Epilogue
Two Years Later
Ashley and Natasha sold off the café that Allison died in a few months later as it was too much to bear. Every time they stepped inside the cafe, they got reminded of the nightmare that happened. Hence, it was the best choice to sell it. However, they expanded their business and moved away from the sleepy little town. It held too much painful memories for all of them now. They moved to New York and set up a new chain of cafes there.
However, they still keep their cafes and houses back in their town, thinking that one day, the four of them would be able to go back there to live out their elderly days without the burden of an ugly memory. It was extremely hard for Natasha and Ashley in those few months after Allison died. They could hardly get over the fact that Allison died in front of them after so much accusations. She was still so young and she had die in such a horrible way. Both of them couldn’t put it behind them because they never find out why Allison behaved that way. Although they knew that they had done her wrong (and they had to live with it), Ashley and Natasha couldn’t understand why Allison would be resentful enough to want to kill them. Have they done her that much wrong? Were they wrong to make friends with her? Ashley and Natasha kept wondering if Allison had some psychological illness and that nobody found that out in time to help her. But it was something that they could never find out.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Double Betrayal (Chapter Seven)
Chapter Seven
26th Aug 2004
It was three months since Allison came back to work in the town she grew up in and she worked hard. She had to, if she wanted to put her plans into motion. She saw to it that Ashley and Natasha were to trust her more and more, and she was pleased to know that they were delegating more work to her. She was now practically running the café she works in single-handedly. Ashley and Natasha only checked the accounts once a month to make sure that everything was in order. Allison had planned to carry out her plans on Ashley’s and Natasha’s next visit. However, Ashley visited the café with her husband, Steve that month. When Allison found that out, she thought that a subtle change of plans would do nicely.
Allison was busy in the kitchen when they arrived. She knew they were there, for the staff had informed her immediately. But she kept them waiting, because she wanted to lure Steve into the kitchen first. Hence, she waited 10 minutes and then let a pan clashed onto the floor, letting out a loud scream at the same time. She knew Steve would come running and she ordered all her staff to leave the kitchen and not come back in unless they were told to do so. No sooner had the staff exited through the back door, Steve burst into the kitchen.
“What happened here, Allison? Are you alright?”
Ashley was tallying the accounts with Steve when they heard the loud clash and scream. When Steve volunteered to go see what happened and to get Allison out for a talk, she let him as she was halfway through her calculations. However, Steve was gone for a long time, and Ashley could not help worrying about what happened. So she dumped her account books into the office drawers and locked it before going down to the kitchen to see what was going on. She walked towards the kitchen and stopped short when she heard Steve saying,
“Let go of me, Ally! I am not interested in your proposal. Neither am I interested in you! Steve’s voice raised as he began to panic, “Let me go! I warn you to let me go this instant or I will have to be rough on you!”
Ashley stopped dead in her tracks. What was happening?
“Oh darling, you know you do want me. I know you wanted me since you first set eyes on me. It’s Ashley who is stopping you isn’t it? Don’t worry; we can always go to the next town for some fun.” Allison said seductively.
Ashley stood rooted to the ground when she heard what Allison was saying. Was history repeating itself? She couldn’t believe it! She had to see for herself! Ashley pushed open the door to the kitchen to see Allison pinning Steve to the wall and him trying very hard to dislocate himself and not hurt Allison at the same time. When he saw Ashley, his face turned white and he said,
“Ash, it’s not…it’s not what you are seeing now. It’s not like this. Let me go, you bitch!” He said to Allison in frustration.
“I know, Steve. I heard you when I stood outside.” Ashley was surprisingly calm. A slow anger was building up inside her as she looked from her loving husband Steve; to the friend she thought she had saved from the dumps, yet at the same time, a deep grief formed inside her heart as she looked upon the person she had called a friend.
Allison loosened her hold on Steve and he pushed her away. Steve rushed over to Ashley and wrapped his arms around her tightly. Kissing her hair, Steve whispered to Ashley, “Oh my love! I am glad that you heard. She is such a bitch! I can’t believe that she threw herself at me.”
“Get out of my sight! I can’t stand it! If you would rather have that whimpering woman, so be it!” Allison shouted at Steve in a tone dripping with disgust.
Ashley couldn’t take it any longer. It was the second time in her life that Allison tried to take what was her and there was no way Ashley could bring herself to forgive her a second time.
Before Steve could lash out at Allison, Ashley cried out in anger, “Why? Ally, Why? Why must you always try to take what’s mine? You took Ted didn’t you? You took him for life. Now you want Steve too?”
Ashley choked back the tears that threatened to come. She would not cry in front of Allison for Ashley knew that would have given her pleasure and she would deny her that.
“Why? Oh, she is asking me why! Hahaha! Well, Ash, you should know why, shouldn’t you?” Allison’s eyes hardened and she picked up a knife. “Even if you don’t, I am not giving you a chance to find out! I will kill you! I will kill, kill, kill! I want you dead Ash! I really want you dead!” Allison screamed and rushed toward them, waving the kitchen knife before her.
Rushing headlong at Ashley and Steve, Allison looked like a madwoman who had just been driven beyond the binge of sanity.
“Run Ash! Hurry!”
Steve yelled as Ashley continued to stand rooted to the ground. Half dragging, half carrying her out of the kitchen, Steve shouted for help. The patrons in the café screamed and started running out. There was chaos everywhere but Ashley could only hear Allison shouting kill, kill and kill. Natasha and Chris managed to push their way into the café just at the moment. When Allison saw them, she stopped pursuing Ashley and Steve suddenly and stared at the four of them out of her crazed eyes, looking suddenly calmed. She looked satisfied when the four of them stood together, frightened. The café had emptied and left the five of them staring at one another.
“What are you doing, Ally?” Natasha tried to stall for time, knowing that Chris had called the police when they learned about what happened outside the café. She knew that her brother Aaron would come with his men soon.
“What am I doing? Oh, you want to know what is going on as well. Okay, I might as well let all of you know, since all of you are going to die soon.” Allison gave them a scary grin that looked more like a snarl.
“I was making a pass at Steve earlier when this bitch found out. Oh, she pretended to be calm and even tried to make me feel guilty! Well! I am not and now all I wanted is to kill all of you! You have all made my life miserable at some time or another! You caused me so much trouble!” She screamed suddenly, pointing her knife dangerously at all of them.
“Why? We have been trying to give you a better life, didn’t we?” Ashley asked, her voice trembling.
“Give me a better life? Cut the crap! All of you, especially you, Ashley McAllister, have been giving me nothing but misery all through my life! You, with your rich parents and big fancy house, were always giving me nothing but pity. Every time that you gave me some hand me down clothes; you looked like you were giving me the world! Let me tell you: I had thrown away every piece of hand me down the moment you walked out of my house! And now, you make me work in a filthy little café while you sit in some fancy office and count the money I help you earn! You call this a better life? Oh no! I certainly don’t think so. All my life, since the moment I moved here, it has been nothing but misery. Seeing the two of you together make me sick! How can you say you want to be friends with me when the two of you are so inseparatable? Everything that we did in the past, it was something that the two of you planned, and I had to follow! Did either of you think to ask me? No, you didn’t. Neither did either of you think to ask if I was happy. I had always hoped that the two of you would change, that you would see me as an equal friend, not someone who was just tagging along. But I was disappointed because it never happened!” Allison panted as she tried to catch her breath.
“And you, Natasha Mackenzie! Could you tell me whether there was a time when you came to me to discuss an outing instead of with Ashley McAllister? Could you? No, you couldn’t! You had never seen me as a friend! You had only your Ash in mind; she came first in everything we did. You asked me to give up Ted, for her, for her sake! What about me? I asked you this question so many years ago, you did not give me an answer then, and could you give me one now? I doubt so.” Allison continued in her mad rush.
Slashing her knife at Ashley, Allison continued to yell,
“Ashley McAllister! I hate you! I really do hate you! Did you know why? Everything you did was brilliant! Everybody thought that you were the best! Every little remark you made was God’s words! Everybody loved you! Your grades were better than mine, the teacher liked you better, and you always had all the boys chasing after you! And yet, you wwere never satisfied! You were always vying with me for the things and people whom I loved! You took away Ted! You were the one who caused his death! Not me! You took away Natasha! She should have been my best friend, not yours! You took away my life from me! You caused me pains all those years back when you became upset after I told you I hate you! Well, there was something else yet! I meant every word I said when I thrust that book at you! I hate you! I don’t want you in my life because you took away everything that was precious to me! I wanted to kill you! That was the only way I could take back everything! That was the only way I could make you suffer! I would kill you nice and slow, I would not let you get away this time.”
The hatred in Allison’s eyes was so potent, that everybody present was truly shaken by what she said. Ashley did not know that anyone could harbor so much hatred for her. She could not understand the hatred. Ashley did not do anything to hurt another person in her life, and yet she seemed to have hurt Allison so much. What did she do?
“Don’t kill her Ally! I would be your friend. I would not see her again. I would hate her the way you do. Just don’t hurt her! I would do anything you ask, just don’t hurt her.” Natasha cried out desperately. She even turned away from Ashley and brushed off Ashley’s hand which was resting on her shoulders.
Ashley’s eyes filled as she watched her best friend tried this last desperate attempt. She knew that Natasha was trying to save her with whatever she got, just like she always did. Their eyes met, and Ashley could see the anguish that was in Natasha.
“Yeah Ally! I would leave with you too!” Steve said, pushing Ashley behind him, and following Natasha’s example. Both of them had formed a barrier in front of Ashley subconsciously.
“You were right, Ally! I realized I don’t love her at all! What was she when compared to you? Ashley McAllister was nothing compared to you.” Steve exclaimed.
Ashley cried silently as she looked upon the desperate attempts that the two persons she loved most in her life was making. She understood what they were trying to do, and it tore at her all the more to see their anguished faces as they hurled abuses at her.
"SHUT UP! Both of you!” Allison yelled and waved her knife dangerously in front of Steve and Natasha. “Oh! You people thought you were so clever weren’t you? Trying to save her now? It’s too late! If you had said those words to me ten years ago, Nat, I might have believed you. I know you were just trying to save that bitch hiding behind her husband right now! And you, Steve, didn’t it occur to you that you would not have love me so much since you had just spurred my love back there n the kitchen? Fine! Since both of you were so willing to sacrifice, I would satisfied you! What was better than to kill you both right before her eyes? To let her see you die, and to know that she was the one who caused it! Oh! That would be a very good show to see.”
Allison snarled and lurched towards Natasha, the knife aiming straight at her. Natasha closed her eyes and whispered a prayer to God, asking Him to protect those who were going to be left behind.
“NO! Please no!” Ashley screamed instinctively and tried to run in front of Natasha to protect her. Pushing Ashley away, Natasha prepared to receive that knife. At the very last moment, a gun fired right behind Natasha. Allison dropped to the floor as the knife slipped out of her lifeless hand. Blood seeped out of her right shoulder. She looked at the wound in amusement and laughed.
“You think that was going to stop me? I am beyond pain! I am beyond human! I would kill again today! Just like the day I killed Ted!”
She looked up into all the horrified faces and laughed crazily.
“Oh yes! I lied! I lied! I killed Ted all those years back! I killed him! It was I who tied him to a tree and forced the poison down his throat. And I killed Beaumont too! He deserved to die! Both of them deserved to die! Ted died because of you as well, Ashley! He loved you! He loved you instead of me! He deserved to die! Beaumont was an accident. He saw me killing Ted, and that idiot had blackmailed me. Oh yes, I gave him what he wanted, but I saw that he never enjoyed his new home in England. Yes! I bought it for him! But he never gets to live in it for a day! I made sure his family did not either! Oh I was so clever! Nobody thought that it was me. To think of it, I thought that it was so funny! Nobody believes that a woman barely in her twenties would kill two men. But I did! And the feeling was wonderful. Going undetected was the best thing that happened to me. Of course, it was also a bonus, for I wouldn’t have a chance to finish you off if I had been caught. And now you would all die! And remember, Ashley McAllister was the one who caused all your deaths!”
Allison laughed hysterically and tried to use the knife to prop herself up to stab Natasha again. Aaron fired his gun a second time and this time right on Allison’s right hand. She dropped the knife a second time and Aaron kicked it out of her way.
“You were trying to kill my sister and you think I would stand by and watch?” He asked Allison, the gun leveled at her.
“Kill me then! Didn’t you always wanted to kill me? You were an idiot Aaron. You believed you could stop me this way? Don’t be silly!” With a manic laugh, Allison pulled out a small gun from her boots and fired at Ashley.
“Ashley! Get out of the way!” Natasha shouted and pushed her away. The windows behind Ashley shattered as the bullet hit it. Total chaos resulted and shots rang out continuously. Then, all was silent as Allison toppled forward and crumbled at their feet.
“Move away!” Aaron ordered. Ashley screamed as Allison put her bloodied hand on her.
“Get your hand away from her!” Steve yelled at her and tried to kick Allison’s hand away. She let go, not because Steve asked, but because she no longer had the life in her to hold on. Ashley watched as Allison’s hand slided lifelessly from her leg and onto the floor. Natasha grabbed hold of her as she continued to stare at Allison’s body as she lay on the floor. She looked so harmless now. She seemed at peace, but was she really? Ashley began to cry bitterly, and Natasha hugged her tight and cried along with her.
They were all told to go out of the café. As they sat down on the sidewalk, Ashley held Natasha’s hand and whispered sadly,
“Oh Nat! What had we done? Did we ruin Ally’s life so many years ago when we befriend her? I couldn’t understand why she hated me so much. Was it me? Was it because I am evil? Was it because I really caused her so much pain?”
Ashley couldn’t help but cry, and Natasha hugged her tightly and let her cry before she replied brokenly,
“No Ash! You were the best friend and sister that anyone could ever have! You would never have hurt anyone in your life intentionally. Ally was sick, Ash! She could not take what life dish out to her and she wanted to blame someone else for that. She picked you, Ash. You were the victim, not her. Please, do not think in that way.”
“What about Ted? Beaumont? I caused their deaths too! I am so seeped in blood!” Ashley just couldn’t take all of it. It was too much for her.
“Oh Ash,” Natasha just pulled Ashley close for another hug and said,
“It’s not your fault! You were not to blame. Ally killed them. She killed them because she was sick with jealousy. You did not cause their death. Ted loved you out of his own willingness. His greatest mistake was to pity Ally. And Beaumont brought his own death to himself and his family. If he had not blackmail Ally, he wouldn’t have to die. Please Ash, don’t blame yourself. It’s not your fault. Be strong, Ash. Be strong for yourself, for Steve, for your three adorable children and for me. Please don’t do this to yourself.”
Natasha held on to Ashley as she continued to cry. After some time, Ashley began to calm down with the strong presence of her best friend’s tranquility despite all odds. Natasha was always the pillar of support for Ashley. No matter what happened, Natasha was always there for her. She never let Ashley down. Ashley hugged her fiercely and said in a fainted but strong voice,
“I would be strong Nat, for everyone. I would try my best to stop thinking of these unhappy things. I would try.” Ashley said, putting on a brave face. Natasha nodded and patted her on the back before moving away to seek comfort in Chris’ arms and letting Steve took over.
Steve took Ashley into his arms then. He kissed her and told her that he loved her, no matter what happened. He was another pillar of support that Ashley could not do without. She loved him with such intensity that she wouldn’t be able to stand it if anyone was to take him away.
They were all advised to go back for a rest, especially for the two traumatized women. Steve had wanted to take Ashley home, but as their children were home with their grandparents, Ashley did not want to go home in fear of alarming the children. It was lucky that they lived far away from the place of incident, and the children were relatively unharmed. In the end, they all went to Natasha’s house because Natasha’s children were away in their auntie’s house in the next town and the four of them needed to be together to sort thing out. Steve and Chris tried their best to comfort their wives as much as they could, but Natasha and Ashley needed to be together to share in their grief. They retired to the children’s bedroom and talked about a lot of things, the things that they did in the past with Allison, the things they did without her. They remember their college days without Allison and it was shameful to admit that they were much happier without her. She was like a shadow that hung over them then. They also talked about Allison’s depression, and they tried to understand how it was like to live in the shadows of others. Although they knew that it was all over, it would take them a long time to get over what happened. It would not be something that they could put out of their minds easily.
The two women spent a fitful night full of nightmares together, refusing to see their husbands at all. Both of them cried for the friend that they lost, and the wrong things that they might had done in their lives.
Roy came to look for the four of them the next day. He had brought Angus, his son to visit the circus in the next town and was not there when Allison went on her crazy journey to her death. He apologized, and told them that he was leaving. He wanted to take his son Angus back to Manhattans. There was nothing left for him in Scotland. His wife had died, killed in the name of defense, and there was nothing for him to do. He felt so lost, and the only thing that he could think of was to bring his son back to a place where they could start all over again.
Natasha and Ashley felt so guilty. It was as if they had taken his wife from him. Although so, they wondered if Roy had known about his wife’s hatred for Ashley. Natasha plucked up the courage to ask him the day he was leaving. In a sadden voice, Roy told them that he never did know about Allison until it was too late. He told Natasha and Ashley how Allison always said the best things about them, illustrating the day he picked her up from the airport after she visited them. He told Ashley and Natasha how thrilled Allison was when she found out that they had forgiven her. Little had he guess that her thrill came from the fact that she could finally take her revenge, and that it had nothing to reflect true repentance. He verified that they were not well-off but not as poor as Allison made it out to be. And he also rejected a position in Ashley’s and Natasha’s firm. He said that he could not do that after all that had happened and that he would go back and helped his brother with his flourishing business back in Manhattans. He explained that he could not do that in the past because Allison had hated his brother and forbade him from keeping in touch with his family. But now, he was free, and he could build a better life for his son. That was the last time Ashley and Natasha ever heard from Roy, for he refused to keep in touch with them, saying that it was better for all of them.
