CHAPTER 43 - Molly

CHAPTER 43MollyELISE FINALLY LEAVES. I HEAR HER AND CORRINE WHISPERING AT THE front door before it opens and closes. I lie on the bed, on my side, petting Sadie. I feel totally exposed here in the Boston area. It had been my refuge since I was a little girl, someplace new and pristine, where Melinda didn’t exist. And now this life is over too. Molly has been outed.Anger seeps up through my pores, builds in my chest, threatening to overwhelm me. What right did Keith Russell have to ruin my life? To haunt my dreams? This won’t be over until I confront him. That’s what has been nibbling at the edges of my conscience all my life. But therapists told me it wasn’t necessary. I didn’t have to confront my tormenter to heal. But what did they know? Nothing, it turns out. I’m in a worse place now than I was years ago.I burrow under a pillow, moan into the mattress.If only I’d said no. If only I’d gone into the house and told Indie’s mother. If only I’d told Keith to go away.“Molly?” Corrine calls through the door. “Would you like a cup of tea?”I sit up, wipe the tears from my cheeks. I’ve got to end this. I’ve got to pull myself together. “Sure. I’ll be out in a minute.” I walk over to the window and look down on the street below. A couple of news vans are parked at the curb, but no one is standing outside. It’s too cold, too gray. A woman carrying shopping bags walks by. She ducks her head, and the wind whips her scarf behind her like a flag.I can’t go out the front of the building or they might see me. But the back entrance, where Corrine takes the trash down, that might be clear. I smooth my hair back, eye my overnight bag. I’ll drink my tea, reassure Corrine that I’m okay. Then later, when they’re asleep, Sadie and I will slip away.