Chapter 24
Chapter 24
I sighed and walked inside my walk–in closet took our memory box, then walked back to my bedroom and fell back on the bed. Looking at the first picture of a 9–year–old little Lola and a 16–year–old me, I smiled and fought tears because I knew I messed up. She didn’t even take this box with her. Does that mean she wanted to forget all about me? The box had all sorts of pictures: our dates, our birthday celebrations. On our trips outside the US, I took the last picture. It was the picture of her on her prom day with me. As I was about to put the picture away, I felt there was something behind the picture. I flipped the picture over, and I saw a letter attached to the picture. I opened it up and started reading.
To: My dearest knight in shining armor
To my Prince Charming. I know you won’t probably read this. We have grown so much that we now have the weight of the world on our shoulders. Promises were made and promises were broken. I have been writing letters since we made that promise. But I never got to give you any of the letters because each time I tried to be brave, you would show up with your latest fling. I never complained. As long as I got to be your friend and your little sister, I was okay. Learning to get over you was one of the hardest things to do. When I met you, I thought you were the most beautiful spaceman I had ever seen. I liked you, and I want to be your princess. It was childlike love then, and we made promises, one of which I kept even though I didn’t know what I was doing. When I turned 16, I developed feelings for you, and I couldn’t control how I felt. It was hard to watch you with your latest flings in magazines every
week
I didn’t even recognize the jealousy I had back then, but I learned to live with it. I loved you so much that I had to understand that I wasn’t of age. I was so sure that you were the one, but life had other plans for us. So many times you took me out, I thought you would tell me I wasn’t the only one feeling the connection between us. So many times I waited to hear that L word coming from your mouth. I was so sure about my prom night, but nothing happened. Then there were my birthdays and our late–night dinner dates; I guess I expected too much from you. I thought you would continue with your flings, but then Candice came along. I saw how you looked at her and how you loved her.
the That’s when I knew there would never be us. I learned to be your sister and your best friend and gave up fairytale. I became an altruist and let you be happy with the one you love. I was okay.
I won’t lie. It took me a while to get used to the idea that you wanted Candice, not me. Candice was cool and lively. Seeing you with her was hard, but I got over it. I wanted to let you know that. You were the best, even though the promises we made were broken. I also wanted to let you know that during that week when I stayed out, I wasn’t with a man. I lied because I wanted to see your reaction, and I lied that I started having sex. I wanted you to be my first. But then that will never happen since you are happy with Candice. As long as I get to be around you and be your best friend, I’m okay. After all, that’s what friends are for.
With love, Your Princess (Lolita)
I tried to process everything, but I failed. What have I done? She felt the same way about me this whole time. What have you done, Dante Monroe?
-Martha-
“Emily, do you know why I summoned you here?”
“Not at all, ma’am.”
17.3%
Chapter 24
You are a family doctor, correct? And I know that the information I am about to request is confidential. Howe the future of this family is at stake. You’re going to tell me what happened to my daughter on her wedding day? I
breathed out. “Everything
Tim sorry, Mrs. Monroe, but I’m afraid I won’t be able to share that with you.”
Lola vanished, and she didn’t leave a note or anything indicating where she was going. Do you realize that if something happens to her, you will be held accountable? What if she is alone and sick? And you are refusing to disclose to me the information I have just requested?”
Emily and Dante are the only ones who know what happened that night. I have asked Dante, but I can see through his lies. He is my son, but I know very well that he is the reason my Lola left. Emily is my last hope at this moment. Emily may not know where Lola is, but I am certain she is aware of what is wrong with her and the reason for her sudden disappearance. I will make sure she tells me everything I need to know about that night, everything started with that night.
Chapter 25
