sitting by myself

I'm sitting by myself in a room full of people. I am a long way off thinking about the future. It's getting harder to sleep at night, there are so many questions flooding my mind. None of which can be answered until it is too late, and all is said and done, written in stone. Questions, so many questions about the future that I can't seem to shake. What will become of me in the years to come? Will I have the same convictions or will the hand of society mold me? I do not know, nor will I ever have the chance. As I awake tomorrow, surely I will wander in my mind again about the same things. I will hear the same echo response, it is my own voice. I don't want all of my concerns to be addressed well, at least not now, but for certain I must know the answers to the following. Where will I be? Who will I love? Who will love me, six years from now? How they haunt me so, keeping me tossing in my bed. Where will I be? Who will I love? Who will love me, six years from now? Six years from now! How they bombard me, everyday, how they follow me just to taunt. Especially when I think about you. You are far away and always leaving too soon for me to understand. I can't help but wonder again, where will I be? Who will I love? Who will love me? Who will love me? I can hope and pray all I want to the ears above the sky, I am begging Him to show me! I ask everyday. I can wish all I want, that I will be with you and you will be the one I will love and you will be the one who will love me! Oh, please be the one who will love me, please be the one who will stand by my side, just as I do now for you, just as I want to always. Always! Where will I be? Who will I love? Who will love me, six years from now? I want to be with you, I love you, I am so desperately wanting for you to feel the same way. I love you! I want you to know, you make me feel valued, and special and worthy. You are the only one. Oh, please be the one who will love me, please be the one who will stand by my side, just as I do now for you. Six years from now.....please.  

Dreams

There is a lot of mystery in concern with dreams. Why do we dream what we dream? Are dreams in any way relative to what goes in our lives or are dreams just crazy, random images? There have been hundreds, dare I say, thousands of experiments done with the one purpose to explore the dream state of people, but the truth is technology can only take us so far. The only way, scientists can know what people are dreaming about is to wake them up when they are in REM sleep. If you do not know what is REM sleep might I suggest checking out this video as it perhaps may have the answers. Warn you, I am not making any promises (Thank you NOVA) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i539ynXmh-c
Dreams, in basic terms, are crazy, wild visions all emanating deep within our conscious or brain, maybe both. Some dreams are dull, some are scary and should be called nightmares instead, while others are adventurous. What is the point of this post? Well, it seems to me, there is not enough people out there, who share their dreams. I have been told by lots of people that my dreams are insane and that I am a crazy person for having such a dream. (maybe I exaggerated that last part) oh well!
I want to share with whoever is reading this, my dreams. As many as I can remember. What am I about to share with you, is all coming from pure memory (a powerful tool) The first dream I will share with you, is a very recent dream. NOTE: I am not making anything up, all I will reveal I truly dreamt about. How can you trust me? Just trust the following sentence: I speak truthfully.  Let's get this train wreck rolling ^_^

I had a dream and Chloe Grace Moretz (The actress) was in it. I was inside a mini van, seating in the back seat with Chloe sitting beside me, and we were talking as if we were friends (which I wouldn't mind at all if that were true) Chloe turns to me and says how excited she is that she will finally be able to meet some of my friends and how long she has been looking forward to go to this video gaming event. Apparently, we were headed to this huge video game hangout place, where supposedly most of my friends were going to be there. For one reason or another, Chloe was holding a pen, I think it was a black point pen, anyway I leaned close to Chloe and tried to take the pen away from her, but she pulled back. Next thing you know, it became a tug-of-war, suddenly the cap of the pen snapped off. Chloe flips out, claiming that I broke her pen of which then I responded that I did no such thing. I then showed her how it was merely the cap that came off. Oh, by the by whenever I spoke to Chloe I said her full name, "Chloe Grace Moretz I didn't break your pen. Look Chloe Grace Moretz, it was only the cap that came off, see Chloe Grace Moretz." I have no idea why I kept repeating her full name, that can get annoying I am willing to bet.
Seconds after explaining to Chloe what happened to the pen, the driver of the van, turned out to be Chloe's mother. The mother, let go of her hands from the stirring wheel, turned her body around toward us and said something along the lines," oh Chloe isn't this exciting, you going to play video games, and meet Raquel's friends" Unbeknownst to Chloe's mother, the car started to drift off course and was headed for a ditch. While the mother was still talking, Chloe freaked out and yelled, "Look out!" Chloe, with great speed, reached her arms all the way to the stirring wheel and made a sharp turn, thus avoiding the ditch and saving our lives! The mom then says, "Chloe will you relax I know perfectly well what I am doing." Not 10 seconds go by that Chloe's mother again let her hands off the stirring wheel and started talking again about how excited she was. The car started to drift again off the lane, the car was about to hit another car. Chloe yelled, "Oh my God!" She reached over again and made another sharp turn thus saving our lives twice. The mother then answered, "Chloe we were perfectly fine, put on your seat belt, you don't even have a drivers license yet."
Chloe then responds rather annoyed, I don't blame her, "I should have a license, so this kind of crazy stuff won't happen!" Needless to say I agree with Chloe 100%. Suddenly and quite unexpectedly the scene changes, the next I knew, was I entering a dim lit room. In the center of the room was a giant flat screen T.V and there were rows lined up, not in front of the T.V but rather on the sides of the room. There must have been a total of 4 rows, two on one side and two on the other. Oh and there was bed on one side of the room, I think the left side of the room. When I entered the room, I realize I was in the video gaming event. I saw Chloe lying on the bed with two of my friends (of whom I don't see anymore) I think the friends were Gus and his younger brother, I don't know which younger brother. Anyway, They weren't talking to each other, they weren't even making eye contact. In fact, no body at all was excited that a movie actress was in the room. She's just Chloe, a 16 year old girl, no big deal. I then proceeded to lay myself on the bed with Chloe, for one reason or another, she was wearing a yellow beanie hat, that I snatched off her head, Chloe was quick to respond, by snatching my beanie hat off of my head. (I don't know why I was wearing a hat, I don't look good in hats) Seconds later, I started to doze off on the bed, but Chloe began to shake me and said, "Wake up Raquel, the video game is starting, wake up!" I wake up and grab the controller for the game and Chloe does the same. I saw that all the rows of seats were filled with other players.
The purpose of the game was that we were supposed to fly Han solo's space craft, infiltrate and destroy an enemy space ship, which was ten times bigger than our puny ship! Each row in the room, was in charge of a different part of Han solo's ship. One row was in charge of turning the ship in different directions, another for shooting, another for dodging attacks and so on. I was in the row in charge of shooting. The graphics of the games were amazing, no doubt, it looked very real. Anyways, as Chloe and I played the video game, we were doing a super job, within minutes we were able to infiltrate the space craft. Then suddenly, I was no longer inside the darkened room, rather I was inside the space ship. Everything looked so futuristic, a mixture of star wars and star trek. I was walking alone, and I entered the command center of the ship I think. And stood before me dressed in a star trek out fit was Tim Allen (comedian/actor) Tim was holding a glowing sphere in his hands. He looked at me, but then at the same time, he appeared to be talking into a camera rather than me. He then said, "Once I let go of this orb, once it hits the floor the entire ship will turn into rushing water, like a water fall!" Everyone in the ship started running for their lives, but I stood my ground. Tim drops the orb and he runs away really fast too. Mere moments later, the walls of ship turn into water, gushing water. I run for my life! But I am not running fast enough, for several times the water picks me and pushes me forward, like the waves out on the beach. The water splashes down, I continue running, even faster, but the water catches up and lifts me off the ground again, this happens at least 3 times maybe 4. I see the exit of the ship and somehow, I have no idea how, the ship landed safely on solid ground. I am running as fast as my legs can carry me, I leap forward and the water pushes me forward as well, now I am maybe 10 feet above the ground, and I land perfectly. With no injuries whatsoever. I didn't see Chloe anywhere,  I can only assume she didn't make it, or maybe she was way ahead of me. And that was the end of the dream.
There was this one part in the dream, that I was going to a concert with this supposedly famous pop star, she was coming with me as a friend and she was very worried she would get mobbed by fans. I tried to calm her down saying that nothing happened to Chloe, but the pop star then said, "Well, she is just a movie actress, I am a pop star, I am way more famous than her!" when we entered the concert, the band was still practicing and there was barely anyone there. And only one person approached the pop star and said to her, "I really like your music." The pop star then takes me aside and says, "I told you! Crazy fans are everywhere." I don't remember what happened next.

