I waited patiently for Sarah to return home. I sat in the living room with great anticipation in my chest. Ryan was in the kitchen, cooking dinner. Jackie was in her bedroom, singing and rehearsing her lines. The afternoon was normal and peaceful. It was almost like I didn't recently murder Rachel in the forest. In the cold, Rachel's lifeless, battered corpse laid in the forest near the house. I felt pure glee. No guilt or remorse existed in my mind or soul.

Ryan turned on the radio in the kitchen and listened to some pop music. He was poorly singing along with the lyrics. Ryan was now in a peppy mood considering how frantic he was earlier.

I smelled the delicious aroma of alfredo pasta. Even though I loved the fact that Ryan could cook, I was disappointed at the same time. I personally believed in a traditional lifestyle for a woman. I thrived to be a dutiful housewife. A simple life I always wanted. I wanted to cook, clean, and care for the children. When I'm the matriarch of the house, I will make sure that Ryan will never has to lift a finger!

Everything was quaint until the front door unlocked. Sarah entered the house with a blank expression on her face. Blake and Annie were acting oblivious and indicted nothing was amiss.

Then the house became silent when Sarah raised her voice. "RYAN!" She hollered angrily. Her face contorted with anger and fury. Ryan scurried out of the kitchen and approached his wife with shocked eyes. Blake and Annie paused in their tracks, they stood stiffly and watched their livid Mother berate their Father.

Sarah narrowed her eyes furiously. "HOW DARE YOU?! RYAN, YOU WORTHLESS BASTARD!" She seethed.

Ryan's eyes widened with panic. Ryan opened his mouth, but was interrupted by Jackie bursting out of her bedroom. "Mom, wait! Let Daddy explain!" She cried out. With that, Jackie dove downstairs and to her Father. Sarah was not having it. She yanked her cell phone out of her purse and showed it to Ryan.

"YOU WANT TO EXPLAIN THIS?!" She screamed hysterically. She was beet red, flowing tears going down her cheeks.

Jackie's eyes widened. She defended her Father. "Mom, Dad didn't do anything!"

Sarah glared at Jackie, she spoke through her gritted teeth. "GO UPSTAIRS! ALL OF YOU!" Annie and Blake didn't waste time, they ran to their bedrooms, obviously not wanting to see the rest of this event. I wanted to watch this all unfold and I stayed on the couch defiantly. Jackie refused to leave her Father's side. She was his defendant at this point.

"Mom, calm down. Rachel…." Jackie was cut off by her Mother. Sarah's voice was filled with intensity. She didn't seem to care that Jackie and I were in the room anymore. She focused on a frightened looking Ryan.

"YOU SON OF A BITCH! WHERE IS RACHEL? WHERE IS THAT WHORE?" She screeched. "WHY DO YOU HAVE NUDE PICTURES OF RACHEL AND WHY DID SHE SEND IT TO YOU?" Trust me, Sarah. She is far away now. I chuckled in my head darkly.

Ryan stuttered nervously. Sarah glared at him coldly, awaiting his answer. "I told her to stop, Sarah. I…...swear…..I would never cheat on you….I promise….Please...understand…" Ryan croaked.

Sarah rolled her eyes impudently. "THEN WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL ME?" She roared. "YOU SHOULD HAVE TOLD ME, ANOTHER WOMAN WAS TEXTING YOU! I AM PREGNANT WITH YOUR CHILD AND YOU ARE TEXTING ANOTHER WOMAN!"

"Sarah….I didn't want to tell you because Rachel is your best friend. You two have known each other since you were five. I thought me telling you would hurt you." Ryan said kindly.

"Please, Mom. Dad is telling the truth, Rachel kissed him! He is not cheating on you!" Jackie wailed vehemently.

Sarah's eyes flickered. Sarah looked like she was seconds from exploding, her eyes became razor sharp, she balled up her fists. "RACHEL KISSED YOU!" Sarah seethed.

Ryan glanced at his daughter, then at his wife. "Yes, she did. But I pushed her away!" Ryan admitted truthfully. Sarah was breathing heavily. She appeared deep in thought. Then she broke down into tears. "RACHEL KISSED YOU?!" Her voice was full of hurt. Her emotions switched from hurt to rage.

"WHERE IS SHE?" Sarah demanded angrily. "WHERE IS SHE? TELL ME!"

Ryan shrugged his shoulders. "I don't know. She ran out after she kissed me." Ryan explained.

Sarah looked at Ryan like he was stupid. "What are you talking about? Her car is still here!" She pointed out. She raised her voice. "WHERE IS SHE, RYAN?"

