Page 36 of Ramsay

Thinking something and knowing it are two such diametrical things that I’m momentarily straddling the line between reality and sheer fucking insanity.

The Carmen I remember from before loved me like no other. She’d take me with her on adventures, share all her secrets with me, and fall asleep in my bed at night.

When that started to change, when she began to pull away, I couldn't understand, and by the time I did, it was too late. Now I’m barraged by the specter of her life and death, from Sabrina bringing it up to the devastating news today. Is it all a coincidence? Fate’s way of giving me a message that I have no clue how to decipher?

Pulling up an app on my phone, I search the local news, and sure enough, there’s an excerpt about a pile of bodies found near a creek bed where fishermen like to catch salmon. Per the poor fucker who found the bodies, he spotted a shiny object hidden amongst the tall grass, and when he went to pick it up, it wouldn't budge, attached to something heavy and embedded in the soil.

When he wrenched too hard, he got the surprise of his life, revealing the white waxy expanse of human skin. It was a woman’s neck, with a slit from ear to ear.

Police have not commented, but an unofficial official reported the bodies may be linked to the infamous serial killer known as the ‘lucky charm’ because he leaves a keychain of a rabbit's foot with each of his victims as a calling card.

“Fuck,” I moan, dropping the phone and stumbling to the bathroom where I hurl into the toilet, visions of my sister dying at the hands of a sadistic killer burning through my stomach.

When I have nothing left to purge, I fall back into bed and pass into a light sleep where dreams of her barrage me.

“No, not that way,” I say, stomping my foot. Carmen laughs, the husky tone soothing and says, “Fine. Two pigtails then?”

Fast forward to a few years later and we’re sitting in a darkened theater. I begged her to take me to see a new release and when I glance at her with a wide smile, she takes my hand and squeezes it tightly.

I’m hiding in my room with my hands over my ears, but I can still hear her raging at my parents below.“Fine! You want me to go? I’m out but you’re never gonna see me again.”

All of this culminates in images of her standing in a hole with her arms, streaked in dirt raised to me.

“Help me,” she mouths and with my heart in my throat, I grab her hand, but her thin bloody fingers keep slipping through mine.

My feet slip in the loose soil while she pulls and tugs, her face pale in the moonlight. I’m sobbing, begging the universe to give me a hand but it’s no use. Her fingers slip free, and I drop to the dirt.

Meeting my gaze, her mouth opens on a silent cry. Blood bubbles from her lips and I reach for her as she touches her neck.

What was once a shiny necklace transforms into a bloody slit slip and I sag into the soil as she screams, the silent echo piercing my heart.

“Carmen,” I whisper before she disappears altogether.

Chapter Nine

Willow

Needless to say, I’m exhausted the following day, but if I stay home, it’s to the specter of my grieving parents, and I’ve no interest in that. It’s sad but true, I’d rather face off with Sabrina.

Since I have time to spare, I join Bone and another fellow under the tree, nodding my head in greeting when Bone gives me a chin lift.

The tall slim boy smiles shyly, and says, “Hey, I’m Matt.”

Smiling in return, I say, “Willow.”

He blushes to the roots of his red hair, and I suppress a grin. It’s cute. Bone rolls his eyes and looks me over with an appreciative gleam. I didn’t do much in the primping department this morning because makeup and hair rituals were far from a priority, but I appreciate the admiration just the same.

“What’s fun to do around here, Bone?” I ask, glancing around when tingles break out on my neck.

Sure enough, I’ve garnered the attention of not one but all the Sinners, who lean against the building observing me with matching scowls. I’m flattered by their devoted attention—not.

“Don’t you know? You’re not exactly new.”

“I’ve been playing cheerleader with a bitch up my ass. I don’t define that as fun.”

He chuckles, and I grin.

“Well, there’s a fight this Friday if you’re into that?” he says, lowering his voice and looking around.

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