Dark Illusion: A Psychological Thriller Novel

by Moison, Dana V.

  The most horrific place on earth.

  She remembered the course of events as if they were a part of an old movie she had watched years ago, each time remembering the same scene in a slightly different way.

  Kelly had walked between the bizarre mirrors, which sometimes deformed her and at times reflected her exactly as she was. She couldn’t tell them apart. Kelly had hated her unmemorable features and mousy figure. Vicky had tried to talk her into giving her a makeover so she could transform into the beauty Vicky knew Kelly could be, but she always refused.

  Oh, how proud would you be, Vicky, if you could see me today.

  However, back then, in the gloomy hall of mirrors, Kelly had only been the ugly duckling trying to hide from its own reflection. She could not stand to look at herself, to be reminded of what a failure she was. She would be nothing more than a Plain Jane. She would never be admired or revered; most of the people she knew could barely remember her name. Her fate was to be forgotten, she sadly realized. Kelly’s eyes glistened brighter than the shining mirrors that surrounded her.

  “Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to intrude. I’ll come back later.“ It seemed as though Gloria felt embarrassed witnessing this intimate moment of self-reflection. She headed toward the exit.

  “It’s okay, you can stay. I have to leave anyway,“ Kelly assured her.

  So why didn’t you? she yelled at herself in her mind, as if she were a character in a horror film that was bound to die, no matter what.

  “Okay.“ Gloria did not seem entirely at ease, but she stayed.

  They stood on opposite sides of the room, hesitating, fearing they might somehow invade the other’s territory.

  After a few silent minutes, they finally broke the ice.

  “My mom asked me to thank your mom for the oatmeal cookies. They always cheer her up,“ said Gloria.

  “You’re welcome.“ Kelly was surprised by Gloria’s kind words, even if she was only being polite. “I’ll be sure to let her know.“

  Kelly thought for a moment she had noticed movement in the shadows, but when she looked again she didn’t see anything; probably just a figment of her imagination.

  Gloria looked at her, confused, trying to find something to talk about. “So . . . Where’s Vicky?“ she eventually asked.

  “Where’s Jerry?“ Kelly countered.

  “You caught me. You’re not the only one who’s trying to avoid him.“ The confusion on her face turned into a smirk.

  “Oh, you guys aren’t a couple?“

  “Absolutely not.“

  Kelly arched an eyebrow. “So you wouldn’t be offended if I told you he’s a real jerk?“

  “I might agree with you.“ A subtle smile stretched across her face.

  Kelly chuckled. She glanced at her watch; it had been fifteen minutes since she’d left Vicky. She might be waiting for her at the entrance. Alone. One of the boys might find her.

  “Why do you look so worried?“ Gloria asked.

  Perhaps because your boyfriend is on the loose?

  “I was supposed to meet Vicky.“

  “Here?“

  “Yes.“ Kelly didn’t know why she lied.

  “Well, she will probably be here any minute now. You girls are practically inseparable,“ she declared decisively.

  Kelly flashed an awkward smile.

  Gloria stared at the floor for a few seconds, but then she looked up at Kelly and their eyes met. “By the way,“ she added, “I want to apologize on behalf of Jerry and his friends for treating you guys the way they do. I know it may seem that way because Vicky and I don’t get along, but I’ve never encouraged those jerks’ disgusting behavior. Quite the opposite.“ She seemed sincere.

  Kelly looked at Gloria in awe, like a little girl waking up on Christmas morning to a tree filled with presents.

  “Thanks. You have no idea how nice it is to hear that.“

  Oh, Kelly, why were you so naive?

  After a few minutes, their reticent talk changed to a candid conversation. The two girls sat on the wooden floor, their backs pressed against opposite mirrors, while they faced one another.

  “Ugh, I look so fat!“ Gloria cried.

  “Are you kidding me? Even like this you still look beautiful.“ Kelly stared into Gloria’s eyes through the mirror. An awkward silence took over.

  “Say,“ Kelly broke the silence. “Do you think that in a different world we could have been . . . ?“

  “Friends? I think so,“ Gloria said thoughtfully.

