DECEPTION - A Family Affair (23 page)

Caroline put her head down and nodded yes while the flood of tears poured down.  Marisol came over to her and gave her tissues and held her hand.  Once her hiccups subsided she continued her story.  “They kept teasing her calling her a baby.  Even though she and James were cousins he liked to boss her around.  She promised them she would do it, she was supposed to do it the day after she died.  She told me and Alex she wanted to practice alone first so she wouldn’t look like a dummy.  I felt so bad because I didn’t try to talk her out of it although, Alex did he told her not to do it that they were all stupid but she didn’t listen and now it’s too late.”  Caroline began to sob again.

“Oh my God.”  Marisol gasped as she covered her mouth with her hand.  Taking a deep breath to gather her wits she gathered Caroline in her arms.  “Listen to me Caroline and listen to me clearly, by you coming to me today was very big of you and I’m proud of you.  You may not have saved Savannah but you may save many others now that awareness will spread.  You have to be brave for me, because I will need to let the appropriate parties know.  You will also need to be honest with your parents.  They love you no matter what so you owe them to be open and honest with them.  Okay Sweetie?”

She nodded yes again and held on to Marisol letting out all her guilt and shame.  Marisol kept thinking about Alex.  She needed to reach out to him immediately.  She also wondered how the news will affect Mrs. Prescott.   It will feel as if she lost Savannah all over again but at least her death doesn’t have to be in vain she can hopefully save so many other children through her voice by sharing Savannah’s story.  It will bring awareness to other children and their parents.

After the ordeal of including Mr. Johnson, the school resource officer and the other two guidance counselors it felt like she aged a good twenty years.  They called kids down one by one to interrogate them and their participation of these acts.  Fortunately, they all told the same story confirming Caroline’s.  The officer also questioned James about the vandalism of her Jeep and the assault with the paint balls but of course he denied it.  At least they have enough statements from a hand full of kids to confirm him bragging about it despite his denial.  Her major concern right now is Alex’s participation and he was out sick today. 

When she finally had a minute to check her phone she saw she had two text messages from Nate and Marco.

Hey – I’m fine and no need to thank me.  Marco

Marco’s response felt like a punch to the stomach, it was everything he didn’t say that was hurtful.

Babes – don’t ever apologize I understand but we do need to talk.  Marco is quite distant today but I’m having dinner with Charley this evening.  I will keep you posted.

Nate…

Responding to Nate was easy - Marco not so much.

Nate,

Cheater or traitor…ugh - enjoy your dinner. I still love you but I’m calling Lucas on you.

Me…

Hey Marco – Do you have time to meet me?  I want to talk to you about Alex its really important and the puzzle has been completed - long story.  I could be out of here in the next half hour or so let me know.

Nate was quick like the ricochet rabbit.

Babes – put the claws a way no need for jealousy they are totally platonic.  We’ll talk soon, okay?

She couldn’t help but smile with that tidbit of information but it was short lived after reading Marco’s harsh response.

Marisol, look whatever needs to be discussed about Alex you should go straight to his parents, I’m not his father and would prefer to stay out of it.  Marco

Her fingers trembled as she tried to text him back she could only provide a three word response.

Okay, I’m sorry…

Marisol

She felt her heart was going to bust from her chest.  He became so distant with her and she didn’t know how to handle it.  She knew she had to worry about it later because right now her focus had to be Alex. 

After leaving Angelo a couple of voice mail messages, Marisol decided to pay Layla a visit.  Maybe talking to her would get better results.  Layla and Angelo lived right next to his parents, must be comforting to be surrounded by family.  Walking up to the porch of the two-story colonial cape she rang the bell and felt shy all of a sudden.  Seeing the surprise look on Layla’s face didn’t help, her pregnant belly looked uncomfortable since she is about to give birth soon.  “Hello Marisol.” Layla greeted her with a look of query behind her smile as she held one hand on her lower back.

“Hello Layla, I hope I didn’t come at a bad time but I really need to talk to you about Alex.  It’s important.”  Confidence restored. 

“Yes, please come in.  Is he in some kind of trouble?  He is home sick today.”

“Let’s sit and I’ll explain everything to you.”  She responded not wanting her to panic and followed her into the dining room where they sat down facing each other.  Marisol took the time to explain the choking game and how the kids do it to get a high but the consequences are severe, within matter of seconds they can become unconscious; within three minutes of continued strangulation, it can affect memory, balance, and the central nervous system can start to fail. Some other consequences can include bruises, concussions, broken bones, seizures, brain damage, memory loss, or even a stroke.  If they go beyond three minutes they could die which is what happened with Savannah. She informed her how Alex tried to stop Savannah the night she died from trying it which explains his emotional rollercoaster afterwards.  Then she warned her how the school will question Alex tomorrow and he should answer in complete honesty.  Layla sat calmly throughout the entire discussion but clearly worried about all she shared with her.

“Layla, there is something else you should know.  I was recently assaulted in my backyard by a group of kids with paintball guns and I didn’t report it to the police because I knew Alex was one of them.  I couldn’t bring myself to do it but it is out in the open now.  The boys confessed today and I don’t know what to say to you but that I’m sorry it’s totally out of my hands.  I’m not sure what the school’s decision will be on how they will handle the situation.”

Layla put her face down to hide her disgust.  “Marisol, I had no idea and I can’t believe you can sit here and apologize to me for my son’s behavior.  Were the paint balls red by any chance?”

