Arranged

Sixteen

Chapter Sixteen

September 1999

This day, every year, Sage and Lance were on their toes, walking on eggshells. Today was supposed to be a happy day, a day of celebration because their main source of joy was brought into the world. Yet they couldn't let go of everything and unwind, knowing that at any moment the doorbell would ring, and there would be a box waiting for them both. So far they've received a dead cat, the head of a cow, and a box full of snakes. The so called "presents" continue to get worse and worse.

This year, last minute, they decided to go to the island, where they would feel a little safer. They know Melanie wouldn't remember the specific birthday anyway. So they packed a bag for the weekend and flew off. Sage and Lance figured they wouldn't wake up to a box on this particular birthday, and they were right, though it is certain they would have much preferred the sight of the brown box.

The door bell rung, a sound missed by the family of three as they attempted to relax outside on the beach. Melanie spluttered in the wet black sand with her father, struggling to stay on her feet against the crash of the waves. Sage sat up, tense, watching her young daughter explore the ocean, picking up seaweed and seashells, occasionally trying to grab one of the little fish that swam past her chubby legs.

Today was good, or so she thought. She had just started to relax when Achilles made his way to the door, expecting his wife holding bag of groceries. He opened the door and saw a large black bag that appeared to be damp. Without thinking to ring security first, he bent down. His hand hesitantly grasped the zipper. He took a breathe before quickly pulling, but he began to regret the action instantly.

The bloody, lifeless body of his wife lied limply in the black bag, with a piece of paper nailed into her chest.

He did not think to read the note as he stumbled back in shock. He reached out to grab something, to grab anything to hold himself up. He was struggling to breathe and his eyes stung as they refused to tear away from his bludgeoned wife. His head found the floor only seconds later.

The happiness of that day got sucked away as they all grieved.

...

Preview of Chapter Seventeen -

"I wouldn't say that I'm in love with him,

but everything that is me is trying so desperately to be,

and it's making me weak, and I don't care.

If someone would have asked me last month if I ever saw myself in this position

I would have laughed in their face,

but now I'm beginning to rethink everything.

In the midst of my so called impending doom,

why would I want to hold myself back from being happy."