  Kelly did not take her eyes off of Gloria.

  “But in this world you’re Vicky’s friend, and my best friends hang out with Jerry and his gang, whether I like it or not. I’m afraid we’re on opposite sides of the fence,“ Gloria pointed out.

  “Like Romeo and Juliet,“ Kelly’s voice softened.

  “Perhaps,“ Gloria smiled, trying to figure out if Kelly was trying to imply something. “It’s weird that Vicky hasn’t shown up yet.“

  Kelly chanced a glance at the exit sign, but quickly shifted her gaze back to Gloria. “Yeah, never mind, I’ll see her some other time,“ she muttered.

  How could I abandon a true friend for this fake doll?

  “Well, it’s getting late. I should head home,“ Gloria got up.

  Kelly stood up and caught up with her. “Once you leave everything will go back to the way it was, won’t it? You’ll go back to being a part of Jerry’s clique.“ She enunciated the last two words with a hint of aversion.

  “And you’ll be back with Vicky,“ Gloria stated.

  “I guess we have no choice,“ Kelly sighed.

  “It appears so.“

  “Well, goodbye, Gloria McIntyre.“

  Kelly leaned toward Gloria and kissed her on the cheek. Gloria froze in her place.

  Kelly did not want to part from Gloria’s soft skin. She tried to reach her lips.

  Gloria turned her face away from her. “Kelly, stop,“ she said gently.

  “You traitor! How could you do this to me?“ Vicky’s enraged voice jarred on Kelly’s ears right before her image appeared from behind the mirrors. She marched angrily toward them.

  “Vicky?“ Kelly gasped. “I don’t understand . . .“ her voice trailed off.

  “I don’t understand either how you could throw me to the wolves for . . .“ She turned her head and cast a hateful glance at Gloria. “For her!“

  “Vicky, you need to calm down. Nobody has done anything against you,“ said Gloria.

  “You stay out of it, you arrogant little princess!“ Vicky snapped. “Why are you trying to steal Kelly away from me? Do you hate me that much? Seducing my only friend in this damned place just to make me suffer? What have I ever done to you to deserve that?“

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I just–“

  “Don’t say another word!“ Vicky screamed. “I saw you just now. I saw the way you looked at her,“ she turned to Kelly.

  “Vicky, I’m so sorry,“ Kelly tried to placate her.

  “Spare me.“

  “I think this is all a big misunderstanding,“ Gloria intervened in an attempt to calm Vicky.

  “And I think I finally realize what’s really going on here.“ Vicky narrowed her eyes at them. “I will never forgive you!“ She ran toward the exit and slammed the door shut.

  * * *

  After a few awkward moments Kelly broke the silence once again.

  “Listen, I’m sorry you had to . . .“ She stopped, looking for the right words.

  “Forget about it. It’s not your fault the girl is nuts.“ Gloria contorted her face with distain.

  Kelly felt a pinch at her heart. Why did Gloria have to talk about Vicky that way?

  “In any case, I’d better get going,“ Gloria turned toward the exit.

  “Do you really have to?“

  “I think so,“ she said without looking at Kelly. “It’s better for the both of us,“ Gloria added right before she disappeared behind the door. That was the la
st time Kelly had ever seen her.

  Kelly had plummeted down and leaned against one of the mirrors. She had remained alone in the empty space, too exhausted to get up, not knowing how to fix the damage that she had caused. She was deep in thought when she’d suddenly heard the unsettling sound of a squeaky door.

  Three large, dark figures walked in, Jerry Dunwood and two of his bully friends.

  “Hey, Whitesporte! What the hell did you do to Gloria, you pathetic little lesbian?!“

  “What are you talking about?“ Kelly was completely taken aback.

  “We heard you tried to rape her and that it was pure luck she got away from you.“ Jerry got closer and stood right in front of Kelly, his bulky build casting its shadow over her. “Did you really think you could pull off something like this and get away with it?“

  Kelly was aghast. Fear consumed her entire body. She remained fossilized at Jerry’s feet, staring at his large, muddy shoes, just inches away from her. She felt cold perspiration beginning to drip down her nape.

