Page 119 of The Blackmail of Denise Randall

THE PEPPERMINT KISSES

Even though I moved in with Keaton, we still resume our relationship at a slow pace. We share our lunch breaks together, we work together, and we spend our nights with him watching sports while I sketch or we cuddle while watching a movie. We haven’t had sex again, yet these last few days have been so intimate. It’s as though while we’re building these houses together, we’re also building the foundation of our relationship. I know without a doubt that what we’re building will be able to stand against the test of times and the storms that may head our way.

Today, we will test how strong our foundation is forming. Keaton will have to sit and hear about my relationship with Doctor Roland Hall, my past drug addiction, and who knows what else. Kamila Jamerson’s next trial has started; the one before was for her involvement against me. Now, she has to face trial for the murder of Doctor Roland Hall. I have been asked to give my statement. I’m extremely nervous, but Keaton and my attorney have been going over the proceedings with me.

On the day that I’m to appear in court, I take the stand, feeling all eyes on me. Kamila Jamerson looks at me as though I’m disgusting. It’s hard to believe my family had been friends with hers once upon a time. I’ve known this woman my entire life. We’ve both lost people we love. My family never turned on hers or blamed them. Instead of cowering, I hold her gaze. She breaks contact first. I smile at the small victory. A few months ago, I would’ve averted my gaze.

I answer all questions thrown at me. I don’t waiver once. When it does become too intense or difficult, all I need to do is look to my left in the second row. My support team is there, showering me with love. My family. Keaton Sloan. In this moment, I’m fully leaving the old Denise Randall behind, letting the final parts of the old me go.

The old Denise was like Kamila Jamerson. Bitter. Shallow. Worried more about what a stranger thinks than her family. Maybe if she’d focused more on her family than maintaining her status in society, all of this could’ve been avoided. I’ve let go and shed my old skin. I’m becoming a person that I can be proud of. I am proud of my family. I’m proud of the people they are. I’m proud of every single one of them. I wish Landon was here, so I could tell him that. I know he is proud of how we’ve all stayed together and didn’t turn bitter like the Jamerson family. I hope he’s proud that I’ve finally matured and embraced myself, instead of trying to run from who I am.

Mark Jamerson is there to support his ex-wife. They’ve hired the best lawyers; they’re disputing every ounce of evidence brought against her, including my statements. Then, the entire courtroom gasps when the prosecutor announces the next witness.

Doctor Amira Hall.

She carries a folder in her hand and approaches the stand with nothing but grace and confidence. Doctor Hall is sworn in. She goes through the same questions everyone else had answered. But then, she surprises us all.

“I know she was having an affair with my husband. I have proof.” She hands the folder to the judge. “Documents, emails, and internet chats between my husband, Doctor Roland Hall, and Kamila Jamerson. I also have files from my stepson’s computer between him and Kamila Jamerson. She was sleeping with both. And she was using both to destroy Denise Randall. She went as far as to encourage Brennon to seduce Denise when she suspected Roland’s desire for her. Roland kept track of all the drugs he’d been giving Denise. The girl didn’t stand a chance.” Amira takes a breath. “But this is about the murder of my husband and how Kamila Jamerson shot him down in a fit of jealous rage. She was furious that he sent her daughter off and then fell for her archenemy. If you read these messages, there’s no doubt in my mind, she would’ve killed Denise. Either that or make Denise wish she had.”

Kamila Jamerson is found guilty. I don’t rejoice in the verdict. I feel pity for her. Her son is dead. Her daughter is still in a rehabilitation facility. Her marriage was loveless, and she killed the man she loved. I look at her. She’s now a frail woman. Her bleach blond hair is pulled up in an elegant bun on top of her head. Her cold eyes watch me with caution as I move closer. She raises her nose at me but remains quiet.

I wrap my arms around her and whisper, “I’m sorry. I wish this hadn’t happened.” Her body stiffens. I continue, “Despite what you think, I loved your family. I cried my eyes out when Luke died. I tried to be a friend to Isabelle, but she pushed me away. She turned against me. I lost a brother too. I always thought the world of you and Mark. I never wanted this. I’m so sorry I had to testify against you and you’re going through this.”

The officers lead her away. I walk over to Doctor Hall. This couldn’t have been easy for her. I hug her and start to let my arms fall, but then feel her arms wrap around me. I let her hold me as long as she needs to. She whispers in my ear, “I’m glad it worked out between you and the guy, Fashion Princess.”

