Sweet Love #Wattys2016

9 - Sweet Lies

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The next morning I wake up extra early. Even before Gregory is awake. I'm up early enough to watch the sky alter from a harsh navy blue to a lighter and calm gentle blue. The color reminds me of Kaiden's eyes. And the strange feeling I have when he gazes at me through them.

I change from my pajamas into a long sleeve and shorts after taking a quick shower. The sky is deceiving. It appears cold and dark but I know once the sun shines through I will be sweltering in heat. I braid my hair into two long cornrows to keep out of my face. I briefly glance in the mirror before turning and placing a small note on the kitchen table.

I'm out. No need to go looking.

Sighing, I shut the front door behind me. I have a full day ahead of me and there's no way I'm spending it trapped in this house.

Before long I'm trudging down the dark desolate streets towards the town shops.

After last night's disturbing revelation, I've decided to put everything behind me. To forget the pain and anger that comes with it. To dismiss the aching thoughts linked with my family. Or, whatever's left of it. I left this morning to once again, clear my head. Clear my thoughts. And the only way to do so is by putting enough distance between me and Linda and my father. I'm determined to find something that can distract me from my stormy thoughts. And maybe fill the empty cavernous hole in my chest with something worthwhile. Meaningful.

A cheap jewelry shop is the first store to catch my eye. I enter through the glass sliding door, narrowing my focus on a beaded necklace dangling on the first rack similar to the one hanging around my neck. My mom had bought it for me years ago. She was never big on buying expensive things, primarily because money was always tight, but I honestly didn't mind. It was the thought that counted for me.

I take the necklace from off it's hook to closely examine it. Then uncover mine from under my shirt. They're the exact same. Same color beads, same color threads, same knots, same everything. I inspect the other necklaces displayed on the rack. They are all the same.

"They're one of a kind, the necklaces." A female voice comments from behind me. I try not to appear startled by her abrupt presence. She smiles as she approaches the rack, and telling by her pressed uniform, I assume she works here. She grasps one of the necklaces in her fingertips. "There made only up here in California." her voice is soft and warm and when she pushes her red auburn hair behind her ear I smell the sweet sugary scent of her perfume.

"Really?" I pull at the one attached to my neck. "That's weird because I have one that looks exactly like it."

She peers at mine briefly before saying, "You didn't buy yours here?"

I shake my head slowly. A sudden wave of confusion sweeping across my face. "No. My mom bought it for me years ago. And she's never been to California."

An uncertainty falls into her features. "Weird. But, I'm pretty sure," she pauses to study the label. "Yep. See? Made and sold in California only." her narrow finger's point to small printed words engraved on the back, in confirmation.

A horrifying thought quickly emerges from the back of my mind. But I push it farther back the moment it all finally makes sense.

My mom didn't buy me this necklace.

My dad did.

She notices the lack of oxygen running through my system and the mortified expression carved onto my face, and she sets the necklace back onto it's peg, genuine concern glimmering in her feature's. "Hey, you okay?"