  “Listen, you’re wrong. It’s just a big misunderstanding,“ she tried to explain.

  “No, you listen, bitch,“ he spat out the words. “I don’t give a fuck about your sick fantasies, but if you ever come near Gloria again, you’re dead. Sawed into pieces and scattered in the sand. Is that clear?“

  Kelly felt her body beginning to shiver involuntarily, though it wasn't even the least bit cold. She could not utter a word. She was absolutely petrified.

  Jerry didn’t wait for an answer. “You’re going to pay. Big time.“

  “That’s a lie!“ Kelly mustered enough courage to reply, her voice choked with horror.

  “Don’t even try. I know it’s true, first hand.“

  I can’t believe Gloria sold me out like this. How could she do this to me?

  The three boys started closing in on her and she cringed away from them. Kelly’s heart was pounding out of her chest. Her skin was glistening with beads of cold sweat exuding from her pores. And then came the first punch, followed by so many others. Kelly flinched when she relived the attack, the heavy beating she endured while her ears picked out the curses and insults slung at her from the incessant flow of words spewing from their mouths. It all happened so fast and painfully slow at the same time, somewhere between an endless nightmare and a sudden awakening to her tragic reality. Her body was sprawled out on the filthy floor, waiting to be punished. For a moment, the torment stopped. Was it finally over?

  Jerry picked Kelly up by the shirt collar. “Do you really think you have the right to even go near her?“ She felt his intoxicated breath condensing on her skin. “You’re so disgusting, ugly, repulsive! It’s obvious why you’ve given up on men.“ He kicked her hard in the crotch.

  Kelly screamed in agony. Streams of pain gushed out of her. Jerry kept kicking her, ignoring her cries, and invited his friends to join him. They were merciless.

  As the barrage of blows renewed, her head spun from the overwhelming pain. The blows became stronger and stronger. She was lost in a swirl of torment.

  After what felt like eternity, she was left discarded on the floor like a useless trash bag. Kelly’s body was covered with a mix of mud and blood. Her mouth tasted like spew. She heard the sounds of laughter drifting further away from her.

  She remained all alone.

  Kelly barely got up. She could hardly breathe. Each breath of air ached.

  She limped slowly, trying to avoid the mirrors enveloping her. She did not want to look at them. She had been mutated into a monster, a freak; no wonder everyone had abandoned her, even Vicky.

  She just wanted this feeling to end, for all of this to be over.

  She could not take it anymore. The distorted figure looked at her from every angle, from every corner. She felt her throat constrict.

  She had to do something.

  She slammed her body up against the walls, spinning around in ecstasy, smashing the mirrors around her, feeling fresh cuts form on her skin and drops of blood begin to spill. The pain was cathartic.

  She struck her head a third time. She could no longer stand up. She fell to the floor and her eyes closed. A sense of relief washed over her, a victorious smile spreading across her face. Now she was ready to open her eyes and enjoy the sweet darkness that encompassed her. No one would ridicule her anymore. No one could see her.

  CHAPTER 43

  Kelly did not know how long she had been lying on the floor in the house of mirrors, perhaps a minute, perhaps an hour.

  She had heard steps running toward her, but could not open her eyes to see who it was. Kelly felt the mirror shards being brushed away from her hand and the bandages being wrapped around her wrists. Later on she had recognized the muffled sound of the siren blare as she’d been rushed to the hospital, and then she had been dazzled by the bright lights hanging above her as she’d been whisked down the hall to Intensive Care.

  Her next memory occurred a few days afterwards. Although she was physically stable, Kelly wasn’t being released from the hospital because she had been recommended to stay in the psychiatric ward for further observation. That day she had been granted a visit by someone special.

  When she opened her eyes, she immediately noticed the familiar face sitting by her bed.

  “Vicky?“ she asked in a weak voice, still dazed from the sedatives.

