39 Julia
Julia
Norwalk, Connecticut
“You’re sure she won’t be able to get away.” I need to be absolutely certain.
“What are you worried about?” Casey stretches out on the sofa, pulling me down next to him. “She’s gone for good, trust me.”
I pull away from him and give him my best glare. “I am not playing here, Casey. I waited all morning for you to get back. I need to know for sure.”
“I left her with the guy I told you about. The one who likes the girls who know how to be a little freaky.”
“If you mean trashy, you nailed it.” The idea that Wendy and Casey . . . I can’t even think it, much less say it.
“Julia.” He pulls me to him again. “Wendy is gone. Now all you have to do is exactly what I tell you, and this will all be over. You tell the police your story about being kidnapped and stick with it, no matter what. Then the Judge will be gone forever. The whole game has changed. I promise. From now on, it’s just you and me. ”
I should feel bad for Wendy, but I don’t.
Just like I didn’t feel bad for that little bitch who ruined my fourteenth birthday.
She cried and whined until her mother spoke to my mother and forced me to invite her to my swim party.
My mother had rented the whole fitness center with its supercool heated pool just for my special day.
Then that little witch wanted to show off her diving technique.
Being the best on the swim team didn’t mean she could be the best at my party.
It wasn’t my fault she fell off the ladder as I was about to take my turn.
She should have waited and maybe she wouldn’t have gotten that broken shoulder.
I learned a long time ago if you don’t take what you want, you won’t ever have it. And you have to make anyone who dares get in your way wish they had not. I lean into Casey. Wendy should never have twisted the things I shared with her about my time with Casey and tried to say he was a psychopath.
I stare into his eyes, my body draped over his, every part of me wanting him. I love him. I always will.
She should not have made me choose.