Accidentally Tasha

Chapter 22

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Hell is empty and all the devils are here. (Shakespeare- The Tempest)

The next day, I'm still in shock. My tormentor will stop at nothing. Nyanda called yesterday after my date to ask about it but I started crying. Today she came with a big bowl of ice cream to school thinking that Ashton and I had broken up. That's the only funny thing that happened today.

Oh, and Olivia came yesterday night. But dad and mom are fighting a lot these days, and I know she and Jake can't wait to escape. Well, it's me and them both. We're having the first family dinner in months. Mom has worked hard to make it special, I can tell. The meal is good; mom has exceptional culinary skills. It's the company that I don't like so much. Jake, Olivia and I keep sending each other discreet looks. Jake is looking at me now. I only shake my head.

Mom and dad are still fighting over socks. The argument started this morning when mom complained at the breakfast table that dad had a bad habit of leaving around little balls of socks after he came home from work. Dad told her that he was tired. Mom said that she too had a job; she in fact makes more than him (ouch) and doesn't leave socks around for everyone to collect. I have a feeling they weren't just talking about socks.

I'm trying really hard not to dislike dad, I know he's a good guy deep down, but cheating to me is an unforgivable sin. Dad receives a call and excuses himself.

"Who wants dessert?" I announce.

Jake and Olivia raise their hands as if they're in class. Mom hasn't even touched her food yet. I head to the kitchen. Dad is in the hallway, enough distance for me to eavesdrop on his conversation.

"What?" he asks sternly "one month ago? Lytle, you're my friend and you didn't even think of telling me?"

I can tell that dad is stressed.

"An exact match? Are you sure Lytle?"

I begin to get spooked. Does this have something to do with me? My heart beats faster as I stop what I'm doing and listen.

"And this one's don't match?" he is hyperventilating "... Jesus Lytle, you're killing me... Right this moment?"

Shit! They found out about me. How?

I immediately hear police sirens in the distance. No one needs to tell me to run. I open the kitchen's back door and run. I am halfway down the block when my legs can't take it anymore. I fucked up.

"Tasha! Come with me!" I hear Kate's voice call out to me.

Were I a wise person, I'd have stopped to ask myself how she knows I'm being pursued. I'd stop and ask how she was exactly there when I needed an escape. But I've never claimed to be particularly wise so I don't ask myself those questions. I look at her like she's my guardian angel sent to rescue me and enter the car without question.

"You'll get into trouble;" I say "they'll obviously come looking for me at your house."

"I'm not taking you to my house."

"Then where are you taking me?" I ask.

"My late aunt's house by the lake." No one lives there now.

I sigh in relief. We get to the cute little summerhouse by the lake. Kate opens the door and tells me to get in. She then hugs me, saying she loves me and goes back home to avoid raising suspicion.

It is when I am settled that I think straight. How did she know I needed help? How did she know where I was? How did she even know that the police are after me?

It is then that I notice Tasha's necklace on the table. My body shakes in a violent dread.

I just escaped with my killer.

Shortest chapter yet! Who suspected it all along?