Sweet Little Secrets

by Travis Szablewski

  “What did Tatum think? Did she have an opinion on it?”

  “We didn’t even get that far. We just screamed and screamed some more. She locked herself in our bedroom and hasn’t come out since,” Lillian said, glancing over her shoulder to see Gordon still asleep on the sofa.

  “Well, what do YOU want? It is your baby. At the end of the day, it is your choice,” Connelly nodded, holding Lillian’s hand tightly. “You know…that I will support whatever decision you make. You know I’ll always be here for you; to either drive you to the clinic and stay by your side…or help you raise it in any way that I can.”

  “Thank you,” Lillian smiled softly as a tear trickled down her cheek. “I just feel so lost. I feel so…torn. It’s like I am damned if I do and I am damned if I don’t. Robbie already made it clear that he wants nothing to do with it.”

  “What a fucking prick,” Connelly snapped, shaking her head in disgust.

  “You’re the first and only person I’ve told. Victoria doesn’t even know yet,” Lillian said, sipping the tea.

  “If you don’t want to tell her, you don’t have to. I mean, you didn’t even have to tell me. But I’m glad you did because I wouldn’t want you going through all of this alone. This is a lot to handle and a lot to take on,” Connelly nodded.

  “I don’t know anymore,” Lillian sighed, resting her chin onto her hands that were folded on the top of the table.

  “When is Tatum leaving?”

  “I’m guessing tomorrow. I’m considering myself lucky that she even let me come over here to get Gordon myself. You should have seen her, Connelly. I’ve never seen her so angry. Oh, God…and then the whole Kylie thing.”

  Connelly’s stomach turned inside of her as the name slipped from Lillian’s lips. Flashes of that horrible night quickly flashed through Connelly’s head; the shovel…the bullet hole in her head. She had almost forgotten all about Kylie with everything else that had been going on.

  “What Kylie thing?”

  “Peyton’s sister is in town and I think she’s been stalking me. Well, she saw me at the coffee shop downtown today and she told me that Kylie and Tatum were sleeping together,” Lillian nodded.

  “Do you believe her?”

  “What reason would she have to lie? I mean, I confronted Tatum and she denied it,” Lillian shrugged.

  “Well, why would she? It’s not like she is going to admit it after finding out about…about you.”

  “I can usually pick up on when Tatum lies and…I didn’t sense it. She was adamant about it never happening. I mean, I struggled with some trust issues when Kylie was…alive; but I truly never witnessed anything inappropriate.”

  “Well…you’ve been hiding a pregnancy. That’s a lot tougher to hide than an affair; and you did a pretty damn good job at that,” Connelly nodded.

  “I honestly don’t even care if she did or if she didn’t. All I care about now…is Gordon. Yes, I love Tatum, but I know I can live without her. I lived without her before us and I can live without her after us. What I can’t live without is Gordon. What I can’t lose…is Gordon,” Lillian cried, her voice shaking.

  “You won’t. I promise…that will not happen,” Connelly said sternly, squeezing Lillian’s hands tightly as she stood up. Connelly leaned forward, wrapping her arms tightly around Lillian, holding her close. “If it gets to that point, I’ll do anything I can to help. I’ll help with the attorney fees…I’ll testify for you. Whatever it is…I’ll do it,” Connelly cried as she held Lillian’s trembling body in her arms.

  “I don’t know what I did to deserve someone like you in my life. I can’t thank you enough,” Lillian cried, hiding her face in Connelly’s shoulder.

  “It’s alright…it’s alright,” Connelly said as she held Lillian tightly, combing her fingers through her hair softly. She knew that if the roles were reversed…Lillian would be there for her. Connelly could have went to the police that night. She could have turned Lillian in after they buried Kylie’s body in those woods.

  But she didn’t.

  Because that’s what friends do.

  That’s what best friends do.

  The power of friendship runs deeper than a shallow grave. The power of friendship is stronger than any lie or secret that might tear you apart. And Connelly was going to hold the pieces of Lillian’s breaking heart together in any way she knew how.

  She did that night.