26th Aug 2004
It was three months since Allison came back to work in the town she grew up in and she worked hard. She had to, if she wanted to put her plans into motion. She saw to it that Ashley and Natasha were to trust her more and more, and she was pleased to know that they were delegating more work to her. She was now practically running the café she works in single-handedly. Ashley and Natasha only checked the accounts once a month to make sure that everything was in order. Allison had planned to carry out her plans on Ashley’s and Natasha’s next visit. However, Ashley visited the café with her husband, Steve that month. When Allison found that out, she thought that a subtle change of plans would do nicely.
Allison was busy in the kitchen when they arrived. She knew they were there, for the staff had informed her immediately. But she kept them waiting, because she wanted to lure Steve into the kitchen first. Hence, she waited 10 minutes and then let a pan clashed onto the floor, letting out a loud scream at the same time. She knew Steve would come running and she ordered all her staff to leave the kitchen and not come back in unless they were told to do so. No sooner had the staff exited through the back door, Steve burst into the kitchen.
“What happened here, Allison? Are you alright?”
Ashley was tallying the accounts with Steve when they heard the loud clash and scream. When Steve volunteered to go see what happened and to get Allison out for a talk, she let him as she was halfway through her calculations. However, Steve was gone for a long time, and Ashley could not help worrying about what happened. So she dumped her account books into the office drawers and locked it before going down to the kitchen to see what was going on. She walked towards the kitchen and stopped short when she heard Steve saying,
“Let go of me, Ally! I am not interested in your proposal. Neither am I interested in you! Steve’s voice raised as he began to panic, “Let me go! I warn you to let me go this instant or I will have to be rough on you!”
Ashley stopped dead in her tracks. What was happening?
“Oh darling, you know you do want me. I know you wanted me since you first set eyes on me. It’s Ashley who is stopping you isn’t it? Don’t worry; we can always go to the next town for some fun.” Allison said seductively.
Ashley stood rooted to the ground when she heard what Allison was saying. Was history repeating itself? She couldn’t believe it! She had to see for herself! Ashley pushed open the door to the kitchen to see Allison pinning Steve to the wall and him trying very hard to dislocate himself and not hurt Allison at the same time. When he saw Ashley, his face turned white and he said,
“Ash, it’s not…it’s not what you are seeing now. It’s not like this. Let me go, you bitch!” He said to Allison in frustration.
“I know, Steve. I heard you when I stood outside.” Ashley was surprisingly calm. A slow anger was building up inside her as she looked from her loving husband Steve; to the friend she thought she had saved from the dumps, yet at the same time, a deep grief formed inside her heart as she looked upon the person she had called a friend.
Allison loosened her hold on Steve and he pushed her away. Steve rushed over to Ashley and wrapped his arms around her tightly. Kissing her hair, Steve whispered to Ashley, “Oh my love! I am glad that you heard. She is such a bitch! I can’t believe that she threw herself at me.”
“Get out of my sight! I can’t stand it! If you would rather have that whimpering woman, so be it!” Allison shouted at Steve in a tone dripping with disgust.
Ashley couldn’t take it any longer. It was the second time in her life that Allison tried to take what was her and there was no way Ashley could bring herself to forgive her a second time.
Before Steve could lash out at Allison, Ashley cried out in anger, “Why? Ally, Why? Why must you always try to take what’s mine? You took Ted didn’t you? You took him for life. Now you want Steve too?”
Ashley choked back the tears that threatened to come. She would not cry in front of Allison for Ashley knew that would have given her pleasure and she would deny her that.
“Why? Oh, she is asking me why! Hahaha! Well, Ash, you should know why, shouldn’t you?” Allison’s eyes hardened and she picked up a knife. “Even if you don’t, I am not giving you a chance to find out! I will kill you! I will kill, kill, kill! I want you dead Ash! I really want you dead!” Allison screamed and rushed toward them, waving the kitchen knife before her.
Rushing headlong at Ashley and Steve, Allison looked like a madwoman who had just been driven beyond the binge of sanity.
“Run Ash! Hurry!”
Steve yelled as Ashley continued to stand rooted to the ground. Half dragging, half carrying her out of the kitchen, Steve shouted for help. The patrons in the café screamed and started running out. There was chaos everywhere but Ashley could only hear Allison shouting kill, kill and kill. Natasha and Chris managed to push their way into the café just at the moment. When Allison saw them, she stopped pursuing Ashley and Steve suddenly and stared at the four of them out of her crazed eyes, looking suddenly calmed. She looked satisfied when the four of them stood together, frightened. The café had emptied and left the five of them staring at one another.
“What are you doing, Ally?” Natasha tried to stall for time, knowing that Chris had called the police when they learned about what happened outside the café. She knew that her brother Aaron would come with his men soon.
“What am I doing? Oh, you want to know what is going on as well. Okay, I might as well let all of you know, since all of you are going to die soon.” Allison gave them a scary grin that looked more like a snarl.
“I was making a pass at Steve earlier when this bitch found out. Oh, she pretended to be calm and even tried to make me feel guilty! Well! I am not and now all I wanted is to kill all of you! You have all made my life miserable at some time or another! You caused me so much trouble!” She screamed suddenly, pointing her knife dangerously at all of them.
“Why? We have been trying to give you a better life, didn’t we?” Ashley asked, her voice trembling.
“Give me a better life? Cut the crap! All of you, especially you, Ashley McAllister, have been giving me nothing but misery all through my life! You, with your rich parents and big fancy house, were always giving me nothing but pity. Every time that you gave me some hand me down clothes; you looked like you were giving me the world! Let me tell you: I had thrown away every piece of hand me down the moment you walked out of my house! And now, you make me work in a filthy little café while you sit in some fancy office and count the money I help you earn! You call this a better life? Oh no! I certainly don’t think so. All my life, since the moment I moved here, it has been nothing but misery. Seeing the two of you together make me sick! How can you say you want to be friends with me when the two of you are so inseparatable? Everything that we did in the past, it was something that the two of you planned, and I had to follow! Did either of you think to ask me? No, you didn’t. Neither did either of you think to ask if I was happy. I had always hoped that the two of you would change, that you would see me as an equal friend, not someone who was just tagging along. But I was disappointed because it never happened!” Allison panted as she tried to catch her breath.
“And you, Natasha Mackenzie! Could you tell me whether there was a time when you came to me to discuss an outing instead of with Ashley McAllister? Could you? No, you couldn’t! You had never seen me as a friend! You had only your Ash in mind; she came first in everything we did. You asked me to give up Ted, for her, for her sake! What about me? I asked you this question so many years ago, you did not give me an answer then, and could you give me one now? I doubt so.” Allison continued in her mad rush.
Slashing her knife at Ashley, Allison continued to yell,
“Ashley McAllister! I hate you! I really do hate you! Did you know why? Everything you did was brilliant! Everybody thought that you were the best! Every little remark you made was God’s words! Everybody loved you! Your grades were better than mine, the teacher liked you better, and you always had all the boys chasing after you! And yet, you wwere never satisfied! You were always vying with me for the things and people whom I loved! You took away Ted! You were the one who caused his death! Not me! You took away Natasha! She should have been my best friend, not yours! You took away my life from me! You caused me pains all those years back when you became upset after I told you I hate you! Well, there was something else yet! I meant every word I said when I thrust that book at you! I hate you! I don’t want you in my life because you took away everything that was precious to me! I wanted to kill you! That was the only way I could take back everything! That was the only way I could make you suffer! I would kill you nice and slow, I would not let you get away this time.”
The hatred in Allison’s eyes was so potent, that everybody present was truly shaken by what she said. Ashley did not know that anyone could harbor so much hatred for her. She could not understand the hatred. Ashley did not do anything to hurt another person in her life, and yet she seemed to have hurt Allison so much. What did she do?
“Don’t kill her Ally! I would be your friend. I would not see her again. I would hate her the way you do. Just don’t hurt her! I would do anything you ask, just don’t hurt her.” Natasha cried out desperately. She even turned away from Ashley and brushed off Ashley’s hand which was resting on her shoulders.
Ashley’s eyes filled as she watched her best friend tried this last desperate attempt. She knew that Natasha was trying to save her with whatever she got, just like she always did. Their eyes met, and Ashley could see the anguish that was in Natasha.
“Yeah Ally! I would leave with you too!” Steve said, pushing Ashley behind him, and following Natasha’s example. Both of them had formed a barrier in front of Ashley subconsciously.
“You were right, Ally! I realized I don’t love her at all! What was she when compared to you? Ashley McAllister was nothing compared to you.” Steve exclaimed.
Ashley cried silently as she looked upon the desperate attempts that the two persons she loved most in her life was making. She understood what they were trying to do, and it tore at her all the more to see their anguished faces as they hurled abuses at her.
"SHUT UP! Both of you!” Allison yelled and waved her knife dangerously in front of Steve and Natasha. “Oh! You people thought you were so clever weren’t you? Trying to save her now? It’s too late! If you had said those words to me ten years ago, Nat, I might have believed you. I know you were just trying to save that bitch hiding behind her husband right now! And you, Steve, didn’t it occur to you that you would not have love me so much since you had just spurred my love back there n the kitchen? Fine! Since both of you were so willing to sacrifice, I would satisfied you! What was better than to kill you both right before her eyes? To let her see you die, and to know that she was the one who caused it! Oh! That would be a very good show to see.”
Allison snarled and lurched towards Natasha, the knife aiming straight at her. Natasha closed her eyes and whispered a prayer to God, asking Him to protect those who were going to be left behind.
“NO! Please no!” Ashley screamed instinctively and tried to run in front of Natasha to protect her. Pushing Ashley away, Natasha prepared to receive that knife. At the very last moment, a gun fired right behind Natasha. Allison dropped to the floor as the knife slipped out of her lifeless hand. Blood seeped out of her right shoulder. She looked at the wound in amusement and laughed.
“You think that was going to stop me? I am beyond pain! I am beyond human! I would kill again today! Just like the day I killed Ted!”
She looked up into all the horrified faces and laughed crazily.
“Oh yes! I lied! I lied! I killed Ted all those years back! I killed him! It was I who tied him to a tree and forced the poison down his throat. And I killed Beaumont too! He deserved to die! Both of them deserved to die! Ted died because of you as well, Ashley! He loved you! He loved you instead of me! He deserved to die! Beaumont was an accident. He saw me killing Ted, and that idiot had blackmailed me. Oh yes, I gave him what he wanted, but I saw that he never enjoyed his new home in England. Yes! I bought it for him! But he never gets to live in it for a day! I made sure his family did not either! Oh I was so clever! Nobody thought that it was me. To think of it, I thought that it was so funny! Nobody believes that a woman barely in her twenties would kill two men. But I did! And the feeling was wonderful. Going undetected was the best thing that happened to me. Of course, it was also a bonus, for I wouldn’t have a chance to finish you off if I had been caught. And now you would all die! And remember, Ashley McAllister was the one who caused all your deaths!”
Allison laughed hysterically and tried to use the knife to prop herself up to stab Natasha again. Aaron fired his gun a second time and this time right on Allison’s right hand. She dropped the knife a second time and Aaron kicked it out of her way.
“You were trying to kill my sister and you think I would stand by and watch?” He asked Allison, the gun leveled at her.
“Kill me then! Didn’t you always wanted to kill me? You were an idiot Aaron. You believed you could stop me this way? Don’t be silly!” With a manic laugh, Allison pulled out a small gun from her boots and fired at Ashley.
“Ashley! Get out of the way!” Natasha shouted and pushed her away. The windows behind Ashley shattered as the bullet hit it. Total chaos resulted and shots rang out continuously. Then, all was silent as Allison toppled forward and crumbled at their feet.
“Move away!” Aaron ordered. Ashley screamed as Allison put her bloodied hand on her.
“Get your hand away from her!” Steve yelled at her and tried to kick Allison’s hand away. She let go, not because Steve asked, but because she no longer had the life in her to hold on. Ashley watched as Allison’s hand slided lifelessly from her leg and onto the floor. Natasha grabbed hold of her as she continued to stare at Allison’s body as she lay on the floor. She looked so harmless now. She seemed at peace, but was she really? Ashley began to cry bitterly, and Natasha hugged her tight and cried along with her.
They were all told to go out of the café. As they sat down on the sidewalk, Ashley held Natasha’s hand and whispered sadly,
“Oh Nat! What had we done? Did we ruin Ally’s life so many years ago when we befriend her? I couldn’t understand why she hated me so much. Was it me? Was it because I am evil? Was it because I really caused her so much pain?”
Ashley couldn’t help but cry, and Natasha hugged her tightly and let her cry before she replied brokenly,
“No Ash! You were the best friend and sister that anyone could ever have! You would never have hurt anyone in your life intentionally. Ally was sick, Ash! She could not take what life dish out to her and she wanted to blame someone else for that. She picked you, Ash. You were the victim, not her. Please, do not think in that way.”
“What about Ted? Beaumont? I caused their deaths too! I am so seeped in blood!” Ashley just couldn’t take all of it. It was too much for her.
“Oh Ash,” Natasha just pulled Ashley close for another hug and said,
“It’s not your fault! You were not to blame. Ally killed them. She killed them because she was sick with jealousy. You did not cause their death. Ted loved you out of his own willingness. His greatest mistake was to pity Ally. And Beaumont brought his own death to himself and his family. If he had not blackmail Ally, he wouldn’t have to die. Please Ash, don’t blame yourself. It’s not your fault. Be strong, Ash. Be strong for yourself, for Steve, for your three adorable children and for me. Please don’t do this to yourself.”
Natasha held on to Ashley as she continued to cry. After some time, Ashley began to calm down with the strong presence of her best friend’s tranquility despite all odds. Natasha was always the pillar of support for Ashley. No matter what happened, Natasha was always there for her. She never let Ashley down. Ashley hugged her fiercely and said in a fainted but strong voice,
“I would be strong Nat, for everyone. I would try my best to stop thinking of these unhappy things. I would try.” Ashley said, putting on a brave face. Natasha nodded and patted her on the back before moving away to seek comfort in Chris’ arms and letting Steve took over.
Steve took Ashley into his arms then. He kissed her and told her that he loved her, no matter what happened. He was another pillar of support that Ashley could not do without. She loved him with such intensity that she wouldn’t be able to stand it if anyone was to take him away.
They were all advised to go back for a rest, especially for the two traumatized women. Steve had wanted to take Ashley home, but as their children were home with their grandparents, Ashley did not want to go home in fear of alarming the children. It was lucky that they lived far away from the place of incident, and the children were relatively unharmed. In the end, they all went to Natasha’s house because Natasha’s children were away in their auntie’s house in the next town and the four of them needed to be together to sort thing out. Steve and Chris tried their best to comfort their wives as much as they could, but Natasha and Ashley needed to be together to share in their grief. They retired to the children’s bedroom and talked about a lot of things, the things that they did in the past with Allison, the things they did without her. They remember their college days without Allison and it was shameful to admit that they were much happier without her. She was like a shadow that hung over them then. They also talked about Allison’s depression, and they tried to understand how it was like to live in the shadows of others. Although they knew that it was all over, it would take them a long time to get over what happened. It would not be something that they could put out of their minds easily.
The two women spent a fitful night full of nightmares together, refusing to see their husbands at all. Both of them cried for the friend that they lost, and the wrong things that they might had done in their lives.
Roy came to look for the four of them the next day. He had brought Angus, his son to visit the circus in the next town and was not there when Allison went on her crazy journey to her death. He apologized, and told them that he was leaving. He wanted to take his son Angus back to Manhattans. There was nothing left for him in Scotland. His wife had died, killed in the name of defense, and there was nothing for him to do. He felt so lost, and the only thing that he could think of was to bring his son back to a place where they could start all over again.
Natasha and Ashley felt so guilty. It was as if they had taken his wife from him. Although so, they wondered if Roy had known about his wife’s hatred for Ashley. Natasha plucked up the courage to ask him the day he was leaving. In a sadden voice, Roy told them that he never did know about Allison until it was too late. He told Natasha and Ashley how Allison always said the best things about them, illustrating the day he picked her up from the airport after she visited them. He told Ashley and Natasha how thrilled Allison was when she found out that they had forgiven her. Little had he guess that her thrill came from the fact that she could finally take her revenge, and that it had nothing to reflect true repentance. He verified that they were not well-off but not as poor as Allison made it out to be. And he also rejected a position in Ashley’s and Natasha’s firm. He said that he could not do that after all that had happened and that he would go back and helped his brother with his flourishing business back in Manhattans. He explained that he could not do that in the past because Allison had hated his brother and forbade him from keeping in touch with his family. But now, he was free, and he could build a better life for his son. That was the last time Ashley and Natasha ever heard from Roy, for he refused to keep in touch with them, saying that it was better for all of them.
Double Betrayal (Chapter Six)
Chapter Six
26th May 2004
The letter came out of the sudden. Allison had been keeping in touch with Ashley and Natasha of course. She would not want to mess up her chance to get further revenge. Allison was very pleased that Ashley and Natasha would call her at least once a week, either alone or together. They would always update her on their lives and asked about hers. In that way, Allison managed to learn a lot about their lives and businesses and she was pleased to form a rough sketch of how she wanted to take her ultimate revenge against Ashley. However, her best plans came delivered to her on a golden plate when the letter came, to formally ask Allison to go back and share the work with Ashley and Natasha, who owned various chains of cafes. Allison was surprised and touched at their gesture and yet at the same time, she was overjoyed to have a chance to totally ruin Ashley’s life. Roy came home from his work at that very moment and in her moment of happiness, Allison just ran to hug him and thrust the letter into his hand.
