Spookychild’s writings

“Why not? She’s the favorite. Can’t I have some recompense?” She whirled around to be in front of the chair that Vanessa was sitting in. Now she was in front of Vanessa. Her nose was practically touching Vanessa’s nose.

“Did you let him kiss you? Did he even try to kiss you? Did you know that you’re perfect for him? This is your one chance to lose your virginity.” Evelyn hissed.  

“Evelyn Michelle Jones!” Their mom was on her feet, furious. She dragged Evelyn up by her shirt. She didn’t stop tugging till Evelyn was on her feet. “That is quite enough. I have had it up to the limit of what I can take from you, young lady. If you were still under 18, I’d ground you for the year. I would leave you locked in for the rest of your life.”

Evelyn had a smug look on her face. “But I’m not under 18, am I?”She said in a teasing manner. She shook herself free of her mother’s grasp. “Doesn’t that just kill mother? I am too old for you to ground. But you’d never throw me out of the house, would you?”

“Wouldn’t I?” said their mother, crossing her arms.

“Oh you can threaten me. But I think your chicken.” Evelyn laughed.

Their mother’s face grew red. “What did you call me?” She snapped.

“Oh mother, you heard me. You’re afraid! Just like Nessa here. Nessa is afraid. Afraid of her own shadow, afraid of Ian. Can’t you see she’s been afraid? Ever since you made her talk to him at dinner weeks ago. She’s been losing weight and losing sleep; she’s been petrified of the man. She’s terrified of all men except for one that doesn’t exist.” Evelyn scowled.

Vanessa closed her eyes, feeling the dinner she’d eaten rising, and the taste of vomit in the back of her mouth. Evelyn was speaking the truth. The complete absolute truth.

Her dad spoke for the first time since Evelyn had stepped into the room. “What man that doesn’t exist?” His voice held curiosity mixed with anger and amusement

Oh, said Evelyn, “Just the one she named Anthony David Floyd, and he’s my age.” She rolled her eyes. “If you can believe it.But he disappeared at age 13. On his birthday.” Evelyn was back in Vanessa’s face and shook her violently. “Where did he go? Nessa? You must know why he left you. Didn’t you go looking for him? Your one true love. You didn’t love him that much, did you not enough to go looking for him? But you still love him, don’t you? You think he’s coming back, don’t you? Your sweet Tony, the one that doesn’t exist.” Evelyn was screaming now.

Vanessa’s eyes were wide. How did Evelyn know? And who told her? She was sure she hadn’t said that Tony had disappeared on his birthday. Had she forgotten that she had told her? Had she forgotten a conversation from the past? A conversation she had had with her sister about Tony. All she could remember was coming in one day, and she had been crying. Evelyn had seen her, and had said something like. ‘Are you crying because you figured out your friend isn’t real?’ Well, had Vanessa said yes or no? Had she? She couldn’t remember. And Evelyn, would she have remembered it was his birthday, would she? Evelyn wouldn’t have cared if it was his birthday. Vanessa looked at Evelyn. Then she glanced at her dad, who was looking back at her. He seemed to be watching Vanessa’s reaction to Evelyn’s words.