Ryan realized my presence and attempted to use me as a way to calm Sarah. "Sarah, you are frightening the children. Just calm down." He begged.

Sarah was not having it. "SHUT THE HELL UP!" She snarled. "WHERE IS SHE? I AM GOING TO KICK HER LITTLE ASS!" With that, she stormed off, looking for Rachel. "RACHEL, WHERE ARE YOU? STOP HIDING, YOU SLUT!" Ryan turned to Jackie. "Take Mercy upstairs." He commanded. Jackie obeyed, she took me upstairs. I watched Sarah hobbling around the house, fuming and cussing like a sailor. Ryan attempted to talk to her, but the two only went into a few minutes screaming match. Me and Jackie are sitting in our bedroom when Sarah finally gave up.

"YOU ARE SLEEPING ON THE COUCH!" Sarah bellowed. I heard her angry stomping up the stairs and the booming sound of her bedroom door slam. The house was silent after that. Jackie was softly weeping to herself. I gave the girl space and pretended she didn't exist. I was happy with the rift I caused this couple. I thought of Blake. I became worried about the effects of Sarah and Ryan fighting. I remembered my childhood. My parents were both loving towards me, but not to each other. On the surface, my family looked and acted like a picture perfect family. But behind closed doors, the reality of my childhood was mixed with dehumanizing abuse and twisted love. My parents fought constantly, but they were able to act like a affectionate couple in the public eye. But there were many times when I witnessed them having explosive fights. My Mother was often the victim of these fights. My Father was known to have a short fuse, he would hospitalize my Mother several times after he beats her. My Mother was very dependent on my Father, up to the point of obsessive. I remembered a long period where my parents turned their marriage into an open one. My Mother had a mental breakdown one night and attempted to stab the woman my Father brought home. When my two disorders were discovered, my life and their relationship worsened. I do not want Blake to have that life. I know Sarah and Ryan are not abusive, but I do not want Blake to see her parents bickering and screaming at each other. I should have done this stunt when Blake was not around. But there is nothing I could do about the past.

I walked out the bedroom and headed to Blake's bedroom. Blake was sitting at her small desk, she was scribbling on a piece of paper. "What are you doing, Blake?" I asked in a bright voice.

"Homework." Blake explained plainly.

I scrolled over to Blake with a broad smile. "I could help you. What's kind of homework?" With that, I stood next to Blake and gazed down at her homework. It was simple basic math. I was a good student when I was in school. I was an honor student and was described as highly intelligent. Doing my current homework is a breeze for me.

"Here...let me help." I chirped. Blake gave me a grateful smile. "Thank you, Mercy." Everything is peaceful for a long time, I tutored Blake with her homework for several minutes.

Blake tapped on my shoulder. "Mercy, why was Mommy and Daddy fighting?" Her voice was thick with concern.

I pretended to be clueless. "I don't know." I gave the girl a sweet kiss on the forehead. "Everything is fine. I promise. Things will go back to normal soon." I told her gently. I playfully rustled my "daughter's" hair and giggled. "Things will be fine."

Blake nodded her head. "I hope you're right." She said lightly.

….

It was a cold Monday morning when me and the other girls were taken to school. I walked down the hallway with my English book in my arms. I paid no attention to their odd stares and snickering from the children. Then a foot struck purposely tripped me. I fell on my knees, my book slipped out of my hand.

"Shit.." I muttered stunned. I heard cruel laughter from the students, the laughter flooded the hallway. Some were gawking at me and whispering among themselves. I hastily picked up my book and regained my balance.

"Oh, sorry, Princess. I didn't see you." I turned around to a redheaded girl with a malicious smile. She looked to be around the age of eleven. But despite her age, she towered over me. I would eventually learned information on this girl. Her name was Chloe and her older sister, Kirsten was best friends with Gabby.

I could see the glee in this child's eyes. I glared at her coldly. Chloe gave me a cocky look. "Why do you dress like that? You do know it's not Halloween." She mocked. Two other girls watched this ordeal, they were right behind Chloe, laughing and giggling in amusement.

I rolled my eyes and took a menacing step towards the girl. I will not be anyone's doormat! I don't give a fuck if this girl is a minor. I am not afraid to kick a little bitch's ass! I'm a serial killer who escaped a mental hospital for christ sake!

My voice was hollow and emotionless. "Trip me again and I will show you what's scary!" I threatened.

Chloe was taken aback, but her pride was too big. She gave me a hard shove. "FUCK YOU!" She barked. I was enraged, I felt my blood boil. I balled my fists, ready to pounce on this girl. Children looked at us interested.