After reading through, he broke into a laugh.” Is that true Ally? Oh God! This will make our lives better! We have to take this job!”
He hugged his wife and swung her around wildly. Allison kissed him hard on his mouth and ran to the telephone. She had to call her ‘friends’ to thank them for her chance.
“Hello? Nat? Is that you?” Allison hollered into the telephone, acting in her usual cheerful manner in order to keep up her act. She was so close to her goal now, she had to keep it up.
“Oh yes! It’s me! I supposed you got our letter?” Natasha laughed.
“Oh yes! I did! I did! Oh Nat! Are you sure? Are you really sure?” Allison asked, just to make sure that she would have the chance to plot her ultimate revenge.
“Yeah! We are sure Ally! Ash and I have decided that we must share everything. Will you be able to come right away?”
“We can’t Nat. My son Angus had to go to school till the school term ends. We can go then. It will be the end of April I think. Do you think we can arrange for that?” Allison asked anxiously.
“Of course, my friend! We will be waiting for you to come back then, Ally! I am sorry that I can’t talk to you now. I have to serve these hungry customers. Can I call you back later?”
“It’s alright, Nat. Go and do your work. Call back later.” Allison beamed into the telephone and hung up.
Turning around to her husband’s anxious face, Allison gave him a kiss and jumped up and down! This was the best day of her life! She knew that her need for the ultimate revenge would be fulfilled very soon! She would be able to make them pay for all that they had done to her! She wanted them to suffer! But, she had to make them trust her first. Allison had to make Ashley and Natasha believe that she had changed. She had to remember to hide her feelings from everyone, including Roy. He was too good to understand her feelings. He wouldn’t know how much she had suffered under the hands of Ashley and Natasha! She had to take revenge on them, especially on Ashley! Dancing into the kitchen to prepare supper, Allison couldn’t help beaming as she planned her next move.
“Ashley had caused me so much pain. She would wish that she could die when I am done with her!”
26th May 2004
The letter came out of the sudden. Allison had been keeping in touch with Ashley and Natasha of course. She would not want to mess up her chance to get further revenge. Allison was very pleased that Ashley and Natasha would call her at least once a week, either alone or together. They would always update her on their lives and asked about hers. In that way, Allison managed to learn a lot about their lives and businesses and she was pleased to form a rough sketch of how she wanted to take her ultimate revenge against Ashley. However, her best plans came delivered to her on a golden plate when the letter came, to formally ask Allison to go back and share the work with Ashley and Natasha, who owned various chains of cafes. Allison was surprised and touched at their gesture and yet at the same time, she was overjoyed to have a chance to totally ruin Ashley’s life. Roy came home from his work at that very moment and in her moment of happiness, Allison just ran to hug him and thrust the letter into his hand.
After reading through, he broke into a laugh.” Is that true Ally? Oh God! This will make our lives better! We have to take this job!”
He hugged his wife and swung her around wildly. Allison kissed him hard on his mouth and ran to the telephone. She had to call her ‘friends’ to thank them for her chance.
“Hello? Nat? Is that you?” Allison hollered into the telephone, acting in her usual cheerful manner in order to keep up her act. She was so close to her goal now, she had to keep it up.
“Oh yes! It’s me! I supposed you got our letter?” Natasha laughed.
“Oh yes! I did! I did! Oh Nat! Are you sure? Are you really sure?” Allison asked, just to make sure that she would have the chance to plot her ultimate revenge.
“Yeah! We are sure Ally! Ash and I have decided that we must share everything. Will you be able to come right away?”
“We can’t Nat. My son Angus had to go to school till the school term ends. We can go then. It will be the end of April I think. Do you think we can arrange for that?” Allison asked anxiously.
“Of course, my friend! We will be waiting for you to come back then, Ally! I am sorry that I can’t talk to you now. I have to serve these hungry customers. Can I call you back later?”
“It’s alright, Nat. Go and do your work. Call back later.” Allison beamed into the telephone and hung up.
Turning around to her husband’s anxious face, Allison gave him a kiss and jumped up and down! This was the best day of her life! She knew that her need for the ultimate revenge would be fulfilled very soon! She would be able to make them pay for all that they had done to her! She wanted them to suffer! But, she had to make them trust her first. Allison had to make Ashley and Natasha believe that she had changed. She had to remember to hide her feelings from everyone, including Roy. He was too good to understand her feelings. He wouldn’t know how much she had suffered under the hands of Ashley and Natasha! She had to take revenge on them, especially on Ashley! Dancing into the kitchen to prepare supper, Allison couldn’t help beaming as she planned her next move.
“Ashley had caused me so much pain. She would wish that she could die when I am done with her!”
Double Betrayal (Chapter Five)
Chapter Five
5th May 2004
As Allison walked towards the exit gate in the airport, she kept looking back at Ashley and Natasha. She could hardly believe her good fortune to have such forgiving and stupid friends, especially Ashley. She felt so wickedly delightful and relieved that she could hardly withstand the astonishing feelings that she was having. It all seemed like a dream. How could they still have forgiven her and treated her as their friend, after all she had done to them? Although ten years could be a long enough time for them to forgive her, but to do so completely in a split second seemed like a difficult feat to Allison. Have they truly forgiven her? Allison wondered as she boarded the plane. Even though Allison knew that her plans for real revenge had been set in motions, she couldn’t help but wonder about her two friends who had given her the happiest and saddest days in her youth. As she settled down in the plane, she began to remember the things that she had done in the past with her friends. No matter how happy or sad they might be; those memories were the best that Allison ever had in this life.
Allison was just eleven when her family moved into the neighborhood. On her first day of school, she was so nervous that she could feel her toes shivering with fear when she entered the classroom. When the teacher introduced her to the class, Allison could hardly dare to look up, but when she did, two bright smiles aimed straight at her and the owners of those smiles waved their hands and invited her to sit with them.
“Oh God! Thank you for the angels you sent!” Allison prayed silently and went willingly to sit beside them.
That was her first impression of Ashley and Natasha. They were kind and patient, very willing to listen and friendly to the core. When Allison discovered that the two of them lived near her, she was nearly over the moon with happiness! Both Ashley and Natasha got Allison to join in all their activities and walked her home that very first day. Allison was happy and glad of their instant friendship. She prayed that the two of them would continue to treat her that way. They did, and soon the three of them became the best of friends. Things were well from the start. Ashley and Natasha had never treated Allison as a newcomer, but as someone whom they seemed to always have around. Allison was overjoyed for she never had friends who treated her that well before. Ashley and Natasha would invite Allison to their houses, and they often had overnight stays at one another’s houses during their school holidays.
Over the years, Allison came to depend on Ashley and Natasha for almost everything. She knew that they would always be there for her. Thus, when they started caring less for her as they grew up and got interested in boys and fashion, she resented it. Allison came to realize that Ashley and Natasha were always closer to each other no matter how many years had passed. Allison kept comforting herself, knowing that she shouldn’t complain since her two friends who had grew up together would naturally be closer. However, she could not understand why Natasha was always more caring towards Ashley. Even during their teen years, Natasha would always rush to Ashley whenever she had good news or bad news, Allison would not be the first one to know, but the last. Allison knew that she was being unreasonable but she couldn’t help it, as she had looked up to Natasha like an older sister. Slowly, she began to resent Ashley with such intensity that it hurt to even see Ashley and Natasha together. Allison knew it was pure jealousy and that she should stop herself from doing that. But she just couldn’t seem to help it. She had always like Natasha more because she was more open and seemed to understand her better than Ashley ever did, even though she did not tell Allison all her secrets. Allison thus began to sabotage Ashley whenever she could and created quite a few misunderstandings between Natasha and Ashley. They never found out that it was Allison, who tried to wreak their friendship, but unfortunately, Allison’s plans never did succeed, and they always made up after awhile. As Allison’s plans failed one by one, she began to develop symptoms that she couldn’t explain. She would cry for no apparent reasons, would became very sad or angry over little things, and sometimes, she found that she don’t even feel anything. Things got so bad that Allison’s mother brought her to see a psychiatrist. It was then that she found out that she was suffering from depression. That was the beginning of her downward spiral of her life; things got worse from there. When her illness was known, Ashley and Natasha had visited her immediately.
“Ally Anderson! You get down here this very minute! Nat and Ash are here to see you.” Allison’s mum had shouted.
At that time, her mum could not understand the problem she had. She kept on believing that Allison was just trying to be difficult, no matter what the psychiatrist told her. She insisted that Allison was in her teens, the years where she would be difficult.
“Its okay, Mrs. Anderson. We will just go up to see Ally ourselves.” Ashley had said.
Allison felt a quick surge of resentment. ‘What right had she to come into my house and tell my mum that she wanted to come and look for me herself? She has no right to even talk to my mum!’
However, Allison knew that Natasha would be with Ashley and she tried her best to suppress her resentment for Ashley.
“Hey Ally! How are you feeling?” Natasha poked her head into Allison’s room.
Allison was thrilled that Natasha was the first one to greet her and she ran to give her a hug.
“Whoa! You miss me ah?” Natasha grinned and hugged Allison right back.
“Hello, Ally! We bought you some books. Maybe you will like to page through them sometimes.” Ashley said.
Allison glared at her but accepted the books because she did not want Natasha to know what she was feeling. Ashley looked mildly surprised at Allison’s hostility towards herself and sat down quietly when Natasha began to talk about her new puppy. Allison was happy that Ashley was keeping quiet, for she could listen to Natasha’s voice without interruption this way. Natasha noted Ashley’s silence after a while.
“Hey Ash! What’s wrong with your pretty voice tonight? Why aren’t you adding in your salt and pepper about my dear doggie?”
Allison felt an immediate urge to shove Ashley out of her room so that she could have Natasha’s attention to herself, but she repressed it, for she would push Natasha right out as well. Allison looked at Ashley and willed her not to say anything discriminating.
“Oh…nothing Nat. I was just thinking about something. I am sorry. What did you say?” Ashley said.
“Nah, it’s okay Ash. Do pay attention. Ally is the main character tonight!” Natasha grinned and turned back to Allison.
Allison felt happiness like she never feel before. ‘Natasha was finally noticing me instead of that self-serving Ashley!’ She goaded privately. They continued to talk and Ashley would occasionally add in something, but Allison made sure that Ashley understood that she did not want her to speak up.
When they were leaving, Allison did something really evil. She picked up the first book in the pile that they had brought and while Natasha was not looking, Allison pushed the book into Ashley’s hand and said,
“Take this dirty book with you,” she hissed, “You’ve touched it with your dirty hand. I don’t want it! I hate you! Don’t ever come near me again!”
And with that, she walked away and hugged Natasha goodbye, telling her loudly that she must come back to visit the next night. When she turned to watch Ashley walked out of the house, Allison felt a sense of victory when she saw tears glittering in her eyes.
After that night, both of them did not come back anymore. Allison was upset and began to really hate Ashley McAllister. She couldn’t help it, and she wish that Natasha would come soon. Her prayers were answered a few nights later when she spied Natasha walking up to her door one evening, and rushed down to meet her. But instead of greeting me, Natasha fixed an angry glare at Allison and said,
“I can’t believe that you said those hurtful things to Ash! She could understand that you are sick at the moment, but I couldn’t! I do not understand how you could have said such hateful things to her! Do you still consider her as your friend? Remember that she helped you a lot in the past Ally! How could you do that? She asked me not to come, but I had to! I must understand why you did that. It was so cruel!”
Allison remained silent. She knew that her mum was bounded to ask Natasha what was going on as Natasha had shouted at her in front of her mum. She was right and Natasha told her.
“Oh Ally, how could you do that? She’s your friend.” Allison’s mum fixed her a withering look and she felt an immediate sense of disgust.
“What do you all want me to do? Everything and everyone thinks that Ashley McAllister is the best! She is the angel and I am the devil! She snatched my friend, my grades and now, even my mother! What do you all want me to do? I wish I could kill her now! I want to kill, kill, and kill!” Allison screamed at them.
Natasha and Allison’s mother were stunned. Natasha backed away from Allison. She had never seen her behaving in such a manner before, and as Natasha later confessed to Ashley, she was scared. Natasha was seldom scared, but that night, Allison was pretty scary, screaming about killing Ashley. Although Allison said all that in one of her depressive mood, she had meant every word that night. Allison really did hated Ashley. However, nobody knew she was serious that night. Both Natasha and her mother thought that Allison was under the influence of her illness and did not know what she was saying. Allison let them believe that, for the alternative would have been unthinkable.
Allison went to apologize to Ashley sometimes after that confrontation with Natasha and told her that she was wrong. Allison claimed to be under the influence of her mental problems and tried to explain away her hostility. After that, Allison tried hard to win back the friendship she had lost and she succeeded quite easily after Ashley accepted the explanation and sort of forced Natasha to forgive Allison too. However, things were never the same again among the three of them, and slowly they continue to drift apart.
However, Allison thought wickedly as she glanced out of the plane at the pasting clouds, from that day onwards, she had began to plot her revenge on Ashley and her chance came when Ashley’s boyfriend, Ted, began to show interest in her. She seduced Ted and began to have an affair with him behind Ashley’s back. She constantly lured Ted into having sex with her so that Ted would not have any reasons to leave her. Allison recalled that things only began to fall apart when Natasha found out about them. Thus, Allison had begun to plan her ultimate revenge. She knew how much Ashley loved Ted, and also knew that Ashley would fall apart completely if Ted was to die. So, she plotted everything to perfection and carried out her plans on Ashley’s 21st birthday, just to make the incident more memorable to her.
“Excuse me madam, the plane’s approaching the airport now, could you please put on your seat belt?” An air stewardess woke Allison from her reflections.
After fastening her seat belt, she tried to refresh herself. She knew her husband would be waiting for her, and she couldn’t wait to fall into his arms and give him the sweetest hug she could ever give. True enough, Roy was waiting for her at the arrival gate. The moment Allison saw him; she just couldn’t help herself and ran up to hug him tight from the pure joy of her working plan and the pleasure of seeing him again. He was pleasantly surprised but he was concerned too.
“Did everything go well, my dear? Did they forgive you? Are you alright?” He frowned at his wife.
“Yes! Yes! Yes!” Allison said, jumping up and down, acting a bit out of her usual self as she secretly celebrated her pending victory. “Oh Roy! They were still as wonderful as before. They forgave me, Roy! And they told me that they were still my friends, and that they would come for a visit when the kids were let out for their holidays! Oh Roy! I just couldn’t believe it! After all these years, they never change. They were still the same old Ash and Nat! Oh Roy! I am so happy that I went back.” Allison babbled it all out in one breath.
“Oh Ally! I am glad that things worked out. I was so worried for you. I thought they might do something to hurt you back. But look at you! You are refreshed and well and happy! You are happy now right?” He quizzed.
“Yeah, I am, Roy. I am.” Allison beamed at him and then asked, “How’s Angus?”
“He is fine, my dear, he is waiting for his mummy to get home and give him a hug!” Roy grinned.
“Let’s go home Roy! I couldn’t wait to kiss my little boy!” Allison practically danced out of the airport as Roy grabbed her bags and followed her out of the airport, grinning like a happy little boy himself.
5th May 2004
As Allison walked towards the exit gate in the airport, she kept looking back at Ashley and Natasha. She could hardly believe her good fortune to have such forgiving and stupid friends, especially Ashley. She felt so wickedly delightful and relieved that she could hardly withstand the astonishing feelings that she was having. It all seemed like a dream. How could they still have forgiven her and treated her as their friend, after all she had done to them? Although ten years could be a long enough time for them to forgive her, but to do so completely in a split second seemed like a difficult feat to Allison. Have they truly forgiven her? Allison wondered as she boarded the plane. Even though Allison knew that her plans for real revenge had been set in motions, she couldn’t help but wonder about her two friends who had given her the happiest and saddest days in her youth. As she settled down in the plane, she began to remember the things that she had done in the past with her friends. No matter how happy or sad they might be; those memories were the best that Allison ever had in this life.
Allison was just eleven when her family moved into the neighborhood. On her first day of school, she was so nervous that she could feel her toes shivering with fear when she entered the classroom. When the teacher introduced her to the class, Allison could hardly dare to look up, but when she did, two bright smiles aimed straight at her and the owners of those smiles waved their hands and invited her to sit with them.
“Oh God! Thank you for the angels you sent!” Allison prayed silently and went willingly to sit beside them.
That was her first impression of Ashley and Natasha. They were kind and patient, very willing to listen and friendly to the core. When Allison discovered that the two of them lived near her, she was nearly over the moon with happiness! Both Ashley and Natasha got Allison to join in all their activities and walked her home that very first day. Allison was happy and glad of their instant friendship. She prayed that the two of them would continue to treat her that way. They did, and soon the three of them became the best of friends. Things were well from the start. Ashley and Natasha had never treated Allison as a newcomer, but as someone whom they seemed to always have around. Allison was overjoyed for she never had friends who treated her that well before. Ashley and Natasha would invite Allison to their houses, and they often had overnight stays at one another’s houses during their school holidays.
