The Other Side of the Story

Chapter 27

When I came to, I was already in a hospital and Lilly was occupying the bed next to me. My mom was crying hysterically and dad was comforting her. I saw Reed in a corner with his hand tight in a fist. One hand had a bandaged around it. Becky was asleep on the couch with swollen eyes.

“I’m sorry.” I croaked out. My head was hurting and black spots were appearing in my vision.

“Lavender!” Mom shouted. I lost consciousness again.

When I woke up I was at my own bed. I tried to sit up when mom entered the room. “Oh honey.” She went up to me and hugged me.

“Mom what happened?” I asked.

“Shawn.” Was all she said and everything came back. I shrived in fear.

“Don’t worry Lavender. He won’t touch you anymore.” Dad said from the doorway.

“I’m so sorry.” I cried.

“It’s ok.” Mom comforted me.

“Lilly?” I asked. They stayed silent and casted downward glances. I cried harder.

“She’s alive, baby sis but she’s in a comma.”

“What happened to her mom? I left her with Shawn! She told me to run and not look back but I should have helped her!” I cried hysterically. Mom hugged me tight and whispered soothing words into my ear.

“Shh, baby it’s ok. Listen to me, it’s not your fault. Nothing is your fault. Lilly helped you. She is brave and fought with Shawn. He pushed her and shot Lilly and she fell hitting her head against a table. We got to her in time.” She said. I cried in her arms.

Weeks passed and the school agreed to let me take my work home. Lilly also was granted a passing grade. They treated me like a fragile doll. I wouldn’t eat or bathe. I feared talking to strangers and I didn’t want to go outside.

I felt numb like a walking zombie. I was alive but I barely existed.

They didn’t talk about what happened and they acted more like a family. They hid the reports and whenever they talked to someone related to my case they would make sure I was out of hearing range. One day I got sick of it and demanded an explanation. Mom cried but dad explained.

“Shawn is an alias, hon. He’s real name is Mark McCough. He’s been on a run since an incident happened in Georgia 4 years ago. Apparently, he gets close to gullible girls and sells them. When they found out it was him he went on hiding. He did this to everywhere he went selling girls like candy on the street. He has other pending cases and had a warrant released. He’s in jail now. They served him a lifetime in prison.” Dad said softly.

“I’m sorry.” I choked out and broke down. How could I’ve been so stupid?

Shortly after we moved to Georgetown to start anew. We left everything including our friends.

Present

“That’s pretty much what happened.” I said to Micale. “So don’t fear anything if my parents had your background checked. Don’t worry though as long as they think you’re safe with me they won’t do anything and they won’t tell me anything.” I consoled him.

He stayed silent so I continued, “If you want to break up I understand. Sorry.” I stood up and walked towards the bathroom when a hand stopped me.

“I don’t know what to say.” He whispered. I turned back to see his head down.

“It’s ok. I understand. You wanted me to tell you what I’ve been running from. Honestly, I hated the people knowing that because they pity me. I hate being pitied but what I hate the most is knowing I put my sister in the hospital. Do you know how hard it is to watch the person who has been there for you throughout your life lying in a hospital bed and knowing that you were the reason why she’s there?” I said. I was trying to keep my tears at bay. Talking about Lilly made me vulnerable and scared.