LEAHHe laughed boisterously through the phone.What the actual fuck?!I clutched the receiver tightly. “Francis, where are you?” I asked,“In Vegas, baby!” He screamed,I heard a number of people cheering in the background.“Francis, I need you to listen to me. You can't get married to Carla.”“Uh, why?” He slurred,I clutched the receiver, not knowing what to say.“You just can't.” I ground out,“But why?” “Because it's unreasonable for you to-”“I'm sorry, Francis is quite busy at the moment.” Carla's voice came in.“Hey, give me my phone!” I heard Francis scream.I heard grunts. It seemed like Francis was battling for his phone. “Will you give me a minute? I'll give you the phone as soon as I'm done.” Carla's voice came out.I began to speak into the phone, “whatever you think you're doing, you'd better cut it out.”“Or else what?” She barked, “you're not his family. You have no legal rights over him. Face your fucking marriage if you will.” She spat.My lips parted, but before I
LEAHI couldn't believe it. I was tongue-tied, in front of cameras.“Are you alright?” Jennifer asked.The fake concern was raw in her voice.I cleared my throat, “I am.”“He did tell you about the new development, didn't he?” “Yes, he did.” I lied, “I just didn't think we'd be announcing it so soon, as it is just in its planning phase.”“Oh. He was probably just excited about the new development.”“Right,” I agreed.The rest of the interview passed by a breeze. I could only count down the minutes for Jennifer to throw her minor shades.Soon enough, she closed up. “Cut!” The director's authoritative voice spoke.Jennifer plastered a smile on her face, “thank you for letting us host you.”“You're welcome. Thanks for the invite.”“This was fun. I hope we get to do it again.’I would rather chew on my husband's balls.“Sure, maybe after I achieve another great feat.”She threw a fist slightly in the air, “I'm sure that won't take too long.”She eventually got her cracked ass off my cha
LEAHI didn't know what to say.“What do we do?” I managed to ask.“Nothing. We watch him ruin his life with his own hands.” He replied,I took a deep breath, still almost speechless.“Well, thanks for informing me.” I thanked him,“Yeah,” he replied.The call ended immediately. I sighed. How did we let this happen under our nose?I exhaled heavily. There was just too much going on for me to even think clearly.“Mary,”“Yes, ma'am.” She replied, scurrying in.“Could you reach out to Clark Ink, and see if they can send the videos to you before release? I'd like them to crop out some parts.” Especially those that involved Jessica asking about my private life.I dug my teeth into my bottom lip.My phone buzzed, and I turned to find a text from Francis.“No congratulations?” It read,I sucked in my teeth, dropping the phone back on the desk.Exhausted, I decided it was time to take a break. Maybe it was time for me to just leave this environment.The constant need, and obsession for re
LEAHI studied her carefully. Almost just as much as she did, me. She didn't flinch, or seem the least bit surprised. Well, what could I expect? She was a therapist. She had probably heard, and seen worse.“We've all had that kind of thought at some point in life.” She finally replied, “more apples?” She nudged,I hadn't realized I had stomped on the one I had taken.I picked up another one. “I don't think anyone has experienced such emotions as I do. I literally have vivid dreams of me digging my hands into his chest, and plucking his heart out. It's getting too realistic. Sometimes, they're not even dreams. They're like visions.”“Do you have imaginations of murdering numerous people, or just one person?” She asked,Her seemingly feeble hands rubbed her knee. “I am experiencing some knee pains.” She explained,I nodded. “Sorry.”“Thank you.”“So, go on.” She nudged,“Most of the time, I dream of my husband. Soon to be my ex husband.”“Is there any reason you'd want to murder him?”
LEAHWait a minute. This had to be some sort of joke, right?I took a deep breath, trying to stabilize my nerves before I spoke.“I'm sorry, I didn't quite get you clearly.” I said to them, still dwelling in denial.“Your friend Kate was murdered on the seventeenth, three days ago, and we have reasons to believe that you were the culprit.”What? I squinted my eyes trying to see them clearly. Tears had clouded my vision.“That's impossible. Kate cannot be dead.” I denied it.She had just given birth to a child, and never did she make mention of any complications.Yes, I hadn't called her, but she had only texted me with information that she had a child. Nothing else whatsoever.I sniffed in, wiping my nose.“Madam, we would appreciate it if you came to the station to talk to us.”“I-” I tried to reply, but the words wouldn't leave my mouth.“It makes no sense,” I whispered.“Let's get to the station. From there, we'll put the pieces together.” His voice was firm, yet gentle.From the
LEAH “I'm sorry to inform you, but…” the doctor's words trailed off as he spoke. I didn't need to listen to the rest of his words to know what he would say. I had heard this all too often. Five years of trying, and giving my best, just to get the same news repeatedly. I tried pulling myself out of my thoughts and tried focusing on him. “As I said earlier, your uterus is not fit for childbirth,” he explained, and I could swear I heard my heart crack. I wiped my eyes with the back of my palm. My lips quivered but I couldn't find the words to speak. My husband, Lucas, wrapped his arms around me. “I'm sorry, baby. I'm sorry this is happening to you. Please don't cry, please stop crying.” He muttered the words into my ear. For some reason beyond explanation, his words only fueled the tears. The dam broke even further and my vision blurred as the tears poured fiercely. Last time, I had promised myself that I wouldn't cry if I lost another baby, but here I was bawling like a baby. “
LEAH.My fears were indeed confirmed. My parents were the victims of the car crash.For twenty six hours, I had been sitting in the hallways of the hospital. The one place I wanted to leave so badly had found a way to trap me in.I watched as nurses sprang into and out of the intensive care unit. I wanted to stop one, and ask about the wellbeing of my parents, but I held myself back. My last three trials had been futile.Lucas' hands were clasped, and his jaw was locked. He hadn't moved an inch in over an hour, but I could tell he was deep in thought.“Hey,” I called out to him. He turned to face me, and his reddened eyes were all I could see. In all the twenty six hours we'd been here, he hadn't slept. I couldn't either.“How are you?” He asked, pulling himself closer to me. His hands brushed through my hair.“I'm fine,” I sniffed.He searched my eyes, and I hid nothing. “You do know they will be fine, right? Your parents are the strongest couple I have ever seen. They'll survive.”