Over the years, Allison came to depend on Ashley and Natasha for almost everything. She knew that they would always be there for her. Thus, when they started caring less for her as they grew up and got interested in boys and fashion, she resented it. Allison came to realize that Ashley and Natasha were always closer to each other no matter how many years had passed. Allison kept comforting herself, knowing that she shouldn’t complain since her two friends who had grew up together would naturally be closer. However, she could not understand why Natasha was always more caring towards Ashley. Even during their teen years, Natasha would always rush to Ashley whenever she had good news or bad news, Allison would not be the first one to know, but the last. Allison knew that she was being unreasonable but she couldn’t help it, as she had looked up to Natasha like an older sister. Slowly, she began to resent Ashley with such intensity that it hurt to even see Ashley and Natasha together. Allison knew it was pure jealousy and that she should stop herself from doing that. But she just couldn’t seem to help it. She had always like Natasha more because she was more open and seemed to understand her better than Ashley ever did, even though she did not tell Allison all her secrets. Allison thus began to sabotage Ashley whenever she could and created quite a few misunderstandings between Natasha and Ashley. They never found out that it was Allison, who tried to wreak their friendship, but unfortunately, Allison’s plans never did succeed, and they always made up after awhile. As Allison’s plans failed one by one, she began to develop symptoms that she couldn’t explain. She would cry for no apparent reasons, would became very sad or angry over little things, and sometimes, she found that she don’t even feel anything. Things got so bad that Allison’s mother brought her to see a psychiatrist. It was then that she found out that she was suffering from depression. That was the beginning of her downward spiral of her life; things got worse from there. When her illness was known, Ashley and Natasha had visited her immediately.
“Ally Anderson! You get down here this very minute! Nat and Ash are here to see you.” Allison’s mum had shouted.
At that time, her mum could not understand the problem she had. She kept on believing that Allison was just trying to be difficult, no matter what the psychiatrist told her. She insisted that Allison was in her teens, the years where she would be difficult.
“Its okay, Mrs. Anderson. We will just go up to see Ally ourselves.” Ashley had said.
Allison felt a quick surge of resentment. ‘What right had she to come into my house and tell my mum that she wanted to come and look for me herself? She has no right to even talk to my mum!’
However, Allison knew that Natasha would be with Ashley and she tried her best to suppress her resentment for Ashley.
“Hey Ally! How are you feeling?” Natasha poked her head into Allison’s room.
Allison was thrilled that Natasha was the first one to greet her and she ran to give her a hug.
“Whoa! You miss me ah?” Natasha grinned and hugged Allison right back.
“Hello, Ally! We bought you some books. Maybe you will like to page through them sometimes.” Ashley said.
Allison glared at her but accepted the books because she did not want Natasha to know what she was feeling. Ashley looked mildly surprised at Allison’s hostility towards herself and sat down quietly when Natasha began to talk about her new puppy. Allison was happy that Ashley was keeping quiet, for she could listen to Natasha’s voice without interruption this way. Natasha noted Ashley’s silence after a while.
“Hey Ash! What’s wrong with your pretty voice tonight? Why aren’t you adding in your salt and pepper about my dear doggie?”
Allison felt an immediate urge to shove Ashley out of her room so that she could have Natasha’s attention to herself, but she repressed it, for she would push Natasha right out as well. Allison looked at Ashley and willed her not to say anything discriminating.
“Oh…nothing Nat. I was just thinking about something. I am sorry. What did you say?” Ashley said.
“Nah, it’s okay Ash. Do pay attention. Ally is the main character tonight!” Natasha grinned and turned back to Allison.
Allison felt happiness like she never feel before. ‘Natasha was finally noticing me instead of that self-serving Ashley!’ She goaded privately. They continued to talk and Ashley would occasionally add in something, but Allison made sure that Ashley understood that she did not want her to speak up.
When they were leaving, Allison did something really evil. She picked up the first book in the pile that they had brought and while Natasha was not looking, Allison pushed the book into Ashley’s hand and said,
“Take this dirty book with you,” she hissed, “You’ve touched it with your dirty hand. I don’t want it! I hate you! Don’t ever come near me again!”
And with that, she walked away and hugged Natasha goodbye, telling her loudly that she must come back to visit the next night. When she turned to watch Ashley walked out of the house, Allison felt a sense of victory when she saw tears glittering in her eyes.
After that night, both of them did not come back anymore. Allison was upset and began to really hate Ashley McAllister. She couldn’t help it, and she wish that Natasha would come soon. Her prayers were answered a few nights later when she spied Natasha walking up to her door one evening, and rushed down to meet her. But instead of greeting me, Natasha fixed an angry glare at Allison and said,
“I can’t believe that you said those hurtful things to Ash! She could understand that you are sick at the moment, but I couldn’t! I do not understand how you could have said such hateful things to her! Do you still consider her as your friend? Remember that she helped you a lot in the past Ally! How could you do that? She asked me not to come, but I had to! I must understand why you did that. It was so cruel!”
Allison remained silent. She knew that her mum was bounded to ask Natasha what was going on as Natasha had shouted at her in front of her mum. She was right and Natasha told her.
“Oh Ally, how could you do that? She’s your friend.” Allison’s mum fixed her a withering look and she felt an immediate sense of disgust.
“What do you all want me to do? Everything and everyone thinks that Ashley McAllister is the best! She is the angel and I am the devil! She snatched my friend, my grades and now, even my mother! What do you all want me to do? I wish I could kill her now! I want to kill, kill, and kill!” Allison screamed at them.
Natasha and Allison’s mother were stunned. Natasha backed away from Allison. She had never seen her behaving in such a manner before, and as Natasha later confessed to Ashley, she was scared. Natasha was seldom scared, but that night, Allison was pretty scary, screaming about killing Ashley. Although Allison said all that in one of her depressive mood, she had meant every word that night. Allison really did hated Ashley. However, nobody knew she was serious that night. Both Natasha and her mother thought that Allison was under the influence of her illness and did not know what she was saying. Allison let them believe that, for the alternative would have been unthinkable.
Allison went to apologize to Ashley sometimes after that confrontation with Natasha and told her that she was wrong. Allison claimed to be under the influence of her mental problems and tried to explain away her hostility. After that, Allison tried hard to win back the friendship she had lost and she succeeded quite easily after Ashley accepted the explanation and sort of forced Natasha to forgive Allison too. However, things were never the same again among the three of them, and slowly they continue to drift apart.
However, Allison thought wickedly as she glanced out of the plane at the pasting clouds, from that day onwards, she had began to plot her revenge on Ashley and her chance came when Ashley’s boyfriend, Ted, began to show interest in her. She seduced Ted and began to have an affair with him behind Ashley’s back. She constantly lured Ted into having sex with her so that Ted would not have any reasons to leave her. Allison recalled that things only began to fall apart when Natasha found out about them. Thus, Allison had begun to plan her ultimate revenge. She knew how much Ashley loved Ted, and also knew that Ashley would fall apart completely if Ted was to die. So, she plotted everything to perfection and carried out her plans on Ashley’s 21st birthday, just to make the incident more memorable to her.
“Excuse me madam, the plane’s approaching the airport now, could you please put on your seat belt?” An air stewardess woke Allison from her reflections.
After fastening her seat belt, she tried to refresh herself. She knew her husband would be waiting for her, and she couldn’t wait to fall into his arms and give him the sweetest hug she could ever give. True enough, Roy was waiting for her at the arrival gate. The moment Allison saw him; she just couldn’t help herself and ran up to hug him tight from the pure joy of her working plan and the pleasure of seeing him again. He was pleasantly surprised but he was concerned too.
“Did everything go well, my dear? Did they forgive you? Are you alright?” He frowned at his wife.
“Yes! Yes! Yes!” Allison said, jumping up and down, acting a bit out of her usual self as she secretly celebrated her pending victory. “Oh Roy! They were still as wonderful as before. They forgave me, Roy! And they told me that they were still my friends, and that they would come for a visit when the kids were let out for their holidays! Oh Roy! I just couldn’t believe it! After all these years, they never change. They were still the same old Ash and Nat! Oh Roy! I am so happy that I went back.” Allison babbled it all out in one breath.
“Oh Ally! I am glad that things worked out. I was so worried for you. I thought they might do something to hurt you back. But look at you! You are refreshed and well and happy! You are happy now right?” He quizzed.
“Yeah, I am, Roy. I am.” Allison beamed at him and then asked, “How’s Angus?”
“He is fine, my dear, he is waiting for his mummy to get home and give him a hug!” Roy grinned.
“Let’s go home Roy! I couldn’t wait to kiss my little boy!” Allison practically danced out of the airport as Roy grabbed her bags and followed her out of the airport, grinning like a happy little boy himself.
Double Betrayal (Chapter Four)
Chapter Four
5th May 2004
The sky was clearing when Natasha and Ashley walked out of the house at 6 pm. They had decided to go to the restaurant to have some dinner before their meeting with Allison. Walking to Natasha’s car, Ashley gripped her hand and squeezed.
“Nat, you are the best thing that ever happens to me. I am so glad that you are always around when I need you most.” Natasha smiled at that and squeezed her back.
“Hey! You are also the best thing that happens to me Ash. You are always providing me with something that I can poke my face in.” She joked.
They both laughed nervously at the lame joke and tried to be as cheerful as possible. Ashley could tell how edgy Natasha was when her knuckles grew white with her tight grip on her steeling wheel. She reached out and patted Natasha’s hand.
“We will be alright, Nat. Don’t worry okay? Nothing that she says will affect us now. We have loving husbands and wonderful children and a load of wonderful friends. And we have each other. Nothing she said tonight will hurt us. We can do this together. You told me so!”
Natasha slowly the car and turned to look at her brave loving friend briefly.
“Yes, we will Ash. We are going through this together. We will not flounder because we have each other and because we have our husbands and our children. We have to be strong for them.”
Natasha said softly, almost to herself. The two of them rode in silence for the rest of the journey, each keeping their thoughts secret.
They reached Jennifer’s Bar half an hour before the appointed time. A sense of déjà vu washed over them when they pushed the door open. Floods of memories came as they sat down at the corner seat that they loved so much in the past. Nothing much had changed in Jennifer’s Bar in the last 10 years. The walls were still whitewashed with pictures of beaches on it. The tables and chairs were still the same old cheery wood that they had grown to be so fond of. Reaching down under the chair, Ashley found the carving marks that Allison, Natasha and her had left behind all those years before. That was something that they did when they were 19 and still playful. At 31 years old, Ashley felt like a 19 year old again as she traced the uneven carving marks that were under her chair. Natasha understood, for she was tracing hers under her chair. Her eyes filled as she looked at Ashley.
“So much have changed, Ash, and yet so much unchanged.”
She said softly. Ashley agreed silently. They were now married mothers and that made all the changes that they needed. Yet so much was unchanged. They were still fast friends and the carvings that they made 10 years ago were still so vividly unchanged. Even the settings in Jennifer’s Bar had not changed, after all these years. Ashley noticed that the only thing that had changed in Jennifer’s Bar was the waitresses. They changed year by year, as the young grew up and left. Many had left their sleepy town, but Natasha and Ashley had stayed because they found what they wanted there and maybe, just maybe, they knew that one day, their lust for the truth would be satisfied. They were waiting for it now. Maybe they would finally know.
They poked at their dinner when it came. Both of them had no appetite to eat as they waited for Allison to arrive. Somehow, both of them knew that this meeting would either resolve or strengthen whatever conflict they had all these years. It would be upsetting, but it would begin to heal the wound that was closed but was never truly gone. The anticipation was tensed. They wanted to know the truth, and yet they knew the truth was probably going to hurt them a lot more than not knowing at all. After all, the truth always hurts, doesn’t it? After all these years, Ashley and Natasha were finally going to know what truly happened to Ted all those years ago.
Allison came in promptly at 7 pm. She looked chic in her fur coat, but she looked so old that Ashley could hardly recognize her. But it was Allison all right. Her posture, the way she walked…Ashley’s eyes filled as she saw all too clearly that the years had not been too kind to Allison. Her face looked old and her eyes were hollow. Her whole appearance looked more like a 50 year old woman than a 31 year old woman. Ashley’s heart went all out for her as she drew near, but Natasha wasn’t that sympathetic. Her eyes hardened when she saw Allison, for despite all these years and the lacking evidence, Natasha had believed that Allison had something to do with Ted’s death. Ashley was suddenly afraid that Natasha might do something reckless tonight, and she prayed that she would have the strength to stop her.
Allison stopped beside Ashley and said, “Can I sit, Ashley?” Before she could answer, Natasha snapped.
“No, you may not! I will go sit beside her; you come over here and sit alone!” With that, Natasha shoved past Allison and sat down besides Ashley, nudging her not too gently into the corner.
“Oh Nat…” Ashley began, but Natasha gave her a furious glance and stared at Allison as she slipped into the seat opposite them.
“Alright! Speak!” Natasha said harshly. “We don’t have much time for you. We are needed at home.”
Allison looked scared and lost as she sat opposite Ashley and Natasha.
“Ashley, Natasha, how have you been?” Allison asked, trying to stall for time. Ashley’s heart melted at the sound of Allison’s voice, which had not changed from its gentleness after all these years.
“We didn’t come here to answer questions from you. We want answers from you, and you know what answers we are looking for.” Natasha said.
“Oh Ally! Where have you gone to all these years? Why didn’t you contact us?” Ashley cried, unable to control her soft heart and pent-up emotions. She had thought that she would hate Allison when she saw her again, but upon seeing Allison, nothing was left but sympathy and love.
“I am too ashamed to face you Ashley. Even after all these years, I am still ashamed to face you.” Allison said, covering her face with her hands.
Noting the sense of despair in her, Ashley reached out and touched her hands.
“Ally, I don’t blame you anymore. You can say what you want to say. I am sure Nat feels the same way too.”
Ashley nudged Natasha to get her to say something. Clearly affected as well despite her stern exterior, Natasha said gruffly,
“Yeah, although I can’t say that I do not blame you, but I can safely say that you can say what you want.”
Allison looked very uncomfortable and fearful as she began.
“Ash, before I even began, I have a confession to make and I want to apologize to you. I had an affair with Ted all those years ago. I was having an affair with him while he was with you. I knew I was wrong, but I loved him Ash! I really do. What I didn’t know was that I would cause him his death. Yes, I was still with Beaumont at that time, and I thought that I loved Beau. But I was wrong. I was in love with Ted all along. He was kind to me, and he listened. Even when he was busy, he would take the time out to listen to me. None of you did. You two were too engrossed in your studies and your relationships to note that I was sick. You two did not notice that I lost weight day by day. But Ted did. He gave me the support that was lacking in you two. I had cancer then and I needed the encouragement, but the two of you did not give me any.”
Ashley was dumbfounded at what she heard. Did Ted and Allison really lie to her all those years before? Her head started to pound as she stared blindly at Allison. Instincts told her that Natasha knew about it too, for she was far too quiet about this betrayal. Ashley was devastated by this double betrayal by the two closest friends she ever had, but she did not know what to think, or even feel. She did not know what she was feeling. Natasha put her hand over Ashley’s, and she did not even register the touch. Her inaction however, made Natasha felt better, as she was afraid that Ashley would reject her friendship now that she knew about the betrayal.
“Darn it Ally! Why didn’t you let us know about your illness back then?”
Natasha asked after an uncomfortable silence, feeling guilty that she didn’t realize it before and yet at the same time, she also wanted to give Ashley time to recover from her shock.
“I didn’t want to, Natasha. I knew that you two are going to have a bright future. I didn’t want you two to worry about me and thus lose the concentration that you needed for your studies. You were the bright ones, not me. I know I couldn’t go to college, but you two could. Ted noticed after some time, and he asked. In a moment of weakness, I told him about my illness and then made him swear that he would not tell the two of you. He kept the promise and soon the two of us began to develop feelings for each other as he began to visit me very often, bearing little gifts for me every time. He was so sweet Ash. I knew I might die anytime, thus, when Ted started entertaining thoughts of leaving you, Ash, I stopped him. I told him that I might die anytime and I am just not worthy of his attention. I stopped seeing him after that Ash.” Natasha narrowed her eyes at this last comment. She remembered vividly how she begged Allison to leave Ted. However, because of her guilt at not caring enough to notice Allison’s failing health, she left the discrepancy alone. “I should have never asked him to drive me to your party. He wouldn’t have died if I didn’t.” Allison concluded before lifting the coffee she ordered with shaking hands and slipped before continuing.
“I was late that night. I went out with Beau before I was supposed to go to your party Ash. I knew Ted did not invite Beau because he was not your personal friend and because Ted disliked him. So I had to lie to Beau, telling him that I had to go out with my parents. I planned to have my parents to come along, for I knew you wouldn’t have mind. However, my parents had to go to the next town that night, and I was kept out by Beau until 6.30pm. I was supposed to reach your place by 7pm that night to help out, but I just couldn’t make it without a car. So I had no choice. I called Ted, and asked him to come and fetch me before he went to your house. He was delighted and came over almost immediately. I was still pretty much unprepared for the party when he arrived at the door. So I had to invite him in to wait. He went up to my room to see what I was going to wear and well… things got pretty intense and we went too far with each other and forgot the time. Oh Ash, I am sorry. Please, please don’t turn away from me…”
“Stop, Ally, stop!” Ashley implored.
She wiped away the tears in her eyes as she stared at the wall, stinging at this confession. How she wished at that very moment that she had not come. Her misery was evident in her face and she swallowed the lump that was forming in her throat.
Allison stopped and waited till Ashley turned back and stared at the table again. Ashley’s eyes filled again at the thought of Ted and Allison’s betrayal. She felt angry and sad at the same time and she did not know what to do about it. She felt Natasha squeezing her hand but she made no move to return the gesture.
