In this chapter, Mercy is faced with another challenge.
"Mercy, Constance, guess what?" Cole seized our attention. It was a frosty afternoon when Cole took me and Constance to the nearby grocery store.
I smiled brightly at Cole. "Yes, Daddy?" I said politely.
Cole had an unexpected smile of pure happiness smeared onto his face. "Daddy, just got a call from the hospital, Clementine is awake!"
Constance gasped out of shock, her eyes grew wide as saucers. "REALLY?" She said aloud. I noticed several customers eyeing us.
Cole doesn't seem to mind. "Yep, she is wide awake. Ashley is picking her up very soon." Cole explained. Constance smiled ear to ear.
Cole then pushed his cart to the bakery section to collect baked goods. I gazed at all of the tastefully decorated cakes and cupcakes.
"Excuse me, Miss?" Cole called out to a round woman behind the counter. "I am here for my cakes." He said.
With that, the woman nodded and vanished into the back room.
"Cakes?" I echoed dumbly. "What for?"
Cole flashed me a playful smile and doesn't respond.
The woman eventually returned with two medium sized cakes. She handed them to Cole and Cole showcased it to me and Constance.
The first one is completely blue, in black icing on the top, it said: Welcome Back, Clementine.
But the second cake is the one completely steals my attention. It is cotton candy pink with adorable icing. On the very top, it spelled out: Great Job, Emma!
I arched an eyebrow at Cole. "What did Emma do?"
Cole flashed me a broad smile. "Well, it's going to be surprise for Emma. But Daddy got an email from her teacher. She got nominated for the outstanding school citizenship award."
My eyes widened. I felt so proud for my daughter. "That is amazing!" I chirped. I then recollected myself seeing posters of the event in school. With all of the chaos occuring at home, I have long forgetten about it.
Ever since Emma revealed her accomplisments to Mrs. Hicks, Emma became the apple of Mrs. Hicks's eye. So her nominating her wasn't shocking.
"Emma is going to be very happy about this!" Cole gushed. With that, Cole pushed the cart deeper into the store. We found ourselves in the fruit sections when I saw Marerli nearby. She was pushing a red cart full of food products. She dressed in fashionable warm clothes with her hair looking glossy.
Mareli's eyes found mine and she smiled at me. "Hi!" She gave me a friendly wave and a endearing smile.
Cole's head snapped up at her, I looked up at him to see his cheeks flush. His eyes grew man looked like a deer in headlights.
" .." Cole waved back weakly. Marerli sauntered over to us, smiling like an idiot. I observed her delibrately seductive movement.
"Hello, Cole." Mareli said in a light voice when she approached him.
Cole's cheek grew red. "Uum….hey…" His tongue fumbled.
I felt disgust at this moment. I stood next to this homewrecker and all I wanted to do was spit on her. Constance paid none of this any mind, she mindlessly examined the fruit nearby.
I decided to copy Constance's action to prevent myself from lashing out at this cunt.
I had to swallow all of my willpower to pretend to be deaf as I listened to Mareli flirting with Cole with no consideration for the children around him.
"I ended up getting two tickets for some movie last night and I was wondering if you would want to come with me?" Mareli cooed in an alluring voice.
I couldn't help but to snap my head at Cole, he appeared flustered, hestiation glinted in his eyes. "Well...thanks...but no….I...rather not.." Cole rejected. A pleased smile grew on my face.
Mareli was a determined homewrecker. "Well," She jammed her hand into her thick leather purse. She pulled out a slip of paper and a pen. "Instead you change your mind, Cole." She swiftly scribbled something onto the paper and held it out to Cole.
Cole, for whatever reason, took the damn piece of paper without even looking at it. "Thanks." He faltered.
I strongly wanted to roll my eyes at this stupid bastard.
How can you be this dense, Cole? I thought in my head furiously.
Cole released out a nervous chuckle. Mareli gave him a flirtatious wink before she departed. "Call me!" She called out.
Cole was left smiling like a charmed idiot. As I am swallowed by my intense jealousy, I found an opportunity within this moment.
I had to drive a nail through Wanda and Cole's marriage as much as I can. I haven't been active about that because the marriage was already damaged from all of the events occurring. I guess you could argue, I have already driven a nail through this fragile marriage, but honestly, I did that by accident. I needed to make sure I drive this couple into the path of no return.
