CHAPTER 6 - A Terrible Accident

A week passed and you never once mentioned about the kiss to Mort. You kept it within for what reason you weren’t sure. You could probably say you were in denial and that you thought you imagined the ordeal. Though, it was quite heated.

You had an appointment with your obstetrician the day before and she was quite worried. You were experiencing loads of stress lately (who wouldn’t?) and wanted you to lie off on the writing until the baby is born. You weren’t happy with the order but did it since you wanted to look out for the infant’s well being. Mort promised he wouldn’t work on it either and told you it was like taking a much-needed vacation off from work.

You agreed wholeheartedly so that was why none of you noticed the story missing.

With Julie gone, you began feeling more like your old self. You pass off Julie being here as a nightmare. Life was good.

You were home alone one night. Mort was out with Dane, who pops in for a visit a couple hours ago. You were glad Mort was getting out and being a man. He was stuck in the cabin with you, making sure everything was all right. You lay back on the couch and your eyes began drifting off.

It felt so right just to do nothing. You fell in and out of sleep and by the time you were actually awake, Bandit was nudging you.

“What is it Bandit?” you groaned.

Bandit began wagging his tail and glancing over to his leash, which was hanging on the wall next to the front door. You look in the direction the dog was looking and then to the clock. It read 9:30.

Sighing, you got up and hobbled over to the leash. Picking it up, Bandit began doing his usual “I’m going for a walk!” happy dance. You shook your head, grinning, at the four-legged animal prancing around your feet. If there was no thing for certain, Bandit loved his walks.

After you finally got him ready, you left a note for Mort in case he returned early and locked the door. Bandit was tugging on you to hurry up and then you were on your way.

You headed off down the road. It was quite dark out, but you managed to see well anyways. Now and then, Bandit would stop to sniff the ground or do his business and then happily continued on with his master by his side. It was chilly out and you cursed yourself for not bringing a jacket of some sort to keep you warm.

You ignored the coldness and headed on. You decided to go up to your neighbor Donna’s house, which was a couple miles away from yours, and then turn back. You began to come up to the familiar patch of Impatiens surrounding the wooden mailbox. You happened to look up and notice there was no light on in her home.

Strange, you thought. It’s a Friday night and Donna is usually hosting some kind of Gardening party. Maybe she’s not feeling good.

Shrugging, you turned back, dragging Bandit along with you. You held yourself, trying to keep warm, and quicken your pace so you would return soon. If Mort made it back before you, you knew he would say something.

You were just barely thirty feet away from Donna’s home when you heard tires screeching. You moved off the road to avoid being hit and watch as the car drove by at high speed.

“Moron,” you muttered.

Then you moved a few feet when another car coming in your direction began racing towards you. The bright headlights were on, blinding you instantly. You couldn’t tell whether or not if it was headed your way. Your body went numbed as the realization of the approaching car came closer. You could feel your hand letting go of the leash and your voice died out. You couldn’t tell Bandit to run.

The vehicle was picking up speed and you jumped out of the way in a delay reaction. Your body hit the ground hard and you began rolling down a ditch. You felt rocks jamming into your ribs and stomach as you plummet down. You stopped as you reached the bottom. You tried to get up by pushing on your arms so you wouldn’t be on your stomach. You managed to roll over onto your back.

You glaze up to the road and for a moment, you thought the car stopped and driver was looking down to see who was down there. You didn’t know what happened next. Your eyes closed shut and you slid into the oblivion of unconsciousness.

~Fade In~

“(You)? Can you hear me?”

“Please sir, you must move out of the way so the doctor can see her.”

“But she’s my wife!”

“I’m sorry Mr. Rainey, but you can’t see your wife until the doctor does.”

~Fade Out~

Your eyes slowly opened and the first thing that hit you was white. White lights, white walls, and white floor. You moaned softly as consciousness hit you in pulses. Looking to your left, you see monitors of some sort and tubes leading down from them. Your eyes traveled down them and saw there were needles in your arms, connecting the tubes.