“By the time we realized that time had passed, it was already 8.30pm. I knew we had to hurry, so I asked Ted to go by the shortcut that went through the woods. Little did I know that Beau saw everything, and he wanted revenge in his rage…” Allison broke off at this point, shaking.
“Continue please.” Ashley mustered up her coolest voice to request Allison to continue.
“Beau killed Ted, Ashley! He was the one who killed him. He got away before I could get help for Ted. Beau had made sure I couldn’t get help by tying me tightly to a tree. That was why I was drenched in sweat and felt so weak by the time I reached your place that night looking for help. Beau wanted to make me look like the murderer.”
“Oh, my Lord! Why didn’t you say so at that time Ally? Aaron and his men would have caught Beaumont right there and then. How could you keep the truth hidden?” Natasha broke the silence that followed the revelation.
Ashley broke down and cried, leaning against Natasha. She had forgotten all about her anger at Natasha in her shock at the truth. Although she wanted to hate Allison for the betrayal, she found that she just couldn’t find the heart to do so. In the place of anger, there was only sorrow and pity for the woman who was once her close friend.
“It’s no use Ashley. He had his friends to hold my parents as hostages. He swears that he would kill them if I betrayed him, and I believe Beau when he said he would. He was capable of doing anything violent Ashley. I was so scared. And at that time, I was so convinced that I would die soon that I did not mind being the scapegoat, as long as I can save my parents. So I didn’t say anything, and Beau got away with murder that night. I am so sorry Ashley. I knew I was wrong now. I shouldn’t have gotten into an affair with Ted and I should have reported Beau at that time. I should have told Aaron that Beau was the killer. I just do not have the guts to. Please don’t hate me Ashley!”
With that, Allison broke down and cried.
Natasha was stunned after Allison revealed the killer. She had not expected the twist. All these years, she had suspected that Allison killed Ted just as she had threatened to all those years ago. Although Natasha had believed that Beaumont was capable of violence, she had never thought that he would resort to murder. Even so, something did not ring quite right with Allison’s story. How did Beaumont kill Ted? Beaumont had moved away right after Ted died. He claimed to have inherited a new house in England and moved away very suddenly. Now they knew why he wanted to move. They finally knew the truth. And it was more than they could take. It was such an unexpected twist to the truth that they expected to hear. They did not even suspect Beaumont. Nobody did and now they knew their mistakes. However, how did he manage to kill Ted without a trance of violence?
Natasha could not withhold her curiosity and asked,
“How did Beaumont killed Ted? How come there was no trance of blood on Ted?
“He was smart Nat. He forced Ted to drink poison that he had bought from the Middle East. Nobody knows about that kind of poison over here. Remember that I told you Beaumont had me tied to a tree? He told Ted that if he doesn’t drink the poison, he would rape and torture me before killing me. In despair, Ted drank the poison. He died for me!”
Hearing this, Ashley suddenly realized that Ted really did love Allison, and she ironically felt much better. She now knew that she would not have been happy with Ted had she married him. On impulse, Ashley squeezed out from the table and went over to Allison and hugged her tightly.
“I don’t want to blame you Ally. All these years, I still see you as a friend. I still love you Ally. Come back here and stay. We will sort it out. We are still friends.”
Looking at Natasha, Ashley said,” I don’t blame you too Nat. I know you have your reasons for not letting me know about the affair when it happened. I forgive you Nat, and I will always love you too.”
Moved beyond words at Ashley’s forgiving nature, Natasha came over and put her hands over the both of them and hugged them tightly.
“I still have something I did not say.” Allison drew back from the hugs and continued. “I had Beaumont arrested after my parents was released from his clutches. I moved my family to the outskirts of Manhattans and I contacted the police from there. Ted’s death was still an open case back then and I had Beau arrested and put to death after I ensured my family’s safety. It was the least I could do for Ted. He died for me. I had to do it for him.”
“You are right to do that Ally. You are the bravest of us all! I cannot imagine the agony that you had gone through all these years” Natasha said approvingly and smiled for the first time since they reunited.
Ashley smiled too and held both their hands. “We are sisters and we will always be sisters. Let’s put the past behind us and start afresh! I am so glad to have you back Ally!”
“I can’t stay long, my friends. I have to get back to Manhattans. I have a family there. I have a son and he needs me, so do my husband.” Allison said.
“I have to leave tonight, but I will leave you my address and telephone number so that we need not lose contact again. I will come back with my family one day, and if possible, do bring your families to see me sometimes.”
Allison began to scribble her address and telephone number down on napkins for both Natasha and Ashley as she talked.
“Why can’t you stay a bit longer Allison? Your husband wants you back as soon as possible?” Natasha asked.
“No, Nat. I have to go back because I have to work tomorrow. We are really quite poor. My husband spent all his money on me to cure me of cancer so now we need the money. I couldn’t come back here anytime before this because I had no money to buy the plane ticket. I have to save the money to come here. So I cannot afford to stay.”
Natasha and Ashley were shocked speechless for a second time that night.
“Then, how come your clothes were…?” Ashley recovered enough to ask. She couldn’t bring herself to ask if Allison had stolen them.
“They were my mother’s.” Allison explained. “They were the only precious things I have right now. I never sold them because they meant the world to me. And I figured that if the two of you didn’t want to forgive me, I could still walk out and have my pride. I wouldn’t want you two to know about my situation if you two had not forgiven me.”
“Oh Ally…you are so silly. Of course we would have forgiven you! Alright! We promise that we will come to visit as soon as the children break for their summer holidays. We can go for a nice long visit with you.” Ashley said and Natasha agreed.
The three of them had a hearty dinner before sending Allison to the airport as she needed to catch the 11pm flight out of Scotland. Both Ashley and Natasha waved until they could not see Allison anymore. On the way back to Ashley’s house, both of them were quiet for a long time.
“Ash, do you really forgive me for betraying you?” Natasha asked suddenly, slamming on the brake suddenly.
Ashley looked at her dearest friend. She was gripping the steeling wheel tightly again and her face was ashen-white as she waited for Ashley’s answer.
“Nat, don’t worry about that.” Ashley said gently. “I said I forgive you, and I really do. I know you must have your reasons for doing so. I forgive you Nat! I did not blame you for that. I do not want to blame you! I know that you did it in my best interests, although I was angry with you for deciding that on my behalf. But I understand that you must have gone through hell trying to keep it from me. You have never lied to me before”
“Yeah, Ash, and I never lied to you after that either. I went through hell and back trying to keep the secret from you, but it was worth it. My heart was shredding itself into pieces every time I saw all of you together. Having to choose between whom to betray was terrible. All of you are my friends. I chose not to tell you because I knew you will be devastated. I felt that I had to protect you, Ash. You were so fragile when we were in high school. I never did tell Chris either. I fear that he will force me to choose sides.”
“Oh Nat! I know! I know that all these years, you have never stopped protecting me. You are always there for me when I need you. I love you so much Nat! I really appreciate your love! But please remember that I will be here to protect you too, no matter what kind of dangers you are in. Our friendship is not one-way Nat, neither are we just friends. You are closer to me than a real sister can be!”
Ashley gripped Natasha’s hands and gave them a squeeze.
“Thanks Ash, thanks for being so understanding! I love you too!” Natasha cried in relief.
“You know,” Natasha turned serious and said, “It is this naïve streak inside you to trust everyone that makes me feel that I have to protect you. You just don’t seem to suspect anyone. I don’t think there is another person who is as trusting as you!”
“Gee, Nat. You made me sounds like an idiot! I am not that naïve, only that I believe that everyone is inherently good.” Ashley smiled.
Natasha looked taken aback and exclaimed, “You are not an idiot! You are just a silly saint!”
Ashley grinned at her and both of them laughed. The tension having resolved, Natasha then put the car in gear again and they continued their way back, keeping quiet for awhile as they each tried to sort out their own thoughts. Ashley broke the silence after some time.
“Nat? What say you that we give Ally a job in one of our cafes here and ask her to come back? We could give her and her family a better life.” Ashley suggested.
“Oh gosh, Ash! Are we that telepathic? I was just thinking of the same thing!” Natasha laughed. Ashley laughed along and soon they began to plot how to convince Allison and bring her back.
“I am glad we waited here and found our mark. We wouldn’t have known the truth if we had left here, Ash, and we wouldn’t have found our long lost friend again.” Natasha said as they neared Ashley’s house.
“Yeah, I am glad too, and I am so glad to have you as a friend, Nat! You are the best, and of coz, now we have Ally too!”
Both of them smiled as their families spilled from the house when the car stopped.
Questions of “how did it go” and “what happen” filled the air as they each lurched themselves into the arms of awaiting family members. They laughed as they were hugged and kissed and carried into the house, where the fire was already burning cheerfully. Ashley and Natasha were pampered with food and drinks as they retold the story to their husbands later that night after the children went to bed. They were so shocked to know that Beaumont was behind all that.
“But it’s all over now, dears.” Chris said and bent to kiss Natasha
“Yeah, it’s over now, and we can rest well from now on.” Steve said and hugged Ashley close to him.
Chris held Natasha close as he teased, “and Nat, you do have some punishments waiting for you for not telling me about it all those years ago! You made me so worried when you withdrew yourself from me. I thought you don’t love me anymore!”
“Yeah!” laughed Steve. “I remember how worried Chris was when he came to talk to me. He keeps telling me to help him. So I ask him sneakily to introduce me to that gorgeous girlfriend of yours Nat, then I will help him.” Steve fondly squeezed Ashley as he grinned at her. Ashley playfully slapped his hands away as she settled comfortably into his arms.
5th May 2004
The sky was clearing when Natasha and Ashley walked out of the house at 6 pm. They had decided to go to the restaurant to have some dinner before their meeting with Allison. Walking to Natasha’s car, Ashley gripped her hand and squeezed.
“Nat, you are the best thing that ever happens to me. I am so glad that you are always around when I need you most.” Natasha smiled at that and squeezed her back.
“Hey! You are also the best thing that happens to me Ash. You are always providing me with something that I can poke my face in.” She joked.
They both laughed nervously at the lame joke and tried to be as cheerful as possible. Ashley could tell how edgy Natasha was when her knuckles grew white with her tight grip on her steeling wheel. She reached out and patted Natasha’s hand.
“We will be alright, Nat. Don’t worry okay? Nothing that she says will affect us now. We have loving husbands and wonderful children and a load of wonderful friends. And we have each other. Nothing she said tonight will hurt us. We can do this together. You told me so!”
Natasha slowly the car and turned to look at her brave loving friend briefly.
“Yes, we will Ash. We are going through this together. We will not flounder because we have each other and because we have our husbands and our children. We have to be strong for them.”
Natasha said softly, almost to herself. The two of them rode in silence for the rest of the journey, each keeping their thoughts secret.
They reached Jennifer’s Bar half an hour before the appointed time. A sense of déjà vu washed over them when they pushed the door open. Floods of memories came as they sat down at the corner seat that they loved so much in the past. Nothing much had changed in Jennifer’s Bar in the last 10 years. The walls were still whitewashed with pictures of beaches on it. The tables and chairs were still the same old cheery wood that they had grown to be so fond of. Reaching down under the chair, Ashley found the carving marks that Allison, Natasha and her had left behind all those years before. That was something that they did when they were 19 and still playful. At 31 years old, Ashley felt like a 19 year old again as she traced the uneven carving marks that were under her chair. Natasha understood, for she was tracing hers under her chair. Her eyes filled as she looked at Ashley.
“So much have changed, Ash, and yet so much unchanged.”
She said softly. Ashley agreed silently. They were now married mothers and that made all the changes that they needed. Yet so much was unchanged. They were still fast friends and the carvings that they made 10 years ago were still so vividly unchanged. Even the settings in Jennifer’s Bar had not changed, after all these years. Ashley noticed that the only thing that had changed in Jennifer’s Bar was the waitresses. They changed year by year, as the young grew up and left. Many had left their sleepy town, but Natasha and Ashley had stayed because they found what they wanted there and maybe, just maybe, they knew that one day, their lust for the truth would be satisfied. They were waiting for it now. Maybe they would finally know.
They poked at their dinner when it came. Both of them had no appetite to eat as they waited for Allison to arrive. Somehow, both of them knew that this meeting would either resolve or strengthen whatever conflict they had all these years. It would be upsetting, but it would begin to heal the wound that was closed but was never truly gone. The anticipation was tensed. They wanted to know the truth, and yet they knew the truth was probably going to hurt them a lot more than not knowing at all. After all, the truth always hurts, doesn’t it? After all these years, Ashley and Natasha were finally going to know what truly happened to Ted all those years ago.
Allison came in promptly at 7 pm. She looked chic in her fur coat, but she looked so old that Ashley could hardly recognize her. But it was Allison all right. Her posture, the way she walked…Ashley’s eyes filled as she saw all too clearly that the years had not been too kind to Allison. Her face looked old and her eyes were hollow. Her whole appearance looked more like a 50 year old woman than a 31 year old woman. Ashley’s heart went all out for her as she drew near, but Natasha wasn’t that sympathetic. Her eyes hardened when she saw Allison, for despite all these years and the lacking evidence, Natasha had believed that Allison had something to do with Ted’s death. Ashley was suddenly afraid that Natasha might do something reckless tonight, and she prayed that she would have the strength to stop her.
Allison stopped beside Ashley and said, “Can I sit, Ashley?” Before she could answer, Natasha snapped.
“No, you may not! I will go sit beside her; you come over here and sit alone!” With that, Natasha shoved past Allison and sat down besides Ashley, nudging her not too gently into the corner.
“Oh Nat…” Ashley began, but Natasha gave her a furious glance and stared at Allison as she slipped into the seat opposite them.
“Alright! Speak!” Natasha said harshly. “We don’t have much time for you. We are needed at home.”
Allison looked scared and lost as she sat opposite Ashley and Natasha.
“Ashley, Natasha, how have you been?” Allison asked, trying to stall for time. Ashley’s heart melted at the sound of Allison’s voice, which had not changed from its gentleness after all these years.
“We didn’t come here to answer questions from you. We want answers from you, and you know what answers we are looking for.” Natasha said.
“Oh Ally! Where have you gone to all these years? Why didn’t you contact us?” Ashley cried, unable to control her soft heart and pent-up emotions. She had thought that she would hate Allison when she saw her again, but upon seeing Allison, nothing was left but sympathy and love.
“I am too ashamed to face you Ashley. Even after all these years, I am still ashamed to face you.” Allison said, covering her face with her hands.
Noting the sense of despair in her, Ashley reached out and touched her hands.
“Ally, I don’t blame you anymore. You can say what you want to say. I am sure Nat feels the same way too.”
Ashley nudged Natasha to get her to say something. Clearly affected as well despite her stern exterior, Natasha said gruffly,
“Yeah, although I can’t say that I do not blame you, but I can safely say that you can say what you want.”
Allison looked very uncomfortable and fearful as she began.
“Ash, before I even began, I have a confession to make and I want to apologize to you. I had an affair with Ted all those years ago. I was having an affair with him while he was with you. I knew I was wrong, but I loved him Ash! I really do. What I didn’t know was that I would cause him his death. Yes, I was still with Beaumont at that time, and I thought that I loved Beau. But I was wrong. I was in love with Ted all along. He was kind to me, and he listened. Even when he was busy, he would take the time out to listen to me. None of you did. You two were too engrossed in your studies and your relationships to note that I was sick. You two did not notice that I lost weight day by day. But Ted did. He gave me the support that was lacking in you two. I had cancer then and I needed the encouragement, but the two of you did not give me any.”
Ashley was dumbfounded at what she heard. Did Ted and Allison really lie to her all those years before? Her head started to pound as she stared blindly at Allison. Instincts told her that Natasha knew about it too, for she was far too quiet about this betrayal. Ashley was devastated by this double betrayal by the two closest friends she ever had, but she did not know what to think, or even feel. She did not know what she was feeling. Natasha put her hand over Ashley’s, and she did not even register the touch. Her inaction however, made Natasha felt better, as she was afraid that Ashley would reject her friendship now that she knew about the betrayal.
“Darn it Ally! Why didn’t you let us know about your illness back then?”
Natasha asked after an uncomfortable silence, feeling guilty that she didn’t realize it before and yet at the same time, she also wanted to give Ashley time to recover from her shock.
“I didn’t want to, Natasha. I knew that you two are going to have a bright future. I didn’t want you two to worry about me and thus lose the concentration that you needed for your studies. You were the bright ones, not me. I know I couldn’t go to college, but you two could. Ted noticed after some time, and he asked. In a moment of weakness, I told him about my illness and then made him swear that he would not tell the two of you. He kept the promise and soon the two of us began to develop feelings for each other as he began to visit me very often, bearing little gifts for me every time. He was so sweet Ash. I knew I might die anytime, thus, when Ted started entertaining thoughts of leaving you, Ash, I stopped him. I told him that I might die anytime and I am just not worthy of his attention. I stopped seeing him after that Ash.” Natasha narrowed her eyes at this last comment. She remembered vividly how she begged Allison to leave Ted. However, because of her guilt at not caring enough to notice Allison’s failing health, she left the discrepancy alone. “I should have never asked him to drive me to your party. He wouldn’t have died if I didn’t.” Allison concluded before lifting the coffee she ordered with shaking hands and slipped before continuing.