So, that is my first dream, that I have shared with whoever is reading this. I will surely continue to post more dreams. Maybe this will shed some light on how bizarre dreams can really be. ^_^  

a tad bit about me part 2

I am a recovered anorexic. I think many people say that once you are anorexic, you stay anorexic, in the sense that one can always always relapse. If you were to look atmy figure in the year 2009 in the month of December, you would see perhaps three rib bones, and you see me not talking to people because I was busy climbing up the stairs. I was trying to lose weight. However, if you were to look at me now, you would see no ribs, no bones. Instead you would see a toned body.
I work out a lot nowadays. I run a lot. I'd like to think of myself as a runner. Just over the course of three days, I can run 12 miles. Five miles the 1st day three miles the 2nd and four miles on the 3rd. Today I plan to a little over three miles... maybe four miles. I work out everyday. I do more than just run, I lift weights also everyday (did I spell that right?) On Mondays Wednesdays and Fridays I work my abs, all the other days I work my upper body. I run five days a week. I don't run on weekends, unless I have a race.
I was taken to ER, instantly after fainting, in January (did I spell that right?) in the year 2010. I was out of the hospital within 2 weeks. I have not relapsed since then. It has now been a little over 3 years. This is a big deal. There are girls and guys, who relapse again and again in less than a year.
I am an odd anorexic case, I think. Most cases of anorexia happen in families with one child in a good finicial position. But I am in a family of 6 and we are not in any way rich. In the year 2009 my dad lost his job and it took him a long while before he could find another job. During the times he was home, I avoided him, because I didn't want him see me excersise, I didn't want any of family member to see me exercise, but they did. I couldn't get the privacy I wanted. However, I didn't want to stop working out just because they saw me, so I excersised in front of them. They had no idea why worked out 3 hours a day every day, I had no idea why either.
To this day, I am unsure why I became anorexic, but I am thankful that I am not anorexic anymore. There are some days, however, that I look at myself in the mirror and feel dissatisfied with my figure, and I wish was thinner than I am now. There have been days where I wish I was still anorexic weighing 100 lbs, but then I am quickly reminded of all the secrecy I had to go through, all the isolation I had put myselft through just to mantain 100 lbs.
Some people would say it's not worth it. But I though it was, I though it was mandatory even. But now I don't want to isolate myself. I love excersise I feel as though God himself has given me a strong passion for nutrition and working out.
Balance, balance is key. Too much weight is bad, too little weigh is bad. Balance balance is the way.
And that can be really hard sometimes.

A tad bit about me, and something else part 1?

This is going to be a farily short post (maybe) just me giving some details about my family, about me that you may or may not already know.

I have a pretty big family, well maybe bigger than the average family. (I heard somewhere from someone, that the aveage family has 2.5 children, which is kind of odd, in concern with the 0.5) In any case, I have three other siblings. I am the youngest, but at the very same I am also older. How is this so? I am twin. Yes, it's true. I was born first, then a few hours later came my twin sister. Most of the time twins are a mere minutes apart, but not in my case. I am older by 4 hours and 30 minutes. My mother is one tough cookie :) Let me give you the basic rundown. The oldest is my brother, the second is my sister, then comes me, then my twin sis (I love her very much)

The older sister (because my twin sis and I are the same age, that's given) wants to be a sign language interpreter, a good good career. My twin sister is following in her footsteps. As for my brother, it is a tad bit hard to place him. He changes from time to time, although, I could be mistaken.

I want to be a dietitian (did I spell that right?) When people ask me, "what's your major?"  and I tell them, "I am going to be a dietitian", I get some odd answers. Here, let me give you a list: "What's that?" or "Oh, you're one of those health nuts" or "Wait, don't you mean nutritionist?" or (my favorite, because sometimes, the person is eathing something that could be considered unhealthy) "So, I guess I shouldn't be eating the chocolate muffin.." That actually happened one time.

I have to stop righ here, right now. I am hungry and I have chemistry test today. (I will do well)

:D

Peace of Mind (Gloria Bennett) 7 END

Last post! See this story is not long at all. This is after all short story :) I really hope you enjoyed my story

“Emily!  My dear, what happened?!” cried Gloria with misty eyes.

“Oh mom! He’s coming, he’ll get me for sure! Please, mom you’ve got to help me!” begged Emily, falling to her knees while, clutching onto Gloria’s nightgown, “Please, you gotta help me! Send him away!” Gloria was so overwhelmed, fear was consuming her inside out, she tried so hard to break away.

“Mom, don’t let me die, at least not in vain! You can save me! Help me please! Why won’t you help me? Why won’t you help Abigail?” Emily was pouring out her heart, her soul, “Don’t let my death count for nothing!”

“I’m sorry! I’m so sorry!” shouted Gloria, now falling on her knees, sobbing loudly, “It’s all my fault, all my fault! How can I save you, tell me what to do!” Emily didn’t respond, she became very quiet and still, all at once, “Emily? Emily!” sobbed Gloria, “Answer me! It’s all my fault!” Please, Emily!”

