She didn’t deserve to find out like that, but if I’m going to start pouring gasoline on everything I love, why not start at the top?
I stalk Prue for two days from afar. I lurk the hallways of her college, hang out in corners while she is in class. How I don’t go insane anytime Charles is near her, touches her, or plants a stupid little kiss on her cheek, is a miracle.
I keep telling myself I need to keep my anger in check for her safety, for my plan to work.
Wes is not thrilled with my plan. Less thrilled about keeping things from my mother. He is a mommy’s boy. She called him after our little chat, asking him questions. Lying to her will probably haunt him for the rest of his life, but what are brothers for?
She is deeply concerned, as is he. Only difference is he knows he would go to the same length as I am for his girl.
I’m surprised when Prue takes a seat outside my mother’s office. Waiting for my mother to finish up with the student she is talking to. Her eyes dart around the hallway. I’m glad she can’t see me from where I lurk.
When the student exits and my mom steps into the hallways, spotting Prue, she sighs.
“Prue.”
“Hello, Mrs. Parker,” Prue says, standing up.
“You’re not in my class this year.” My mother holds the door open, ushering Prue inside.
The minute the door shuts I walk over, standing to the side of the small window, I press my ear to the side of the door, hoping to hear their conversation.
“What brings you here?” my mother asks.
“Ben.”
“Yeah. I figured as much, though he made it seem like getting you alone would be much more difficult.”
“No one knows you’re his mother. I told them I was asking about a TA spot for next semester.”
“And what’s the real reason?”
“I need you to tell Ben to leave me alone.”
My mom laughs lightly. “Do you not know Ben? He doesn’t listen to anyone, least of all me. I didn’t understand why that was, but I’m starting to piece it together.” She sighs.
“I just need you to convince him to stay away. I made my decision. This is what I want. Tell him that. Tell him I’m okay and that I want this.”
“I’m not lying to my son. You don’t want this. Don’t get me wrong, as his mother I’m very thankful you saved him from a prison sentence, but as a woman, you don’t want this.”
It would be wishful thinking to think my mother could convince Prue to give up her plan. I know Prue better than that.
“It was the only way.”
“No. It wasn’t. Ben would’ve spent a lifetime behind bars for you. He still might. If you think me lying to him on your behalf has any barring, I hate to disappoint. He has always done what he wants, regardless of the consequences. He never listens to reason, and I think when it comes to you, it’s ten times worse. I’ve never seen him care about anyone like he cares about you. He has no problem getting his hands dirty, but for you, I think he’d burn the whole world down.”
“Please,” Prue pleads. “I just need him to know I’ll be okay. If he does anything, he will only make things worse for both of us.”
“I know that. Wes knows that and deep down, so does Ben. The problem is, I don’t think he cares.”
Prue sighs, like she knows this has become a lost cause. “Who’s the other woman?” she asks, and I can only assume she is asking about my aunt.
“That’s my sister. Martha.”
“Is she still alive?”
“Yes,” my mother says. “She spends a lot of time with us.”
“Next time you see her, tell her I hope she dies,” Prue snaps, turning toward the door.