“I was late that night. I went out with Beau before I was supposed to go to your party Ash. I knew Ted did not invite Beau because he was not your personal friend and because Ted disliked him. So I had to lie to Beau, telling him that I had to go out with my parents. I planned to have my parents to come along, for I knew you wouldn’t have mind. However, my parents had to go to the next town that night, and I was kept out by Beau until 6.30pm. I was supposed to reach your place by 7pm that night to help out, but I just couldn’t make it without a car. So I had no choice. I called Ted, and asked him to come and fetch me before he went to your house. He was delighted and came over almost immediately. I was still pretty much unprepared for the party when he arrived at the door. So I had to invite him in to wait. He went up to my room to see what I was going to wear and well… things got pretty intense and we went too far with each other and forgot the time. Oh Ash, I am sorry. Please, please don’t turn away from me…”
“Stop, Ally, stop!” Ashley implored.
She wiped away the tears in her eyes as she stared at the wall, stinging at this confession. How she wished at that very moment that she had not come. Her misery was evident in her face and she swallowed the lump that was forming in her throat.
Allison stopped and waited till Ashley turned back and stared at the table again. Ashley’s eyes filled again at the thought of Ted and Allison’s betrayal. She felt angry and sad at the same time and she did not know what to do about it. She felt Natasha squeezing her hand but she made no move to return the gesture.
“By the time we realized that time had passed, it was already 8.30pm. I knew we had to hurry, so I asked Ted to go by the shortcut that went through the woods. Little did I know that Beau saw everything, and he wanted revenge in his rage…” Allison broke off at this point, shaking.
“Continue please.” Ashley mustered up her coolest voice to request Allison to continue.
“Beau killed Ted, Ashley! He was the one who killed him. He got away before I could get help for Ted. Beau had made sure I couldn’t get help by tying me tightly to a tree. That was why I was drenched in sweat and felt so weak by the time I reached your place that night looking for help. Beau wanted to make me look like the murderer.”
“Oh, my Lord! Why didn’t you say so at that time Ally? Aaron and his men would have caught Beaumont right there and then. How could you keep the truth hidden?” Natasha broke the silence that followed the revelation.
Ashley broke down and cried, leaning against Natasha. She had forgotten all about her anger at Natasha in her shock at the truth. Although she wanted to hate Allison for the betrayal, she found that she just couldn’t find the heart to do so. In the place of anger, there was only sorrow and pity for the woman who was once her close friend.
“It’s no use Ashley. He had his friends to hold my parents as hostages. He swears that he would kill them if I betrayed him, and I believe Beau when he said he would. He was capable of doing anything violent Ashley. I was so scared. And at that time, I was so convinced that I would die soon that I did not mind being the scapegoat, as long as I can save my parents. So I didn’t say anything, and Beau got away with murder that night. I am so sorry Ashley. I knew I was wrong now. I shouldn’t have gotten into an affair with Ted and I should have reported Beau at that time. I should have told Aaron that Beau was the killer. I just do not have the guts to. Please don’t hate me Ashley!”
With that, Allison broke down and cried.
Natasha was stunned after Allison revealed the killer. She had not expected the twist. All these years, she had suspected that Allison killed Ted just as she had threatened to all those years ago. Although Natasha had believed that Beaumont was capable of violence, she had never thought that he would resort to murder. Even so, something did not ring quite right with Allison’s story. How did Beaumont kill Ted? Beaumont had moved away right after Ted died. He claimed to have inherited a new house in England and moved away very suddenly. Now they knew why he wanted to move. They finally knew the truth. And it was more than they could take. It was such an unexpected twist to the truth that they expected to hear. They did not even suspect Beaumont. Nobody did and now they knew their mistakes. However, how did he manage to kill Ted without a trance of violence?
Natasha could not withhold her curiosity and asked,
“How did Beaumont killed Ted? How come there was no trance of blood on Ted?
“He was smart Nat. He forced Ted to drink poison that he had bought from the Middle East. Nobody knows about that kind of poison over here. Remember that I told you Beaumont had me tied to a tree? He told Ted that if he doesn’t drink the poison, he would rape and torture me before killing me. In despair, Ted drank the poison. He died for me!”
Hearing this, Ashley suddenly realized that Ted really did love Allison, and she ironically felt much better. She now knew that she would not have been happy with Ted had she married him. On impulse, Ashley squeezed out from the table and went over to Allison and hugged her tightly.
“I don’t want to blame you Ally. All these years, I still see you as a friend. I still love you Ally. Come back here and stay. We will sort it out. We are still friends.”
Looking at Natasha, Ashley said,” I don’t blame you too Nat. I know you have your reasons for not letting me know about the affair when it happened. I forgive you Nat, and I will always love you too.”
Moved beyond words at Ashley’s forgiving nature, Natasha came over and put her hands over the both of them and hugged them tightly.
“I still have something I did not say.” Allison drew back from the hugs and continued. “I had Beaumont arrested after my parents was released from his clutches. I moved my family to the outskirts of Manhattans and I contacted the police from there. Ted’s death was still an open case back then and I had Beau arrested and put to death after I ensured my family’s safety. It was the least I could do for Ted. He died for me. I had to do it for him.”
“You are right to do that Ally. You are the bravest of us all! I cannot imagine the agony that you had gone through all these years” Natasha said approvingly and smiled for the first time since they reunited.
Ashley smiled too and held both their hands. “We are sisters and we will always be sisters. Let’s put the past behind us and start afresh! I am so glad to have you back Ally!”
“I can’t stay long, my friends. I have to get back to Manhattans. I have a family there. I have a son and he needs me, so do my husband.” Allison said.
“I have to leave tonight, but I will leave you my address and telephone number so that we need not lose contact again. I will come back with my family one day, and if possible, do bring your families to see me sometimes.”
Allison began to scribble her address and telephone number down on napkins for both Natasha and Ashley as she talked.
“Why can’t you stay a bit longer Allison? Your husband wants you back as soon as possible?” Natasha asked.
“No, Nat. I have to go back because I have to work tomorrow. We are really quite poor. My husband spent all his money on me to cure me of cancer so now we need the money. I couldn’t come back here anytime before this because I had no money to buy the plane ticket. I have to save the money to come here. So I cannot afford to stay.”
Natasha and Ashley were shocked speechless for a second time that night.
“Then, how come your clothes were…?” Ashley recovered enough to ask. She couldn’t bring herself to ask if Allison had stolen them.
“They were my mother’s.” Allison explained. “They were the only precious things I have right now. I never sold them because they meant the world to me. And I figured that if the two of you didn’t want to forgive me, I could still walk out and have my pride. I wouldn’t want you two to know about my situation if you two had not forgiven me.”
“Oh Ally…you are so silly. Of course we would have forgiven you! Alright! We promise that we will come to visit as soon as the children break for their summer holidays. We can go for a nice long visit with you.” Ashley said and Natasha agreed.
The three of them had a hearty dinner before sending Allison to the airport as she needed to catch the 11pm flight out of Scotland. Both Ashley and Natasha waved until they could not see Allison anymore. On the way back to Ashley’s house, both of them were quiet for a long time.
“Ash, do you really forgive me for betraying you?” Natasha asked suddenly, slamming on the brake suddenly.
Ashley looked at her dearest friend. She was gripping the steeling wheel tightly again and her face was ashen-white as she waited for Ashley’s answer.
“Nat, don’t worry about that.” Ashley said gently. “I said I forgive you, and I really do. I know you must have your reasons for doing so. I forgive you Nat! I did not blame you for that. I do not want to blame you! I know that you did it in my best interests, although I was angry with you for deciding that on my behalf. But I understand that you must have gone through hell trying to keep it from me. You have never lied to me before”
“Yeah, Ash, and I never lied to you after that either. I went through hell and back trying to keep the secret from you, but it was worth it. My heart was shredding itself into pieces every time I saw all of you together. Having to choose between whom to betray was terrible. All of you are my friends. I chose not to tell you because I knew you will be devastated. I felt that I had to protect you, Ash. You were so fragile when we were in high school. I never did tell Chris either. I fear that he will force me to choose sides.”
“Oh Nat! I know! I know that all these years, you have never stopped protecting me. You are always there for me when I need you. I love you so much Nat! I really appreciate your love! But please remember that I will be here to protect you too, no matter what kind of dangers you are in. Our friendship is not one-way Nat, neither are we just friends. You are closer to me than a real sister can be!”
Ashley gripped Natasha’s hands and gave them a squeeze.
“Thanks Ash, thanks for being so understanding! I love you too!” Natasha cried in relief.
“You know,” Natasha turned serious and said, “It is this naïve streak inside you to trust everyone that makes me feel that I have to protect you. You just don’t seem to suspect anyone. I don’t think there is another person who is as trusting as you!”
“Gee, Nat. You made me sounds like an idiot! I am not that naïve, only that I believe that everyone is inherently good.” Ashley smiled.
Natasha looked taken aback and exclaimed, “You are not an idiot! You are just a silly saint!”
Ashley grinned at her and both of them laughed. The tension having resolved, Natasha then put the car in gear again and they continued their way back, keeping quiet for awhile as they each tried to sort out their own thoughts. Ashley broke the silence after some time.
“Nat? What say you that we give Ally a job in one of our cafes here and ask her to come back? We could give her and her family a better life.” Ashley suggested.
“Oh gosh, Ash! Are we that telepathic? I was just thinking of the same thing!” Natasha laughed. Ashley laughed along and soon they began to plot how to convince Allison and bring her back.
“I am glad we waited here and found our mark. We wouldn’t have known the truth if we had left here, Ash, and we wouldn’t have found our long lost friend again.” Natasha said as they neared Ashley’s house.
“Yeah, I am glad too, and I am so glad to have you as a friend, Nat! You are the best, and of coz, now we have Ally too!”
Both of them smiled as their families spilled from the house when the car stopped.
Questions of “how did it go” and “what happen” filled the air as they each lurched themselves into the arms of awaiting family members. They laughed as they were hugged and kissed and carried into the house, where the fire was already burning cheerfully. Ashley and Natasha were pampered with food and drinks as they retold the story to their husbands later that night after the children went to bed. They were so shocked to know that Beaumont was behind all that.
“But it’s all over now, dears.” Chris said and bent to kiss Natasha
“Yeah, it’s over now, and we can rest well from now on.” Steve said and hugged Ashley close to him.
Chris held Natasha close as he teased, “and Nat, you do have some punishments waiting for you for not telling me about it all those years ago! You made me so worried when you withdrew yourself from me. I thought you don’t love me anymore!”
“Yeah!” laughed Steve. “I remember how worried Chris was when he came to talk to me. He keeps telling me to help him. So I ask him sneakily to introduce me to that gorgeous girlfriend of yours Nat, then I will help him.” Steve fondly squeezed Ashley as he grinned at her. Ashley playfully slapped his hands away as she settled comfortably into his arms.
Double Betrayal (Chapter Three)
Chapter Three
May 5th 2004
Ashley pulled away from Natasha to find her friend looking at her with an anxious face. Heavy rain was still pouring outside and the weather made the room looked darker than it should be. Natasha was very worried as Ashley had had a nervous breakdown after Ted’s death, and the news that Allison was back might triggered another attack. She had given Ashley time to adjust to the news but she was still very worried. Natasha looked grim and Ashley knew that Natasha was upset to be the harbinger of the bad news too.
“I'm alright Nat. I just…I just got reminded of it.” Ashley tried to pull herself together by sitting up rammed straight.
“I would go tonight Nat, I would come with you. We are in this together, back then and now too. We would be brave and face the truth, whatever it was”
Natasha nodded and stood up. She walked to the window and stood there staring out at the raging storm. Standing there, she relived the torture of the day she found out that Ted and Allison was having an affair. It was by pure chance that Natasha found out. Ted had told both Ashley and Natasha that he needed to get out of town to see his ailing grandmother for a few days. Allison had said that she was going to visit her aunt. However, in reality, both of them were going out of town for a vacation with each other. They thought that by getting out of town, both of them could hold hands and walk down the streets and nobody would know. Still, the two of them weren’t so lucky. They bumped into Natasha, who had gone to the next town for a shopping spree with her boyfriend Chris. Natasha was so shocked when she knew about the affair. She just couldn’t understand why Ted and Allison had done it. Ted and Allison begged her not to tell Ashley, for she would not be able to take the betrayal easily. Natasha was torn in the middle. They were all her best friends. How could she choose? After a long struggle, she chose not to tell Ashley because she knew Ashley would break down completely if she knew and that would not do, for their graduation was very near. Natasha even chose not to confide in Chris, for fear that he might force her to tell Ashley. Her heart was shredded to pieces by the bitter-sharp guilt that she carried when she saw Ted and Ashley dancing during the graduation ball, but she promised herself that she would keep the secret to herself till her death because Allison had promised not to look for Ted again. Natasha remembers the day she went to ask Allison to stop looking for Ted.
“Please, Ally. Don’t hurt Ash, she's innocent. Please leave Ted. You have Beaumont already, why are you hanging on to Ted for?”
“Nat, you don’t understand. I don’t love Beau. I'm with him because he refused to let me leave him. I love Ted, I really do. I couldn’t live without him. If you ask me to leave him, I would rather kill him and then commit suicide so that I can be with him in death!” Allison cried passionately.
“No Ally! You will kill Ash in the process too! You can’t!” Natasha was horrified at Allison’s selfish and murderous thoughts. “You know that Ted will have a happy family if you leave him, Ally. Ash can give him the happiness you can’t give him. Ted loves Ash…he doesn’t love you.”
“No Nat! He loved me! He told me that! He only loved Ash’s wealth, not her! Why is it that you always thought of Ash, and never of me? Don’t you realize that Ted can give me the happiness that Beau can’t give me?” Allison asked pitifully.
Twisting with guilt at the truth of Allison’s words, Natasha tried another attempt.
“Ally! Listen to me! Beau would kill Ted if he knows about this! Think of it! If you really love Ted, let him go. He wouldn’t have to die and I certainly do not believe that Ted loves Ash’s wealth. She is such a kind and lovable gal and Ted is my best friend too! I believe he is not such a person!”
As if she was shaken awake by Natasha’s cold slap of facts in her face, Allison said resignedly,
“You are right, Nat. I will have to leave him if I want to protect him. I promise you that I will not look for him again and I will brush him off when he comes to look for me. But, you must promise me to keep this secret to yourself.”
“Yes I will, Ally. I will. Take care of yourself. I am leaving now Ally.”
Natasha hugged Allison briefly and left. She did not know how to face Allison, not after what Allison said about Natasha not caring for her. It was true in a sense, for Natasha was always very protective of Ashley, treating her like a little sister. She knew that she was being very selfish and unfair to Allison but she felt that Ashley needed more protection than Allison. However, she did not dare to face Ashley either as Natasha felt that she had betrayed her as well and yet she could not do anything to prevent it…
Tears rolled down Natasha’s checks before she was jolted back to the present by Shannon’s innocent voice. She turned around to see Ashley still sitting rooted to the spot earlier.
“Mommy! Why are you crying?” Shannon ran towards Ashley on her short legs and fought to climb up onto her lap. Natasha turned back hurriedly to wipe off her tears as Ashley bend down and picked Shannon up automatically. Shannon used her tiny beautiful hands to wipe away Ashley’s tears and made her cry even more, this time for the gift that God gave her.
“Mommy!” The two boys came running up and hugged Ashley tightly.
“Don’t cry Mommy! We love you! Don’t cry! We went to the other room coz Auntie Natasha said she wanted to talk to you. We still love you!” Donovan shouted childishly as he threw his arms around his mother. Ashley gathered her three children close and tried to smile through her tears.
She comforted the children, “Mommy knows you children love me. Mommy loves you too! Mommy is crying because Aunt Natasha told me something happy. Mommy is not sad. And Mommy knows that my darlings will not abandon me.”
The three children looked at Ashley with doubt and then reluctantly smiled at her, each kissing and hugging her fiercely before running off as they heard the front door opening.
“Daddy!!!!!” Declan shouted out in relief when the door opened and Steve walked in, struggling to close the door against the storm.
“Well, my little knight! What tricks did you played on your Mommy today?”
“Mommy is crying!” Shannon reported primly. Upon hearing this, Steve dropped everything and rushed over to his wife immediately.
“What is going on?” He demanded, looking at his wife and Natasha, noting the red eyes and puffy noses.
“She came back, Steve, and she wanted to see us.” Natasha told him. Steve looked puzzled for a moment and then said,
“She? Allison is back? Oh God! What does she want with you two now?”
“She wants to see us, Steve. I have to go with Nat. I realized that I need to know the truth. Let me go, will you?” Ashley whispered to him as she hugged him tightly. Steve gave her a squeeze and said,
“Yes, my sweetheart. You go ahead. Do you want me to come along too? We can leave the kids with Mum.”
“No, Steve. Let us go alone. I think we have to sort it out ourselves.” Ashley said bravely.
“Alright dear. I love you.”
“I love you too, Steve! I love you too!” Ashley mumbled as she leaned in for a comforting hug again.
“Don’t worry Steve; I will bring her home safely.” Natasha said in a strong voice. Her earlier tears were hidden by a strong protective emotion when she saw how affected Ashley was. Moreover, the guilt that Natasha carried within her heart all these years was acting up again.
“Yes, I know you will Nat. But be careful, both of you. I don’t want to see either of you hurt.”
Ashley kneeled down and gathered her children around her.
“Mommy has to go to the town tonight darlings. Be good and listen to Daddy okay?” The boys nodded their heads but Shannon wanted to go along.
“No Shannon. Mommy has to go and do something tonight; Mommy will bring you out another night okay?” Unwillingly, Shannon nodded her head.
“You will be alright Mommy?” Declan asked uncertainly. Ashley smiled at her eldest son. He was so considerate and she knew he was worried because he had never seen her cry before.
