Page 25 of Kept in the Dark

Finally, Sara said, “Why are you here, Hailey?”

“I want to talk to you about the video…”

Sara rolled her eyes so Hailey quickly continued, “You didn’t kill Mom, and the world should know that. Everything you went through could have been avoided if I wasn't so focused on myself.”

“See, there you go again!”

“There I go again with what?”

“Making everything about you! I’m not interested in your pity or becoming your project so you can feel better about yourself.”

Hailey wanted to protest. She wanted to yell at her sister for not understanding. But it wouldn’t help clear the tension they both felt; it would only keep them at odds and Sara would remain distant and cold.

Taking a breath to calm herself, Hailey gently said, “I love you. You were my other half and my best friend. There was a time when we were inseparable, and now it’s like we’re strangers.”

Sara stayed silent, her face void of emotions, and Hailey couldn’t gauge what her sister was thinking, something she hated. She used to know Sara better than Sara knew herself. Now, Hailey didn’t know her at all, something she never imagined would happen.

“I want my sister back and Trinity needs her aunt. I’m not making amends and proving your innocence because I feel guilty. I want to do it for Trinity and Mom, and most importantly, for you. I may not deserve your forgiveness, but I still want you in my life. And Trinity deserves to make memories with you. Mom deserves justice. And you deserve a second chance.” Hailey looked Sara in the eyes and Sara held her gaze. “Please, trust me,” Hailey pleaded.

Sara chuckled cynically and shoved her finger at Hailey. “Why should I trust you? You haven't exactly given me a reason to.”

Hailey quietly eyed the scar on Sara’s neck she noticed the day before. Sara didn't have to confide in Hailey for her to know the scar was a daily reminder of what she’d been through. It was a symbol of her vulnerability. And Sara’s vulnerability landed her in the middle of a nightmare, her entire life torn apart.

Hailey stood and began to pace slowly, Sara intensely observing her as she did.

Hailey said, “I almost died the night Mom was killed. I found out I was pregnant that morning.” Hailey smiled. “I waited the whole day to tell Trey.” Her smile fell. “But I never got the chance to tell him because he broke up with me.”

Sara grunted, not understanding the vulnerability Hailey was about to share with her. “I ran off and my car broke down. Next thing I know, Ryan pulled over behind me. He was drunk, as always.”

Sara stilled, understanding the magnitude that Ryan’s name carried. She had seen first-hand how cruel Ryan had been to Hailey over the years. Though he had harassed Sara, he had tormented Hailey.

Hailey finally had Sara’s undivided attention.

“He nearly beat me to death, and I was black and blue for months. Initially they thought I would have to get surgery, but thankfully I didn’t have to. I was on bed rest for most of my pregnancy because the doctors weren’t sure if Trinity would make it.”

Hailey lifted her shirt and turned around to reveal a jagged scar that was on her back near her hip. “When he climbed on top of me and started punching me, a stick lodged in my back.” Hailey became quiet and then said, “I didn’t even feel it. I was fighting for my life so I couldn’t focus on the pain. Not that he would have been sorry about it.”

Sara’s jaw was set as she fought against the rage Hailey could clearly see in her gaze.

Hailey sat back down on the couch. “No one came for me, no one helped me. I’m not even sure how I survived, let alone how Trinity survived.” She paused and looked back at Sara. “Aside from Dad and my therapist, I’ve never told anyone about it. Of course, Dad did absolutely nothing when he heard what happened.”

She shrugged. “I hated feeling like a victim. I was vulnerable and someone preyed on that, and I never want to feel that way again.”

When Sara didn’t say anything, Hailey stood and walked to the door. She didn’t feel right pushing Sara to make amends if she wasn’t ready.

Her hand was on the doorknob when Sara said, “I almost died twice. The first time,” she pointed to the scar on her neck, “was two months in and some lady didn’t like how pretty I was. She was aiming for my face, but I turned my head at the last second.”

She continued, “The second time was years later and much worse. Someone tried to hurt my cellmate.” She lifted her sweatshirt to reveal six scars that sat above her hip where her liver would be. “And that’s not counting all of the fights I was in just trying to protect myself.”

Hailey couldn’t imagine the trauma her sister had been through. She wanted to cry for her but knew Sara wouldn’t appreciate it. Crying wouldn’t change what happened. So, she simply said, “I’m so sorry.”

Sara nodded slowly and the room fell quiet again.

Sara walked to the couch and sat down as Hailey followed suit. Sara said, “Look, I don’t know what I want right now. I’m just trying to survive and it’s terrifying to think about opening up the case again. No one believed me the first time, so why would they believe me now?”

“Because we’ll make them.”

Sara shook her head. “I don’t know. It seems pointless.”

---