NOT THE ONE I KNEW

EMILY

I could hear everything Kevin was saying, but I hoped it was just a nightmare that I was waking up from as soon as possible. Everything he said about my mother and his plans, how he “bought” me and how my mother “sold” me out of cowardice, sounded more like a horror story to me. I couldn’t believe it. It just wasn’t true.

“You’re lying! Mom is a tough woman, but she loves us and wouldn’t put our lives in danger. To her, we, her daughters, are the most important.”

He didn’t comment on anything I said, instead he picked up the phone and called my mother. Kevin put the phone on speaker so we could both hear their conversation. He put her hand over my mouth so she couldn’t speak before I could react in any way.

“What are you doing, mother-in-law, dear? How’s the firm going? What news do you have of my wife?” he asked in a calm tone.

“Kevin? What do you want? Leave Emily alone! I’ve given you everything you wanted. Now leave her alone,” mother replied angrily.

I wished I had let go