“Mom,” answered Emily, “Why can’t you help me, help Abigail?” Her voice was low and weak, the warmth of her body was slipping away, “It’s not too late...it’s not.” The hands of Emily became cold and stiff, life was gone..

“No, no, no! Emily, I’m sorry! Come back, come back, please! Tell me what to do, please, I’m so sorry! All my fault, all my fault!” Tears flooded the sockets of Gloria, she could not bear the pain any longer, she burst aloud, crying uncontrollably.  

When Gloria opened her eyes again, she was no longer holding the dead body of Emily, she wasn’t even in the destitute field. What was happening? She was lying on what appeared to be a hospital bed. The walls around her, were so very white. Gloria realized now where she was, but something wasn’t right about the room. There was no heart monitor, there were no windows, no chairs, or tables. As Gloria proceeded to scope this supposed hospital room, she wondered, where were the doctors, the nurses, where was anyone? Everything was so quiet, no movement whatsoever. Gloria sat herself up, with a straight back, turned her head in every direction, when unexpectedly, she saw a wooden door. How odd that a door made of wood would be in a hospital. Then, the door knob began to twist, and entered a man. A man from the silent and the often respected. It was James.

“Oh my word,” said Gloria with her eyes open wide, “James, my love,” Gloria reached out her hands to which James reached back. They clasped each other’s hands so tightly, Gloria was so happy, her heart was dancing, filled with peace.

“James, is it really you?” asked Gloria.

“Of course it is,” answered James squeezing her hands. A rush came over Gloria, an immense portion of love. A certain kind of thrill, she thought she could never feel again. Oh, what bliss Gloria felt captivating her. Her stronghold, finally in the flesh, “I have missed you,” said James sitting close to Gloria, “I love you, I always have,” With every word that emerged from James’s mouth, more and more love flooded inside Gloria’s soul.

“This is a dream come true. I am finally with you and I will never leave, we will never be separated again. I am now home,” said Gloria with great delight.

“My dear, my sweet dear, this is not home,” answered James loosening his grip.

“What are you saying? I-I don’t understand.”

“This is not your time, this is not our time, not yet,” said James, now letting go of Gloria’s hands, “We will be together again, but only when the time is right, when He deems it so.” This couldn’t be happening! Until He deems it so? This was outrageous!

“Why are you saying these things?” pleaded Gloria trying to reach for James, but just couldn’t, no matter how desperately she wanted to. It was as if there was an invisible force keeping Gloria from James, “Why are you turning me away? This is our second chance, can’t you see?” tears began to flow from Gloria’s eyes. This was no dream come true, this was another horrible nightmare!

“Gloria, listen to me, there is a little girl, who needs to know right now that her mother is alive, that her mother cares for her because she loves her,” asserted James, “This your second chance to let her know, you are that mom.”

“I don’t want to keep on living life without you! I have no peace, no joy. The pain I carry is too foul for anyone to bare. But I can make the pain end, by accepting death!” shouted Gloria trying so hard to get out of the hospital bed, so she could embrace James, “Please, come to me! All I want is to feel peace again, full peace. I thought I could withstand with just Emily, but she’s gone too. Please, all I want is peace!” sobbed Gloria with her hands over her face.

“And peace you will have,” said James returning to Gloria’s side, wiping away the tears, “Time is the healer of all wounds, all you have to do is let it. Your life does not end here, not like this,” all of what James was saying was dreadfully true, “Let go of the past, let go of me. Learn to forgive. Only then will you be able to experience true peace.” Gloria cried softly. Just when she had reunited with the love of her life, they had to be torn apart again. How could this be?

“This is not fair,” whispered Gloria.

“I love you, Gloria,” answered James right by her ear, so gentle, “This is for the best, wait and you will see. Please...let me go,” said James with boundless love.

“I’ll...I-I’ll try,” Gloria took a deep breath, “I’ll try.” James gave a small smile, his body began to fade away. In the process of disappearing, he leaned in and kissed her. Gloria felt his lips against hers, with her eyes shut she embraced the moment. Little by little the pressed lips of James vanished. It was time for Gloria to overcome, to triumph. She didn’t know how to explain it, but she had new found determination. Gloria opened her eyes and saw Abigail slouched over on a hospital bed, sleeping right by her. Abigail was eagerly waiting for her mother to wake up. Gloria was profoundly moved. She gently began to caress Abigail’s glossy hair. It took a few seconds, but Abigail awoke.

“I love you, Abigail,” said Gloria giving her daughter a tremendous squeeze. Abigail was speechless. Could this be the start of a new life? Was this finally the end of Gloria’s chapter full of tribulation. Maybe this was threshold of reconciliation. Only time can tell. This could merely be a fleeting moment of happiness. Perhaps this was only to be short lived. Only time can tell.

END

Peace of Mind (Gloria Bennett) 6

This post is a tad longer than all the others. Keep reading!

Sooner or later, Abigail would have to tell Gloria the truth. She didn’t want to tell Gloria what really happened, but it didn’t matter what she wanted anymore, it was now time to face the facts: She would never solve the case. She poured out her soul and found nothing. Abigail gave up, the time had come to tell Gloria.

Oh, how it would tear the heart of Gloria, she would hit rock bottom all over again and maybe this time, it will be too much to bear. Will she ever find the peace she so deeply desires? Her private sessions with Dr. Weber had been proving to be quite successful, despite the fact, he only met Gloria two weeks ago. They already had had six sessions, their meetings were both extensive and intense. Dr. Weber was truly the best at his craft. Would telling Gloria the truth jeopardize Dr. Weber’s progress? Would it destroy her already broken heart? Either way, it must be done.

“Tell me, do you think of James often?” asked Dr. Weber writing notes in his book. (During their seventh private session. It was mid-afternoon)

“Not a day goes by that I...don’t,” answered Gloria in an almost steady voice, “Can we... talk about something else?”

“Miss Bennett, please try and understand, you can’t keep avoiding this subject of conversation. You can’t proceed to shelter yourself with past events, it’s almost as if you don’t want to move forward,” said Dr. Weber furiously writing in his notebook.

“If I move do forward, it would be without Emily, I can’t leave her behind,” answered Gloria in an extremely low voice.

“I’m sorry, could you repeat that?” Lifting his head away from his book. Dr. Weber, apparently was too focus on taking notes rather than listening.

“All I have are memories, moments. Do you really expect me to forget about all the good, all the joy, the peace?” asked Gloria with great concern.

“Far from it, I expect you to realize there is just as much good, joy and peace, in the future as there is in the past. You can either be afraid of what’s to come and hide or you can be hopeful and act upon it.”