You then look down at yourself and gasped. You weren’t in your clothes, but a gown and the bed wasn’t yours.

“(You)?” a voice softly murmured.

You glance over to your right into the worried countenance of your husband’s, as he gently strokes your hand.

“Mort, what happened?” you croaked.

“Dane and I found you lying in a ditch,” he choked. “My God, I was so scared I would lose you. You were out cold.”

You let out a small smile and squeezed his hand. “I’m here.”

He smiled in return. As your sight became clearer, the sight before you terrified you. The skin around Mort’s eyes was bright red from crying and constant rubbing. His drowning brown pools full of love were replaced with a deep sadness. The long dirt brown hair was disheveled and sticking out all over the place as if he was trying to yank out the roots.

“Mort?” your voice took on a high pitch.

He tore his gaze away from you and fumbled with your fingers. An unsettling silence was set between you and him.

You pulled on his hand, trying to make him look at you. “Mort, what’s wrong? I know you’re hiding out on me.” Then it hit you. “Is it about Bandit? I don’t know what happened to him. I think he ran away. Oh God!” You sobbed.

“No, it’s not that. Don’t worry about Bandit. Dane and Donna are looking for him as we speak. It’s, um, the doctors didn’t tell you?”

“Tell me what?!” you asked alarmed.

“The baby,” Mort replied in a whisper.

“The baby?” you repeated. “The baby’s all right, Mort? Please tell me the baby is all right.”

Mort turned his head around looking for a nurse or someone to help him. The anticipation of what was going to be said next gripped you in fear. You knew what it was, but you wanted to hear it.

Returning back to you, Mort drew a haggard breath. Tears began forming at the corners and from seeing this, brought tears to your eyes as well. He then said:

“We lost the baby, honey. You rolled down the ditch and landed on your stomach. The doctor said that was what killed our child. It’s not your fault so don’t blame yourself. I’m the one to blame,” he finished quickly.

“Why?”

“If I didn’t go with Dane then you would have stayed home with me and everyone will be safe.”

“It wouldn’t matter. Bandit wanted a walk,” you explained.

“Then it would have been me. What do I have to lose? At least you and the baby will be intact.”

“No, then I’ll be at the bedside worrying about you. And after what we been through and me worrying, I don’t want to go through that again.”

But his words echoed in your ears on the baby. An aching emptiness filled you. You felt empty you were empty. The baby was gone and after Mort left; the thought was still processing in your mind. You were in utter shock. Why me? You thought sadly. Why us?

You cried quietly throughout the night in the hospital. As morning came, you ignored Mort’s words and blamed yourself for the child’s death. The baby was your responsibly and you let it die. If only you didn’t let Bandit push you for a walk. If only!

“I’m a bad mother,” you whispered as everyone around you moved with life. The bitter tears began falling once more.

* * * *

You were in the hospital for a few more days before being released. Other than the loss, you sustained same minor injuries. Mort was relieved you weren’t in serious danger. During the drive home, no one said a word. You were both mourning for the loss of your unborn child.

Mort came up to the cabin and turned off the car. He got out, walked around, and opened the door for you. You went out without speaking and headed inside.

Mort followed you into the bedroom. You sat on the bed head down.

The sight pulled at his heart. He wished he could make the pain go away, but it appeared to be no luck. This was the second time he lost a child of his and your first. He knew what harsh thoughts you were having towards yourself. He wanted you to see it’s not true.

Mort sat next to you and took your small hand in his large one.

“I know what you’re thinking and it’s not true,” he said.

“What do you mean?” you asked bitterly.

“You think you’re a bad mother. Don’t look so surprised. I went through this once before,” Mort joked. “Amy felt like she was Joan Crawford.”

“Well I’m not like her!” you scoffed as a little grin played on your lips.

Mort smiled and kissed your check. “You’re perfect,” he replied.

Then something struck you odd. “Where’s Bandit?”

