Chapter 5 - WHAT CHLOE SAID WHEN SHE WOKE UP
Chloe survived surgery.
Victoria visited once.
Only after Chloe asked.
Her face was bruised.
One arm immobilized.
She looked younger without makeup.
“Why did you call me?”
Victoria did not lie.
“I knew the stairs were greased.”
Chloe stared.
“And you sent me up?”
“Yes.”
Tears filled Chloe’s eyes.
“You wanted me to fall.”
“I wanted evidence preserved.”
“That isn't what I asked.”
Victoria swallowed.
“No.”
Then:
“I was angry at you.”
Chloe turned away.
Victoria continued.
“I remembered every time you laughed when your brother humiliated me.”
Nothing.
“Every bill I paid.”
Nothing.
“Every time you called me the pregnant cash cow.”
Chloe flinched.
“I was cruel.”
“Yes.”
“But you could have killed me.”
“Yes.”
Victoria did not soften it.
“I am sorry.”
Chloe began crying.
“I hate you.”
“You can.”
Victoria meant it.
Forgiveness was not something she could demand because she had nearly been murdered too.
After a long silence, Chloe whispered:
“I knew about Rebecca.”
“I know.”
“I was sixteen.”
“I know.”
“Mom said if I talked, Julian would go to prison and we’d lose everything.”
Victoria said nothing.
“Then later...”
Chloe looked ashamed.
“Later I liked the money.”
There.
Adulthood entered the confession.
Not everything belonged to childhood fear.
“I kept telling myself Rebecca was already dead. Saying something wouldn't bring her back.”
Victoria’s eyes filled.
“And me?”
“I didn’t think Mom would really—”
“Stop.”
Chloe looked at her.
“Don't say you didn't think.”
Silence.
“You knew enough to warn me.”
“Yes.”
“You didn't.”
“No.”
Both women cried.
No hug.
Not yet.
May you like
Maybe never.
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