Gloria could not understand. Her future was anything but hopeful. She was certain of this, her first love was stripped away from her. Then, her only source sustaining her from devastation was killed. Gloria was about to say something, when Dr. Weber interrupted her, “Well, it’s been over two hours, I think we covered enough for today, don’t forget what I said about the future, it’s not a scary place,” with that Dr. Weber put his few supplies (the pen and the notebook) in his briefcase and headed for the door. However, unexpectedly, the front door opened, it was Abigail, with her head lowered she appeared very somber. She was unaware that Dr. Weber was standing just a foot away from her. He suspected, something was very wrong.

“Hello, Abigail, I hope I...find you well...”

“Hello,” answered Abigail making brief eye contact with Gloria, but only to turn her head away, “Hello, Dr. Weber, I need to talk to you...outside.”

“Is something the matter?” asked Dr. Weber

“Outside please,” Abigail went out door, to the drive way.

“Abigail?” said Gloria wondering what could be happening, she didn’t get a response. Dr. Weber went outside to join Abigail.

“Yes?”

“Close the door,” said Abigail hurriedly.

The moment Gloria heard the door shut, she knew something wasn’t right, nothing had been right for a long time. What could they be talking about? Gloria stood up, and silently skimmed to the front door. She ever so gently, placed her ear against the door. She could only understand bits and pieces. Better than nothing.

“I-I don’t know what to do anymore,” that was Abigail’s voice, figured Gloria.

“Tell her the truth,” that was clearly Dr. Weber, she could tell by his rough voice. Gloria heard Abigail say something, but she was unable to make it out. Abigail must have been standing further away from the door. All Gloria was able to make sense was: If I tell....the case....it would....her heart...she’ll die.

“You can’t wear a mask forever, Abigail. By Lying and keeping secrets, you are digging yourself a grave. Sometimes the truth hurts, sometimes it’s unbearable, but knowing the truth, brings freedom, with that comes hope, and with hope, peace.”

Abigail proceeded to interject more excuses, but Gloria had heard enough, she didn’t want to eavesdrop anymore. She knew now what was going on, there was no question about it. Emily’s murder mystery was left as an open case, in other words unsolved. For decades Gloria’s life has been one tragedy after another, filled with misery. Her heart has been tormented for far too long. It was in that moment, she realized, she had no joy, nothing to look forward to in life, no hope, and the little peace she had left, was slipping away. What was left? Gloria was fed up with being depressed all the time, with people telling her, “it’s time to move on with life”, “you got to move past the pain”, and blah, blah blah! Enough was enough!

“How could Abigail quit on the case, on Emily! How could she? How dare she!” Gloria was flaming with anger, “She gave up, but I will not, I will be reunited with Emily!” she said furiously, but somehow was able to keep her voice low enough, so that Dr. Weber and Abigail couldn’t hear her. Gloria was practically fuming, her hands were clenched into fists, slowly vibrating. Being so overwhelmed with resentment toward Abigail, toward the police, and anyone else who quit the case, she impulsively swung the front doors wide open. She saw Abigail standing far off in the driveway waving goodbye at Dr. Weber, who had already drove away. Gloria didn’t waste anytime, she marched down the steps of the entrance and proceeded down to where Abigail stood, all in her night gown!

Abigail turned around and gasped, “Gloria?” she was caught off guard, she could not believe her eyes. What on earth was Gloria doing? “Are you okay?”

“How could you? How dare you!” yelled Gloria almost at the top of her lungs.

“Calm down, Gloria. What are you talking about?” asked Abigail hoping that Gloria was mad about something else and not about Emily’s case.  

“Oh, stop pretending, I’m talking about Emily, I’m talking about her death!” shouted Gloria using many fierceful gestures, “Whatever happened to justice? To catching the stupid bastard, the rapist?!”

“I had no choice! All the evidence we’ve gathered turned out to be completely useless, we kept on running into dead ends, it was becoming a wild goose chase!” protested Abigail, trying her best to explain her actions.

“You had a choice, and you chose to give up!” said Gloria pointing right in Abigail’s face. A few nosy neighbors began to peer out their windows, but that didn’t stop either one of them from arguing.

“I did my best! I missed classes, I brought the case files home, I studied them for hours! I didn’t sleep for days! I-” Abigail was interrupted.

“What about me? Don’t you think I’ve suffered too? But I keep going, You could have kept going! I was counting on you, Emily was counting on you!” Gloria’s hands kept on unclenching and re-clenching, her knuckles were turning white.

“Gloria please, listen to yourself, I had to stop. There was nothing more I could do or that anyone could do. What’s done is done!”

“Is everything alright?” asked a random, but concerned neighbor, walking his Australian shepherd dog, “Can I help?” asked the worried neighbor.

“Shut up!” yelled Abigail releasing some of her concealed anger, “Look, Gloria I get it, Emily was your favorite, some parents have favorites! But that gives you no right to ignore me completely! Was I non-existent or something?” Abigail’s voice kept on getting louder and louder, “DId you ever love me?!”

“Abigail...” said Gloria suddenly feeling very weak.

“Ever since I was nine, I’ve been trying get your approval, get you to notice me, to love me! But everything I did just was no good! Why? What was so special about Emily?!”

“Please...Abigail...” whispered Gloria losing her balance. Gloria’s vision was becoming hazy, all objects around her began to blur. She felt light headed, and terribly dizzy, “Abigail....I..I” she tried mustering out a sentence.

“Ma’am, I think that woman is going to faint,” said the same concerned neighbor.

“You’re still here?” scolded Abigail glaring angrily at the man, “Mind your own business!” she was unaware of Gloria’s stumbling stance. Then, all at once, Gloria’s vision was pitch black, she fell onto the cement floor and her head hit the ground hard.

“Oh my God!” shrieked Abigail, she rushed over to Gloria, trying desperately to wake her, “Gloria! Are you okay? Gloria!” she said gently tapping Gloria’s cheekbone, but she was getting no response whatsoever. Abigail proceeded to tap a little harder, but it was futile, “Quick, call 911, do it now!” screamed Abigail at the man. He quickly searched his pockets, the two in the front, nothing, two in the back, empty, where was that blasted cell phone? At last, he found it, after digging through the inside pockets of his coat, “Yes, hello! A woman just fainted, she needs medical assistance!”