  “Yes, honey. It’s me.“

  “I thought that . . .“ Kelly felt the dryness in her mouth impeding her words. “I thought that you’d never want to see me ever again,“ she eventually completed the sentence.

  “Do you really think I would abandon my best friend?“ She squeezed Kelly’s hand.

  Kelly smiled faintly. The last few days had depleted her of all her strength.

  “I can’t believe they did this to you, those bastards.“ Vicky muttered the last two words angrily.

  The already frail smile vanished from Kelly’s face instantly.

  “And to think it was all because of that spoiled bitch . . .“

  Kelly wheezed heavily. “What do you mean?“ She felt short of breath. “Who?“

  Vicky’s lips puckered as if they’d let slip something that was not supposed to be told.

  “Forget about it, honey. The most important thing now is for you to get better.“

  But she knew Kelly would not drop it.

  “No. I want to know what you’re talking about.“ Kelly elevated herself to a sitting position.

  Vicky helped her adjust the pillow behind her back. “Okay,“ she caved. “I’m talking about Gloria McIntyre.“

  “What does she have to do with this?“ she insisted. Kelly’s last memory of Gloria was the image of her graceful figure heading out the door.

  “You really don’t get it, do you?“ Vicky stared at her.

  Kelly gazed back at Vicky, trying to decipher her expression. It couldn’t be that all of this had happened because of Gloria. Why would she do that to her? After they’d had a heart to heart talk for the first time? Maybe Gloria wanted to get back at her for trying to kiss her? No, that was way too brutal. Only a heartless person would have done something like this in order to make a point.

  “Well,“ Vicky took a deep breath. “After I left the house of mirrors, I didn’t go straight home. I was waiting for you, because I wanted us to patch things up. After a few minutes, I saw Gloria storming out the door looking for something. Or someone. I saw her running to Jerry, shouting and waving her hands. When I got closer, I heard her telling him that you’d told her that he and his friends were a bunch of jerks and that you’d tried to turn her against them.“

  “Are you sure?“ Kelly may have expressed her reservations about the shady gang, but it was nothing compared to what Gloria had said about them. How could she tell them that, after she’d confided in her? She thought she could trust her!

  “Yes, and that’s not all.“ Vicky gave her a meaningful look.

  Kelly listened attentively.

  “I heard Gloria blaming y
ou for trying to hit on her, saying that you forced her to stay and wouldn’t let her leave.“

  Kelly felt as if all the oxygen had rushed out of her body in a split second, leaving her as a limp, lifeless sack.

  “Jerry was mad like I’d never seen him before and said he’d take care of you. Gloria thanked him and gave him a kiss on the cheek.“

  She thanked him?

  “That’s not true,“ Kelly sobbed. It seemed as though all that was left in her body were thousands of tears.

  “I’m sorry, honey. I really didn’t want to have to tell you this. But I saw it with my own eyes.“

  “No. No. No.“ Kelly felt as if she were yelling with all her might, but what actually came out of her throat was a weak shriek.

  “Yes. Yes. Yes. I really am sorry for you. But don’t you worry, I’ll take care of her,“ Vicky assured her.

  Kelly thought she’d spotted a glimpse of wickedness in her eyes when she said that. She started to get worried.

  “What are you going to do?“ she asked hesitantly.

  “I’ve made it clear to her that she won’t get away with it,“ Vicky asserted. “She even had the audacity to come visit you here, but I told your parents that this was all her fault and they made sure to keep her away from you.“

  Maybe she came to apologize? Perhaps this was all a big misunderstanding?

  “She probably came here to threaten you not to tell anyone about this,“ Vicky commented, as if she could hear Kelly’s thoughts, bursting her little bubble of hope.

  “Yeah, I guess . . .“ The oxygen still was not reaching her entire body. She struggled to breath.

  The elegant woman sitting on the velvet sofa in her splendid home still got goose bumps when she remembered that moment. The horrifying discovery of Gloria’s betrayal had extinguished the little remaining hope left in her sixteen-year-old self. That stage in her life was left vague in her memory. The only thing that had helped her hold on was Vicky’s frequent visits.