"CHLOE HOFFMAN!" I turned around to see a plump teacher running over to us. She headed towards Chloe and grabbed her wrist. "OFFICE NOW!" She roared.

Chloe's eyes widened with terror. She pointed a accusing finger at me. "SHE STARTED IT!" She screamed.

The teacher did not care, she dragged the hysterical girl away from me. I smiled with glee. I was disappointed that I didn't have the chance to kick this kid's ass, but at least I don't have to worry about her now. One of her friends glared at me. "Stupid bitch!" She insulted me. Impulsive, I shot up the middle finger at the child. Other kids laughed in amusement. The girl was in shock at my vulgar language. The other girl grabbed her arm and pulled her away. "Fucking bitch." I heard her mumble.

It was during Lunchtime when Chloe messed with me again. I was in the bathroom alone, simply minding my business. I was washing my hands when Chloe entered the room. Chloe gasped out of surprise when she saw me. We exchanged a look. Chloe glared at me angrily. "WHAT THE FUCK DO YOU WANT?" She seethed. "YOU GOT ME DETENTION!"

I rolled my eyes and pretended the girl didn't exist. Chloe did not like being ignore. "HEY, YOU BETTER LISTEN TO ME WHEN I'M TALKING TO YOU!" She roughly grabbed my shoulder and spun me around to face her. I gritted my teeth, every second, my rage grew and grew. I jerked away from her, I tensed myself up, ready to bawl. If this bitch wants to fight, I will not disappoint her!

I raised my voice. "TOUCH ME ONE TIME! I FUCKING DARE YOU!" I snarled. I inched closer to her, I could see in her eyes that she did not expect me to react like this. Then determination flashed in her eyes.

"FUCK YOU!" She roared. Then within a split second, she threw a good right punch and nailed me in the nose. The punch was hard and quick, I staggered back. Then unbridled rage fueled me. Within seconds, I charged the girl and tackled her to the floor. Once I was on top of her, I pounded her face in. Chloe and I wrestled a bit, eventually Chloe managed to kick me off of her. I jumped to my feet and spotted a textbook left on the sink counter by a forgetful student. I swiftly grabbed it and charged at Chloe. Chloe had no time to move when I slammed the book on her head with all of my strength. Chloe fell to the floor with a sharp gasp. I put the book down and pounced on her like a wild animal. I suddenly became worried that a student would wander into the bathroom, so I got up and grabbed the bitch by her hair. "OWW!" Chloe wailed frantic.

"BE QUIET!" I hissed. Chloe became rigid with fright. I could tell by now she realized that she fucked with the wrong person. I dragged the frightened girl into the last stall and I closed the door and locked it. I smiled full of malice at the girl and I slammed her head down hard on to the floor. The girl was limp and stunned from my first attack. I wanted this girl to suffer, I wanted to torture her. I wanted to make her life a living hell.

I got on top of her again and wrapped my hands around her throat and squeezed hard. Chloe struggled viciously. She could barely breathe, she was trembling in terror. She then began to cry. I shook her vigorously. "Do you think I'm still a Princess now?" I taunted. "Still want to fight me, bitch?" Chloe's face was bright red, she quickly became limp. I squeezed her throat tighter and tighter. I stared her in the eyes with a smile. I could kill this girl at any moment. I shook her violently and slammed her head again against the hard floor. Chloe released a pitiful whimper. Tears of fear swelled in her eyes. Chloe was gasping violently for air, she was petrified! Even though I was capable of removing this brat's life, I did not want to risk it. If a body pops up and I'm around, I could be locked up. "Mer..Mercy..please..." Chloe whimpered weakly. Her eyes were bulging. She was already turning a shade of purple. She looked like a helpless small animal.

"FUCK WITH ME AGAIN AND I WILL MAKE SURE YOU WILL REGRET IT!" I loosened my grip on her throat. "DO NOT SAY A WORD TO ANYONE! BECAUSE IF YOU DO, YOU ARE DONE!" I warned darkly. I released the girl and unlocked the stall door. No one entered the bathroom when I was beating up Chloe, so I was lucky. I heard Chloe hacking her lungs out and sobbing uncontrollably as I exited the bathroom. I felt great glee for what I did to that brat. She is lucky compared to my other victims! She deserved it!

I did not hear from Chloe after that event. My school day went on like normal and I returned home with Gabby and Annie. Ryan had to go and pick up Kelly for her wisdom teeth surgery and Blake was at a friend's house and Jackie was at a friend's house and Sarah was staying after school for tutoring. One thing about the Sullivans family was that they are generally active people. The family almost always has something to do and are barely at home. I walked into the kitchen to discover Gabby on her cell phone. Ryan and Sarah returned Gabby's phone after she showed them her progress report that was full of As and Bs.