“Dane and Donna didn’t have much luck looking for him. They found his leash and collar. They helped me make some posters and we had them posted. By the way, Dane left this for you.”

Mort got up and strode over to the dresser. He picked up an envelope and handed it to you. Taking it, it was a Hallmark Get Well Soon card. You went to check the inside to see the message and rolled your eyes at the obvious comment Dane written: It’s a Hallmark Card! The message below it was very tender and sweet however-

(You),

Dane

The note was very touching and you promised if you ever see Dane again to give him a kiss.

“Have you read it?” you queried.

Mort shook his head. “No, Dane wanted you to read it first. He never told me what he had written.”

You showed him the note and after Mort read it, he gave you a big hug and whispered, “I love you, my inspiration.”

* * * *

A couple days passed and there was still no sign of Bandit. It was like he vanished into thin air! You and Mort spent hours looking for the lost pup. Sadly, there appeared to be no hope of finding him. Tears streamed down your face at the thought. You will never see Bandit ever again it seemed.

Mort was distracted the last couple days. Of course he was worried about finding his dog, but his mind was wandering elsewhere. You didn’t pay any heed to this and after giving up on the search it became more apparent.

Mort was also coming home late since Dane returned again to see how you were hanging (and you gave him that kiss!). Both men were going out, but Mort kept returning late by himself. He said Dane had to go back to the motel to look over some cases he has. So Mort left him there so that was why he was late. You shrugged. Men. It was that simple.

During one night when Mort and Dane left to go to the bar, you sat in the cabin. It was so eerie by yourself. You missed the nights when Bandit got all goofy acting and was all over you. When Bandit did this you would say, “Mort! It’s the witching hour again.” You grinned at these memories. That was all you had lately. Memories of Bandit, memories of being pregnant. Growing weary of the silence, you stood up and went to the Office.

You needed to do something, even if it meant doing some rereading and possibly some more editing.

You had your hand on the doorknob and began turning it when the phone came to life. Sighing, you turned on your heel and flew to the phone in the living room.

“Hello?” you answered.

“Hi (you),” Mort’s husky voice came from the other line.

“Hey yourself.” You grinned. “What’s up?”

“Nothing really. Dane and I are going to stop over to his room before I come home. He wants me to look at this crime short story he wrote,” Mort explained.

“A crime short story?” you asked. “I didn’t know Dane had the writing bug.”

“I know! Well you convinced him my darling after the kiss you gave him for the card,” Mort laughed. “He was bored, anyways, and so he started writing to entertain himself.”

“That’s a good reason to get into the business,” you said.

“Yeah, well, I’ll be home a little late so you don’t have to wait up for me.”

“All right. Have fun and don’t stay out to late.”

“Yes mother,” Mort teased.

You chuckled. “Love you.”

“Love you too.” Click!

Shaking your head you, again, started to your destination and once more the phone began ringing.

“What could it be this time?” you wondered aloud as you picked it up.

“What do you want now Mort?” you said into the phone.

“I’m not Mort silly!” replied a loud, childish voice. It could only be-

“Julie?” you asked confused.

“The one and only. Or do you know any other girls with the name Julie Torrance?”

“Um, no,” you reply. “How may I be of service to you Julie?”

“Well, there’s something I need to confess to you. It kept nagging me for a long time and my conscience got the best of me. First, I need to say I’m sorry.”

“Wait. What?”

“I’m sorry I was cheating with your husband,” she replied calmly.

Your jaw dropped. “What?” you squeaked.

“I’m sorry I stole your story! Do you have hearing problems?” she snapped.

“Stole my story?” you repeated. Did she really say that?

“Yes! Are you going deaf? Didn’t you even notice it was missing?”

“No,” you answered meekly. “You mean you had it for this long?”

“Yeah. I took it because you made me angry for not looking at it. I forgot I had it until I found it in my suitcase. You could say in my frustration I acted on impulse and it had completely left my mind.”