“Yes Declan. I will be fine. Enjoy yourselves with Daddy tonight
May 5th 2004
Ashley pulled away from Natasha to find her friend looking at her with an anxious face. Heavy rain was still pouring outside and the weather made the room looked darker than it should be. Natasha was very worried as Ashley had had a nervous breakdown after Ted’s death, and the news that Allison was back might triggered another attack. She had given Ashley time to adjust to the news but she was still very worried. Natasha looked grim and Ashley knew that Natasha was upset to be the harbinger of the bad news too.
“I'm alright Nat. I just…I just got reminded of it.” Ashley tried to pull herself together by sitting up rammed straight.
“I would go tonight Nat, I would come with you. We are in this together, back then and now too. We would be brave and face the truth, whatever it was”
Natasha nodded and stood up. She walked to the window and stood there staring out at the raging storm. Standing there, she relived the torture of the day she found out that Ted and Allison was having an affair. It was by pure chance that Natasha found out. Ted had told both Ashley and Natasha that he needed to get out of town to see his ailing grandmother for a few days. Allison had said that she was going to visit her aunt. However, in reality, both of them were going out of town for a vacation with each other. They thought that by getting out of town, both of them could hold hands and walk down the streets and nobody would know. Still, the two of them weren’t so lucky. They bumped into Natasha, who had gone to the next town for a shopping spree with her boyfriend Chris. Natasha was so shocked when she knew about the affair. She just couldn’t understand why Ted and Allison had done it. Ted and Allison begged her not to tell Ashley, for she would not be able to take the betrayal easily. Natasha was torn in the middle. They were all her best friends. How could she choose? After a long struggle, she chose not to tell Ashley because she knew Ashley would break down completely if she knew and that would not do, for their graduation was very near. Natasha even chose not to confide in Chris, for fear that he might force her to tell Ashley. Her heart was shredded to pieces by the bitter-sharp guilt that she carried when she saw Ted and Ashley dancing during the graduation ball, but she promised herself that she would keep the secret to herself till her death because Allison had promised not to look for Ted again. Natasha remembers the day she went to ask Allison to stop looking for Ted.
“Please, Ally. Don’t hurt Ash, she's innocent. Please leave Ted. You have Beaumont already, why are you hanging on to Ted for?”
“Nat, you don’t understand. I don’t love Beau. I'm with him because he refused to let me leave him. I love Ted, I really do. I couldn’t live without him. If you ask me to leave him, I would rather kill him and then commit suicide so that I can be with him in death!” Allison cried passionately.
“No Ally! You will kill Ash in the process too! You can’t!” Natasha was horrified at Allison’s selfish and murderous thoughts. “You know that Ted will have a happy family if you leave him, Ally. Ash can give him the happiness you can’t give him. Ted loves Ash…he doesn’t love you.”
“No Nat! He loved me! He told me that! He only loved Ash’s wealth, not her! Why is it that you always thought of Ash, and never of me? Don’t you realize that Ted can give me the happiness that Beau can’t give me?” Allison asked pitifully.
Twisting with guilt at the truth of Allison’s words, Natasha tried another attempt.
“Ally! Listen to me! Beau would kill Ted if he knows about this! Think of it! If you really love Ted, let him go. He wouldn’t have to die and I certainly do not believe that Ted loves Ash’s wealth. She is such a kind and lovable gal and Ted is my best friend too! I believe he is not such a person!”
As if she was shaken awake by Natasha’s cold slap of facts in her face, Allison said resignedly,
“You are right, Nat. I will have to leave him if I want to protect him. I promise you that I will not look for him again and I will brush him off when he comes to look for me. But, you must promise me to keep this secret to yourself.”
“Yes I will, Ally. I will. Take care of yourself. I am leaving now Ally.”
Natasha hugged Allison briefly and left. She did not know how to face Allison, not after what Allison said about Natasha not caring for her. It was true in a sense, for Natasha was always very protective of Ashley, treating her like a little sister. She knew that she was being very selfish and unfair to Allison but she felt that Ashley needed more protection than Allison. However, she did not dare to face Ashley either as Natasha felt that she had betrayed her as well and yet she could not do anything to prevent it…
Tears rolled down Natasha’s checks before she was jolted back to the present by Shannon’s innocent voice. She turned around to see Ashley still sitting rooted to the spot earlier.
“Mommy! Why are you crying?” Shannon ran towards Ashley on her short legs and fought to climb up onto her lap. Natasha turned back hurriedly to wipe off her tears as Ashley bend down and picked Shannon up automatically. Shannon used her tiny beautiful hands to wipe away Ashley’s tears and made her cry even more, this time for the gift that God gave her.
“Mommy!” The two boys came running up and hugged Ashley tightly.
“Don’t cry Mommy! We love you! Don’t cry! We went to the other room coz Auntie Natasha said she wanted to talk to you. We still love you!” Donovan shouted childishly as he threw his arms around his mother. Ashley gathered her three children close and tried to smile through her tears.
She comforted the children, “Mommy knows you children love me. Mommy loves you too! Mommy is crying because Aunt Natasha told me something happy. Mommy is not sad. And Mommy knows that my darlings will not abandon me.”
The three children looked at Ashley with doubt and then reluctantly smiled at her, each kissing and hugging her fiercely before running off as they heard the front door opening.
“Daddy!!!!!” Declan shouted out in relief when the door opened and Steve walked in, struggling to close the door against the storm.
“Well, my little knight! What tricks did you played on your Mommy today?”
“Mommy is crying!” Shannon reported primly. Upon hearing this, Steve dropped everything and rushed over to his wife immediately.
“What is going on?” He demanded, looking at his wife and Natasha, noting the red eyes and puffy noses.
“She came back, Steve, and she wanted to see us.” Natasha told him. Steve looked puzzled for a moment and then said,
“She? Allison is back? Oh God! What does she want with you two now?”
“She wants to see us, Steve. I have to go with Nat. I realized that I need to know the truth. Let me go, will you?” Ashley whispered to him as she hugged him tightly. Steve gave her a squeeze and said,
“Yes, my sweetheart. You go ahead. Do you want me to come along too? We can leave the kids with Mum.”
“No, Steve. Let us go alone. I think we have to sort it out ourselves.” Ashley said bravely.
“Alright dear. I love you.”
“I love you too, Steve! I love you too!” Ashley mumbled as she leaned in for a comforting hug again.
“Don’t worry Steve; I will bring her home safely.” Natasha said in a strong voice. Her earlier tears were hidden by a strong protective emotion when she saw how affected Ashley was. Moreover, the guilt that Natasha carried within her heart all these years was acting up again.
“Yes, I know you will Nat. But be careful, both of you. I don’t want to see either of you hurt.”
Ashley kneeled down and gathered her children around her.
“Mommy has to go to the town tonight darlings. Be good and listen to Daddy okay?” The boys nodded their heads but Shannon wanted to go along.
“No Shannon. Mommy has to go and do something tonight; Mommy will bring you out another night okay?” Unwillingly, Shannon nodded her head.
“You will be alright Mommy?” Declan asked uncertainly. Ashley smiled at her eldest son. He was so considerate and she knew he was worried because he had never seen her cry before.
“Yes Declan. I will be fine. Enjoy yourselves with Daddy tonight
Double Betrayal (Chapter Two)
Chapter Two
April 26th 1994
It was getting very late, and Ashley’s boyfriend Ted had not arrived at the party that he had organized for her birthday. Everything was perfect; everyone who was invited turned up except Ted and Allison. Ashley was worried and upset about it but there was nothing she could do. There were simply too much to do without Ted around and Natasha could only help with as much as she could. As it stood, Natasha already had her hands full dealing with the food that needs replenishing constantly. Natasha was worried about Ted and Allison as well. They were seldom late. When Ashley started getting quite hysterical towards the end of the party, Natasha volunteered to go and look for the missing two. To her surprise, Ashley stopped her.
“Are you sure Ash? I think I’d better go out and look for them.” Natasha insisted.
“No Nat. Don’t go. I wouldn’t be able to cope if you go out now. Moreover, I got a feeling that they will turn up. It might even be a trick to surprise me! Let’s just wait and see what happens.”
Trying to downplay her negative emotions, Ashley walked off purposefully to entertain her guests. Praying hard that Ashley was right, Natasha turned to attend to the music, which was getting quite boring.
It was almost midnight when Allison rushed in, her clothes in disarray and breathing heavily. She grabbed Ashley by the hand and babbled,
“Dead! He is dead! He is dead! How could he be dead?” Allison whined incoherently and fainted in front of the crowd. The crowd had parted when Allison dashed in with her pronouncement; now they all rushed towards her.
“Ally!” Ashley shouted and tried to lift her up. However, Ashley did not have the strength to do so and Allison lied limply on the floor.
“Call the police someone! She seems quite bad here!” Someone shouted as he tried to resuscitate Allison.
Ashley rushed off to the telephone herself as nobody seemed to be in the correct mind to do so. She called the police and the hospital, babbling about her friend fainting and screaming her address into the telephone. She was about to rush back to see how badly Allison was hurt when Natasha grabbed hold of her.
“Let go, Nat! We’ve got to see how badly she is hurt!” Ashley tried to wiggle out of Natasha’s strong grip.
“Don’t Ash! Stop! Listen to me!” Natasha whispered urgently.
The anxiety and urgency in Natasha’s voice stopped Ashley’s protests. Ashley quieted down and looked at Natasha.
“I got a feeling that there are more than to meet the eyes here Ash. Look at Ally. Her clothes are in a mess… and she had a wild look about her. And where is Ted? Why isn’t he here yet?”
“But…but Nat…she is hurt. We are her friends. We have to help. I don’t know where Ted is, but I know where Ally is and I want to help. And besides, we do not know if the two of them are together.”
“The others will attend to her Ash, she will be alright. Come, sit down here. Take a deep breath and relax.” Natasha pushed Ashley into a chair and shoved a glass of wine into her hands. “Drink this Ash. I think you need it.”
Grabbing a glass for herself, Natasha gulped down the wine and reached for another one.
“ Nat!” Ashley suddenly came out of her trance and grabbed Natasha’s hands before she could drown the second glass of wine.
“Ally said…Ally said someone is dead. Who is dead? Is she talking about Ted? Is Ted dead? He can’t be dead…My Ted can’t be dead…”
Ashley began to wail hysterically. She did not know what was going on, but she had a bad feeling about things. She wondered if Ted was dead and was then horrified at the thought. This must be a bad joke, Ashley comforted herself. She clung on to the hope that Ted might walk in anytime and yell ‘Surprise!’ at the whole crowd and Allison would sit up and laughed at all of them. However, that never happened.
Allison was propped up against a cushion by the time Ashley calmed down enough for Natasha to leave her alone. Allison had regained her consciousness and was mumbling unintelligibly again, but she had her eyes close and seems to be having a bad dream. Natasha went up to Allison then, and after a short pause, gave her two slaps on the face to wake her up.
“Wake up Ally! Talk to us!” Natasha shouted in Allison’s face. Allison began to stir again and her eyes slowly opened. She drew a sharp breath when she saw the countless faces staring at her.
“Where am I? Nat? Nat? Is that you, Nat?” Allison grabbed hold of Natasha’s hand and held on tightly.
“Yes, this is Nat. I am here. Talk to us, Ally. Why are you in such a hurry? And do you know where Ted is?
Allison turned her head away from Natasha and refused to answer her. After a while, Natasha gave up and went back to sit with Ashley, who, by this time had calmed down enough to drink the glass of wine she gave her.
The police arrived soon after Allison had regained consciousness. When the police asked her what happened, she babbled and started to cry again. When the police probed her further, Allison admitted that the person who died was Ted. However, she refused to tell the police how he had died. When Ashley heard her admittance, she rushed forward hysterically and pulled Allison towards her, tearing her clothes in the process.
“What do you mean by that Ally? Is Ted…is Ted…really…really dead? Tell me!” Ashley was hysterical beyond words, and became incredibly strong in her fear and refusal to believe.
“Ted…Ted stopped in the woods when we were getting here. He said that he wanted to pick some flowers for you Ash, to go with the present he got for your birthday. I followed him out into the darkness and while we were picking flowers, I think he saw…he saw something. I don’t know what he saw, but the next moment, he fell to the floor screaming! He was dead in a few minutes. I…I don’t know what happened Ash. I am so frightened.”
Allison grabbed hold of Ashley’s sleeve and shook with fright, pleading her with her eyes to believe her.
“Are you sure Ted saw something, Allison? Was he attacked by someone instead?” the police sergeant, who was Natasha’s brother, probed gently.
“I don’t know, I don’t know, Aaron! I don’t know! It was dark, it was dark and he was in such pain…” Allison broke down into hysterical tears again as Aaron turned to look at the crowd with bottomless eyes. Natasha was holding Ashley up, for her face was sheet-white and looked ready to faint anytime.
“Take Ash up, Nat. I will finish whatever is here. Ash needs rest. Stay with her tonight.” Aaron told Natasha and stood up.
“Yeah, I will. We both need each other, Aaron. He was one of my best friends too.” Natasha mumbled as she half dragged Ashley up to her room. Aaron began to give orders to his men. Ashley heard that they were going to look for Ted’s body before she passed out completely.
Ashley woke up in the middle of the night screaming for Ted. Natasha was beside her instantly. She was not sleeping at all, but watching over Ashley as she slept fitfully. Natasha held her close and whispered comforting words to her as Ashley shivered and shook.
“It’s alright, Ash, it’s alright. I am here. Nobody can hurt you here.”
“Oh Nat! He is dead! How could he be dead? He promised to dance with me and he is dead! He died because he wanted to pick flowers for me. He is dead…Why? Why is he dead? It’s my entire fault! How could I ever forgive myself?” Ashley sobbed as she held on tight to Natasha.
“It’s not your fault Ash! You can do nothing! Please Ash, don’t be like that. Ted would be upset if you do. Please Ash, please.”
Natasha pleaded as tears rolled down her cheeks. Ted was one of her best friends and she shared the grief that Ashley was facing. Wallowed in their grief, the two friends sat up all night, each indulging in their own grief.
The investigation that went on after that seemed to point to the lead that something scared Ted to his death, although the autopsy did not reveal a heart attack. The only discovery was an unknown drug that Ted had seemingly consumed shortly before his death. In the end, Ted’s death was classified as an accident and the case was closed. Allison moved away after that. Natasha and Ashley lost touch with her after Ted died. Nobody did find out whom or what kill Ted, neither did they find out why Ted was with Allison that night he died…well, except Natasha, who had suspected what happened all along.
April 26th 1994
It was getting very late, and Ashley’s boyfriend Ted had not arrived at the party that he had organized for her birthday. Everything was perfect; everyone who was invited turned up except Ted and Allison. Ashley was worried and upset about it but there was nothing she could do. There were simply too much to do without Ted around and Natasha could only help with as much as she could. As it stood, Natasha already had her hands full dealing with the food that needs replenishing constantly. Natasha was worried about Ted and Allison as well. They were seldom late. When Ashley started getting quite hysterical towards the end of the party, Natasha volunteered to go and look for the missing two. To her surprise, Ashley stopped her.
“Are you sure Ash? I think I’d better go out and look for them.” Natasha insisted.
“No Nat. Don’t go. I wouldn’t be able to cope if you go out now. Moreover, I got a feeling that they will turn up. It might even be a trick to surprise me! Let’s just wait and see what happens.”
Trying to downplay her negative emotions, Ashley walked off purposefully to entertain her guests. Praying hard that Ashley was right, Natasha turned to attend to the music, which was getting quite boring.
It was almost midnight when Allison rushed in, her clothes in disarray and breathing heavily. She grabbed Ashley by the hand and babbled,
“Dead! He is dead! He is dead! How could he be dead?” Allison whined incoherently and fainted in front of the crowd. The crowd had parted when Allison dashed in with her pronouncement; now they all rushed towards her.
“Ally!” Ashley shouted and tried to lift her up. However, Ashley did not have the strength to do so and Allison lied limply on the floor.
“Call the police someone! She seems quite bad here!” Someone shouted as he tried to resuscitate Allison.
Ashley rushed off to the telephone herself as nobody seemed to be in the correct mind to do so. She called the police and the hospital, babbling about her friend fainting and screaming her address into the telephone. She was about to rush back to see how badly Allison was hurt when Natasha grabbed hold of her.
“Let go, Nat! We’ve got to see how badly she is hurt!” Ashley tried to wiggle out of Natasha’s strong grip.
“Don’t Ash! Stop! Listen to me!” Natasha whispered urgently.
The anxiety and urgency in Natasha’s voice stopped Ashley’s protests. Ashley quieted down and looked at Natasha.
“I got a feeling that there are more than to meet the eyes here Ash. Look at Ally. Her clothes are in a mess… and she had a wild look about her. And where is Ted? Why isn’t he here yet?”
“But…but Nat…she is hurt. We are her friends. We have to help. I don’t know where Ted is, but I know where Ally is and I want to help. And besides, we do not know if the two of them are together.”
“The others will attend to her Ash, she will be alright. Come, sit down here. Take a deep breath and relax.” Natasha pushed Ashley into a chair and shoved a glass of wine into her hands. “Drink this Ash. I think you need it.”
Grabbing a glass for herself, Natasha gulped down the wine and reached for another one.
“ Nat!” Ashley suddenly came out of her trance and grabbed Natasha’s hands before she could drown the second glass of wine.