"SHE WHAT? NO WAY!" Gabby was talking loudly on the phone. She was in the process of making herself a sandwich. "SO WHAT HAPPENED?" She gasped in shock. "SHE STRANGLED HER!" My heart jumped. THAT BITCH DID TELL SOMEONE! I thought angrily.

Gabby noticed me and glared at me. "Hold on, I'll call you back." She said quickly. Then she hung up her phone. Gabby's eyes were livid with emotions. "YOU STRANGLED CHLOE!" She shrieked. "YOU FUCKING PSYCHO!"

I pretended to be innocent. "No, I don't know even know a Chloe." I lied. I backed away from her.

"KIRSTEN CALLED ME AND TOLD ME YOU BEAT HER SISTER UP!" Gabby fumed. "WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU?"

I hardened my eyes. "I did not strangle her."

Gabby did not believe my bullshit, she rolled her eyes impudently. "Oh, like how you didn't push me? You need to go back to the place you came from." She hissed.

I rolled my eyes. I dropped my innocent act. I knew at this point, Gabby knew I was lying. "Gabriella, believe me or don't believe me. But I am here to stay. Nothing you say or do will change that." I said solemnly.

Gabby frowned. "SHUT UP!" She screamed. "WHEN MOM AND DAD HEARS ABOUT THIS, YOU'RE GONE!" She threatened.

I smiled wickedly at the angry teenager and walked away smugly. "If that will help you sleep at night." I said loudly. I allowed the girl's words to roll down my back. I had full confidence in myself that I would avoid suspicion. Sarah and Ryan wholeheartedly believed I am a true angel. Why would they believe Gabby? A rebellious brat that shoplifts and sneaks out at night? I had the parents wrapped around my finger. They would never believe that sweet, innocent little Mercy would intentionally hurt a soul. I caught a glimpse of the outside, it was pouring heavy rain. I remembered Rachel and my deed.

….

When Sarah and Ryan returned home with all of the girls, Gabby ran to her parents immediately. "MOM! DAD!" She shouted. Then there was a hard knock on the door. Ryan opened it and a police officer entered the house. My heart thundered in my chest, I felt my palm becoming sweaty. My anxiety erupted inside of me. I was terrified of the authorities. Seeing a cop always made me feel frightened. The authorities are the only ones that can take me down with no trouble.

"Sir, I would like to ask you and your family some questions." He said urgently. The entire family was sitting in the living room, the cop stood in the center. Everyone was silent, no one even looked at each other.

"Mrs. Sullivan, a woman named Rachel Baker was discovered dead in the forest near your house." The officer informed her.

Sarah put a emotional hand over her mouth. Her eyes were glassy and full of pain. "Rachel…" She murmured.

"Rachel was….." Ryan's voice trailed off.

"Murdered." The officer finished for him.

Jackie trembled in fright, Kelly appeared alarmed, Blake and Annie were confused. I made sure I appeared terrified and pitiful.

"Sir, witnesses said that she was living with you." The Officer said in matter of a fact tone.

Sarah shook her head. "No, sir, she was visiting us."

"Did anything strange happen when she was here? Who was with her before she disappeared?"

Jackie glanced at me. "Mercy." She said sheepishly. "My little sister was talking to her before she left."

I looked at the girl with wide eyes. SHUT THE FUCK UP, YOU DUMB BITCH! I wanted Jackie to disappear at this moment. I regained my composure quickly and turned my head towards the Officer.

"Did anything weird happen?" The Officer spoke to me in a soft, kind voice.

I lied. "No."

"Well what happened exactly?" He urged.

"I don't know." I pretended to be nervous. "I…...I…..was going to the kitchen when Rachel just got up and left the house. She said she was going outside for a smoke and she never came back."

The Officer wrote down everything I said on a little notepad. He smiled at me kindly and turned to Jackie. "Do you have any details?"

Jackie was quiet for a moment. "Well, Rachel left twice." She glanced at her Father nervously. "My Dad and her were arguing and she left."

The Officer gave Ryan a suspicious look. "What were they fighting about?"

I glared at Jackie. Dumb bitch is going to make her own Father a suspect!

Impulsive, I shouted out. "NOTHING! DADDY DID NOT DO ANYTHING!" All eyes were on me.

"No one is saying that Daddy said anything." Sarah looked at me like I lost my mind.

I became silent, the Officer stared at me. "No one is in trouble." He reassured me. I simply nodded.

"Continue." The Officer urged.

