The Other Side of Me

Chapter Three: Turning the Tides

"Now Elle, I doubt that John really did anything wrong. I mean, come on. He's the one who came to us. Why would he risk being exposed?" Detective Kate glances at me with a slightly confused look in her eyes.

Oh, goody. I'm getting into their heads. How easy it is! Oh, how I long to twist their thoughts into knots until they can't think about anything any longer. What fun that would be.

"That's exactly what he wants you to think! He came to you to rat me out, so of course you wouldn't ever think he did anything wrong. He was trying to be smart about it. However, a REAL criminal (or at least someone with half a brain), would know about my amazing ability to make sure everyone at fault gets punished. Just proves how stupid and naïve John really is." I laugh a little. This seems to frighten the detectives and my parents. I can understand why, as I must admit that I am a little insane.

"Then, please, explain." Detective Richard opens his notepad, clicks his blue ballpoint pen, and prepares to write.

I tell the officers about John's wrongdoings. How he sent vulgar and inappropriate pictures to me without me asking, and how he tried to force me to run away with him. I tell them about when he wanted me to forge a letter to get out out of school early in order to get a head start and be at least six miles away before school ended and people noticed our absence.

"He used to pressure me into having sex with him too. Told me his mom said it was ok, and that he had a whole box of condoms waiting to be used. 'Wouldn't it be a waste if we just let them sit there,' he would say. He used to threaten to break up with me if I didn't kiss him or show more affection or hook up with him. So don't make him look so innocent. He's not who you think he is."

"You seem to be getting a little upset about his behavior in the past. Tell us, what is John really like?" Detective Richard tilts his head.

"You really want to know? Fine. John is a complete asshole. He has no consideration towards other peoples' feelings, and he doesn't care about anyone but himself. He has this stupid God Complex surrounding him, and it's sickening. He thinks he's the greatest guy in the world, and that everybody loves him, when, in fact, they don't. Many people hate him because he's a narcissistic sociopath and he thinks he's superior to everyone else in the world. So yes. I am angered by his past behavior. And I am angered that he did this to me. All I ever tried to do was please him, even if I lied to him about some... small... things."

The detectives look at each other and nod. "Thank you Elle. That will be all for today. You're free to go. I'll be sure to let John's parents know how cooperative you were in the end. We would hate for two young kids like you to end up in jail. You're only in seventh grade for Christ's sake."

They look to my father and smile. Detective Kate hugs my stepmother.

"Please have Elle looked at by a professional mental health clinician. And try to have it done by the end of tonight. We need to know what her current mental state is, and if she is a danger to you or anyone else."

They get up, shake my father's hand, and leave.