oblivious, a victim of Sinobelle's manipulation.
I sighed, my eyes drifting to a photo of Reed and me with entwined hands, gazing into each other's eyes. We'd taken it at Kamari Beach in Santorini, unaware of the photographer trailing behind us. I remembered that day vividly - the warmth of the sun, the sound of the waves and the love radiating between us. We looked like the perfect couple, our gazes locked, our hands intertwined. Tears welled up in my eyes as I missed Santorini, missed us, missed him.
"Ah, reminiscing about the past, I see," a voice cut through my thoughts. I jolted upright to find Sinobelle smirking beside the bed.
When had she entered? Why was she here and what happened to her "Valerie doesn't exist" attitude? I stared into her mocking eyes, her gaze roaming over my figure with disdain. Then, she smiled, like she wasn't killing me with her gaze seconds ago.
She sat on the bed and I watched her warily, wondering what she was up to. She ignored me, gazing at the photos of Reed and me on the wall. Her expression turned sad, filled with longing. Still, I couldn't relax around her. Her moods were unpredictable like a stormy sea.
"I was twelve when I first met Reed," she began, her Australian accent thick and rich. "It was at a party, mate. As soon as I laid eyes on him, I was hooked... or let's say I was crushing hard." She smiled genuinely, her eyes shining brightly. My heart plummeted; she really did love him.
"Now, I'd always been a bit of a firecracker, knowing what I wanted even as a nipper. Being me, I pursued him. Unsurprisingly, I was rejected. That was the first time I'd been denied anything. My determination to win his heart grew. I followed him everywhere, taking photos secretly and announcing to anyone who'd care to listen that he was mine. He grew annoyed and confronted me. I remember what he said: 'Leave me alone.' I took that as a challenge, mate.
Raquel loved me like a daughter. She was the closest thing I had to a mum and I told her I had a crush on Reed. I said I wanted him as my husband and she reckoned we'd make a ripper couple. She promised to sort it out and make me his future bride, no worries."
She stopped, staring at me with hate in her eyes. I knew she blamed me for snatching her love away but Reed had been betrothed to me before she'd even met him.
"But Raquel didn't keep her promise, did she? She couldn't, because you came into our lives unwanted, disrupting everything!" She yelled, her voice rising.
Without warning, she gripped my hair, pulling it with all her might. I cried out in pain, tears streaming down my face. I tried to break free, but she held tight.
"Aww, who'd want a mute like you, eh? Reed's mine. Nobody can come between us!" She slapped me, her handprint burning on my cheek. I stared at her, fear creeping in. She'd kill me, I thought, as she laughed manically.
"I'll ruin you, Valerie. I'll destroy whatever connection you've built with my family, starting with Raquel." She glared at me, her eyes blazing.
I watched in horror as Sinobelle went to stand before the mirror, her eyes locked on her reflection. With a calculated movement, she raised her hand and slapped herself across the face. She winced, feeling the sting of her own blow. I stared, unsure if she was mad.
Next, she grabbed a hairbrush and scratched her own arm, making sure the marks were visible. I winced, feeling her pain. Why was she hurting herself? I approached her, trying to take the hairbrush away but she pushed me. I fell hard on the floor, staring up at her in surprise.
She took a deep breath, preparing herself for whatever she'd planned. "Raquel, help me!"she sobbed, her voice trembling. "Valerie attacked me! She's been bullying me for weeks and I couldn't take it anymore!"
My eyes widened as she burst into Raquel's room with me following behind, tears streaming down her face. Raquel rushed to Sinobelle's side, concern etched on her face.
"Oh, my poor child! What happened?"
Sinobelle points to her scratched arm and red face. "She did this to me! She's been bullying me for weeks and I couldn't take it anymore!"
Raquel's expression turned stern, and she glared at me. "Valerie, how could you?" Raquel's voice was laced with disappointment. I shook my head, trying to convey that it wasn't true but Sinobelle interrupted.
"I tried to talk to her, Raquel, but she just attacked me! I'm scared of her!" Sinobelle sobbed and Raquel comforted her, unaware of the manipulation.
I watched in isolation as Raquel hugged Sinobelle, feeling a pang of sadness. Why didn't she believe me? Didn't she see the slap marks on my face? I tried to gesture again but Raquel pushed me away.
"Leave us alone, Valerie. You've caused enough harm." Her words stung and I felt tears pricking at the corners of my eyes.
Sinobelle smiled, a triumphant glint in her eye. She knew she'd won and I was left with no choice but to leave the room, feeling defeated and alone.
As I walked away, I heard Raquel's voice behind me. "We'll take care of you, Sinobelle. You're safe now."
But I knew I wasn't safe. Sinobelle's manipulation had just begun and I was the target.
*END OF FLASHBACK*
I walked to stand in front of the mirror, blinking away the memory. I stared at my reflection, my eyes welling up.
"I...I-I... am s-sad..." My throat felt constricted as I managed to get the whispered words out.
I smiled in achievement, proud of myself. Ever since that day, I'd vowed to help myself. I couldn't defend myself because I was mute, and many people took advantage of that. But I'd been practicing every day, secretly. It was tough at first, since it'd been years since I last spoke, but with hard work and determination, I was getting there.
I took a deep breath, letting the pain and fear resurface. It was the only way I could move forward. My wrist throbbed painfully but I ignored the pain. I was determined to get my voice back. Even if I was too weak to fight back, I'd be able to defend myself with my words.
I couldn't let myself suffer in silence anymore. I took a deep breath, feeling a sense of resolve wash over me. I would find my voice, no matter what it took.