LEAH.Three weeks had gone by since the passing of my parents, and we had finally arrived at their funeral.Lucas kissed my forehead, as he wrapped his arms around me.I touched his palm, trying to give a sense of peace.“I still don't know how I was able to plan this entire thing,” I admitted out loud, “at first, I thought I wouldn't be able to move, or even talk.”“You did this because you're tough, and strong. Your parents would be so proud of you.” Lucas added,I smiled gently at him, and he placed his lips on mine. “Thank you for everything,” I thanked him.He simply nodded, and murmured a reply.Throughout the preparations, he had been running around trying to ensure everything was perfect while I had given most of my focus to the grounds where my parents would be laid. I wanted them buried in my home, where I would always feel close to them. Lucas hadn't objected. In fact, he had even helped me get the men to dig the grounds.The bell rang, gaining our attention.“I think it'
LEAHWait a minute. This had to be some sort of joke, right?I took a deep breath, trying to stabilize my nerves before I spoke.“I'm sorry, I didn't quite get you clearly.” I said to them, still dwelling in denial.“Your friend Kate was murdered on the seventeenth, three days ago, and we have reasons to believe that you were the culprit.”What? I squinted my eyes trying to see them clearly. Tears had clouded my vision.“That's impossible. Kate cannot be dead.” I denied it.She had just given birth to a child, and never did she make mention of any complications.Yes, I hadn't called her, but she had only texted me with information that she had a child. Nothing else whatsoever.I sniffed in, wiping my nose.“Madam, we would appreciate it if you came to the station to talk to us.”“I-” I tried to reply, but the words wouldn't leave my mouth.“It makes no sense,” I whispered.“Let's get to the station. From there, we'll put the pieces together.” His voice was firm, yet gentle.From the
LEAHI studied her carefully. Almost just as much as she did, me. She didn't flinch, or seem the least bit surprised. Well, what could I expect? She was a therapist. She had probably heard, and seen worse.“We've all had that kind of thought at some point in life.” She finally replied, “more apples?” She nudged,I hadn't realized I had stomped on the one I had taken.I picked up another one. “I don't think anyone has experienced such emotions as I do. I literally have vivid dreams of me digging my hands into his chest, and plucking his heart out. It's getting too realistic. Sometimes, they're not even dreams. They're like visions.”“Do you have imaginations of murdering numerous people, or just one person?” She asked,Her seemingly feeble hands rubbed her knee. “I am experiencing some knee pains.” She explained,I nodded. “Sorry.”“Thank you.”“So, go on.” She nudged,“Most of the time, I dream of my husband. Soon to be my ex husband.”“Is there any reason you'd want to murder him?”
