Skeletons in the Closet

Chapter 17

I took it upon myself to break the news to Gabby. She had been out of town for a business conference, something I was thankful for in the aftermath of Michelle's murder. It was horrifying enough what happened to her; I don't know that I could handle having Gabby's death on my hands, too.

Gabby took the news as expected: she panicked on the phone before taking the steps to come home immediately. Though I had wanted to take it upon myself to pick her up from the airport, I just didn't have the strength, mentally or emotionally. That's why Mom provided the transportation for us. When we met in baggage claim, we hugged for so long, both sobbing hysterically, that I'm sure everyone in the airport had to have been staring at us.

After collecting ourselves emotionally and Gabby's luggage physically, we drove back to Charlie's. I knew he was out for the night so we would have the place to ourselves and she wouldn't have the burden of having to go back to her apartment. She may never be able to go back there.

By the time we reached Charlie's, it was clear that the emotional toll we were both enduring had been significant. We both slumped onto the couch as mom disappeared into the kitchen, sitting in silence for a few minutes as we gathered ourselves. I ached to be strong enough for both of us, but I knew that I might not even be strong enough for myself.

"I should have been here," Gabby mumbled through a sob after an extended silence. "I should have been here, Della."

"Gabby, that's completely unfair," I said with a little heat in my voice. "If you had been here, what would have happened?"

"Maybe I could have helped her," she shouted at me, cheeks crimson as tears streamed down her face. "Maybe she wouldn't have been here when he showed up. Maybe...maybe..."

She exploded into a fit of sobs, her body wrenching with each breath. I wrapped my arms around her and hugged her tightly.

"Gabby, if you had been here, I'd likely be mourning two friends," I said gently. "There was nothing you could have possibly done. The Butcher...there's no one who has been able to stop him so far. The only reason I'm sitting here with you right now is because I got incredibly lucky. I shouldn't be here right now, Gab, because that's the kind of ruthlessness that he possesses. I know you won't listen to me, but I'm glad you weren't here."

Gabby continued to sob, soaking the shoulder of my shirt with tears and snot. She retched and convulsed with each intake of air as I did my best to comfort her in some small way. After several minutes, she sat back and wiped at her face furiously. She was completely red and her cheeks glistened from the tears.

"I'll be right back," I said, rubbing her back as I stood up. "I just need to use the bathroom."

I placed a quick phone call before heading to the bathroom. As I closed the door, I pressed my face to the wood and closed my eyes. Deep breath, Della. I splashed cold water on my face, dabbing it dry with the hand towel next to the sink. My reflection looked back at me from the mirror on the wall and I felt as though I was looking at a stranger.

Though I never considered myself to be the prettiest girl, I had never considered myself to be ugly, either. But looking at myself now, I definitely looked worn. Bags under my eyes, my hair a mess, my skin slightly blotchy. I even looked a bit thinner, though in the way that it's clear that one hasn't been eating very much.

But that would all have to wait. Gabby needed a world of support right now and I had to do my best to give that to her. Looking a little haggard wouldn't stop me from doing that.

It felt as though an hour had passed since I entered the bathroom, but it had only been around ten minutes. Still, I was shocked to hear a knock on the bathroom door.