blame it on the rain-monsters: the lyle and erik menendez story.

chapter 7.

August 10th, 1989. Ten days before the murders.

Rosealine hung yet another medal on her wall. It's gold medallion hanging off of the blue, white and green ribbon gleamed off the light and reflected into her eyes as it swung back and forth, her accomplishments dangling infront of her face.

Since she showed out for the first time in 1988, she hadn't stopped. Each time she won a match it filled something deep inside her, something she never knew needed to be filled.

She smiled, finally feeling a sense of pride wash over her shoulders as she rolled them.

She walked out of her room, a new pep in her step and downstairs.

The backdoor in the kitchen leading to the backyard was slightly ajar. She could hear the faint sound of balls thumping off of rackets, and grunting.

She continued on, assuming it was her sister that had someone over.

She tore open the envelopes on the dining table, flipping and checking the names addressed on them.

A week prior she sent in her application to Princeton. She had been anxiously awaiting the response ever since she put her application in the mailbox to be sent out. She was impatient.

The thumping of tennis balls hitting the wire rackets continued, and Rose continued hunting through the mail.

Suddenly, she heard a man's voice yell out in victory. She heard her sister laugh, before hearing the echo of a racket hit the ground.

"Good game!" Her sister called to her opponent, sounding winded.

Rose out the mail down and walked outside.

On the tennis court was Lyle and Eileen. They were over the net, shaking hands. Both of them had sweat dripping off of them, making their faces slick and red tinted.

Lyle had a sweatband on his head and on his writs. Wise choice. Still, the sweat had invaded his hair and gotten it wet.

The competitive look in their eyes made Rose want to watch them play again.

She never questioned why Lyle was at her house that day. Instead of questioning it, she enjoyed it.

She kicked herself back in a lawn chair and watched them play.

She bet 30 dollars that Eileen would win.

The match was competitive, each of them putting all their force into hitting the ball and still the other managed to make a play off of it.

She wondered where Erik was, of course, but she also was having fun without him too.

As soon as the thought crossed her mind, Erik Menendez came through her back door. He had on a loose button up shirt with athletic shorts on and sneakers. And the sunglasses he had begun wearing.

She looked up at Erik.

"Where ya been?" She mused, squinting at him. He leaned down and gently kissed her as a welcoming. She smiled and giggled before pulling away.

"Searching for my brother." He answered, sitting down beside her. She looked between Erik and Lyle. Lyle scored a point.

"Suck it, Eileen!" He yelled. She rolled her eyes, throwing the tennis ball over to him.