LEAHI didn't know what to say.“What do we do?” I managed to ask.“Nothing. We watch him ruin his life with his own hands.” He replied,I took a deep breath, still almost speechless.“Well, thanks for informing me.” I thanked him,“Yeah,” he replied.The call ended immediately. I sighed. How did we let this happen under our nose?I exhaled heavily. There was just too much going on for me to even think clearly.“Mary,”“Yes, ma'am.” She replied, scurrying in.“Could you reach out to Clark Ink, and see if they can send the videos to you before release? I'd like them to crop out some parts.” Especially those that involved Jessica asking about my private life.I dug my teeth into my bottom lip.My phone buzzed, and I turned to find a text from Francis.“No congratulations?” It read,I sucked in my teeth, dropping the phone back on the desk.Exhausted, I decided it was time to take a break. Maybe it was time for me to just leave this environment.The constant need, and obsession for re
LEAHI couldn't believe it. I was tongue-tied, in front of cameras.“Are you alright?” Jennifer asked.The fake concern was raw in her voice.I cleared my throat, “I am.”“He did tell you about the new development, didn't he?” “Yes, he did.” I lied, “I just didn't think we'd be announcing it so soon, as it is just in its planning phase.”“Oh. He was probably just excited about the new development.”“Right,” I agreed.The rest of the interview passed by a breeze. I could only count down the minutes for Jennifer to throw her minor shades.Soon enough, she closed up. “Cut!” The director's authoritative voice spoke.Jennifer plastered a smile on her face, “thank you for letting us host you.”“You're welcome. Thanks for the invite.”“This was fun. I hope we get to do it again.’I would rather chew on my husband's balls.“Sure, maybe after I achieve another great feat.”She threw a fist slightly in the air, “I'm sure that won't take too long.”She eventually got her cracked ass off my cha
LEAHHe laughed boisterously through the phone.What the actual fuck?!I clutched the receiver tightly. “Francis, where are you?” I asked,“In Vegas, baby!” He screamed,I heard a number of people cheering in the background.“Francis, I need you to listen to me. You can't get married to Carla.”“Uh, why?” He slurred,I clutched the receiver, not knowing what to say.“You just can't.” I ground out,“But why?” “Because it's unreasonable for you to-”“I'm sorry, Francis is quite busy at the moment.” Carla's voice came in.“Hey, give me my phone!” I heard Francis scream.I heard grunts. It seemed like Francis was battling for his phone. “Will you give me a minute? I'll give you the phone as soon as I'm done.” Carla's voice came out.I began to speak into the phone, “whatever you think you're doing, you'd better cut it out.”“Or else what?” She barked, “you're not his family. You have no legal rights over him. Face your fucking marriage if you will.” She spat.My lips parted, but before I
LEAHThis had to be some kind of joke, right?“I don't know what you're talking about,” I replied, closing the files.I tried all I could to resist my shaking hands from being obvious.He seemed oblivious to it, as he swiped on his bottom lip. His head bobbed repeatedly as he walked around the room.I looked outside, ensuring he knew people could see us. He finally faced me, then took a seat.“Everyone knows you're fucking the Mountains brothers.” He accused,A lump grew on my throat.There was no way he knew that, right? Even the brothers themselves had no idea who I had a sexual relationship with. I took another look at him, and I could tell he was trying to judge my reaction. He knew nothing.I straightened my spine as I clamped my hands together. “You're just spewing lies because your fucked up brain got yourself nearly killed.” He chuckled, “you've grown a whole lot of balls.” “More than you ever could.” I spat back.His chuckle was low, and dark. “Don't you dare think, even
LEAHI watched as she scrambled her way up. Her eyes, with fire in them, glared at me. I didn't even falter.“You better watch out for me. I'll be back,” she threatened, shoving her car keys in my face.Noting that I had no intention of responding, she hissed, and stomped all the way to her car.Annoyed, I walked back into the house. I pointed at the first maid in sight, “who is she?” I asked,“She is Patricia McGreg. She used to be affiliated with Mr. Mountains.”“What separated them?” I asked, scrunching my nose.I could still feel the aftermath of her slap on my face. “I have no idea, ma'am.”I waved her off.Even if she did know, there was no way she'd admit it. I knew she had to be professional.“Can I get you an ice pack?” She asked,“Yes,” I replied,She swiftly moved out of the room. A minute later, she returned with an ice pack in her hands.“Here, it is.” She said, handing it over to me.I placed the pack on my cheek. I had been through worse, but taking a slap from her wa
LEAHI kept staring at the screen in confusion. What was I meant to do with this piece of information?I'd be lying if I said I cared about Kate's pregnancy. Just because she had helped me escape didn't mean we were on talking terms. Or was she trying to make me jealous? I couldn't put it past her.Moreber, wasn't it the same pregnancy that she had used to decieve me? She lied that she would be a surrogate for me.I hissed.I began to type, “congr...” The words faltered from my thoughts.She didn't deserve it, I decided. I tapped the backspace button five times.I quickly closed my phone.Drew got up from his seat, and walked out of the room.I leaned on the chair. Great. I was back to having nothing to do. It always drove me crazy.I continuously scrolled through my phone, until I eventually recalled the text I had gotten previously.I immediately scrolled back to that text. An anonymous texter telling me that they had access to the files we were searching for.But how was I sure it
LEAH“Take this,” Drew handed over his shirt to me.I received it gently, pulling it over me.I watched as he slipped into his trousers, and buckled up his belt.It had stopped raining, and the clouds were beginning to clear up.I looked at Drew one last time, and our eyes locked.“Are you okay?” He asked,I could hear the care in his voice, but couldn't see it in his actions.There was obviously no feelings attached to what had just happened, but I tried to decipher what kind of emotion I was feeling. It felt like...satisfaction.I was actually satisfied with this.“I'm good,” I responded,I got off the table, and walked to pick up my trousers, but just like my shirt, my trousers had been deeply stained, and torn in the process.I looked at my legs. Drew's shirt hadn't done a great deal, but my ass was covered. It was good enough, and would suffice.“Let's get you inside. You probably need a hot drink or something to keep you warm.” He said to me,I nodded, and followed him out of th