I pull away and search her face, and then relax, “Oh, did you find my blog when you printed off everything?”

She smiles at me and then pulls out her phone. Swiping the screen a few times, she hands it to me. I see the log-in name @PeppermintKisses.

“You’re @PeppermintKisses?”

“I didn’t know you were The Fashion Princess until I went snooping into Roland’s files. How he found out, there’s no telling. Your mother told me you’re not in school anymore?”

“I’m figuring some things out.”

“Well, if you’d like something to occupy your free time, while you figure things out, I have a friend with an opening for an internship.” She smiles at me and crosses her arms. “At an upscale boutique and design studio. It’s not around here though. You’ll have to leave home.”

“You’re kidding?”

“I’m not a joking woman.”

“Says the woman with the user name, PeppermintKisses.”

Amira chuckles. “Touché, Fashion Princess. I’ll send her your information.”

I let out a happy sigh and turn to look at my family standing together, watching me. Keaton comes out from behind them. I clasp my hands together in front of me. “I think this means it’s over.”

My mom smiles and nods. “I think so, Honey. I think we can all finally find a little peace.”

As we leave the courthouse, I can’t stop my mind from thinking about how everyone’s lives are reeling from an event that occurred years ago. I pray that it’s not too late for the Jamersons to find peace with themselves. There’s no better feeling like accepting yourself. Actually liking yourself. Until you can find peace with yourself, you’ll never find peace in anything in your life.

I take a moment to appreciate how far we’ve all come. Alice is a counselor to help kids like her and Landon. She also illustrates for Rachel. Rachel is an elementary teacher and writes children’s stories. Trent is a physical therapist. Noah is a military veteran and finishing veterinary school. Keaton is enrolling in the police academy. Where does that leave me? Originally I thought I needed to strive for a career that would impress people, which is absurd. I’ve already impressed myself with what I’ve overcome, especially with not worrying about others’ opinions, and that’s enough for me. Now I’m going to chase my dream. I’m going to do an internship with a boutique.

I toss and turn in my bed. Finally, I throw the covers off and get up. Keaton is still peacefully sleeping, so I tip-toe out of the room. Dressed in my flannel pajama pants, hoodie and house shoes, my car lightly shakes down the dark gravel road. There’s a heavy fog, making the isolated area creepy, but I won’t rest until I do this. I turn into the cemetery next to the church. I sit in the car and stare ahead as my headlights illuminate what’s in front of me.

I’m scared out of my mind to be out here alone, the only sounds are my footsteps and the car engine. My house shoes dip in a few areas of the soft ground, and I keep imagining a hand shooting up like in a horror movie. Finally, I stand in front of his resting place and gently touch the stone with the name LANDON RANDALL engraved.

“I hope you’re at peace. I’m sorry. I’m sorry I was such a little shit. I was so stupid and immature, Landon. I don’t know if you’ve been watching down on us, but I was never ashamed of you. I got embarrassed when people said stuff, but I’ve never been ashamed of you. I was ashamed of myself. Embarrassed that I didn’t have enough confidence in myself to not feel so insecure over every little thing. I should’ve known what you were going through. I’m your sister.” My voice hitches. “I was so lucky to have you. You, on the other hand, had a brat for a baby sister. At least you had Trent, and for a little while Alice. I’m going to be a better person from now on. Before I wanted to succeed for the wrong reasons. I had to prove to Mom and Dad that I wouldn’t screw up because I felt we all had let them down in some way. It sounds so stupid saying it out loud.” I release a humorless laugh at myself. “God, I was an idiot. Y’all let them down? I’m the one. Me. I let everyone and myself down. I didn’t like who I was; in fact, I hate the girl I once was. But you all still loved me, I don’t know how you did.” I take a minute to catch my breath and regain some control to get the rest of the words out. “I’m going to pursue my passion. I’m going to help people express themselves through fashion and help myself. I’m going to do more and be better just by being a good person. Not for anyone else, but for me.” I lean down and kiss the top of the headstone. “I’m done with running from who I am. I’ve finally escaped my own made-up prison, but I wear those stripes proud. I’ve made mistakes, but luckily, I have an amazing family to help me and lead me back to the right path. I love you, Landon. I hope you knew that when you were alive. I hope you at least know it now. You are my greatest inspiration, and you continue to inspire me to do better.”

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