• Choose a category
• All
• Classic-Fiction

So it was all an act then? Rhonda asked, biting her lip again.I will not cry. I will not let them see me break down. There are enough victims in this story already. What happened between us. Another trick to distract me?

No! His eyes were moist and sincere. God, no! Rhonda, what happened between us it was the only honest thing Ive done since Ive been in Pikes Crossing.

Rhonda nodded, unsure of what to believe. She knew shed started to fall in love with Warren. And her being with him had helped her to let go of Peterto move on in some intangible way.

I think that all along, part of me wanted you to discover the truth. Part of me needed all this to be over. I tried to tell you myself. I tried last night, then again this morning. But I couldnt.

So what did you do after you left my place, after your failed attempts to tell me the truth?

I drove around for a little, thinking it through. I stopped off at the house to change clothes. Then I went to the Mini Mart. I told Pat what really happened that afternoon, said I was going to Crowley myself. She lost it. She went after me with a crowbar and then I guess she stuffed me in the suit and put me in the car God, she must have been crazy with rage, to do all that. But I dont blame her. She loved that little girl. She kept saying how all this was going to save little Ernie, that shed be the nations darling. Have offers for movies and books. Have her face on the front cover ofPeople . Her and Pat together. Thats the way it was supposed to be.

A nurse came in, lifting the oxygen mask. Youve got to keep this on, she scolded.

Warren pushed it away again.

Please tell Trudy how sorry I am. Tell heroh fuck it. He was crying again. What can anyone say? Tell her that on Ernies last day at school, during that F contest, the word she came up with wasfable . Tell her that, would you?

Rhonda nodded dumbly down at Warren as the nurse attached the mask again, adjusted the flow.

Was that what all this had been? Rhonda wondered. A fable in which the rabbit plays a terrible trick, but at the end they all learn a lesson? But what could possibly be the moral here?

SEPTEMBER 3, 1993

PETER SHOWED UPat Rhondas door, breathless.

I need Clem, he panted, shoving his way past Rhonda. Clem came out into the living room.

What is it, Peter?

Youve gotta come quick. Its Mom. Shes in the bathtub. She used a razor. Theres blood all over!

Clem ran out of the house with Peter. Rhonda started to join them, but her father stopped her. Stay here! he ordered.

Rhondas heart thudded in her ears. She went to find her mother to tell her what had happened.

Theres nothing we can do to help right now, Justine said.

Lets do our best to keep busy.

So Rhonda sliced vegetables for stew, listening to sirens draw near.

Forty-five minutes later, Clem returned with Peter and Lizzy. Lizzy had a suitcase. Peter carried a knapsack, a sleeping bag, and his old army pup tent, which he went to work setting up in the yard.

Youll freeze in there, Justine warned, handing over a pile of thick blankets from the linen closet.

Cant you make him come inside? Rhonda whined to her parents, who just shook their heads and told her to leave Peter alone for now.

Lizzy went straight to Rhondas room, set up her suitcase in the corner, and began doing homework at Rhondas desk.

Want to talk? Rhonda asked her. Lizzy didnt even look up.

Oh thats right, you dont talk anymore. I forgot.

Rhonda stomped out of her room and down the hall, where she caught sight of her parents in the kitchen. Clem was just hanging up from his call to the hospital. Rhonda ducked into the shadowy bathroom to eavesdrop.

Shes going to pull through, Clem reported.

Thank God, Justine said. Did they say how long shell be there?

Rhonda heard Clem light a match, take a drag of his cigarette, then exhale. No idea.

Id think theyd keep her awhile after something like this. And when she does get out, I wonder what shape shell be in. Looking after the kids might be too much for her, Justine said.

Fucking