Cole was in a rush after Mareli approached him, he rushed to the cashier and paid for all of his items. I pondered on how to exploit all of this as we scrolled to the SUV.
"Had fun, girls?" Cole smiled at us as we climbed into the SUV. I struggled to look him in the eyes. That moment with Mareli hurt me.
"Yes, Daddy." I whispered, trying to hide the sorrow in my voice.
Cole is oblivious to my troubles and drives the car back to the house. During the ride, Cole's phone rang loudly.
He picked it up and placed the phone to his ear."Yep….oh!" Excitement grew in his voice. "She is! That's great!" Cole exulted. He shouted out to Constance. "Clementine is home!" He informed her.
Constance smiled widely. "REALLY?" She squealed. She sounded like a genuine overjoyed child.
When we arrived at the home, Ashley opened the door for her. "Hey, guys!" She beamed. "Clem is home! She's sleeping!" Ashley cooed. I caught a rare glimpse of Melanie and Morgan roaming the kitchen.
Constance didn't care, she rushed inside, making a beeline for the staircase. Ashley grabbed her shoulder to stop her. Constance yanked away roughly, shooting her a cold look. "I need to see her!" She seethed.
Cole intervened before anything could escalate. "Constance," He bent down to her level. "Clementine needs to rest. She needs to be alone for now." He placated. He gave her a heartwarming smile. "When she wakes up, I will tell you. I promise." He vowed.
Constance flashed him a small smile that seemed sincere. Then she squinted at him. "Is it true that Clem has amnesia?" She asked softly.
Cole nodded. "Yep, but we are going to help her out to get her help."
Constance arched an eyebrow. "What doesn't she remember?" She asked.
"Alot, she remembers you and her name. That's it." Cole answered precisely. Constance smiled lightly at him. "Can I go to my room? I won't bother Clemmy." She promised sweetly. Cole shook his head slowly. "No, no, not yet." He objected. "We need to have Emma's little party first."
Constance smiled brightly at him. I decided that it was time for me to act like a jubilant child. "I can't wait for Emma to win her prize!" I squealed childishly.
Ashley chuckled amusedly at me. "Well, Mercy, she's not winning anything yet. She's just got nominated." She corrected me. I was seconds away from flipping off this smartass.
With that, Cole escorted me and Constance to the festive dining room. There were frosted cookies, banana bread, and most importantly, Emma's favorite; hot chocolate and ice cream. He placed the cake on the table with a wide grin.
Despite my frustration towards Cole, I did feel happy for him. This day is possibly the only recent days where Cole actually appeared happy. The poor man has been through hell and back.
"EMMA!" Ashley shouted at the top of her lungs. "COME DOWNSTAIRS, PLEASE!" Within seconds, Emma poked her head out of her bedroom. Ashley feverishly beckoned her to come downstairs. "Come down, today is a special day."
Emma has dressed adoringly, with a cute velvet dress with dark tights. Her hair was neatly combed and straightened. "What's wrong?" She asked as she made her way downstairs.
Ashley doesn't answer her, she kept beckoning her to come to the dining room. Emma appeared perplexed, she walked purposely slow.
I flashed her a bright smile. I felt like a proud Mother at this moment. My daughter is an overachiever and I love it.
I heard a door open and Alyona appeared in my sight. "Come down," I ordered her. Alyona, ever so obedient, rushed downstairs without question. Emma approached the table with Alyona far behind.
Emma's eyes shimmered with delight when she sees the dining table. "WHOA!" She gasped excitedly. "Is this for me?"
Cole nodded. "Yep! You got nominated for an outstanding school citizenship award." He beamed.
Emma looked like she was on cloud nine. "OH MY GOD! WHEN?" She squealed.
"This Friday. Tomorrow. We even got invited to Mrs. Cunningham's party." Cole explained.
Emma arched an eyebrow. "Who is that?" She asked.
"She's a friend of ours. She works at your school, in fact. Mrs. Cunningham is having a big party for everyone attending the event." Cole elucidated. "There will be cake, candy, music, dancing." He added.