The ambulance came within moments, and in less than eight minutes, they assessed the situation, and gently placed Gloria on a gurdy. Abigail, wanting desperately to accompany Gloria, climbed onto the ambulance. Abigail sat right beside her, hoping, praying that everything would be okay. She lost her father, her sister, and now maybe her mother. Everything was spiraling out of control. During the swift drive to the emergency room, Gloria’s mind drifted into, not a dream, more like a horrible nightmare. Gloria, still dressed in her nightgown, was standing all alone, in a destitute field. Surrounding her, was an extremely dense fog. She stood in silence, wondering where could she be. Suddenly, she heard hurried, staggering footsteps, as if maybe a wounded person was rushing towards her. Her heart was pounding so fast, she had no idea who or what was coming. Gloria tried squinting her eyes, in hopes for better vision, but it did no good. The sound of the footsteps were closing in, she was rapidly becoming fearful. In a flash, her shoulder was yanked, she turned around and was shocked to see the face of Emily.

Sooner or later, Abigail would have to tell Gloria the truth. She didn’t want to tell Gloria what really happened, but it didn’t matter what she wanted anymore, it was now time to face the facts: She would never solve the case. She poured out her soul and found nothing. Abigail gave up, the time had come to tell Gloria.

Oh, how it would tear the heart of Gloria, she would hit rock bottom all over again and maybe this time, it will be too much to bear. Will she ever find the peace she so deeply desires? Her private sessions with Dr. Weber had been proving to be quite successful, despite the fact, he only met Gloria two weeks ago. They already had had six sessions, their meetings were both extensive and intense. Dr. Weber was truly the best at his craft. Would telling Gloria the truth jeopardize Dr. Weber’s progress? Would it destroy her already broken heart? Either way, it must be done.

“Tell me, do you think of James often?” asked Dr. Weber writing notes in his book. (During their seventh private session. It was mid-afternoon)

“Not a day goes by that I...don’t,” answered Gloria in an almost steady voice, “Can we... talk about something else?”

“Miss Bennett, please try and understand, you can’t keep avoiding this subject of conversation. You can’t proceed to shelter yourself with past events, it’s almost as if you don’t want to move forward,” said Dr. Weber furiously writing in his notebook.

“If I move do forward, it would be without Emily, I can’t leave her behind,” answered Gloria in an extremely low voice.

“I’m sorry, could you repeat that?” Lifting his head away from his book. Dr. Weber, apparently was too focus on taking notes rather than listening.

“All I have are memories, moments. Do you really expect me to forget about all the good, all the joy, the peace?” asked Gloria with great concern.

“Far from it, I expect you to realize there is just as much good, joy and peace, in the future as there is in the past. You can either be afraid of what’s to come and hide or you can be hopeful and act upon it.”

Gloria could not understand. Her future was anything but hopeful. She was certain of this, her first love was stipped away frome her. Then, her only source sustaining her from devastation was killed. Gloria was about to say something, when Dr. Weber interrupted her, “Well, it’s been over two hours, I think we covered enough for today, don’t forget what I said about the future, it’s not a scary place,” with that Dr. Weber put his few supplies (the pen and the notebook) in his briefcase and headed for the door. However, unexpectedly, the front door opened, it was Abigail, with her head lowered she appeared very somber. She was unaware that Dr. Weber was standing just a foot away from her. He suspected, something was very wrong.

“Hello, Abigail, I hope I...find you well...”

“Hello,” answered Abigail making brief eye contact with Gloria, but only to turn her head away, “Hello, Dr. Weber, I need to talk to you...outside.”

“Is something the matter?” asked Dr. Weber

“Outside please,” Abigail went out door, to the drive way.

“Abigail?” said Gloria wondering what could be happening, she didn’t get a response. Dr. Weber went outside to join Abigail.

“Yes?”

“Close the door,” said Abigail hurriedly.

The moment Gloria heard the door shut, she knew something wasn’t right, nothing had been right for a long time. What could they be talking about? Gloria stood up, and silently skimmed to the front door. She ever so gently, placed her ear against the door. She could only understand bits and pieces. Better than nothing.

“I-I don’t know what to do anymore,” that was Abigail’s voice, figured Gloria.

“Tell her the truth,” that was clearly Dr. Weber, she could tell by his rough voice. Gloria heard Abigail say something, but she was unable to make it out. Abigail must have been standing further away from the door. All Gloria was able to make sense was: If I tell....the case....it would....her heart...she’ll die.

“You can’t wear a mask forever, Abigail. By Lying and keeping secrets, you are digging yourself a grave. Sometimes the truth hurts, sometimes it’s unbearable, but knowing the truth, brings freedom, with that comes hope, and with hope, peace.”

Abigail proceeded to interject more excuses, but Gloria had heard enough, she didn’t want to eavesdrop anymore. She knew now what was going on, there was no question about it. Emily’s murder mystery was left as an open case, in other words unsolved. For decades Gloria’s life has been one tragedy after another, filled with misery. Her heart has been tormented for far too long. It was in that moment, she realized, she had no joy, nothing to look forward to in life, no hope, and the little peace she had left, was slipping away. What was left? Gloria was fed up with being depressed all the time, with people telling her, “it’s time to move on with life”, “you got to move past the pain”, and blah, blah blah! Enough was enough!

“How could Abigail quit on the case, on Emily! How could she? How dare she!” Gloria was flaming with anger, “She gave up, but I will not, I will be reunited with Emily!” she said furiously, but somehow was able to keep her voice low enough, so that Dr. Weber and Abigail couldn’t hear her. Gloria was practically fuming, her hands were clenched into fists, slowly vibrating. Being so overwhelmed with resentment toward Abigail, toward the police, and anyone else who quit the case, she impulsively swung the front doors wide open. She saw Abigail standing far off in the driveway waving goodbye at Dr. Weber, who had already drove away. Gloria didn’t waste anytime, she marched down the steps of the entrance and proceeded down to where Abigail stood, all in her night gown!

Abigail turned around and gasped, “Gloria?” she was caught off guard, she could not believe her eyes. What on earth was Gloria doing? “Are you okay?”

“How could you? How dare you!” yelled Gloria almost at the top of her lungs.

“Calm down, Gloria. What are you talking about?” asked Abigail hoping that Gloria was mad about something else and not about Emily’s case.  

“Oh, stop pretending, I’m talking about Emily, I’m talking about her death!” shouted Gloria using many fierceful gestures, “Whatever happened to justice? To catching the stupid bastard, the rapist?!”

“I had no choice! All the evidence we’ve gathered turned out to be completely useless, we kept on running into dead ends, it was becoming a wild goose chase!” protested Abigail, trying her best to explain her actions.

“You had a choice, and you chose to give up!” said Gloria pointing right in Abigail’s face. A few nosy neighbors began to peer out their windows, but that didn’t stop either one of them from arguing.

“I did my best! I missed classes, I brought the case files home, I studied them for hours! I didn’t sleep for days! I-” Abigail was interrupted.

“What about me? Don’t you think I’ve suffered too? But I keep going, You could have kept going! I was counting on you, Emily was counting on you!” Gloria’s hands kept on unclenching and re-clenching, her knuckles were turning white.