Oh I bet you did, you thought angrily. “You know I could press charges on you for taking private property?” you spat.

“I know,” she whined. “But I hope we could put this all behind us. I promise I’ll never do anything stupid again. If you want I could drive up tomorrow and return it. I made amends with Chaz by the way.”

“Great.” You paused. Was this really over a story? You could have sworn she said she cheated with Mort. Or was it all in your head?

“I guess you could-“ you started.

“Yea! You forgive me, then?” she squealed eagerly.

“No. You did something really childish for God’s sake!” you cried. You could see Miss Torrance flinching from your tone.

“Okay maybe in time. I’ll come up in Chaz’s car so look for a dark blue ’87 Dodge Omni. Where should we meet? The cabin?”

“No. Let’s meet at Bowie’s Store. Say around two or is it to late?”

“It’s fine. See you at two then. Bye!”

You hung up and a flash of that night came flooding back to you. The car, the bright lights, was it dark blue?

You shook your head from the thoughts and checked the clock. It was late and you were growing tired. Yawning, you went up the stairs to bed.

* * * *

The next morning you awoke to the mouth watering scent of sausage and pancakes. With a huge grin plastered on your face, you headed down to the kitchen.

Mort was hard at work cooking up a mean meal. He merely glances up to see you and returned your smile fully.

“Morning sunshine,” he said.

“Morning to you too. Smells good,” you comment.

“I hope so.” He handed you a plateful and scoop himself a hearty sample of the meat and pancakes and together you sat across from each other at the table.

“Anything plan today? Going to town?” Mort asked casually.

You choke on the mouthful of pancake and grabbed your glass of orange juice to get it all down. Mort stared at you while you got yourself together. “Plan? Me? Town? Why do you ask?”

He shrugged. “No reason. IS there something the matter?”

Well, good job genius, you scolded yourself. Now you have to tell him about Julie.

“Julie called last night after you. She stole our story and I’m going to pick it up,” she said glumly.

“She did what?! When?”

You shrugged. Mort rubbed his chin and appeared deep in thought. “Were you going to tell me?” he asked rather nonchalant.

“Yeah after I got it,” you answered.

“No you weren’t,” he interrupted. “But I don’t blame you. I guess if I saw you being kissed by your ex then I would be doing the same thing.”

You winced at his self-loathing tone. “Don’t be like that Mort. I guess you had your reasons why you never told me about Julie kissing you.”

“Forget it. It’s in the past now. So are you going there to pick it up?”

You shook your head. “No, she’s coming up. We’re meeting at two in Bowie’s Store.”

“I see. Well do you want me to come along? You know, to be insurance for you?” he teased.

“You don’t have to. I rather go by myself,” you told him.

“All right. Just try to come back in one piece? Or let Julie return home in one piece to be exact,” he teased.

“I will.”

* * * *

The time approached fast and you hopped into Mort’s car and headed to the general store. When you arrived, the only cars parked were Bowie’s, Trudy’s, and Phil’s. No sign of a dark blue Omni or Julie.

You groaned. You were hoping she would have been here so you could get it and leave. You swung the car into the empty space next to Phil’s. Well since Julie wasn’t here you decided to go in and buy a candy bar.

Just as you jumped out you notice in the distance a blue speck coming in at high speed. You froze as more memories hit you.

A car in your direction was racing towards you. Too dark out and those lights. Blinded. Couldn’t move. You leapt out of the way to avoid being hit. Before you hit the ground, your head twisted in time to see the car. It was dark, almost a midnight shade. The moon barely illuminated the color. It was . . .

“Hi (you).”

You came back to reality and saw Julie’s smiley face.

“Julie? Um hi,” you responded.

“You all right? It looked like you were out of it or something,” she laughed.

“You could say that. Do you have the story?” you asked.

“Uh-huh.” She whipped out the familiar manila packet, which contained the precious contents. She cautiously handed it to you.

You took it and opened it to make sure everything was all there. It was.

