Page 24 of The Secrets We Keep

“I’m sorry I’ve ruined our lunch plans.” I feel bad. I’ve just got my sister back and this is not how I expected things to go.

“So…” Sarah starts, “where did you meet Landon? I want to know all about the guy that has broken my sister’s heart.”

I laugh. Leave it to my sister to make the most out of any situation. I start at the beginning and by the time I get to the ending that she witnessed, I’m crying again. Sarah demands I go take a hot shower and then rest. I do as she says and as soon as I’m out of the shower and changed into comfy clothes I crawl into bed, quickly giving into sleep.

Chet has me cornered in his office and he’s angry as he invades my personal space.

“Eleanor you shouldn’t have told Sarah our secret. I warned you what would happen.” Slowly he wraps his hand around my throat. He squeezes lightly. I go to push him back, “Chet you can’t get away with this.” I stop short and almost instantly I’m paralyzed into fear as he starts to squeeze tighter.

“But I already have.”

“Chet stop!” I pause to try to take a breath. “No Chet, stop!” My hands balled into fists and I tried to fight him off before everything went black.

I’m woken by Sarah shaking me hard. “Eleanor! Eleanor wake up!” She’s shouting.

It hurts my head. Why is she yelling? I try to cover my ears but she pulls my hands away.

“Eleanor!”

I blink an eye open. It’s very bright. I try to turn over but she stops me.

“Wake up!”

“Ugh!” I huff pulling away from her.

I start blinking more. Shit! I grab my face. My head is throbbing. I notice I’m sweaty. My face is actually covered in sweat. I blink more and sit up some. I look at my sister, worry is written all over her face. That’s when it registers. I had a nightmare. One I know well. One Sarah has no idea about.

“What was all that yelling about Eleanor? Your dream?”

I look away from her. Suddenly I feel so ashamed. I’ve kept such a dark secret from her.

“No, look at me, tell me. You were screaming for Chet to stop.” No need to wonder how much she heard, I close my eyes and picture Chet’s hand wrapped around my throat squeezing. Damnit. I look back to Sarah.

“I don’t know.”

The lie rolls off my tongue as if I’m a pro at lying.

“Eleanor what are you hiding from me? That dream wasn’t just a dream. You were thrashing around with your hands balled into fists. Now tell me.” Her voice is laced with anger and it only makes me feel guilty for continuing to lie to her.

“It’s nothing Sarah.”

“You are lying. I can see it written all over your face.”

“Please drop it.” I have no energy for this right now.

“Funny you didn’t like Landon lying to you, except it’s okay for you to lie.” Sarah spits the words out, then gets up and walks out.

That hurt, like a slap to the face. Even if she has a valid point, it hurts yet, I can’t tell her the truth. Sliding back down the bed I yank the covers over me. Once again, I cry at the mess my life has become.

Chapter 12

I woke up late and rushed to work with no makeup. I look like I’ve been run over. I almost decided not to bother going and to just pack and run. However, running hasn’t gotten me far so I decided to suck it up and go in.

Sam doesn’t say anything but gives me a look over. I’m embarrassed and feel like he’s silently judging me. I shudder slightly, hoping the day will fly by and I can hurry home to hide.

Lunchtime is rolling around and in walks a delivery man with a square shaped vase filled with white roses. I smile at the man as I sign for the arrangement of flowers. He smiles back, tips his head then leaves. They smell delightful and look beautiful. I get up to bring them to Sam, but notice it’s my name etched on the card. “Great.” I murmur.

I pick the card out and slowly open it:

---