Truth or Lies? by A. Gomez (books to get back into reading TXT) 📕

“Sadly, I have, but I wasn’t the one doing it…it was done to me,” he lamented. “But that’s another story for another time.” He eyed me for a moment.

I let out a rush of air feeling awkward about my accidental confession. We just stared at each other for a few beats. I could hear the small clock on my bookcase ticking. This was starting to feel too weird. He needed to leave. Should I leave?

Ben opened his mouth to say something.

I cut him off before he could get anything out. “Nope.” I shook my head. “I’m not answering anything unless it’s related to this case or David,” I declared. “And stop looking at me with that weird look on your face, Ben.”

Ben nodded. “Mm, hm, yep, of course.” He fake coughed into his fist. “I just need some coffee. Maybe some water.”

I rolled my eyes. Great. Is he feeling awkward now?

15

We headed back to the kitchen. My mother was on the phone talking with someone. Charlie and Belín were picking up the dishes and putting the food away. I decided to get a piece of my birthday cake so I headed for the refrigerator and noticed that Josh’s cake was missing, along with his birthday gift, the watch I asked my mother to buy. I whirled and eyed my mother, still on the phone and oblivious to my stare. I looked around the room and no one was paying attention to me, not even Samson. He was in the corner eating his dinner. I turned back around and brought the cake out for everyone to share. I placed a few dessert plates and forks on the table so anyone could just help themselves. Ben was at Belín’s side, talking and helping her clean up. Charlie decided to come over and have cake with us.

“Well, your father and your youngest brother, Thomas Henry, will be here tomorrow around mid-afternoon. I told them to call or text when they’re on their way to your house so no one is taken off guard and there are no more surprises.” My mother glanced at me. “Your father is abreast of everything. I know you wanted to tell him yourself but I had to tell him, honey, he’s your daddy.”

“It’s fine, Mom. I wouldn’t know how to begin anyway.” I pushed the rest of my cake away. “Mama, can you help me bathe myself? I can’t get my arm wet just yet, plus it hurts to lift it up and I really want to wash my hair.”

“Of course, honey. In fact, I have the gardenia bath gel and salts you asked for. Go fetch them from the guest room and I’ll meet you in your bathroom. They’re on the bed with the rest of my things.”

I headed to her bedroom, moving at a glacial pace. My body was still feeling heavy and slow but thankfully it was lessoning as time passed. I found the bath gel and headed toward my room when Josh’s bag caught my eye. I turned the light on and looked inside for my gun. I didn’t find it so I turned the bag upside down and dumped the contents on the floor. I lifted and shook his clothes but found no gun; instead, I saw an envelope and a box. I picked up the envelope and turned it over – it read Isabel Grace Langley. I opened it and inside was a birthday card. I opened it…

Isabel,

We can’t predict the future, you just have to give your

all to the person you love. You’re what I didn’t see coming

and now I can’t see my future without you.

You have bewitched me body and soul. I’m giving you my

heart. It’s all I have. I hope you think of me every time you wear it.

Happy Birthday, Baby!

All my love, Josh

Tears started rolling down my cheeks. I picked up the box and opened it. Inside was a gold necklace with a gold heart pendant on it. It hung slightly sideways with one small diamond in the center. It looked like it was suspended in mid-air in the center of the hollow heart. The heart’s lines overlapped each other at the base, making it look imperfect. I was overcome with intense emotion. It was so beautiful. When did he have time to get this? He never left my side and when I wasn’t with him, he was looking for me. I quickly put everything back in the bag. I could barely see through the tears. I headed to my room. My mother was already there, waiting for me with plastic wrap in hand and filling the tub with water. I quickly wiped my tears with my sleeve and started undressing.

“Honey, I think we should wrap your arm just a bit to make bathing easier for you. It’s not foolproof so still be careful not to submerge your arm.” She grabbed the bath gel and poured a little in the tub. The smell of gardenia filled the bathroom. I looked in the tub; the bubbles looked inviting. It looked like a blanket of newly fallen snow where no one had stepped yet. The sound of the running water was soothing, comforting, in fact. She helped me in, holding my bad arm so I didn’t get it wet or accidentally submerge it. I sat down and placed my arm on the edge of the bathtub. She started wetting my hair, taking care she didn’t get water in my eyes. I felt like a little girl again, vulnerable and small, needing care and attention from my loving mother. Needing protection from the cruel and dangerous world that was just outside my front door. I felt safe here with her, even though she wouldn’t be able to do anything except shoot a gun…and I couldn’t find where mine was