Saving Beth

Part 5

*OLIVIA*

Michael and I spent two days asking neighbors if they saw anything, but nobody could give us any information. The cops had made no progress themselves, and the stress was at an all time high for everyone on the block. I hadn't been home since the day Beth disappeared, too afraid my mother would attack me again.

After a week, I felt like giving up. But Michael refused. His parents were on a long vacation, on a cruise to some island, so he let me stay at his house. On top of that, he insisted I sleep in his room while he took the couch. I felt bad, and even attempted to go home once, but eventually he convinced me to stay.

After yet another week of searching and coming up with nothing, I decided to go home. Michael was at work, and had left me at the house with instructions not to leave unless I found anything on Beth. But I needed to face my mother at some point, whether she cared or not I was still her daughter. And I loved Beth as much as she did.

I left a note for Michael, apologizing for leaving, and explained I would be back that night. I grabbed a bottle of water and a sandwich, realizing I hadn't ate yet, and walked the short distance down to my house. Mother's car was in the driveway, along with a black jeep I knew all too well, and my heart dropped. For a moment I thought about turning around, but when Beth's little pink bike caught my eye I knew I had to face my fears and go inside. He wouldn't hurt me, I knew that, but mother became even worse when he was around. The claw marks had already healed, but a phantom sting started to grow, and I rubbed the scars out of habit.

I walked in the door, remembering to take my shoes off before walking down the hall to the living room. The monster sat in the recliner, a glass of wine ever present in her right hand, a cigarette in her left. Her hair was down for once, cascading down her back in a waterfall of messy curls. Besides the ring of red around her green eyes, there is no sign of emotion on her face. When she smiled, it never made it to her eyes. I stood in the doorway for a moment, watching her. She was a beauty, once upon a time, before the birth of her children and the stress of raising us turned her dark hair gray and wrinkles formed around her eyes and mouth. She dyed her hair regularly, but nothing could hide the fact that she was aging.

I cleared my throat, stepping onto the plush red carpet. "Hey mom." I manage to squeak around the lump in my throat. She looked up from her wine, a look of pure hatred flashing across her face before the carefully composed smile returned.

"Hello sweetheart, how was your day?" Her voice was too sweet, and there was something almost menacing about her smile now. She patted the ottoman in front of her invitingly, and I reluctantly sat down facing her. I wasn't ready to face him yet.

"Well don't be rude, say hello to Luke." She gives me a warning look, nodding her head in his direction. I take a deep breath and brace myself before turning around.

He sat there on the couch, looking just like he did when he walked out almost 9 years ago. His blonde hair was combed to the side, his brown eyes staring me down. His hands sat on his lap, long feminine fingers strumming softly on his knees. He smiled knowingly at me, and I felt as though I was going to puke.

"Hello little one. I missed you." His voice sent chills down my spine, and memories I had kept locked away for so long began to surface again. Nights spent shaking with fear, never knowing when "Daddy" would want to give me that special attention he saved for his "most precious princess."

"Hi Luke." I smirked when I saw his fingers still, watching as they twitched, knowing how badly he wanted to smack me. I guess old habits die hard. "What are you doing here?" I asked, crossing my arms in front of me.

"I called him. It's been two weeks since my baby disappeared. He deserved to know, in case..." My mom trailed off, taking a drink of her wine.

"In case they never find her." Luke stated, so calmly I couldn't help but wonder why he even bothered showing up. I sneered at him, making my hatred towards him clear, and turned to comfort my mother.

"We'll find her mom. I promise." I grabbed her hand, smiling halfheartedly. She smiled back, a genuine smile this time, and squeezed my hand. But the moment was interrupted when my phone chimed in my pocket, and I reached for it just as Luke stood up.

"Excuse me for a moment, I have to use the restroom." He declared, and left the room. I rolled my eyes, and checked my phone. I had a message from Michael, and I could tell he wasn't happy.

LIV! CALL ME NOW!

I sighed and told my mom I had to make a phone call. I walked up the stairs, heading towards my room. I closed the door behind me and tapped Michael's name, knowing I was in for quite the lecture.

But before it could even start to ring, I heard my door open. I looked up, ready to tell mom to leave, and dropped my phone in surprise.

In my doorway stood Luke, and there was a fire in his eyes I remembered well. And just like that, I was 6 years old again, completely powerless against the scary man hiding in the darkest corners of my room.

"Daddy isn't happy, princess. Are you ready for your punishment?"