“Yes, how did you know?”

“Alex tried to wash his hunting clothes and I remember freaking out because I saw all this red stuff thinking it was blood and he told me he went target shooting with some of his friends but he left out the detail of you being the target.  I’m so disappointed right now I could scream and mortified that they hurt you.  There will be repercussions for his actions and whatever the school decides as punishment he will just have to accept it because he needs to learn from this and not think he can get away with shit like this.”

“For whatever its worth, he was intimidated and threatened by those boys they are the same boys who beat him up a few weeks ago.  I tried to help him but I just couldn’t gain his trust.  Please know I care so much for your son and hope this nightmare is all over for him and he’ll have some peace again.  He has been through the ringer with losing a friend and dealing with these bullies.”

Layla started to tear up and refused to release them. “You are too kind Marisol and I am thankful for you coming here today to talk to me instead of his father.  With the pregnancy Angelo just keeps letting things roll instead of confronting them.  I need my Alex to be mentally healthy again and be a happy boy where the biggest worry of the day is homework or what to wear to school.”

Marisol rose from her seat as she spoke. “I agree.  Well I should be going and thank you for having an open mind.  Good luck with the pregnancy its any day now right?”

“Thanks, I have already dilated two centimeters since yesterday and nothing yet.  I know it’s a girl because she is already causing me drama.”  She laughed as she said it which brought a smile to Marisol.  “And Marisol, I don’t know what is happening between you and Marco but I hope whatever it is turns to something wonderful.  You both deserve to finally be happy.”  Marisol blushed from her awkwardness. 

“Thanks Layla.  Can I ask you a question?  I know I shouldn’t ask you but I’m really desperate.  Marco said the night he left town was to save his family which makes no sense to me.  Do you know what he meant?”  Marisol pleaded.

“I never realized you didn’t know the real reason.  I want to be fair here.  What I will tell you is this - go speak to your father he has all the answers you need to know and it should come from him.  Trust me on this he holds the key to everything.”

“That scares me even more.  He must be doing a lot of confessing lately. His nurse mentioned the same thing which only terrifies me.”  Putting her head down she led herself out the door not wanting Layla to wobble more than she needs to.  She knew she had to face her demons with her father but she hasn’t built the courage to do so yet.  The saying,
what you don’t know can’t hurt
keeps running through her mind.  But she also knew to move forward in her life she needs to gain closure from her past. 

****♥****

Angelo walked into the corner brewery in town after receiving a disturbing call from his old friend Mike who thank God was the bartender tonight.  Marco was belligerently drunk off his ass to say the least.  He left the house on the down low not wanting to upset Layla and their mom.  Marco already had their mom up and arms from his earlier outburst about keeping Marissa a secret from him.  Entering the bar he acknowledged Mike with a nod and claimed the seat next to his brother.  “Hey Boss, what are you up to?” 

Marco peeked over his shoulder to find his little brother scowling at him or was it pity in his eyes he couldn’t decipher.  “What does it look like I’m doing?  Having a beer freshly brewed from town who would of thunk it?”  He answered wobbling his head side to side.

Angelo produced a smile.  “Wow…thunk it?  Is that how they talk in the west?  I think it’s time we go for a ride and get some fresh air into those lungs.  What do you say?” 

Marco stared pensively at his beer for a second or two and asked hoarsely.  “Did you know about my baby girl?”

Angelo chose his words wisely but opted for the plain truth.  “Yes, it was a very long time ago.  To be honest, none of us knew about the pregnancy until after she gave birth.  A couple of months after you left, no one saw Marisol.  She no longer attended school; I later found out her dad had tutors come to the house since she was an embarrassment to him.”  He shifted in his seat then continued.  “I don’t know how much you know but the day she went into labor she called Pop.  He is the one who took her to the hospital and stood with her throughout the whole birth thing.  He was the first face Marissa saw.  He came home so distraught blaming himself because it should have been your face to greet her.  Then two weeks later she called with the news and I happen to pick up the phone that dark day.  It was a devastating time for everyone.  Pop made sure she had a proper burial and paid for everything.  Her bastard father wanted no part of it and she was pretty much left to fend for herself.”

“I can’t believe no one told me.  I ruined her.  She hates me and has every right.  I broke her spirit she lives her life in seclusion allowing no one to enter.”  Marco said barely able to speak through the lump in his throat.

“Dude, I was a kid myself back then with a pregnant girl friend no less.  I didn’t know the facts I blamed Marisol for running my brother away when I needed him most.  We not only mourned for your baby but we mourned your lost in our lives as well.”  Taking a big gulp of his beer looking at the raw pain he saw in his brother’s eyes was killing him.  “Look, when I see her around you it is not hate that is gushing from her eyes dude.  I’m sure she felt rage when she went through everything, what normal person wouldn’t but I will bet everything I own that she never stopped loving you.”

“I am so conflicted I don’t know what to do.  One part of me wants to walk in that nursing home and just kill William with my bare hands and watch his face until he reaches his last breathe, but then that would make me as evil as him.  Plus the fact he isn’t worth going to jail for that’s for damn sure.  I want so much to tell Marisol I love her but to do that I would have to tell her the truth about her father and that will only bring her more agony.  I already put her through enough and I know it’s best to just walk away.  She deserves to be happy.”