“Gloria please, listen to yourself, I had to stop. There was nothing more I could do or that anyone could do. What’s done is done!”

“Is everything alright?” asked a random, but concerned neighbor, walking his Australian shepherd dog, “Can I help?” asked the worried neighbor.

“Shut up!” yelled Abigail releasing some of her concealed anger, “Look, Gloria I get it, Emily was your favorite, some parents have favorites! But that gives you no right to ignore me completely! Was I non-existent or something?” Abigail’s voice kept on getting louder and louder, “DId you ever love me?!”

“Abigail...” said Gloria suddenly feeling very weak.

“Ever since I was nine, I’ve been trying get your approval, get you to notice me, to love me! But everything I did just was no good! Why? What was so special about Emily?!”

“Please...Abigail...” whispered Gloria losing her balance. Gloria’s vision was becoming hazy, all objects around her began to blur. She felt light headed, and terribly dizzy, “Abigail....I..I” she tried mustering out a sentence.

“Ma’am, I think that woman is going to faint,” said the same concerned neighbor.

“You’re still here?” scolded Abigail glaring angrily at the man, “Mind your own business!” she was unaware of Gloria’s stumbling stance. Then, all at once, Gloria’s vision was pitch black, she fell onto the cement floor and her head hit the ground hard.

“Oh my God!” shrieked Abigail, she rushed over to Gloria, trying desperately to wake her, “Gloria! Are you okay? Gloria!” she said gently tapping Gloria’s cheekbone, but she was getting no response whatsoever. Abigail proceeded to tap a little harder, but it was futile, “Quick, call 911, do it now!” screamed Abigail at the man. He quickly searched his pockets, the two in the front, nothing, two in the back, empty, where was that blasted cell phone? At last, he found it, after digging through the inside pockets of his coat, “Yes, hello! A woman just fainted, she needs medical assistance!”

The ambulance came within moments, and in less than eight minutes, they assessed the situation, and gently placed Gloria on a gurdy. Abigail, wanting desperately to accompany Gloria, climbed onto the ambulance. Abigail sat right beside her, hoping, praying that everything would be okay. She lost her father, her sister, and now maybe her mother. Everything was spiraling out of control. During the swift drive to the emergency room, Gloria’s mind drifted into, not a dream, more like a horrible nightmare. Gloria, still dressed in her nightgown, was standing all alone, in a destitute field. Surrounding her, was an extremely dense fog. She stood in silence, wondering where could she be. Suddenly, she heard hurried, staggering footsteps, as if maybe a wounded person was rushing towards her. Her heart was pounding so fast, she had no idea who or what was coming. Gloria tried squinting her eyes, in hopes for better vision, but it did no good. The sound of the footsteps were closing in, she was rapidly becoming fearful. In a flash, her shoulder was yanked, she turned around and was shocked to see the face of Emily.

Emily was covered with blood and purple bruises, on her neck, her wrists, her legs, and so forth. Her eyes were imprinted with great distress, tramped in complete panic. Her feet were bare, covered in a mixture of blood and mud. The clothes she wore were ripped apart, as if she had been in a vicious brawl. Gloria was horrified, but she dared not turn away from her daughter, never.

Emily was covered with blood and purple bruises, on her neck, her wrists, her legs, and so forth. Her eyes were imprinted with great distress, tramped in complete panic. Her feet were bare, covered in a mixture of blood and mud. The clothes she wore were ripped apart, as if she had been in a vicious brawl. Gloria was horrified, but she dared not turn away from her daughter, never.

Peace of Mind (Gloria Bennett) 5

Yay! for whoever that has kept reading the story. Not much left after this post. Maybe two more posts left give or take.

“J-James’s death.” replied Gloria with some hesitation, mixed with a deep sigh. Upon hearing this, Emily immediately wrapped her hands around the hands of Gloria and gave a tight squeeze. A rush of immense love traveled up and down and all over the spine of Gloria. It send shivers inside and out of her body, yes, this was the love of James. There was such an abundance, all at once, her empty heart was being filled with compassion.

“Oh, mom.” answered Emily now, embracing Gloria tenderly. Secretly, Emily had been trying to forget about her dad, since the moment she knew he was dead. Gloria knew this for a fact, she could read it right off of Emily's eyes. Frequently, Gloria could sense when Emily would recall and reminisces about James, little snapshots appearing from long ago. Gloria, often wondered how Emily felt when she first realized, that all those precious moments would stay frozen in time forever. How did she feel to be forced to accept the cold truth that he was long gone? Did Emily just wanted rid herself of that overbearing feeling? Why? Gloria, couldn’t fathom such an outrageous notion; why on earth would Emilly want to forget? Gloria refused to forget James, she was safekeeping everything about him, every single detail, she wouldn’t let any of his belongings erode with dust.

Every way Emily looked, she saw another object symbolizing the past, giving way for more memories, Gloria knew this, but dared not neglect anything that once belonged to James. Gloria still kept his office exactly the same way he left it, she would regularly dust it and vacuum it. It as if the entire house was trapped in the past! Emily had tried to tell Gloria how she felt about the car accident, about Abigail, about the house, but all of her attempts and efforts fell short. Why couldn’t Gloria let go? Why can’t she just move on?

However the instant, Emily embraced her mom, Gloria knew that she finally understood why she never stopped the tradition, never stopped giving care to all the little nick nacks that were once his property, it was her way of keeping him alive. It was her way of keeping the family knit together and deep down inside, Gloria knew that Emily wanted to keep holding on as well, at least just for a little longer.

“Okay,” answered Emily with a long sigh, “Tomorrow, we’ll sign up together...” Gloria was glad when she heard those words flowing through her eardrums.

“Thank you, Emily. I love you.” said Gloria in a hushed voice, but loud enough for Emily to hear it. They embraced each other one more time and proceeded to stroll down the little dirt path. Gloria and Emily walked hand in hand. It was abundantly clear, that their bond was grounded with love and intimacy. A kind of union that would be forever cherished. Gloria felt so peaceful, so secure, but there was a voice calling out to her, in the back of her mind, “Gloria, what are you doing?”

Something wasn’t right. Emily’s hand began to blur and fade away. Gloria looked down and saw that the orchids were dying. All around her, the garden was deteriorating and the voice was echoing louder and louder, “Gloria, what are you doing? Come here.”

What was happening? Gloria was returning to current events, to the present. The flashback was coming to a close. Her daydreaming was fading away so rapidly, all at once, Gloria, heard the once faint whisper, turn into a clanging cymbal, yanking her back to reality.

