“I’m sorry! My day has been quite traumatic, so I needed to do something with my hands.” She quickly wiped her finger under her eye to brush away a tear that didn’t exist.
The blood on her clothes and legs made her stomach turn, and she grabbed the hem of her skirt to try and wipe the dried blood off her skin.
“Oh you poor girl! I made us some tea, and you can tell me what happened to you.” Meg held out the steaming cup of tea, and Darla gladly took it from her.
“Thank you, Meg.” She offered a weak smile.
She recounted the story about going to the park with her picnic to make some friends and enjoy the live music. She also told her about running into Doug and making a new friend in Richard.
“Wait, Richard who?” Meg interrupted. “I know your relationship just ended with Doug, but if you have met a new man that you fancy, we need to talk about that after this.”
Darla sighed.
“No nothing like that. His name was Richard VanHugh.” She took a sip of tea and waited for Meg’s reaction.
“My word, but he doesn’t like anyone.” Darla shrugged at Meg’s words.
“He said I was the daughter he wished he could have had.” Darla responded quietly. Keeping the same lie going would have to be done for now.
“In any case, the day took a turn for the worse when a mad man with a gun showed up to the park.” Darla waited for Meg to compose herself before continuing.
“We tried to pack up and leave since we felt that we were far enough away from him, but we must have caught his attention, because he marched right over and shot Richard and Doug!”
Darla paused and waved her hands over her dress. “Hence the blood on me.” Meg held her hands up to cover her mouth.
“Oh, heavens!” Meg reached out and placed a hand on Darla’s leg. “How are you so calm about all of this? I would be in a hysterical fit. Inconsolable.”
Darla panicked for a moment, because any normal person would in fact be freaking out. But knowing the truth that she was in fact responsible was what helped her keep it together.
“I think I’m still in shock,” Darla said truthfully. She had never killed anyone so directly before.
When she had made the switch from Ellen to Richard, Ellen had been in the middle of the woods and badly injured. He read about Ellen’s body being found weeks later but never followed up beyond that.
This was different. This power she had was dangerous and powerful. It was a power she didn’t fully understand. She didn’t know where it came from or how it worked. Her time was better spent keeping her head down and working hard, rather than trying to jump bodies when someone wealthy came along.
Sitting in the library office, she realized that she had been playing it safe all these years.
I have forgotten how hard it is to jump into a new life. Becoming a new person. Will it ever get easier?
“Is there anything I can do for you, dear?” Meg asked when it was clear Darla was done talking about everything.
“Actually, yes, it is getting late, and I am rather tired. Could you possibly give me a ride home?”
The drive through town was quiet. It wasn’t long before they left the posh downtown part of the city and were in a more rundown section.
There were no streetlights to give the illusion of safety in the dark. Thankfully, for the most part, the city was relatively safe, even for women.
“There is your landlord, Steve. Do you need help getting into your apartment? It looks as though you are missing all your personal belongings.” Meg was peering out, watching Steve sweeping the sidewalk in front of the building.
He wore blue coveralls, and his thinning blond hair was brushed over to the side in an attempt to look like a full head. His full brown mustache trailed down into a full beard that went well past his chin.
“Yes, I had to leave everything at the park so the police could process the situation. I am sure they will be available to return to me when they get my official statement.” Darla opened the door and paused. “Would you mind helping to explain the situation to Steve? I am not sure I am ready to revisit the events of today just yet.”
“Of course.” Meg stepped out of the car and walked up to Steve. Darla watched as Meg shared the story of how Darla barely escaped death and didn’t have her keys to get inside.
Truthfully, Darla didn’t mind telling the story. She just didn’t have the energy to fake knowing Steve or having to lie anymorefor the day. She watched as Steve took off his hat and nodded his head in acknowledgement of the situation. Meg waved at Darla, signaling it was time to go inside.
“Hi Darla, I am sorry to hear about your friends. I am glad to see you are safe and home now. I’ll let you in tonight, and first thing tomorrow I’ll have new keys made by the locksmith, so you won’t need to wait on the police.” Darla relaxed as the first step in accessing her new life was complete.
