Page 76 of Taboo
“One call, Sara. That’s all it takes. One call and you’re done. Forever. And trust me, given what you have done, I will not hesitate.”
The room goes still, the air poisonous with her defeat. Her eyes dart from the phone to my face, searching for a way out, but there’s none. It takes a while, but eventually her shoulders slump. For a moment, I'm relieved. I think this is the end, that she’s broken. But suddenly, her face twists, rage flaring, wild and unhinged.
She screams, a raw, guttural sound that rips through the room. Then she grabs a lamp from the nightstand and hurls it at the wall. It shatters, the glass exploding, shards skittering across the carpet like broken bones.
“You bastard!” she shrieks.
Her wail echoes through the house as she sweeps her arm across the dresser, sending perfume bottles crashing, glass splintering, the air reeking with floral and musk. A jewelry box follows, its contents spilling—necklaces, rings, beads, glinting like tears on the floor. Her screams become louder and I watch, unmoved. My heart is steady. She cannot hurt me, Amelia, or Jason. Ever again.
This, the last gasp of a mad woman.
Let her do her worst. If she had not tried to kill Amelia, no matter what I would never have left her high and dry I would have ensured she was taken care of for the rest of her life. But trying to murder the woman I adored?
She crossed the line.
I watch, as she unravels, her perfect facade turned into tatters. I’m free—free of her lies, the cage of our marriage, her venom. Part of me can’t believe how easy it has been. There is no longer any need for me to be in her presence. I turn calmly awayand exit the room. Her screams fade as I descend the stairs. At the landing, I pause, her voice is still ringing through the house. A small smile tugs at my lips. The unbearable weight I’ve been carrying for fourteen years has lifted, and in its place is a joy that is so fierce it floods my veins with a lightness that makes me feel as if I can fly.
I head to the guest bathroom to strip off my damp clothes. I still smell like the lake. I stand under the hot spray and let it wash away the pain and confusion. All I can think about now is my future with Amelia and Jason. I even scrub with purpose.
Afterwards, I towel off, pull on clean jeans and a black shirt, and then I am on my way. Back to the hospital. Amelia’s waiting, and I’m finally going to be able to bring her home. And this time I swear it with all of my heart that she will never leave again.
Chapter
Forty-Nine
AMELIA
The lake’s icy grip closes over me, a suffocating shroud of cold that pulls me under, the water thick and black, swallowing the moonlight’s faint silver. I’m sinking, my limbs heavy, useless, like lead dragging me to the depths. Slivers of awareness pierce through—the chill seeping into my bones, my lungs screaming for air, a dull ache pulsing in my skull where the ashtray struck.
I fight, desperate, willing my body to wake, to thrash, to break free, but it’s like moving through molasses, my mind foggy, trapped in a haze. Jason’s face flashes—his big, beautiful eyes sparkling with laughter, his curls bouncing as he waves a crayon dragon. Then Max, his blue eyes warm, his hands cupping my face, whispering my name. I’m screaming inside, a silent, wrenching wail, my heart splintering for them as the water claims me, pulling me deeper into its void.
Suddenly, something soft grazes my cheek, warm, gentle, like a whisper against my skin.
It comes again, damp now. I jolt awake. My eyes snap open, and I’m face-to-face with a pair of round gray eyes, wide and shimmering. Jason. His small face hovers close, his breath warm, his curls brushing my skin. The panic ebbs as the hospital room comes into focus—sterile white walls, the steady beep of a monitor, the faint throb in my temple. I sit up slowly, the thin blanket slipping to my waist, my hands trembling as I grip the bedrail.
“Oh my God, Jason. I’m so happy to see you,” I whisper, my voice scraped raw.
Jason flinches, his lips quivering, tears pooling in his eyes. “I’m sorry, Aunt Amelia,” he says, his voice tiny, cracking as he steps back. “I didn’t mean to scare you. I was just… kissing your cheek. I missed you so much.”
“Oh, no, sweetheart, it’s okay. There is no one in the world I would rather see, right now,” I say, reaching out to him. I pull him close, wrapping my arms around him. His small body is so marvelously warm. His warmth is like a balm to the nightmare’s lingering chill.
“I was just startled. I’m so happy to see you.” I kiss his forehead, his curls tickling my lips.
The door swings wide open, and Max strides in. “Amelia,” he breathes, his voice thick with relief. “I was with the doctor—is everything okay?” His gaze darts to Jason, then back to me, searching, his hand hovering over me like he’s afraid I’ll vanish if he touches me.
I smile, small but real, my throat tight with emotion. “Jason was just… being sweet.” “He kissed my cheek while I was sleeping. It was so sweet, but it kinda startled me.” I laugh and ruffle Jason’s hair.
Max’s eyes stay sharp, protective, as his eyes rove all over me. He kneels beside Jason, his hand gentle on his son’s shoulder, his voice low but firm. “Buddy, you gotta go easy on Amelia,okay? She’s still healing.” There’s a tenderness there, but also a father’s quiet command.
I shake my head, my smile softening. “It’s okay, Max. Really. It's okay.” My eyes drift to the bedside table, catching a bouquet of lavender and lilacs, their purple petals vibrant, their scent weaving through the sterile air, sweet and familiar. My heart lifts, a warmth spreading through my chest, chasing away the last shadows of the lake. “These are beautiful,” I murmur, my fingers brushing the petals, their velvety texture sparking a quiet joy.
Max’s eyes crinkle, a grin tugs at his lips, warm and boyish. “Yeah,” he says, his voice low, threaded with something deeper. “Lavender and lilacs. Every time I see purple flowers, I think of you, Amelia.”
I swallow, and my gaze locks on his, the room shrinking to just us.
“When can I go home?” I ask, my voice hopeful, trembling with the need to leave this cold room, to be with them.
Max’s grin widens, his eyes brightening, a spark of relief in their depths. “Good news. The Doctor says you’re healing well and are clear to go home today.” He pauses, his hand finding mine, his fingers warm, calloused, grounding me. “We’re ready to take you home whenever you are.”
