factum ad colere (part 3)

(Author's note: sorry about the last post, it was really short :(
-but I promise this one will be good...by the way, would you rather I write about Gladys' story next?
 Tell me in the comments, please.
-Trinity)

       Ryan turned out to be a good friend. He called his aunt and asked her if Beverly could stay with

her, he bought her lunch and even bought her three new outfits. Beverly could hardly believe her

luck. He was so nice and handsome. Ryan was perfect. Beverly found herself staring at him more

and more as the day progressed, she had fallen in love.

      Ryan, however, was a gentleman and didn't want anything but a friendship. So when Beverly

tried to kiss him, he backed away and told her he didn't want that.

      Beverly was heart-broken. She had finally found someone who treated her right and now he

didn't accept her. Their relationship turned stiff after this and Beverly wanted nothing more than to

run away again. Run away from all her problems. Just like she always did. But they are already in

front of his aunt's house and she couldn't bear to hurt him anymore. Beverly got out of the car and

looked back at Ryan.

   Ryan's aunt came out and they are introduced, Ryan still in the car. Her name is Grace, she is a

beautiful woman, with long blonde hair. Hints of silver and grey streak through her hair, but it only

makes her look stronger and wiser.

     Beverly can't help but be reminded of her little sister, Gladys. Perhaps it is the name or even the

colour of her hair. Beverly's heart hurts a little more so that she can hardly think.

      Ryan says a quick goodbye and drives away. Beverly stands in the driveway of her new home

and her heart hurts more than it ever has. What was she going to do?

       How could she ever face him again? He didn't want her. He didn't even care about her. Beverly

clenched her fists and shook her head. How could she be so stupid? She shouldn't have trusted him,

she shouldn't trust anyone. She couldn't. Not anymore.

*********************************************************************************

Two years later.......


    Beverly sat on the sidewalk and thought about her time with Grace. She didn't know what had

triggered the memories, but she realized the guilt remained. She grimaced as she thought of the way

she had treated Ryan's aunt.

     It had been a few weeks after she had first moved in, she wasn't treated badly, it was just difficult.

Ryan would stop by almost every day to give his aunt some groceries and everyday Beverly saw

the discomfort he felt around her.

    Beverly couldn't handle it anymore. So she crept to the bottom of the stairs, grabbed the little

envelope of cash on the counter and left, never to return. Almost immediately she regretted her

decision, guilt ripped her insides like a knife and she was continually paranoid they would find her.

     Now, two years later, she was still guilty. Beverly nibbled on her nails anxiously and tapped her

foot on the ground. She needed to concentrate, Halsey would be here any moment. Beverly

remembered the first time she had met Halsey.

She had said, "Like the famous singer?"

Halsey had laughed and said, "Yup. I didn't like my real name so I changed it."

    Beverly chuckled heartily, the weight on her chest lifting ever so slightly. This is what she loved.

Living life and accepting herself. She was doing fine, besides, it was a long time ago. It couldn't hurt

her now...

   Even as the thought swirled through her mind, she knew it was all fake. She couldn't hide from

herself forever. Beverly sighed frustratedly, kicking the wall behind her with her heel.

   Suddenly a voice said, "Having a bad day?"

Beverly glanced up towards the voice and looked straight into Halsey's hazel eyes.

"Hi."

Halsey smiled. Beverly could smell wintergreen on her breath. "Hi, is that a no?"

Beverly blinked, totally confused.

"Are. You. Having. A. Bad. Day?" Halsey whispered, punctuating every word.

"What? No, why do you think that?" Beverly stuttered.

"I don't know. I just thought I'd ask that instead of why you were kicking a wall."

Beverly smirked. "Well, that would've been a better question."

Halsey rolled her eyes. "Whatever, here's the package," she said handing her the small box.

Beverly grabbed it and held it in her hands carefully. "Thank you, Hal."

"Hal? That is a horrible nickname. Never call me that."

Beverly smiled wickedly. "We will see."

Halsey snickered and as she sauntered away she called behind her shoulder, "See ya girly."

Beverly smiled and whispered "Bye."

Halsey was a good friend. But of course, Beverly didn't trust her. She would never trust anyone again.

Never.