  And she will now…forever and always.

  ~~~

  Connelly adjusted the messy bun on the top of her head as she placed a damp towel over her eyes, resting her back along the edge of the bathtub. Connelly felt her skin tingle as the hot, steamy, bubbly water covered her bare body and rested just below her breasts. Connelly breathed in through her nose, taking in the sweet Eucalyptus aroma that rose through the air from the two lit candles sitting along the ledge of the bathtub.

  After today, this was exactly what she needed. Luckily, Silas was working late tonight, so after Lillian and Gordon left….she had the house all to herself. She was still struggling to process all of the vile things that Fiona told her about Silas today. How could any of it be true? How had she not seen that side of him?

  THUD!

  Connelly’s arm quickly lunged up through the surface of the soapy bath water as the loud sound boomed through the house. Connelly ripped the small towel from her face and sat forward, staring into the dim bathroom; the candlelight dancing along the gray walls. Connelly’s heart pounded in her chest; the sound of her heartbeat boomed in her ears as her eyes locked onto the closed bathroom door.

  Did she lock it?

  Connelly swallowed hard as she slowly stood up in the bathtub as the water splashed around her ankles.

  THUD!

  Connelly jumped in terror, nearly screaming, as she snatched her robe from the hook on the wall beside the bathtub.

  The sound…was coming from downstairs. Connelly swallowed hard as she quickly wrapped her light blue robe around her body and tied the waist band straps tightly around her. She left her phone downstairs. She didn’t want any distractions. Now, she had no way out. No way to call for help.

  Connelly slowly lifted her right foot out of the water, struggling to not make any splashing noises, and placed her wet foot onto the tile floor. Connelly brought her other foot out, nice and slow, and placed both feet onto the floor…her eyes glued to the bathroom door just a few feet away. She couldn’t just sit here. She couldn’t just wait for the sick son of a bitch who was in her house to just come and find her…naked…and alone. Connelly quickly rushed to the sink counter and pulled the top drawer open…to see a long, stainless steel nail file. Connelly snatched the file from inside and inched towards the door, her heart racing…faster and faster. Connelly reached forward and wrapped her trembling hand around the door handle…and pulled it open.

  Connelly slowly leaned forward, peeking out into the dark second level hallway of her home…to see no one. Not a soul. Maybe they were gone? Maybe she was just scaring herself? Magnolia Cove was the safest neighborhood in Harmony. The odds of a burglary here were next to nothing. Connelly tightened her grip on the nail file in her hand as she stepped out into the hallway, her warm feet pressing tightly against the cold floorboards below. Connelly swallowed hard as she moved down the dark hallway and rounded the corner…to see the staircase…leading down to the dark foyer far below.

  “H-hello?” Connelly called out.

  Silence.

  “S-Silas? A-are you home?”

  Nothing.

  “Fuck,” Connelly snapped under her breath as she held the nail file tightly at her side…and began to descend the stairs. Connelly stepped off of the last step as her eyes darted to the front door.

  The chain lock…still secured tightly. Connelly rushed to the front door and snatched the deadbolt, turning it. Connelly slowly turned and stared forward…to see the kitchen doorway a few feet ahead.

  The back door…

  Connelly rushed forward, her
wet feet pounding onto the marble floor, as she ran into the kitchen and glanced to her right…to see the back door…

  Open.

  “Oh, my God,” Connelly cried as she sped forward and threw her hands against the door, slamming it shut. Connelly turned the deadbolt and stared out through the glass, her eyes scanning the dark back lawn as she watched the shadows of the swaying tree branches dance along the plush lawn. If someone was inside…they were long gone by now. Connelly spun around from the door…and screamed…

  As she slammed into Silas’ chest. Connelly leaped back, her back slamming against the glass patio door, as she screamed in terror. Connelly slowly caught her breath…as she stared back at Silas in front of her.

  “What the fuck?” Connelly snapped, shoving Silas in the shoulder. “Are you serious right now? I could have stabbed you!”