Emma grinned beautifully. "I love this, Daddy." She chirped sweetly. With that, the little girl embraced Cole with great affection. I could tell from Cole's charming eyes, that he loved Emma wholeheartedly. The one thing I admire about Cole, is the capacity of his paternal love for all of the children. M and Emma are completely Daddy's girls in his eyes, despite the lack of biological bloodline.
Emma further charmed the man by planting a sweet kiss on his forehead. "Thanks, Daddy!" She purred.
Alyona scanned the area. "Where is Mommy?" She faltered.
Cole's mood dropped immediately. "Mommy is getting help." He said softly. Regret flooded Alyona's eyes, her cheeks grew red.
I felt a wave of relief inside of me. Thank God I don't have to think about that bitch! I thought to myself.
Later, we all feasted on all of the sweets and goods at the table. Emma was bursting ebullience for the entire event. I know she is just obsessing over her missing Citizenship medal.
Wanda arrived home several hours into the afternoon. I was in the living room with Emma, Alyona, and Constance. We all watched a boring movie, enjoying the warmth of the crackling fireplace.
Cole resided at the dining table with his pale faced daughter, Melanie, cleaning our mess. I caught a glimpse of Wanda flashing Cole a resentful glare. Cole witnessed this and resolved to be mature by not responding.
"You had Emma's party without me!" Wanda ranted. "Cole, I said wait for me!" She shot a angry finger at him.
Cole sighed tiredly. "Sorry, Wanda, but I had no idea how long you would be gone." He excused.
Wanda was not having it. "No! Cole, this was supposed to be a special moment between our children!" She seethed.
Cole grew meek. "I'm sorry, honey. Really." He apologized. Wanda swatted her hand at Cole dismissively. She stormed deeper into the house. I knew where she was going; the greenhouse.
Constance leaned in closer to me, her lips inches from my ears. "She's going to look at her stupid flowers?" She inquired in a sarcastic tone. I have long told Constance about the original Sabrina.
"Yep." I said solemnly. For now, I am focused on Emma's event. My children's lives are the main importance for me. I have long vowed to torture Wanda mentally and emotionally, but for now, I only care about Emma.
When Friday afternoon arrived, Emma was beaming radiantly afterschool. I entered her bedroom, dressed in my finest dress and glossy curled hair. Emma stood in front of her mirror, wearing a sleeveless purple dress with black tights and mary jane shoes. I caught a glimpse of Clementine. She flashed me a bubbly smile.
It was surreal to see her awake. I felt such pity for this little tot. Thankfully she has recovered physcially, but unfortunately not mentally. She did not recall her biological family at all, all she knows is Constance. Deep down, I grew apprective for her condition. Now I could easily mold her into my daugther.
Clementine, upon locking eyes with me, began to sign at me. Unfortunately, I could not commuciante with her. I desired to learn sign language for her. I scrolled over to her and I embraced her warmly. I mouthed out words to her as she could read lips. "You look really pretty!"
Clementine flashed me a toothy grin. Her mute mouth released out an adorable giggle. She livelly put on her slippers. Her hair is adorably curled, her light blue dress brought out her beautiful eyes. I felt my heart warmed just looking at her.
Emma gazed at herself in the mirror with great concentration on her appearance. She then grabbed a vanilla scented perfume bottle and sprayed on herself. The sweet aroma filled the room.
Cole drove the whole family to the school, he parked in the crowded parking lot. Formally dressed children and smiling parents were exiting their parked cars. Emma was out first, then Cole came to her and grabbed her little hand. I held her other hand. Alyona smiled at her supportively.
Wanda was smiling from ear to ear, dressed in stylish winter clothes. Melanie scrolled over to Emma with a smile. "This is amazing, Emma. Good job!" She praised. I could tell the girl was still suffering emotional turmoil from the loss of her pregnancy. For a long time, the girl withdrew herself from everyone in the house. But it was sweet that she opened herself up for her foster sister. As we walked, I noticed how surreal it was. No Sabrina and no Sheila accompanying us. Thankfully the family seemingly put on a brave face for the public eye.
Upon entering the school, the building was tastefully decorated with satin ribbons and colorful streamers. We walked down a long corridor towards the gigantic auditorium. I glanced at Emma squeezing Cole's hand tightly. Cole could sense her anxiety. "It's fine, Emma." He assured.