“(You), look I know we haven’t been getting along and I’m sorry if I have done anything offensive to you. It’s just I known Mort for a long time and I want the best for him just like you do. I see the way he looks at you. It makes me jealous because he never looked at me like at when we were dating. But you’re different than me. And I know that you two are perfect together. I felt so stupid. Here I was pining for something I never had. At least you have his attention and his love.”

Julie stopped and looked at the ground. You felt this pity swarm over you. No! you scolded yourself. Don’t fall into this. Look what she did! She stole your story! Who cares about her sad story.

“Julie, tell me something. What were you hoping to accomplish by doing this?” you asked sternly.

She jumped. “N-nothing. I was hooked by it. I mean I would hate to be a Tracey. I’m not saying I’m no Charity. But I like to think I can control my actions and not go overboard that Tracey does to get Phil back. C’mon! I would not want to go back to that asshole after what he done to Tracey. If some guy had sex with me and then left, I would so kick his-“

“I get the point Julie,” you cut in. “But tell me something. Why did you kissed my husband then?”

“It was a friendly kiss!” the redhead protested. “Was that what got you so worked up? Geesh. It wasn’t like I was making out with him.”

You closed your mouth. The way she said it made you feel like a little kid being scolded. But wait, she kissed him in the cabin! She probably doesn’t know that you know.

“Maybe the kiss was out of line. I didn’t think it would cause any harm, so obviously I was wrong. And in case you were wondering, Chaz is a better kisser than Mort. I rather have that lug than Rainey. We might get married.”

"Oh,” you said. “Congratulations.”

“Gee, when most people say ‘Congratulations’ normally it’s a cheerer tone. You sound like someone just died.”

“The baby did,” you reply softly.

Julie’s jaw dropped. Her cool olive eyes went from anger to sympathy. Her entire façade changed in seconds. The tough face that Julie puts on simply melted to sheer compassion and remorse.

“I’m so sorry,” she said. “Look, maybe we could forget this conversation ever happened, kay?”

“Forget it,” you mumbled.

“What happened?” Julie questioned.

Your eyes were stinging as the words became stuck in your throat. You couldn’t say it without crying again.

“You don’t have to tell me (you). I can tell you’re still upset and so please don’t say anything that will bring you more grief. If I would have known that this was going to happen than I wouldn’t have taken your story. I’m truly sorry for your loss.”

“Thanks,” you said, lowering your eyes.

Julie continued to look at you and sighed. “Good-bye (you). I hope you become better.”

Giving you a small smile, she got inside her car. You moved your head up in time to see her drive away. A couple wet tears dripped down your nose and you wiped them away. You didn’t want to buy that bar no more so you turned to your own car and drove home.

When you arrived, Mort was gone. There was a note for you on the kitchen table saying that an old buddy of his and Dane’s came for a visit. He didn’t get the chance to come to the reunion and so he wanted to see his old friends again.

Crumpling the note, you figured he might be home for dinner and there was plenty of time to kill. The laundry was piling up so you headed downstairs and began placing the clothes into separate piles.

You picked up one of Mort’s shirts and were about to put it in the cold-water pile when a small red stain below the collar caught your attention. It was a short-sleeved gray tee that Mort wore a couple nights ago. Upon inspecting it, the shade was a dull scarlet. You let go of the shirt and watch it fall like your sanity.

* * * * *

CHAPTER 7 - Truth Told

You were in the living room, sitting and still holding the lipstick stain shirt. Unconsciously, you began wringing the shirt as if strangling it. You imagined Julie’s shock distorted redhead face at the sudden knowledge of her air pipe being close off for good.

A twisted, wry grin formed on your lips. It will be good to see her begging for mercy. You could hear it now, the pitiful whine and groveling of this creature pleading for her life. Oh how you would laugh!

And out of these malicious feelings, a brief look of what might happen next in the story came to mind:

Seeing the shirt that Phil don in with the hideous purple mark in her hands, Charity began planning the perfect revenge.

