Chapter 22 Harper's POV
Two weeks. I've been away from Cole for two whole weeks, and it felt like an eternity. After seeing the news cast, I just started going through the motions. I played dumb whenever Vanessa asked me questions, acting as if the blow to my head was messing with my memories. We spent every day together, and Vanessa only left when she had to get groceries. As I began to earn Vanessa's trust, I started requesting things. Books, movies, anything to have a chance alone in the house.
I checked the local news stations whenever I could, hoping to get another glimpse of Cole, but I hadn't been that lucky. I scoured the house for a telephone, or internet connection, but always came up empty. There was an old landline jack in the wall, but I couldn't find a telephone. My only connection to the outside world, were the news stories that I watched. Even going outside to sit on the back deck made me miserable.
I snuck out once, when everyone was asleep, but I didn't make it very far. There was a silent alarm that I'd somehow triggered. Luckily, I was able to convince Vanessa that I couldn't sleep, and needed some air. It was getting harder, and harder to keep deceiving her though. Deep down, I knew Vanessa loved me. As soon as I began to play along, Vanessa's attitude changed completely. It was as if we had never been apart. If it wasn't for the fact that I was being held against my will, I may have actually enjoyed this time with my sister.
“Harper! I'm back!” Vanessa called from the kitchen. “I got some really pretty hibiscus flowers for you.” She smiled, setting the large pot on the floor beside the dining room table.
“They're beautiful!” I gushed, rushing over to smell the large plant. “I'm going to put it out on the back deck, It will do great in this heat. Did you know that they bloom the best in the humidity?”
“No.” Vanessa laughed. “Where did you learn so much about flowers anyway?”
This was a test. She wanted to know if I remembered California, and working at Lily's. I had to be smarter than Vanessa, I had to convince her that; that part of my life was over. “Television, I guess. I don't really remember though.. maybe when I stayed at Polaris?”
“You certainly didn't get it from me. My thumb is definitely not green.” She joked, as she put the rest of the groceries away. “I was thinking nachos for dinner tonight? We could watch pitch perfect 3!”
“Sounds great.” I said.
“I also invited a friend over, I hope you don't mind. His name is Robert, and he's kind of my boyfriend.”
“You have a boyfriend?”
“You'll like him Harper, I promise.”
“I don't know Vanessa. You know how I get around men I don't know.”
“It's OK Harper. I trust him. You know I'd never let anyone hurt you right?” She asked, stepping towards me, and brushing a strand of hair behind my ear. “You can trust me.”
I nodded slightly, taking in a sharp breath. I knew of Robert Drake by reputation, but I couldn't let on. I was terrified he would somehow see through my act though. He didn't know me, but that didn't mean he couldn't read me. Vanessa was easily tricked, because she wanted my love, but Robert? He didn't want anything but Vanessa.
Vanessa had made dinner as promised, which included all the fixings for nachos. She made me a plate, like I was a small child, and placed it on the table in front of me. A few minutes later, Vanessa joined me. “Robert is running a little late, but he'll be here for the movie.” She said.
“Alright.” I said, shyly. I couldn't help but be afraid that I'd revert back into my old self. The woman who was afraid of her own shadow. The more that I had to suppress my true self, the more worried I became. What if, when I finally found my way back to Cole, I was just a shell. What if he couldn't love the woman I had to become to save myself?
“Harper? Did you hear me?” Vanessa asked, shaking me from my thoughts.
“Sorry, I guess I'm just a little nervous.”
“I told you already, you don't need to be. Robert has always been good to me. He's been looking out for me for as long as I can remember.”
“I thought you just started dating?”
“We did, but I've known him for a long time.”
The way that Vanessa could lie at the drop of a hat, was really something else. I could throw a million curve balls her way, and she'd hit them out of the park every damn time. And worst of all, she'd claim it was all out of love. She came into my room last night while I was pretending to sleep. She told me how much she loved me, and that everything she'd done was to protect me. It took everything in me not to sit straight up, and lose my shit. I hated playing the victim again, and I hated pretending to forget Cole even more.
“Knock knock!” A deep voice called from the garage entry way. “It smells delicious in here.” He added, when he finally came into view. I could feel my heart practically pounding out of my chest as he approached the table. “You must be Harper?” He asked, extending his hand to me in greeting.
I reluctantly reached out with my own hand, and met his in a loose shake. “Nice to meet you.” I said quietly, before placing my hand back in my lap.
“There's no need to be shy little lady, we're all family here. Isn't that right Nessa?” He said, bending down to kiss the top of Vanessa's head.
“That's right.” She smiled, gazing up at him. “Sit down baby, I'll make you a plate.”
“She's too good to me.” He said, when Vanessa was out of ear shot. “I've heard a lot about you. You're much more beautiful in person. The two of you could be night, and day. Her with her jet black hair, and seductive eyes, and you.. with almost angelic features. It's quite fitting isn't it, considering her line of work.”
“What do you mean?” I asked nervously.
“Don't play dumb Sweetheart.” He whispered, using Cole's nickname for me to taunt me. “I know you're only playing along so Vanessa lets her guard down.”
“I- I don't know what you're talking about.” I stammered.
He came to sit beside me then, so that he could whisper in my ear. “It would be in your best interest not to try any funny business. Move on. Forget about Cole Stephens, and be with your sister again. It's all she wants. Be a good girl, would you?”
Suddenly, I froze. Every single hair on my body stood up, as I tried to swallow the lump forming in my throat. “Wh- What did you just say?” I asked, my blood going cold.
“You heard me.” He gritted out, placing his hand on my thigh. “Be. A. Good. Girl.”
“You!” I roared, standing up, and knocking the chair over with me. “Don't you touch me, you piece of shit!” I yelled, clutching my stomach. I felt like I was going to vomit right there in the middle of the dining room. Hearing those words again, it was like nails on a chalkboard, making me cringe.
“What's going on here?” Vanessa said, as she came back into the room with Robert's plate.
“Ask your crazy ass sister!” He spewed, taking a step back, and looking at me like I truly was crazy.
“Say it!” I yelled, pointing my finger in his face.
“I don't know what you're-”
“Say. It!” I yelled louder.
“Darling.” He said, focusing all of his attention on Vanessa. “Clearly she isn't well. Just look at her! Maybe this was too much excitement, perhaps you need to give her another dose of her meds?”
“No!” I screamed. “It's him Vanessa! He's the one! He's the one who hurt me! Say it you bastard!”
It was then, that Robert realized his mistake. How in the hell did she remember that phrase “be a good girl” from so long ago? Surely he could spin this to his advantage, all he had to do was- Vanessa locked her eyes on his then, and the love that was there only moments ago was suddenly replaced with rage. Blind rage, and it was all pointed directly at him.
“Vanessa, wait. Please, let me explain.”
“Harper?” She asked. “Are you sure?”
“You're going to believe this bitch over me?” Robert roared, allowing his anger to give Vanessa all the proof that she needed.
Without another word, she reached into the waistband of her jeans and pointed her gun directly at his chest. “Go to hell.” She said, before pulling the trigger without a second thought.
My hands flew to my mouth, and my chest heaved. I'd never seen someone get shot before, and now the man who raped me fifteen years ago, the man that I never wanted to see again, lay bleeding out at my feet.
“He played me.” Vanessa said, her voice void of all emotion. “I'm sorry Harper. I'm so sorry.”