Emma hung her head down. "I know, Daddy." She admitted. The auditorium was wide and open with plenty of seats for guest. We all sat in the middle row. I sat next to Cole and a nervous Emma. Cole looked up at the large stage. The Principal, Mrs. Evans, was at the podium, testing the microphone. Mrs. Evans was a round woman with a stubby nose, she wore bright colors that brought out her blue eyes.
We all sat in the first middle row. Families flooded the auditorium and occupied the seats.
It was 5:30 when the event began. The auditorium was completely full, the stage lights brightened the stage. Teachers sat in the rows of chairs on the stage.
"Hello, everyone!" Mrs. Evans's voice was animated. "Children, today, we are happy to participate in the School Citizenship Award Medal Program. This event is for the model students." Mrs. Evans bent down to get something for a second. When she stood back up, she held up a silver medal in the air so the crowd could see. "This medal is given to individuals with a defined character. A student that shows kindness, compassion, positive towards all, leadership, a person who has the courage to do what they feel is right!" I seized Emma's attention by flashing her a confident smile.
Almost immediately, Emma's mood brightened.
Cole looked at Emma with a confident smile, but Emma doesn't take one glance at him. Cole arched his eyebrow in confusion at Emma's facial expression. Her once joyful face was sealed in a narrow-eyed grimace. Cole knew that Emma was still nervous. "You're going to be fine." He whispered to her.
Emma paid no attention, her eyes are glued to Mrs. Evans.
Mrs. Evans goes on to present a long speech. The speech lasted for thirty-five minutes. After a wave of excited applauds, several teachers gave their small versions of speeches. Emma's hands were folded primly on her lap, she started hastily tapping her one shoe onto the floor.
Finally Mrs. Evans went up to the podium after the last teacher's speech. She cleared her throat and spoken precisely into the mic. "Now! Time for our model student to receive this award," She pulled out a little white card and held it up to her face.
"Marissa CUNNINGHAM! CONGRATULATION!" The crowd exploded with deafening applause. I had to take a double take. I felt like a pile of bricks fell on of my head. Marissa, that little bitch is a model student?! That little cunt torments me every single day! "Wow." Cole mumbled in shock. I glanced at Emma, who was still staring straight ahead. She was frowning out of displeasure and did not clap at all. Wanda attempted to cheer up her foster daughter. "Don't worry, Emma. You can try next time!" Emma ignored her. Marissa appeared on stage. Mrs. Cunningham entered from the stage with a massive smile. "GREAT JOB, HONEY!" She shouted. I then realized that this was her daughter, despite the opposite looks to each other. Mrs. Cunningham was tall with a slender figure and glossy auburn hair. Marissa was dressed in a lime green dress that shimmered, her hair was tied into a neat ponytail.
Emma evoked pity within me. I put a kind hand on her stiff shoulder.
I thought all of the kind words I could muster. When I found the words, I made sure my voice was gentle and maternal. "You will win next time." I assured her.
"Emma!" Alyona's soft voice echoed through my eardrum. She seized me and Emma's attention. Her blue eyes glimmered with sympathy. "Don't worry, Emma. I'll help you find your Citizenship Award." She offered sweetly.
Emma said nothing and resumed her attention to the stage. Her eyes became narrow when Mrs. Evans handed a cocky Marissa the medal. "Great job! Marissa Cunningham, since you've been here, you have volunteered at many community services. You are a proud Girl Scout. You have kindly volunteered at the soup kitchen and has been a very noble student since your short time here."
There was a wave of clapping once again. I paid little attention to the event, and only on Emma. I watched her sweet face turn ice cold. Her stone eyes locked onto Marissa. I wished I could read her mind at this moment. I could tell from her glare that she wanted to harm Marissa.
Mrs. Evans gave another long speech that I barely paid attention to. When the event ended, Mrs. Cunningham and a grinning Marissa approached us. Marissa proudly wore the medal around her neck. I hated the smirk on this brat's face.
"Are you ready for the party?" Mrs. Cunningham asked in a gentle voice.
Cole beamed brightly at her. "Yep!" He gestured to all of the children. "Everyone is very excited!"
Emma then spoke in a polite voice. "Great job on winning that medal, Marissa." She said.
Marissa's eyes widened with shock. She clearly did not expect Emma to give her a compliment. Emma flashed her a friendly smile.