Upon finding this evidence of foul play, poor Charity was filled with grief, anger, and pure hatred for her husband and his flimsy pathetic whore. How could he? Especially when the Church bound them for eternality.

Charity never felt like this before. It was strange, really, but in a way exciting like finding the long lost friend you knew you never had. It not only frightened her, but also sent this emotion of power within her.

She could do something. But what? Then it hit her.

Phil’s gun. He hardly kept it locked and she knew his “secret spot” where it lain. A wicked grin took the place of her sadness. Oh, she was going to enjoy this very much.

Gripping the rail, she slowly climbed the stairs. Her excitement increasing every step, as she was now the predator. Tracey, sweet Trace, and Phil. Phillip, her once beloved, now soon going to be a memory. A menace wry laugh escaped her lips and her eyes took on the predatory glaze.

She was now in the bedroom, where her and Phil had spent endless nights in bed, but now no more. That was a dream. This is reality. Everything to her was fake. Phil wasn’t real, at least, in her mind now.

He was nothing. He was the air, the mysterious element that no one can see. Phil was her air now. She crept over to the dresser and pull out the top drawer. Her hand, greedily, drove inside hunting for the weapon.

Charity almost cried out in angst when she couldn’t find it, until she felt the hard cool steel underneath her warm hand. Carefully, pulling it out, she held her prize. There were only 3 bullets left. And she knew exactly how to use them.

You looked down in your palm, and at first you were shock to see Mort’s gun there. But slowly the realization sank in and you knew how to settle this score once and for all.

Whack!

Your head snapped up. The front door was opened, and those footsteps. You recognize them. Quickly, you placed the gun underneath your shirt and went out to confront your husband.

* * * *

Mort looked up the stairs and a bright warm smile shone on his face when seeing his lovely wife. But that look turned to one of concern upon seeing your red face. Your eyes were puffy and the skin was all dried up. You wore a grave façade that stopped him in his tracks.

“(You)? What’s wrong-?” he started.

“Shut up,” you growled. “I can’t believe you. After what we both went through. You of all people should know how it feels!”

Mort was taken aback by your outburst. “Listen, I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Don’t give me that crap. You know damn well Mort.”

You took a step down and practically flung the shirt in his face.

Mort caught it in time and looked at you confused. “(You)? Why-?”

“The shirt Mort. I caught you. Don’t bother with the excuse. I know you were out with her. So don’t give me that dumbfounded look.”

“Her? Honey, I haven’t the faintest clue as to what you’re talking about!” Mort cried.

“Julie!” you screeched. “How long was it going to take before I found out? I can’t believe you.”

Mort looked down at the shirt and sees the stain. He let out a nervous chuckle. “This is what got you upset?”

“Mort, this is no laughing matter! How could you?” You felt the tears rising once more.

“I’m sorry, dear, but this stain, don’t you remember? We were having spaghetti that night. Some of the sauce dripped onto my shirt.”

You stared at the laughing expression in his eyes and you began fuming. No, that couldn’t be true. He was cheating on you! He was obviously trying to psyche you. But you weren’t going to fall for it.

“Sure Mort. And I bet that kiss you and Julie had was all in my head too!”

“What kiss? Are you still on about that peck?” Mort asked.

You were growing red. “No! YOU TWO WERE MAKING OUT IN THIS ROOM WHILE I WAS LOCKED OUTSIDE!!! AND I KNOW YOU DIDN’T RETURN THAT RING!!”

Mort jumped back. “I would never do that! And yes I did return the ring to Mrs. Garvey. Julie thought it was for you and I explained to her that it was our cleaning lady’s.”

“So who is the ‘one special lady’?”

“Mrs. Garvey of course! She’s the one who does so much for else that I take for granted,” Mort explained.

“You were standing in front of her! You were holding her face!” you spat.

“Yeah because she had something stuck in her eye. But I think I would remember if I kissed her and I certainly did not.”