“Gloria, are you okay? Come on, get up,” it was the voice of Abigail, but it was not as lively as it was four weeks ago. Her voice sounded drained, but it was also as if, she was trying to hide her exhaustion. Gloria, slowly came to her feet, her face was glassy and her eyes were distant, it would seem that Gloria was taciturn, she had been this way ever since the beginning of the investigation. Abigail knew she had to do something to make Gloria better.

“Gloria, there’s someone here, who wants to talk to you, he wants to help you,” said Abigail, softly leading her back inside the household.

“Who is it?” asked Gloria in an extra hushed voice.

“His name is Dr. Weber, he can help you get better,” Gloria did not answer back, all she did was nod. Once they entered the house, Abigail took Gloria to the living room, where Dr. Weber was located. He was wearing a brown suit with elbow paddings. He was holding a black notebook and fountain pen with marble patterns.

“Hello, Miss Gloria how are we today?” he asked rising to his feet, extending his hand for the traditional handshake. Gloria did not reach out her hand, she didn’t even look at him, all she did was nod, with an expressionless face.  

“Yes, well,” he replied putting his hand down, “If you would be good enough to sit, anywhere is fine, I’ll just be a moment with your daughter, in the kitchen.” Gloria sat down, in a rather slow fashion. Abigail led Dr. Weber to the kitchen.

“What is it doctor?” she asked a little tuckered out.

“How long has she been acting like this?”

“She has been improving, I mean compared to what she was like the first week,” answered Abigail trying to contain a yawn, which she was unable. Dr. Weber nodded his head in agreement most likely, “And what about you? How do you feel today?”

“I’m sorry?”

“You look exhausted,” said Dr. Weber very blunt.

“I am trying to solve the murder of Emily, keep good grades, help Gloria and-”

“And you are wearing yourself down, working to the bone,” interrupted Dr. Weber.

“Hey,” answered Abigail slightly annoyed, “I’m doing what I can for Gloria.”

“You don’t refer to her as your mother? Why is that?” questioned Dr. Weber, who was now opening his black notebook, jotting down notes. The nerve! Abigail’s tiredness was being replaced with anger. She didn’t like where this conversation was going.

“I’m not the one you should be asking questions to. I don’t need help, Gloria needs help,” Abigail was trying to keep her voice down, but she was doing a poor job. Just when she was about to say something else to Dr. Weber, probably another complaint, she took a breath instead, “Look... everyone says, you’re the best at what you do. You’ve been successful for years.”

“Only because I earn the trust of my patients,” said the Dr. Weber with affirmation.

“I am not your patient, Gloria is. She rarely eats, she rarely drinks!,” Abigail was trying to contain herself as best she could.

“In order for me to fully help Miss Gloria, I will need to know both sides of the story. I cannot promise you full recovery, unless I have full cooperation from both parties,” explained Dr.Weber very professional like.

“At the moment, all you need to hear is Gloria’s side of the story,” scoffed Abigail, “She’s...been through hell.” Dr. Weber nodded his head, left the kitchen and proceeded to the living room. Abigail heaved a sigh of exhaustion mixed with frustration. What if Dr. Weber was right? She’s been working herself exceedingly, and for what? To solve a homicide case that can’t be solved? Abigail had thoroughly analysed several reports, her eyes were weary of looking at the same thing for hours on end. Repeatedly, she had studied crime scene photos, along with leading detectives, and found nothing of any importance. No fingerprints, all the DNA they had found proved profitless. By the end of the month, the spirits of all the officers in the case had deflated. What was left?

*    *    *

By the end of the fifth week, the police department gave up, Abigail protested loudly against this, but that didn’t stop the inevitable. All the reports, photos and medical files were put away, along with the other cold, unsolved mysteries. The police moved on to other more serious crimes, that needed their attention. The case was close, forcing Abigail to quit. That once intense urge to solve the murder of Emily had vanished. All those sleepless nights, seemed pointless now. Gloria was unaware of this, she didn’t know the case was closed. Ever since the murder, she had detached herself from reality. Her mind was seldom in the present, it was bent on the past. Gloria had been reliving past events with Emily, fond memories, when she had security, certainty, but most of all peace. She was clinging on to false hope, that the police would find the culprit and bring that bastard to justice.

Peace of Mind (Gloria Bennett) 4

I hope you are finding the story interesting. If there is any grammar errors, point them out to me, as I would want to correct those.

When Abigail heard the words “She’s dead”, at first she thought it was a lie, a vicious, vulgar lie! That there had been a horrible mistake. It couldn’t be true, but Abigail could see the mass of police officers gathered around the shed, she could see the yellow tape blocking the entrance. Why else would there be so many people? No, it couldn’t be true. Abigail kept on repeating the same words inside her mind: it’s a lie, a mistake, it’s a lie, a mistake! Over and over, but it wasn’t enough, she could feel a tugging sensation in her soul. How could tonight get any worse, but it did, for in the midst of her rushing thoughts, she suddenly heard the lady say, “She was raped.” She was utterly speechless. Her one and only sister, raped and the worst part was all those years that Abigail could have spent with Emily creating memories, she spent it in a corner being jealous. Instead of joining Emily and Gloria when they were laughing or playing, she was just watching in the background. Abigail for so many years had the chance to be Emily’s big sister, but never did. This must have been some sick, twisted dream, a nightmare, concluded Abigail.

“Abigail, I can’t possibly imagine what’s going through your mind, but we would like to ask you a few questions, if you’re up to it,” asked the officer lady giving Abby a comforting hand on the shoulder, which didn’t give her any comfort or reassurance whatsoever. Abigail reluctantly agreed. Within moments, she was bombarded with question after question, she tried her best to answer all of them, but her mind was still much in shock. It was as if her thoughts went numb. She couldn’t make sense of anything.

*    *    *

Gloria hadn’t heard a word from Abigail for quite some time, what could have happen? Was Abigail successful in finding Emily? Was Emily safe? And if so, why didn’t she call? Why aren't they calling now? Numerous questions flooding her mind and Gloria didn’t know the answer to any of them. The clock hit 2:15 a.m, it had been a little over an hour, since Abigail last contacted Gloria. However, Gloria’s mind wasn’t on Abigail, all she was thinking about was Emily. Even though the night sky was pitch black and not a single sound stirred loud enough to be heard, and even though Gloria was exhausted, she wouldn’t allow her body, herself a moment of rest, of peace. Gloria was dragging her weary feet in circles all throughout the house; her mind was filled with worries, concerns and tensions. Then suddenly, Gloria heard a loud knock at the front door. Her heart leaped for joy, she instantly thought it was Emily, she didn’t even give it a second thought, within seconds, she quickly opened the door.

However, when the door was opened wide, her smile vanished, her face changed from joyous to confused, her heart sank. It was just Abigail standing with a small group of police officers. She didn’t understand.

“What’s going on? Where’s Emily?”

