Page 25 of Mariposa
I hold my phone, staring at the keyboard, not knowing what to say. I’m a man of few words, but suddenly I want to bombard her with endless questions.
Sometimes, when soldiers stay behind, it’s because they don’t have a home to return to. What’s going on between Adam and Violet? Where are her parents? Her siblings? Or cousins?
As my thumb shakes over the screen, someone’s terror-filled screams demand my attention.
12
VIOLET
everything i wanted by Billie Eilish
Isnuck onto the rooftop of the building with the best ocean view. Oddly enough, the door to get up here wasn’t locked.
Ever since I drowned, I haven’t been able to look at water in quite the same way. Still, the experience doesn’t change how I feel about the beach. It’s quiet up here. It’s the perfect place to let my guard down, and no one will notice that I’m struggling if I decide to break. I chug my fourth beer and repeatedly stare at the text messages on my cell. The texts that made me cancel my flight back home.
Grandpa:
Grandma is having a bad time right now. She’s sick and hospitalized. She isn’t allowed any visitors, except for me. I’m sorry, Violet.
Me:
It’s okay, Grandpa. Please keep me updated. How did the flan turn out?
Grandpa:
We never got to have it. She doesn’t remember how to make it anymore. She got frustrated and wouldn’t let me help her.
With a growing lump in my throat, a sting hits my eyes, but I refuse to let the tears fall. I feel like I’m losing the only family I have left each day.
Should I quit?
Fuck no.
I shake my head.
My grandmother wouldn’t want that for me.
“Oh, look, who it is.” Willis’s voice makes my skin crawl. He’s been doing little things here and there to annoy the crap out of me. He’s even been hiding my gear, so I’ll fail. Luckily, his attempts haven’t been working.
“Oh, look, it’s Creepy Willy.” I bring the beer back to my lips, take a swig, and keep my eyes in front of me.
“Don’t fucking call me that, you little bitch,” he snaps.
“Why do you hate me so much, Willis? Are you projecting?” I laugh. Usually, I don’t engage in his taunting, but the alcohol is infiltrating my personality tonight.
“Projecting what? That you don’t belong here in Special Forces? That you’re a weak whore who shouldn’t even be here?”
I meet his expression. He stands there in his workout clothes—black shorts with an Army shirt. His nostrils are flared, and his brown eyes give me a once-over, the kind that makes me uncomfortable.
“Projecting your insecurities because this “weak whore” surpassed you on all tests and scores,” I shoot back. “I came up here for some peace and quiet. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’d like you to leave me alone.” I turn around and face the crashing waves. High tides wash over the sand, and there’s a full moonilluminating the sky. It’s a beautiful night with a salty breeze despite the terrible company.
After placing my phone back into my pocket, I cross my arms and throw my head back, trying to forget anything and everything. Maybe he’ll leave if I give him the silent treatment.
Suddenly, I’m off my feet, being pushed over the roof. I scream at the top of my lungs, completely blindsided by the level of hatred he’s gone to. The asshole has his arms around my waist, rough and assaulting, completely catching me off guard. Both of my hands manage to grasp the railing while my chest collides with the side of the building, forcing me to lose my breath. My legs are dangling in the air.
I glance at the ground quickly and calculate the height. It’s not high enough to kill me, but the distance is enough to break something if I fall.
“I’m so fucking tired of seeing your face where it doesn’t belong. There. I’ll leave you alone now.” Willis’s lips lift into an evil grin.