Mort eyed you carefully. “(You), you’ve been acting strange lately and I mean it started before the accident. What happened by the way?”

You turned your face away from him, racking your brain for any memories of that night. It was late and you were walking Bandit. You stood outside Donna’s house and there was no light. A car came and missed you and then another one towards you.

“Bandit was found,” Mort spoke low.

You snapped your head back to him and whispered, “What?”

“Bandit was found. He was in the local shelter. Poor thing was shaken up all right, but not from a car coming towards him. The person who was there said someone dropped him off there around 9:45. Even though Donna didn’t have her lights on it didn’t mean she wasn’t home. She told me she saw someone running around outside. She and Dane found the leash and collar hidden in one of her bushes in the backyard. Someone hid it.

She also said that when she went outside she saw you jumping into a ditch. Now I refused to believe that you would do something like this purposely. But before you jumped a car drove past you and at such high speed it looked like it was heading your way. Donna thought it was a late reaction and I did too. But if that was the case then why were you alone? Why wasn’t Bandit with you? You were the only person here who could have taken him to the shelter.”

During his speech, you grabbed your head and began shaking it like crazy. “No! No! No!” you moaned.

“(You), you jumped when there was nothing there. Honey, I hate to admit this but you’re scaring me. This doesn’t add up. This doesn’t make any sense!”

“It does!” you shrieked. “It does! Julie still has feelings for you! She’s Tracey Winters! She’s Tracey Winters!”

“Tracey Winters is a character that you made up!” Mort cried, trying to calm you. He went towards you, arms reaching.

You whipped out the gun and began flailing about.

Mort watched you carefully. “Put down the gun (you).”

“No,” you whispered. “Bandit is still missing! He’s not at a shelter! He’s gone! Gone! Disappeared in the wind!”

You moved forward and Mort went back.

“You know what Mort? Charity has feelings just like I do. And you’re just like Phil. All men are like Phil! Always cheating always being secretive. It makes me sick. I mean when Charity lost her baby, sure Phil was sad just like you, but nothing happened. They didn’t even try for another one. Just like us. But it was a good that she did lose the baby. I wouldn’t want to have a cheating spouse kid! But that was before Tracey. Good thing though. If it didn’t then Charity would be regretting that the guy didn’t push her.”

You were slowly advancing towards Mort. Mort listened in disbelief at what was coming out of your mouth. No way this could be happening. It was Shooter versus Amy all over. Except, Mort was Amy and you were Shooter.

“(You), if there’s anything I could do tell me. You don’t want to hurt me. I could help you,” Mort said.

You smirked. “Nothing can help me now. I feel great Morty! Better than years. You know Julie coming here was the best thing to happen. After all if wasn’t for her I wouldn’t have known how lousy of a husband you are. I was better off being alone.”

You raised the gun until it was pointed directly at Mort’s heart.

“(You),” Mort started. He was at lost for words. He gaped at the gun and at you. Horror was etched all over his paling face.

“Good-bye Mort,” you said and pulled the trigger.

* * * *

You left the house with the greatest emotion ever. You were free! Sure you did dropped Bandit off at the shelter and you did hide his leash and collar. And the car that caused you to jump was in your mind. But for all good intentions.

Julie drove you to this. She drove Mort into temptation and to have an affair. That kiss was real. No mind could think of it on their own.

Now you helped Mort. He would no longer have to worry about hiding the affair. He was free of it.

It was time to finish this off. The root of the problem must be eliminated in order for you to have more peace.

* * * *

Julie was at home cooking dinner for Chaz. He was out with some buddies of his and would be back in a few minutes. While she was cutting up some potatoes she was interrupted by a knock at the door.

Setting the knife down, she went out to answer it. To her surprise, you were standing on the porch in tears.

“Julie!” you cried. “Mort’s hurt! I don’t know what happened! He collapsed at home and I just took him to the hospital. The doctor says it was a heart attack and I didn’t want to go home so I thought … I thought.”