Emma extended out an affable hand to her. Marissa's emotions were shifted at this moment. She gingerly shook her hand. "Thank you."
"Great!" Mrs. Cunningham beamed, she grabbed her daughter's hand and whisked her away. Marissa turned her head to us, flashing me and Emma a mocking smile, showcasing her medal.
"Time to go, kids," Wanda announced. With that, we left with the rest of the other parents. Once we all made it into the car, we drove twelve miles to the Cunningham's house. The family was very well off, living in a massive house deep within the lush forest on a hill. We drove up a black road leading up to their house.
I was amazed by the beauty of the house. It looked like a mixture of stone and wood with two stories and multiple windows.
I almost felt envious upon looking at it.
There were already fleets of parked cars in their large front yard. We managed to make room for the SUV. I could hear boisterous children squealing in the backyard.
"Sounds fun," Wanda remarked to Cole. Cole paid her no attention. He didn't even look at her.
Wanda noticed this distance and narrowed her eyes angrily.
"Come on," Cole beckoned us to the backyard to join the party. The landscape of the area is beautiful, the grass of the backyard is neatly cut. A polished wooden fence protected the house from the thick forest. Within the backyard consisted picnic tables, dollhouses, a large bounce house, and fun games hosted by parents. The children chased each other like morons, squealing and giggling wildly. The adults stared at their cell phones, barely paying attention to their rowdy children.
"Go NUTS!" Cole encouraged us. Alyona broke out into a jovial smile, she darted to the bounce house. Melanie and Morgan isolated themselves and paced around. Clementine was a little firecracker, she sprinted to a group of children to socialize with Constance following her.
Mrs. Cunningham approached the Weiss couple. "Hi, guys," She chirped.
"This is great looking party!" Wanda complimented. Mrs. Cunningham smiled brightly. "Thank you," She then gestured to the backdoor. "Mind helping me with the food and drinks. Josh went out to buy more fruit punch."
Cole and Wanda instantly agreed and went into the house without giving anyone a farewell.
I grabbed a stiff Emma's hand and I tugged her towards the bounce house. The children completely annoyed me, but I wanted Emma to be happy.
But the girl is stubborn as a mule. "I don't want to play!" She whined.
"Emma," I started. But before I could say anything, the backdoor of the house opened. I glared at the sight of Marissa exiting her home. When she sees me, I could see the spitefulness in her eyes. She ran over to me with the medal around her neck.
"Hi, Mercy, Emma." Her voice coated with disgust. She scowled at me. I rolled my eyes, I had to control myself, as there are too many witnesses.
"Uh, I can't believe my Mom actually invited you loser!" She taunted. Marissa then turned to Emma. Unlike to me, she didn't have any animosity towards her.
"Wanna play in the bounce house?" Marissa asked, smiling.
Emma shook her head. "No. I got a better idea," Emma leaned in closer to Marissa, whispering something into her ear. She whispered so quietly that it was incoherent.
Whatever, Emma said made Marissa nod. "Sure." She agreed. Emma removed herself from her. Marissa was grinning ear to ear. Her smile disappeared when she remembered I was near her. "GO AWAY, MERCY!" She swatted at me rudely.
Emma doesn't seem fazed by this and grabbed Marissa's arm. My anger boiled inside of me. All I want to do is beat this brat into a pulp. Fucking bitch needs to learn a lesson! I vented in my head. Emma whisked Marissa across the large backyard to the small exit gate. Immediately, I thought of Sheila. I know that Emma is going to do something foul. Even though I contemplated stopping her, I can't afford to take many risks. There are too many witnesses who have seen me interacting with Marissa.
But at the same time, I had twisted curiosity of the violence that Emma is going to commit.
I followed them as they trotted out of the backyard. The adults were inattentive, glued to the other children or their phones.
The forest was frosty, the ground is covered with a light sheet of soft snow. There was no snowfall and the temperature was slightly cool. I followed the girls making their ways through the snowy forest, my feet are freezing from the icy snow.
I made sure to move slow and stealthy to avoid them noticing me.
Whatever the children were walking to was quite far. The area consisted of trees, mountains, and cliffs. When the children begin to trot up a rocky hill above the deep lake, I knew what Emma was planning to do. I managed to trot up the rocky hill, the rocks and sticks scratched my tights. The children made it to the top before me, when their backs are turned, I hid behind a large rock to conceal myself. I couldn't see anything, so I focused on listening.