  “Just…just chill, for real,” Silas said, his words tripping over one another. Connelly stepped closer towards him…as she inhaled the bitter scent of alcohol on Silas’ breath.

  “Why do you smell like that?” Connelly asked, her jaw tight.

  “I…I don’t even know what you mean? Can’t we just bed to go? Can’t we just go to bed?” Silas smirked, his eyes fluttering quickly as he gently swayed side to side.

  “Are you drunk right now?” Connelly asked, shaking her head.

  “What? No! No, I’m not drunk! I just…”

  “I thought you were working?” Connelly snapped as her eyes traveled up his body, examining the khaki shorts and red polo he was wearing. Where the hell was his uniform?

  “I was! I just…got off. I got off. I got off a little early and some of the guys and me...some of the guys and I went drink to. Some of the guys and I went to get a drink,” Silas slurred, a wide grin on his face.

  “God, you’re fucking plastered. Why didn’t you tell me? Why tell me you had to work late? Why not just tell me the truth?” Connelly snapped as she shrugged. She wasn’t a controlling wife. He knew he was free to hang out with his buddies anytime. All she asked was for him to let her know…that was all she wanted.

  “Can’t we just go to bed? Daddy’s feelin’ a little frisky,” Silas giggled as he reached forward, his shaking hands grabbing for Connelly. Connelly quickly stepped back, her back pinned against the glass patio door behind her, as she shoved his hands away.

  “No! Don’t touch me!” Connelly yelled, shaking her head.

  “Connelly, stop yelling,” Silas said, puckering out his bottom lip like a baby. “You know I don’t like it when we fight. Now, come on…give me some,” Silas smirked, moving closer towards Connelly.

  “Silas, stop!” Connelly snapped as Silas grabbed her wrists tightly, his thumbs digging into her flesh. “Silas!”

  “Come on! Babe, stop!” Silas said sternly as he brought her wrists together in front of her and held then together with both of his hands, the nail file falling from her hands and onto the floor.

  “Silas! Get off me! Stop!”

  “Shut up! Stop! What the fuck are you doing! Stop!” Silas yelled, spit flying from his mouth and onto Connelly’s face as he pushed forward, pressing her harder against the glass door behind her.

  “Silas! Please! Stop! Stop!”

  She couldn’t stop him. She couldn’t free her wrists. He was too strong. She couldn’t do anything. She…she was trapped. Silas’ jaw tightened as he pulled Connelly forward by her wrists and threw her forward. Connelly lunged forward, the front of her waist slamming against the edge of the center island, her upper torso leaning over it from the harsh blow.

  “Ah! Fuck! Silas!” Connelly cried out.

  “You know you want it! Come on!” Silas cackled as he rushed up behind her, pinning her against the edge of the island. Silas threw his right hand forward and slammed it onto the side of Connelly’s head, pinning her face onto the countertop.

  “Silas! Silas! Stop! Help! Someone help!” Connelly cried out, tears streaming down her cheeks.

  “Shut the fuck up!” Silas screamed as he reached around her with his left hand and grabbed the edge of her robe, pulling it open…exposing her naked body.

  “Silas! Stop!” Connelly cried out, his hand still pressed to the side of her face. Connelly kicked her legs out, trying to connect her foot with his groin…but she couldn’t. He was too strong. She couldn’t move…

  “Shut the fuck up! God damn!” Silas screamed as he tugged Connelly’s robe all the way off and threw it down to the floor below. Silas brought his left hand to his zipper and pulled it down. Silas’ shorts fell to his ankles as he stared down at his hard, throbbing cock…inches from Connelly’s bare buttocks in front of him.

  “Someone! Somebody help me!” Connelly cried out. Connelly’s eyes shot open…as she slowly felt the tip of Silas’ penis…begin to press against the lips of her vagina. Connelly’s eyes then glanced ahead…as they locked onto the mug that Lillian had been drinking out of…still on the edge of the island. Connelly reached forward, wrapping her hand around the mug…and swung it back.

  Connelly heard the mug smash into pieces as it slammed into the bridge of Silas’ nose behind her.

  “AH! Fuck! God damn it!” Silas cried out as he stumbled back, releasing Connelly as the pieces of the mug crashed onto the floor. Connelly quickly leaned down and snatched her robe from the floor, pulling it back onto her body as long strands of hair fell from her messy bun, dangling along her cheeks. Connelly spun around and reached forward, wrapping her hand around the handle of a butcher knife from the knife block on the island. Connelly spun around and held it in front of her with both hands, her teary eyes locked onto Silas.