“Ally said…Ally said someone is dead. Who is dead? Is she talking about Ted? Is Ted dead? He can’t be dead…My Ted can’t be dead…”
Ashley began to wail hysterically. She did not know what was going on, but she had a bad feeling about things. She wondered if Ted was dead and was then horrified at the thought. This must be a bad joke, Ashley comforted herself. She clung on to the hope that Ted might walk in anytime and yell ‘Surprise!’ at the whole crowd and Allison would sit up and laughed at all of them. However, that never happened.
Allison was propped up against a cushion by the time Ashley calmed down enough for Natasha to leave her alone. Allison had regained her consciousness and was mumbling unintelligibly again, but she had her eyes close and seems to be having a bad dream. Natasha went up to Allison then, and after a short pause, gave her two slaps on the face to wake her up.
“Wake up Ally! Talk to us!” Natasha shouted in Allison’s face. Allison began to stir again and her eyes slowly opened. She drew a sharp breath when she saw the countless faces staring at her.
“Where am I? Nat? Nat? Is that you, Nat?” Allison grabbed hold of Natasha’s hand and held on tightly.
“Yes, this is Nat. I am here. Talk to us, Ally. Why are you in such a hurry? And do you know where Ted is?
Allison turned her head away from Natasha and refused to answer her. After a while, Natasha gave up and went back to sit with Ashley, who, by this time had calmed down enough to drink the glass of wine she gave her.
The police arrived soon after Allison had regained consciousness. When the police asked her what happened, she babbled and started to cry again. When the police probed her further, Allison admitted that the person who died was Ted. However, she refused to tell the police how he had died. When Ashley heard her admittance, she rushed forward hysterically and pulled Allison towards her, tearing her clothes in the process.
“What do you mean by that Ally? Is Ted…is Ted…really…really dead? Tell me!” Ashley was hysterical beyond words, and became incredibly strong in her fear and refusal to believe.
“Ted…Ted stopped in the woods when we were getting here. He said that he wanted to pick some flowers for you Ash, to go with the present he got for your birthday. I followed him out into the darkness and while we were picking flowers, I think he saw…he saw something. I don’t know what he saw, but the next moment, he fell to the floor screaming! He was dead in a few minutes. I…I don’t know what happened Ash. I am so frightened.”
Allison grabbed hold of Ashley’s sleeve and shook with fright, pleading her with her eyes to believe her.
“Are you sure Ted saw something, Allison? Was he attacked by someone instead?” the police sergeant, who was Natasha’s brother, probed gently.
“I don’t know, I don’t know, Aaron! I don’t know! It was dark, it was dark and he was in such pain…” Allison broke down into hysterical tears again as Aaron turned to look at the crowd with bottomless eyes. Natasha was holding Ashley up, for her face was sheet-white and looked ready to faint anytime.
“Take Ash up, Nat. I will finish whatever is here. Ash needs rest. Stay with her tonight.” Aaron told Natasha and stood up.
“Yeah, I will. We both need each other, Aaron. He was one of my best friends too.” Natasha mumbled as she half dragged Ashley up to her room. Aaron began to give orders to his men. Ashley heard that they were going to look for Ted’s body before she passed out completely.
Ashley woke up in the middle of the night screaming for Ted. Natasha was beside her instantly. She was not sleeping at all, but watching over Ashley as she slept fitfully. Natasha held her close and whispered comforting words to her as Ashley shivered and shook.
“It’s alright, Ash, it’s alright. I am here. Nobody can hurt you here.”
“Oh Nat! He is dead! How could he be dead? He promised to dance with me and he is dead! He died because he wanted to pick flowers for me. He is dead…Why? Why is he dead? It’s my entire fault! How could I ever forgive myself?” Ashley sobbed as she held on tight to Natasha.
“It’s not your fault Ash! You can do nothing! Please Ash, don’t be like that. Ted would be upset if you do. Please Ash, please.”
Natasha pleaded as tears rolled down her cheeks. Ted was one of her best friends and she shared the grief that Ashley was facing. Wallowed in their grief, the two friends sat up all night, each indulging in their own grief.
The investigation that went on after that seemed to point to the lead that something scared Ted to his death, although the autopsy did not reveal a heart attack. The only discovery was an unknown drug that Ted had seemingly consumed shortly before his death. In the end, Ted’s death was classified as an accident and the case was closed. Allison moved away after that. Natasha and Ashley lost touch with her after Ted died. Nobody did find out whom or what kill Ted, neither did they find out why Ted was with Allison that night he died…well, except Natasha, who had suspected what happened all along.
Double Betrayal (Chapter One)
Chapter One:
May 5th 2004
The day was dark with black clouds hanging low in the sky. Ashley gathered her three young children, Declan, Donovan and Shannon into the house as thunder roared overhead. Shannon clung to her legs as lightning stuck and fat raindrops began to hit the windowpanes.
“Come honey, there is nothing to be scared of. God is just moving his furniture around for a change. Come, let’s go watch the rain.”
Holding on to Shannon’s hand, Ashley turned to call to the boys who were already watching the rain with glee and anticipation. Ashley smiled as she knew that they were already cooking up excuses to get their Daddy to bring them out for a swim in the nearby pond, which would fill up nicely whenever it rained. Ashley tried to hide her smile as the boys turned around and gave her big grins.
“Look Mommy! Heavy rain! It’s swimming time!” Young Donovan babbled with his childish charm, pointing at the window with his perfect little fingers.
“Yes dear…if you convince your Daddy when he comes home from work.” Ashley said, shaking her head at their gleefulness.
Ashley watched the rain with her three children as the thunderstorm grew louder. She began to daydream after awhile, dreaming of the days that were long gone, days when she was young and naïve. She was smiling to herself as she relived visually, the silly but wonderful days that she had with her friends when insistent knocking rudely jolted her out of her daydreams.
“Mommy! Mommy! The door!” Baby Shannon began to pull at her mother’s hand and trying to drag her to open the door. Poor little Shannon was in a dilemma for she loved to rush and open the door but yet she was duly afraid of the thunder outside.
Ashley got up and went to the door, wondering who would be knocking on her door in such a thunderstorm. Thinking that it was perhaps her husband who had arrived home early due to the storm, Ashley pulled the door open with a wide smile to welcome him home. However, she found instead her closest friend Natasha standing outside the door, almost wet through in her hurry.
“YO HO!” Natasha hollered joyfully at Ashley and Shannon, who had followed her mother to the door, but still clinging tightly to her legs.
“Aunt Nat!” shrieked Shannon as she rushed straight into Natasha’s wide open arms, wet as she was, completely forgetting that the thunderstorm was still going on. Natasha picked her up as she came in, throwing her coat at the sofa but missing it totally. Ashley laughed as she picked the wet coat up from the floor and hung it on the coat rack after fighting very hard to shut the door against the wind. The children were all greeting Natasha by then and telling her how wonderful it was to be raining. The living room was in total chaos as all three children talked at the top of their voices all at once.
Ashley smiled as she looked upon the scene. This always happened when Natasha came. Everywhere that she went turned chaotic. Ashley had always wondered how Natasha’s husband Chris managed to take it all in with ease, with Natasha and her three equally chaotic-creating children. Ashley was puzzled why Natasha came in the thundering rain with only a coat. Natasha’s face had told her that something was wrong, and Ashley was worried that something had happened to Steve, her husband.
“Don’t worry pal, it’s not Steve.” Natasha ensured her when she spared Ashley a glance while kissing the riotous children.
Breathing a sign of relief, Ashley went to the kitchen to get some coffee. Natasha had a special relationship with coffee and she could hardly do without it, especially if she was wet throughout. Coming out, Ashley saw Natasha shooing her children out of the living room, raising her voice so that she could be heard above their loud complaints. But the children obeyed and went off, leaving the two adults alone in the room.
“Well, Nat. What brings you here in this thundering rain?” Ashley asked as she handed Natasha the coffee and a towel to dry herself.
“What? I can’t come to see an old friend whom I am missing?” Natasha tried to look incredibly hurt.
“Coz not! But what with coming in the thunderstorm? You really miss me that much?” Ashley retorted, teasing her dear old friend. Natasha laughed with a twinkle in her eyes as they sat down on the sofa.
“You always make me feel like the whole world is perfect Ash! You know what, I am feeling better already. Just being with you soothes me.” Natasha said as she drank her coffee and looked at Ashley gratefully.
“What is wrong Nat? Why are you unhappy? What happened?” Ashley jumped to her feet and hurried over to sit beside Natasha, grabbing Natasha’s hands as she sat down.
“She is back.” Natasha said after a pause, as if reconsidering the idea of telling Ashley what was wrong.
“Who is back?” Ashley quizzed, as she had no idea what Natasha was saying.
“Allison. She is back, and she is looking for you, Ash, and me” Natasha looked at Ashley grimly as she squeezed her hands tightly.
“What…what does she want?” Ashley asked, trembling slightly at the mention of Allison’s name. Natasha sighed loudly as she held on to her friend’s hand tightly and began,
“I was going to the shopping mall with my kids earlier in the day when I bumped into Allison unexpectedly at the corner of the street. Naturally, I was shocked as she had not been back to the old town for almost 10 years. Allison appeared elegant and rich in her cashmere coat and Chanel bag. She was very calm when she saw me, as if she was waiting for me. When I asked her why she was back, she avoided the question but instead asked after you Ash, saying that it had been a long time and that she hoped to catch up with the both of us.”
Natasha stopped, trying to study Ashley’s face as she absorbed the news. After a pause, Natasha continues,
“She said that she wants to tell us about Ted, Ash, and that she will wait for us at the restaurant that we all used to go to tonight at 7 pm.”
Ashley was stunned beyond words. After all these years, why was she back? Ashley had tried so hard to forget that horrifying and totally humiliating incident totally and here it was, coming back to haunt her in the form of her high-school friend, Allison.
Ashley gripped Natasha’s hands tightly as she began hysterically,
“I don’t wish to go Nat. I don’t want to know. She is probably trying to open fresh wounds in me. You don’t go too; please…she might hurt you with something as well. I don’t want you to experience what I did Nat! I don’t!”
“Calm down Ash, calm down! I won’t be hurt by anything she said, Ash. I know you care about me, and I know you wish to leave things buried. But don’t you want to know what really happened that night Ash? Don’t you want to find out why Ted did what he did? You will have me with you Ash. I wouldn’t leave you no matter what happens. You are my closest friend, remember?” Natasha returned the tight grip on Ashley’s hands as she tried to soothe Ashley, who was shaking like a leaf in a strong wind.
In a lower voice, Natasha continued, “She won’t leave till she sees us Ash, and you should know that she mean it. I think she really has something to say. I can go by myself if you do not wish to go. It’s time we sort things out.”
Caught in a fix, Ashley knew she had to go. She would never forgive herself if Natasha was harmed in any way during the meeting with Allison. Reluctantly, she nodded her head in consent to go to this meeting with Allison.
“Come on Ash. We are in this together. We have to face this one day. You know that deep in your heart. We will brave this together. As long as we are together, she can’t hurt us. You do know that don’t you?” Natasha asked as she pulled Ashley into a hug. Ashley nodded as she tried her best to stop trembling.
May 5th 2004
The day was dark with black clouds hanging low in the sky. Ashley gathered her three young children, Declan, Donovan and Shannon into the house as thunder roared overhead. Shannon clung to her legs as lightning stuck and fat raindrops began to hit the windowpanes.
“Come honey, there is nothing to be scared of. God is just moving his furniture around for a change. Come, let’s go watch the rain.”
Holding on to Shannon’s hand, Ashley turned to call to the boys who were already watching the rain with glee and anticipation. Ashley smiled as she knew that they were already cooking up excuses to get their Daddy to bring them out for a swim in the nearby pond, which would fill up nicely whenever it rained. Ashley tried to hide her smile as the boys turned around and gave her big grins.
“Look Mommy! Heavy rain! It’s swimming time!” Young Donovan babbled with his childish charm, pointing at the window with his perfect little fingers.
“Yes dear…if you convince your Daddy when he comes home from work.” Ashley said, shaking her head at their gleefulness.
Ashley watched the rain with her three children as the thunderstorm grew louder. She began to daydream after awhile, dreaming of the days that were long gone, days when she was young and naïve. She was smiling to herself as she relived visually, the silly but wonderful days that she had with her friends when insistent knocking rudely jolted her out of her daydreams.
“Mommy! Mommy! The door!” Baby Shannon began to pull at her mother’s hand and trying to drag her to open the door. Poor little Shannon was in a dilemma for she loved to rush and open the door but yet she was duly afraid of the thunder outside.
Ashley got up and went to the door, wondering who would be knocking on her door in such a thunderstorm. Thinking that it was perhaps her husband who had arrived home early due to the storm, Ashley pulled the door open with a wide smile to welcome him home. However, she found instead her closest friend Natasha standing outside the door, almost wet through in her hurry.
“YO HO!” Natasha hollered joyfully at Ashley and Shannon, who had followed her mother to the door, but still clinging tightly to her legs.
“Aunt Nat!” shrieked Shannon as she rushed straight into Natasha’s wide open arms, wet as she was, completely forgetting that the thunderstorm was still going on. Natasha picked her up as she came in, throwing her coat at the sofa but missing it totally. Ashley laughed as she picked the wet coat up from the floor and hung it on the coat rack after fighting very hard to shut the door against the wind. The children were all greeting Natasha by then and telling her how wonderful it was to be raining. The living room was in total chaos as all three children talked at the top of their voices all at once.
Ashley smiled as she looked upon the scene. This always happened when Natasha came. Everywhere that she went turned chaotic. Ashley had always wondered how Natasha’s husband Chris managed to take it all in with ease, with Natasha and her three equally chaotic-creating children. Ashley was puzzled why Natasha came in the thundering rain with only a coat. Natasha’s face had told her that something was wrong, and Ashley was worried that something had happened to Steve, her husband.
“Don’t worry pal, it’s not Steve.” Natasha ensured her when she spared Ashley a glance while kissing the riotous children.
Breathing a sign of relief, Ashley went to the kitchen to get some coffee. Natasha had a special relationship with coffee and she could hardly do without it, especially if she was wet throughout. Coming out, Ashley saw Natasha shooing her children out of the living room, raising her voice so that she could be heard above their loud complaints. But the children obeyed and went off, leaving the two adults alone in the room.
“Well, Nat. What brings you here in this thundering rain?” Ashley asked as she handed Natasha the coffee and a towel to dry herself.
“What? I can’t come to see an old friend whom I am missing?” Natasha tried to look incredibly hurt.
“Coz not! But what with coming in the thunderstorm? You really miss me that much?” Ashley retorted, teasing her dear old friend. Natasha laughed with a twinkle in her eyes as they sat down on the sofa.
“You always make me feel like the whole world is perfect Ash! You know what, I am feeling better already. Just being with you soothes me.” Natasha said as she drank her coffee and looked at Ashley gratefully.
“What is wrong Nat? Why are you unhappy? What happened?” Ashley jumped to her feet and hurried over to sit beside Natasha, grabbing Natasha’s hands as she sat down.
“She is back.” Natasha said after a pause, as if reconsidering the idea of telling Ashley what was wrong.
“Who is back?” Ashley quizzed, as she had no idea what Natasha was saying.
“Allison. She is back, and she is looking for you, Ash, and me” Natasha looked at Ashley grimly as she squeezed her hands tightly.
“What…what does she want?” Ashley asked, trembling slightly at the mention of Allison’s name. Natasha sighed loudly as she held on to her friend’s hand tightly and began,
“I was going to the shopping mall with my kids earlier in the day when I bumped into Allison unexpectedly at the corner of the street. Naturally, I was shocked as she had not been back to the old town for almost 10 years. Allison appeared elegant and rich in her cashmere coat and Chanel bag. She was very calm when she saw me, as if she was waiting for me. When I asked her why she was back, she avoided the question but instead asked after you Ash, saying that it had been a long time and that she hoped to catch up with the both of us.”
Natasha stopped, trying to study Ashley’s face as she absorbed the news. After a pause, Natasha continues,
“She said that she wants to tell us about Ted, Ash, and that she will wait for us at the restaurant that we all used to go to tonight at 7 pm.”
Ashley was stunned beyond words. After all these years, why was she back? Ashley had tried so hard to forget that horrifying and totally humiliating incident totally and here it was, coming back to haunt her in the form of her high-school friend, Allison.
Ashley gripped Natasha’s hands tightly as she began hysterically,
“I don’t wish to go Nat. I don’t want to know. She is probably trying to open fresh wounds in me. You don’t go too; please…she might hurt you with something as well. I don’t want you to experience what I did Nat! I don’t!”
“Calm down Ash, calm down! I won’t be hurt by anything she said, Ash. I know you care about me, and I know you wish to leave things buried. But don’t you want to know what really happened that night Ash? Don’t you want to find out why Ted did what he did? You will have me with you Ash. I wouldn’t leave you no matter what happens. You are my closest friend, remember?” Natasha returned the tight grip on Ashley’s hands as she tried to soothe Ashley, who was shaking like a leaf in a strong wind.
In a lower voice, Natasha continued, “She won’t leave till she sees us Ash, and you should know that she mean it. I think she really has something to say. I can go by myself if you do not wish to go. It’s time we sort things out.”
Caught in a fix, Ashley knew she had to go. She would never forgive herself if Natasha was harmed in any way during the meeting with Allison. Reluctantly, she nodded her head in consent to go to this meeting with Allison.
“Come on Ash. We are in this together. We have to face this one day. You know that deep in your heart. We will brave this together. As long as we are together, she can’t hurt us. You do know that don’t you?” Natasha asked as she pulled Ashley into a hug. Ashley nodded as she tried her best to stop trembling.
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