Marissa's voice sounded cheerfully dumb. "Wow, you were right. This place does have a beautiful view! I never thought of coming out here! My Mom and Dad always said that it's dangerous out here." She remarked.
Emma was eerily silent. She clearly did not have any interest in having small talk.
Marissa still kept trying to be affable. "I never thought of doing this…" Marissa quickly realized Emma was disinterested. Uneasiness grew in her voice. "What?" She asked.
Emma's voice was flat, lacking all emotion. "Give me that medal." She commanded.
Marissa instantly became angry. "Excuse me? No!" Marissa objected.
"Give it to me!" Emma's voice still remained blunt but gained firmness.
Marissa was not in the mood. "Fuck you, Emma! No! This is mine!" She snapped sourly.
"Give me the medal, Marissa. Or else." Emma demanded menacingly.
Marissa grew aggressive. "You are just like your weirdo sister! I thought you were cool for a second, but you are just as weird as she is!"
It is quiet for a moment, all I could hear is the strong gust of the winter.
Then I heard a shrill shriek from Marissa. "OW!" She cried out in pain. I didn't hear any kind of physical contact that would cause her pain.
Emma remained completely silent. Marissa began to shriek out of pain several more times.
"STOP IT! LEAVE ME ALONE!" Marissa yelled at the top of her lungs. I heard a tussle between the two, the tussle was rough, leading to them slamming to the ground. Marissa was evidently losing as she released multiple shrieks of agony. "LET ME GO! STOP IT! MOM! MOM! DAD!" She sounded like pitiful. Her cries were high pitched and ear-splitting.
I believe Marissa managed to break out of the tussle and she sprung to her feet. "YOU ARE CRAZY!" She screamed furiously. "GIVE ME BACK MY MEDAL! GIVE IT BACK!"
Then I suddenly heard Marissa releasing out a sharp gasp, seconds later, she released out a bloodcurdling scream of terror. I peeked at the scene briefly, all I see is a dirty Emma standing near the edge of the cliff, in her hand, is the Citizenship medal. Marissa is nowhere to be seen.
I smiled wickedly that Marissa was out of my life forever. I almost wanted to reveal myself, but I chose against it. I can't get involved in this. I just wanted to watch.
Emma doesn't seem to notice my presence as she slowly climbed down the hill.
When enough time passed, I decided to return back to the party myself. I made sure to wait long enough for Emma to be there before me.
I opened the wooden gate and entered the backyard. It was almost like I never left. No one seemed to have noticed us. I scanned the area for Emma, but she was nowhere to be seen. When I spotted Constance, I had to tell her what happened.
She stood by the bounce house, watching a jubilant Clementine having the time of her life hopping in the bounce house. I rushed to her, and without a word, I snatched her wrist. "I need to tell you something!" I whispered in Estonian.
Constance jerked startled. "What?" She swiftly switched into her Russian tongue. She yanked her hand away.
Immediately all of my words spilled out of my mouth. I had no fear as no one could understand our tongues.
"Emma pushed Marissa off a cliff!" I revealed.
Constance wasn't shocked. She lazily shrugged her shoulders. "So what now?"
"I'm happy that brat is dead, but now I have to think of how I can protect Emma!" I vented.
Constance remained composed. "Well, since she pushed her off of a fucking cliff, her body is sinking to the bottom of the lake. No body, no proof, there's nothing to worry about." She reasoned.
I rolled my eyes, I couldn't shake off my anxiety. Emma is my daughter, I must protect her no matter what. I need to keep up my beautiful little family together. My mind completely raced with millions of thoughts.
"AHHHHHHH!" I released out a painful shriek when a kickball impacted my chin. I fell straight on my ass, seeing stars.
Constance staggered back in shock. "What the fuck?" She gasped.
My chin twinged with sharp pain. "GIVE ME THE BALL!" I felt sheer disgust upon hearing Ava's annoying voice.
I glared at the bitch. All of my pent up emotions exploded inside of me. At this point, my reasonable side was fading away. "COME AT ME!" I roared. My voice almost sounded like a furious woman. My outburst led several adults and children to look at me. But I did not care at this point. With a wicked smile, I sprung up to my feet and I plucked up the ball. Impulsively, I tossed the ball over the fence and into the forest.
