… oh deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man.
Psalms 43:1b
She entered North Hills and pulled into the driveway where she saw two police vehicles, her sister-in-law’s car, Maddie’s bug, and another unfamiliar car. She sighed, a deep sigh, and again heard that voice, Are you sure you can do this. What if they don’t believe you? What if… Oh hush… I am so tired of the what if’s. She looked into the mirror and gave herself a boost of confidence and then reached for the door, slid out of the minivan, and took her first step toward releasing the truth.
Walking in trepidation, she started for the door. She nervously strolled up the monkey grass lined walkway and felt every muscle in her body begin to tense. Calm down Pearl. It’s time to be free. Let go and be free. Don’t hold back any longer it’s been over twenty years. The voice continued and finally she inhaled deeply and then heaved an exhausted sigh and rang the bell as she took a step in the door. She heard voices from the living area as she entered the house. She walked in and took a seat on the red sofa next to Maddie. Maddie looked up only briefly and put her head on Pearl’s shoulder. Gwen looked away from the window where she had watched Pearl walk from her car and said, “Glad you could make it. Do you want to talk to us?”
Two men entered from the kitchen and looked as though they were surprised. One of these men she recognized as Detective Conners. The other she had never seen. “Hello Mam,” Conners said.
“Uh, hi.” Pearl answered “I guess you drive really fast.”
“No, not really. We were right behind you until you stopped at Searcy.”
“We? You mean you and Detective Walters? Is she here too?
“She’s here. Allow me to introduce our colleague. This is Detective Plat.”
“Nice to meet you ma’am.” The younger of the two gentlemen said.
“Thank you. Odd circumstances, but thank you.”
“Aunt Pearl, are grandma and grandpa on their way yet?”
“I think so sweetie.”
“Again, is there anything you need to talk about Pearl?” Joy asked.
“Not just yet. I really want to wait until mom and dad get here. They need to hear this too. Please know that when I tell you all what I have to say, I only want to say it once. There is too much to comprehend and after I’ve spoken, I don’t want to talk about it again.”
The room grew still again and Pearl squeezed Maddie’s hand then stood to walk to the kitchen. She entered the kitchen and walked through the room to the back door where she exited to the back yard. She stood on the patio and looked at nothing. She stared and thought and again heard that still small voice trying to dissuade her from talking to everyone. A noise from behind her quickened her back to the actuality that it was indeed time to talk. The back door open and closed softly and Pearl turned to look at who was behind her. As she turned, she heard the voice of her niece ask, “Can you really believe it’s true? I can’t believe it, and I want so much to talk, but I don’t know who else to talk to but you. Please let me talk for a minute.”
Pearl reached for Maddie’s hand and led her to the bench beside the English flower garden. “Have a seat Maddie. You can tell me anything you need to tell me. I will listen. When have I not listened to you?”
“Never. That’s why I want to talk to you. You have always let me talk about anything I needed and never judged me. That’s why I can’t believe that you had anything to do with this either.”
“Maddie, talk to me.”
“Aunt Pearl. You know how long I have hurt about my dad. You know how much he hurt my mom and me. You know all of it, and you always listened… always. You always taught me how to love him in spite of all the crap that he did. The thing is Aunt Pearl… Oh my gosh, I can’t believe I am going to say this... Aunt Pearl, I don’t feel even a little bit bad. I mean, I am sad for my mom. I am hurt for what my dad hasn’t ever realized what he has, but I am not sad that he is might... I even feel…”
“… relieved?” Pearl interrupted.
“Yes, I feel relieved. I don’t want anyone else to know and…” Maddie threw her arms around Pearl and they sobbed together; both in sorrow for the lives they hid for so long and both in relief that part of their nightmare was released.
“I know sweetheart. It’s going to be all right. I promise. We are going to get through all of this, and it’s going to be all right. It’s okay to feel the way you do. My gosh girl, you deserve to have any feelings you want. No one can stop you from feeling anymore.” She squeezed tighter, and their sobs became a bit more intense.
“Aunt Pearl, tell me it isn’t true. Tell me you didn’t do it. I just need to know that you were not the one who did it.”
“Maddie look at me. Come on, look at me now.” They held the stare of each other’s tear pooled eyes, and Pearl spoke slowly and deliberately. “I didn’t hurt your dad. I promise you. I was not responsible for this, and when your grandparents get here, you will hear all that I know. Just understand that I did not do this to your dad. Do you understand me?”
Maddie nodded slowly and still didn’t break eye contact. “I understand, but it’s all just too confusing. It’s so surreal, but in a bad way.”
“It is. You’re right, but just trust me okay sweetie.”
“Okay, I will. I have always trusted you, and you haven’t steered me wrong yet.”
They heard the door behind them open and close and a weak voice of Joy saying, “You two okay? You need something to drink? Some coffee? Tea? Anything?
“No. We’re okay thank you. Are Mom and Dad here yet?” asked Pearl
“Not yet, but they just called and were almost at their exit, so it should be any minute now.”
Pearl stood and motioned for Joy to join them. The three stood close and hugged, then Pearl said, “Well girls, I need to use the lady’s room before I tell me story. You two comin’ in?”
Joy and Maddie stood still, then Joy answered, “No, I need to say something to Maddie, and I think I need to do it now while I have the nerve.”
“Okay then. I will see you two in the house later.” She leaned over and gave both another hug and then whispered softly, “I really love you guys. I hope you know that.”
She left the two in on the patio with tears still falling from each eye. She walked into the house and heard the front door open and a “Where are they? Where are they? Are they okay?”
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