When they told Gloria what had happened, she dared not believe any of the words emanating from their mouths. Emily probably just went over to one of her friends house for a sleepover or something along those lines.

“What are you talking about? She must be at a friends house. Just tell me which one,” replied Gloria with her usual softer than necessary voice.

“I’m sorry ma’am, but all that we have said is true,” answered the same officer with the booming voice. Again, they explained what had happened, Gloria heard every word that they said, but she didn’t comprehend. Her sanity was clouded with emotions, affecting her discernment heavily. Gloria stared into the eyes of every person in the room, their faces seemed honest and sincere, but it couldn’t be true...why would it?

“No..no. Emily is at a friend’s house. Please just tell me which one...why won’t you tell me?” asked Gloria with an abundant amount of concern pouring from her eyes. Abigail couldn’t contain herself much longer, she was filled anger, sadness, resentment, so many different emotions, all bottled inside. She was dying to burst out and rip off the mask, of which she made and held, for years upon years! Alas, Abigail couldn’t keep silent.

“Mom! Emily is dead, gone forever!” she exploded with a fountain of tears, she once kept locked away, “She’s not at a friend’s house, for heavens sakes mom! Emily is dead, she was raped! And there’s nothing you can do or they can do!” Abigail was finally releasing a load of tension and burdens off her shoulders. The cops had no idea how to respond or if they should respond at all, they were caught totally off guard. Abigail was about to open her mouth to relinquish more of her tucked away anguish, but she was unable. Abigail stopped cold, all at once and quietly wept, but she did not lower her head, her eyes were piercing right back Gloria. Gloria stood still, motionless, with no expression.

Then it happened, it clicked, Emily was dead. Gloria felt as if she was being crushed by a force she could not see nor fathom. She was utterly devastated. Just the thought of losing Emily, no not Emily, she was losing James all over again! Gloria couldn't bare the thought, not again. It was a lie, all of what Abigail said, of what the cops said- a lie! She refused to believe anything that was happening. She denied it all.

“You’re lying! All of you, you’re lying!” She loudly protested, “Emily can’t be dead, she just can’t,” sobbed Gloria, “No, no, no. Tell me it is not so!” Gloria fell on her knees covering her hands over her face. It was true. Emily had died. She began to sway back and forth saying in a hushed voice, “No, no, no, no, no” with no indication if she would ever stop.

An officer looked at Abigail, who was still holding her solemn face, and said, “She needs you, she needs you bad.” Abigail’s face slowly softened, she couldn’t leave her mother in loss, in distress. With some hesitation, Abigail approached Gloria, knelt down beside her and gently wrapped her arms around her. This would be the first time, in years, that she would give her mom a sincere hug. When Gloria felt the heartbeat of Abigail against her chest, it was beating just as fast hers, that’s when she realized, Abigail was just scared as she was, they were both stricken with heavy burdens of heartache. Gloria, extended her arms and embraced now her only child. At first, Abigail didn’t know how to react, could this really be happening? Was Gloria really clinging onto her, just as she once clinged onto Emily? As Gloria hugged Abigail tighter, she dared not loosen her grip. It became all so clear to Abigail, she had to stay strong for Gloria’s sake, she was now Gloria’s only source of comfort. Nevertheless, Abigail knew that Gloria would never feel even a small sense peace, until she find out who killed Emily.

With that concept embedded in her mind, Abigail helped Gloria to her feet and replied to the officers, “Please go and find out who did this, and bring that bastard to justice. My mother... and I will do anything we can to corporate.” Abigail was smeared with tear stains on her cheeks slowly rolling down, but she didn’t bother to wipe her face.

Since that dreadful morning, the investigation progressed rapidly. Abigail set aside all folly feelings, so she could help her mother live day to day, as much as possible. She was so ensnared with the idea of being strong “for Gloria’s sake”, she didn’t give herself a chance to mourn. As for Gloria, she fell hard and deep. Her heart sank to such a degree, no matter how many times she cried, the tears would not stop. Gloria, would walk idle around the house, for countless of hours, with no sign of hope. It had been three long, tormenting weeks, since the death of Emily and the cops were still vigorously interrogating, seeking answers to questions, working late hours all because Abigail wouldn’t let them stop. However, for one reason or another, they hit a wall. By the fourth week, the detectives were stuck, they had no leads, their previous suspect had a rock solid alibi with eyewitnesses, who could vouch. There was so much DNA smothered in the shed, but most of it belonged to Emily and the small scrap of DNA that wasn’t Emily’s, had no matches. They had requisitioned Kevin time and time again, they even questioned Eric, among many other teenagers who ran away during the party, all of their replies just made way for more confusion and dead ends.

One day, while the investigation was dwindling, while Gloria was alone dragging her weary bones throughout the empty house, she stumbled across the garden. The garden that once was her sanctuary, that once protected her from agony, was now just another reminder of everything she had lost or what she was losing. She drifted her way, outside, toward the bed of flowers and pillows of grass. As her eyes slowly traveled up the dirt path, they fell upon a section of dying orchids. Instantly, her mind vanished from the present, and reappeared on the day she saw Emily for the last time. They were walking together in the midst of the recently bloomed orchids.

“Oh, mom, they’re simply marvelous!” said Emily with unmistakable glee in her voice.

“Emily, dear, do you really think so?” inquired Gloria earnestly.

“Mother, what’s wrong?” asked Emily leaning close to Gloria, “You’re going to be amazing next week in the flower competition. You did sign up, right?”

“We always sign up together.”

“Don’t be silly. This year, you should take all credit. We signed up together last year and the year before that, in fact we’ve been doing it together, since I was six.” said Emily staring lovingly at the flowers, “It was never me, it always you. You were the champion for four straight years.” Gloria, God knows why, began to blush.

“No, it was us, we’re a team. This is our pride and joy.” replied Gloria kneeling down to feel the petals.

“This is more your pride and joy than it is mine.” said Emily, trying to explain herself, now kneeling beside Gloria, “I remember... it was dad, who started this tradition. He’d always sign the entire family up, but after he...things changed... you became distant, to everyone except me. Why?” asked Emily looking straight at Gloria. Gloria didn’t want to make eye contact, but she couldn’t bring herself to turn away from Emily, she loved her too much.

“Over the years, I’d notice now and then, how lonely Abigail would look. At first, I didn’t pay much attention...which I now regret...” What was Emily getting at?

“I don’t think I understand?” said Gloria with a dazed voice.

“I’ve been meaning to ask you, I mean... you spend a lot of time with me, but never with Abigail...I guess what I’m trying to say is,” said Emily trying to pick her words wisely, “Why did you change? What happened?” Gloria’s mind was boggled, why was Emily asking her these questions? She never did before. Why now?