"YOU BITCH!" Ava charged at me furiously. I braced myself for a fight. But adults finally decided to intervene.
"STOP, KIDS!" A chubby woman yelled. Someone called out for Mrs. Cunningham.
My blood ran cold when Cole exited the house. A Mother pointed an accusing finger at me.
Confusion framed in Cole's eyes. "Mercy!" I felt my limbs stiffen. My mind went blank. Ava wanted to make sure everyone knew what I did. "SHE THREW MY BALL OVER THE FENCE!" She barked.
Cole ran to me with concern overflowing through his eyes. "We should just go home. Emma is feeling sick." He told me.
"Constance, get Clem and Alyona, please!" Cole urged. I could feel all of the judging eyes burning into me.
The entire family rushed away from the party, we walked through the beautiful house. It is tastefully designed with expensive items. Sadly, I have very little time to look as we all gathered into the SUV and drove. During the ride, Wanda spoke to me. "What happened back there with Ava?"
I was not in the mood to talk about anything with this bimbo. "I don't want to talk about it," I said sourly. Wanda persisted. "Mercy, you threw someone's property over a fence! You can't do that!" She scolded me sharply. Cole stopped at a red light. "Wanda, come on. Mercy didn't mean it." Cole defended me. I smiled sincerely at his defense of me.
Wanda was not in the mood. "Cole, there is no excuse for Mercy to do what she did!" Wanda insisted.
Cole was steadfast in defending me. "Wanda, it's late. Let's just let it." He urged.
Wanda was stubborn as a mule. "No, Cole!" She hissed. Wanda gave me a stern look. "Mercedes, you are going to apologize to Ava when we get home!" She admonished. My hatred for this woman grew more and more. I gave her a cold look. Wanda narrowed her eyes at me suspiciously.
"Wanda, no! Just stop! It's too late for this!" Cole rebuked.
Wanda rolled her eyes and began to argue with the poor man for the entire ride. Marissa was reported missing several hours after we arrived home and had dinner. Emma and I were seconds away from finishing my meal when Cole and Wanda's phone began to violently ring. "Oh my God…" Cole gasped sorrowfully. "Marissa is missing." He alerted Wanda. Almost immediately Wanda's eyes watered.
I couldn't help but feel glee upon imaging Marissa's corpse sinking to the bottom of the lake. That little brat deserved it! I had to use all of my willpower to conceal my smile. Wanda approached me and Emma with concerned eyes. "Girls, did you see anything?" Wanda asked.
I shook my head. "No." I lied. Wanda squinted. From my little outburst earlier, seeds of doubt have been sowed inside of Wanda. She scanned my face for any trace of emotions. I could see the skepticism forming within her eyes. Wanda then turned to Emma, who showcased a causal face. What she told me next made my heart drop. "Mercy, I was told that you and Emma left the backyard." She probed.
I shook my head. "No, Mommy. I never left." I denied. Wanda visibly didn't believe me. "Mercy," She placed a kind hand on my shoulder. "Mercy, you're not in trouble. I promise. I just need the truth. People said you left." Her eyes briefly flicked to Emma and back to me. "Both of you left the yard and Marissa went missing."
Cole then intervened. "Wanda, what are you trying to say?"
Wanda whirled around to her husband. "Cole, Mercy and Emma were gone when Marissa went missing. The police could question them, you know. I'm not accusing them of anything, I'm just asking if they saw Marissa beforehand!"
Cole shook his head. "Wanda, Mercy said she didn't leave. There were alot of kids out there, whoever told you anything could mistake Mercy and Em for anyone." Wanda glared at her husband with annoyance. "You can't be serious!" She seethed. I managed to sneak in a small smile. I resolved myself to concentrate on further ruining this marriage.
Wanda narrowed her eyes at me. "Mercedes, I am calling Sister Wanda tonight!" She threatened. My mouth dropped in shock, I have no time to respond as Wanda stormed upstairs in a angry haste.
Cole's eyes flashed with worry. He began to shout for his wife to come back and went after her to defend me.
In the next chapter, Mercy must faces her own demons and face one of her nightmares from the past.
Updating stories, I already have another chapter in progress.