“Sure you can stay here. Come in!” Julie offered.

“Thank you,” you sniffled.

After you were in, Julie closed the door. “I was in the middle of making dinner and you were than welcome to stay. I know we had our squabbles but I’m so sorry about Mort. Is there anything I can get you?”

“Well,” you said. “There is one thing.”

“Anything.”

You turned around with the gun cocked and ready. Julie’s eyes widen and her jaw dropped.

“Stuff it,” you growled. “I know what you and Mort were doing. Did you think you could win? Mort loved me! And you couldn’t accept defeat could you? You had your chance and you blew it. It’s not my fault. But you drove me to take care of it. Mort learnt his lesson and now it’s time for you.”

You pulled the trigger, but no bullet came out. It was jammed.

“Damn it,” you yelled. You threw the gun and lunged at her.

Julie moved away and began running towards the kitchen. You went after her.

Before she could grab the knife, you took hold of a fistful of hair and yanked her away. Julie fell with a groan. You stepped over to the counter and picked up the jagged weapon.

Julie tried to crawl away but was stopped when a potato flew past her head. She froze.

“Get up,” you barked.

She obeyed and turned towards you. Her lip was quivering and tears began streaming down her face.

“Why are you doing this?” she wailed.

“Simple,” you replied. “You made me kill my own husband. And now it’s too late for you.”

You moved forward with the knife steady. She closed her eyes and waited.

It became embedded into her chest. You watched gleefully as her body fell lifeless to the floor.

It was all over. Everything was done that needed to be done. You were free. You were free.

You went out to the front door and before leaving you picked up the gun.

Odd, you thought. There was supposed to be one shot left. It was clean so why did it jam?

Inspecting the barrel, you found nothing.

To your horror and surprise, the front door opened and Chaz walked in.

“Who the Hell are you?”

You didn’t answer. You couldn’t. The banging of the door caused you to pull the trigger.

* * * * *

CHAPTER 8 - Rather Comforting Truth

You jumped screaming.

The lights flew on and Mort was there holding you.

“Honey are you all right?” he asked.

Your eyes scanned your area and grew lax when it was the familiar room you and Mort shared.

You snapped your head to him and cried. “You’re alive!”

He laughed. “Of course I am! I’m not leaving you in a million years.”

“A dream,” you murmured. “It was all a dream.”

“What happened?”

You began telling him about the letter, the reunion, Julie’s stay, and everything else up to the part where you shot and killed him and stabbed Julie.

Mort listened intently and broke out into a smile. “Well if it helps to cool your mind, Julie did stay here only for a week. But she wasn’t alone. Chaz, her husband, was here as well. And you had no accident so the baby is still alive and Bandit is over there in the corner sleeping upside down (you laugh). And I’m still here and I’m pretty sure Julie is tuck in bed with her love. Better?”

You yawned. “Yes. It felt so real though.”

“Well I knew you always had a vivid imagination,” he teased. “Now that you calmed down let’s go back to sleep shall we?”

You giggled. “I love you Mort.”

“I love you too (you).” He bent down and captured your lips in a sweet kiss.

Pulling back, you sighed contently and lay back down. Mort watched you for a few more minutes and then nodded off. That dream was scary too him as well. Just as he fell into a deep slumber, you woke up and began shaking Mort.

He opened his eyes and sighed. “What’s wrong now?”

“The baby!” you gasped. “Mort, my water broke!”

Mort was now wide-awake.

* * * *

Within several painful (but glorious) hours, you and Mort welcomed to the world twins- a boy and girl.

They were the most precious things you ever seen and you cried happily. Dane, Julie, and Chaz showed up to see the new Raineys.

After you were allowed to go home, the first thing you did was get rid of the short story that you and Mort were working on. That dream was brought by that story and you never wanted to see it again now that John and Marguerite were born.

Mort was more than happy to destroy it as well since the dream disturbed him.

THE END

Review This Story