Jackie nodded. "Well I saw Rachel kiss my Father and my Father pushed her away and told her to leave. She did and at least couple minutes later, she came back. I…" She appeared thoughtful. "I actually remembered hearing the backdoor opening a few times."

My heart thundered in my chest, my confidence began to shrink.

"Did you see anything weird at all? Who else was in the house with you?"

"Dad, me, and Mercy." Jackie answered precisely.

The Officer glanced at Ryan. "Where were you?"

"I was in the basement, doing laundry." Ryan replied, I could see he was struggling not to panic.

The Officer looked at me. "You?"

"I was getting a snack." I lied.

"Hmm." The Officer huffed to himself as he quickly wrote everything done.

"So Rachel simply left the house after a fight with your Father?" The Officer probed.

"Yes." Jackie said lightly.

The Officer cleared his throat. "Well that's enough information I can gather. Thank you for your time, Mrs and Mr. Sullivan. If you have any more information, call us." He said. Then Ryan led him to the front door.

Once the Officer left, Sarah broke down into tears. "OH MY GOD! RACHEL!" She sniveled. Ryan, being a kindred spirit, embraced his emotional wife and comforted her. "It's okay." Ryan whispered. I watched in frustration as the two pulled away, only to engage in a prolonging kiss.

"Ryan, I am so sorry, that I went off on you!" Sarah apologized emotionally.

NO! NO! NO! I screamed in my head.

Ryan smiled at his wife. "It's fine." He said softly. "Let's just relax." He suggested.

I felt like a failure. I thought removing Rachel would help drift this couple apart! But everything backfired! I could sense the rekindling romance between Sarah and Ryan.

"Daddy, can I sleep with you?" I blurted out. I wanted to close to my Ryan. Just to remind myself that I will never lose him.

Ryan smiled sweetly. "Of course, honey." He agreed.

Sarah gave me a cross eyed look. "Um...no. Mercy, you're a big girl. You can sleep in your own bed." She objected.

Ryan looked at Sarah and appeared thoughtful. "Well, Mommy is kinda right. You can't sleep with Daddy all the time."

I made myself look pitiful. "But I like sleeping with you, Daddy." I cooed innocently. "It makes me feel safe." I loved Ryan's responding smile to that comment.

Sarah is not moved. She gazed at me strangely. "Mercy, no." She declared. "You are going to sleep in your bed." I struggled not to glare at her. This bitch is lucky she is carrying my future daughter inside of her. I thought menacingly.

"Yes, Mommy." I said politely.

Gabby was quiet for a moment, she was still in disbelief about the Officer coming. Ryan turned to her. "What did you want to tell us?" Gabby's eyes were locked to mine.

"Mom, Dad," Gabby pointed a stiff finger at me. "Kirsten called and told me Mercy strangled her sister in the bathroom." She proclaimed.

I was stiff as wood, the event with the Officer shook my confidence. Sarah and Ryan looked at me with alarmed eyes. Sarah stared at me in silence. Ryan was the only person who came to my defense. "Gabby, Mercy wouldn't do something like that." Ryan said.

Gabby shook her head. "No, that's exactly what she said she did. They got into a fight. Mercy beat her up, dragged her into a stall, slammed a book over her head, and strangled her!" Gabby exclaimed.

Sarah's eyes widened with concern. Her eyes flicked to me. "Mercy, is this true?"

"No." I said swiftly.

Gabby rolled her eyes. "She's lying. Chloe had marks and bruises on her. She got a concession!" Gabby exclaimed.

All eyes were glued to me.

I continued to lie. "I did not beat her up!" I declared. "I swear."

Ryan believed me wholeheartedly. "Maybe another kid beat her up and Chloe blamed it on Mercy." He suggested. Sarah looked at Ryan like he was stupid.

"Ryan, listen to the story. This is a serious allegation!" Sarah expressed.

Ryan shook his head in denial. "Sarah, this is Mercy. She wouldn't do something like that," He gave his daughter a crossed look. "Gabby, please, talk to Kirsten and make sure it was Mercy."

Gabby rolled her eyes and huffed annoyed. "Just send Mercy back!" She demanded.

Sarah gasped. "Gabriella, do not say things like that! Like it or not, Mercy is your sister! Look, we will look into this. But let's just go to bed. Everyone," Sarah narrowed her eyes at me. "Mercy, you will sleep in your own bed."

With a blank expression, I hurried upstairs to go to sleep. I was fuming with anger. I slept like a log, dreaming of Ryan and me.

I am currently working on my other stories. My most popular story, The Infection will take time. I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Please give reviews and thoughts.