  “Get out! Get the fuck out!” Connelly cried out, the knife trembling in her hands, as Silas slowly glanced up at her…blood dripping down his nose and into his mouth.

  “What the fuck is wrong with you? Damn it!” Silas cried, tears rolling down his cheeks.

  “GET OUT! GET THE FUCK OUT! NOW! NOW!” Connelly demanded as Silas struggled to pull up his shorts.

  “Where the fuck am I supposed to go? Where I am supposed to go?” Silas said, slurring his words as he stumbled to the right.

  “Sleep outside for all I fucking care!” Connelly growled, tears rolling down her cheeks…the knife still held out in front of her…pointed directly at Silas.

  “Please…Connelly,” Silas cried as he held his bleeding nose in his hands.

  “I’m going to tell you one more time. Get. Out. Of. My. HOUSE!”

  Tears streamed down Silas’ face as he slowly turned towards the glass back door behind him and grabbed the handle. Silas turned the lock…and stumbled out onto the back patio. Connelly rushed forward and slammed the door shut, turning the deadbolt tightly. Connelly glanced up, staring through the glass…as she watched Silas stumble along the back lawn…and disappear into the darkness…

  Lillian

  “Are you sure you don’t want to take Mr. Bear?” Lillian asked as she struggled to hold back her tears. Lillian slowly grabbed the small stuffed black bear from Gordon’s toybox and turned, watching Gordon as he shoved a tiny pair of jean shorts into his small yellow suitcase.

  “No, Mr. Bear wants to stay home with you. He said he wants to make sure you’re OK while I’m gone,” Gordon smiled as he turned, the morning sunlight shimmering along his red locks through the curtains as he smiled. Lillian smiled softly as she stared down at the bear in her hands, squeezing it tightly.

  “I think that’s very brave of him,” Lillian smiled as she placed Mr. Bear back onto the top of his toy box. Lillian walked up to the side of Gordon’s twin bed and sat down onto the edge as she watched Gordon shove a Buzz Lightyear shirt into his suitcase. “I think you’re going to have a good time at your grandparents; they’ve got a lake, a boat, and a pool.”

  “I think I’d have more fun if you were coming,” Gordon said softly as he looked up to Lillian.

  “I know, baby. I wish I was coming,” Lillian nodded. She couldn’t cry. She had to stay strong…for him.


  “Why aren’t you coming? I don’t want to go without you,” Gordon sighed as he shuffled towards Lillian and plopped down onto the bed next to her, his little legs dangling over the edge.

  “I told you that Tatum needs to take some time off from work. I can’t take any time off so…she’s taking you. It will be so fun, and you won’t even miss me,” Lillian said, patting Gordon’s knee.

  “Yes, I will. I always miss you,” Gordon nodded. Lillian felt herself breaking as she quickly stood up from the bed and walked to the window. Lillian squeezed her eyes shut tightly as a single tear rolled down her cheek. Lillian stared forward through the window…watching Tatum as she loaded her Escalade below in the driveway.

  “I’m going to miss you more,” Lillian nodded, struggling to keep her voice from cracking as she wiped her cheek. Lillian slowly turned around and walked to the bed, kneeling down in front of Gordon. Lillian rested her hands onto his knees as she stared up at him, her eyes locked onto his. “You know I love you with all of my heart. You know I’m with you…even when I’m not, right?”

  “How?” Gordon asked, tilting his head in confusion.

  “Right here,” Lillian smiled, pressing her pointer finger against his chest. “In your heart. No matter where you go…no matter what you’re going through…I’m there. So, when you miss me…just place your hand on your heart,” Lillian said, placing her hand onto her own. “Come on.”

  Gordon slowly brought his right hand up and placed it onto his chest as Lillian nodded.

  “Do you feel that?”

  “Yeah, what is that?” Gordon asked.

  “That’s your heart,” Lillian nodded as her eyes filled with tears. “I am right there. When you feel that…that beating…that’s me…right there with you. Every second of every single day, I’m with you…always,” Lillian nodded. “So, when you miss me…or when life just knocks you down; all you have to do is place your hand on your heart…and I’ll be there. I’ll always be there…beating.”