Reality Check, PT. 5

“Nothing that begins in sin will prosper. Remember that,” Pastor Sonny boomed from the pulpit.

She flinched, straightened, and bowed her head to avoid eye contact. Was it just her imagination, or had Pastor Sonny looked directly at her several times? She tuned out because she couldn’t take anymore. She’d been justly lambasted. Between finding out that Tucker was in the hospital and this message, it couldn’t be clearer that God was giving her a warning. One that would have dire consequences if she didn’t heed it. She would fix this.

Amnon’s reaction after finally having his half-sister replayed over and over in her mind. He hated her more than he once loved her. What happened once Jesse tired of her? Would he despise her or, worse, look through her as he did all the other girls he dated? How awkward would it be in the future when he brought girls home to meet the family and the girls found out his step-sister was actually one of his exes? What if she still had feelings for him when it was just about sex for him? He was jacking off in her room even when he had girlfriends. They hadn’t been enough for him. His hormones were wreaking havoc on him. Maybe any girl would do, and she was just… there? What if, like Amnon, he desired her because it was taboo and titillating and once he got his fill…?

“Let’s pray,” Pastor Sonny said.

Heart heavy, she closed her eyes. The tears that dropped to her lap went unnoticed as the pastor prayed over the congregation, hoping they could learn from King David’s mistakes and do better in their own lives.

***

 “Violet.”

She swiveled on her chair to see Dad standing in her bedroom. They hadn’t exchanged a word all day. Dinner had been tense. Lynne tried to smooth things over by entertaining them with tales of her students. Violet hadn’t been able to enjoy the food, company, or stories and had excused herself to take refuge in her room. Guilt lay heavily upon her. She hadn’t been able to look Dad or Jesse in the eye. She wished she could reverse time and walk away before her make out session with Tucker spiraled out of control.

She spent her time cleaning the heck out of her room and purging all signs of debauchery. She washed her clothes and bedsheets, vacuumed, organized, and erased incriminating text messages. She also messaged Tucker, apologizing for what happened with Jesse, and asked if there was anything she could for him in his current state. Her fervent, long-winded message received a one word reply: No. Apparently, she didn’t need to break up with him. It seemed the sentiment was mutual.

Dad advanced into her room and sat on the edge of her bed. “I was harsh with you today.”

She lowered her gaze. “I deserved it.”

“That phone call was a nasty shock. I’m glad Tucker’s all right and that Jesse got off with a tap on the wrist. It could have been a lot worse.”

“I understand,” she said quietly.

“Do you?”

Her gaze rose to his. “What do you mean?”

He stared at her for a long moment before he said, “I know you, Vi, and I know Jesse. Nothing could have pushed him to lose control like that unless you were involved. He didn’t tell me the full story and honestly, I have a feeling I don’t want to know it all.” He ran his hand through his hair. “I want what’s best for both of you.”

She rotated her ring on her finger. “I know.”

“Jesse loves you.”

She went motionless.

“Be careful what you ask of him. He’d do anything for you, even if it cost him everything.”

Her lip trembled as her eyes filled with tears.

“Don’t cry,” Dad said gruffly as he got to his feet. “I just… I just want you to be careful and understand your effect on people. I’m counting on you to keep yourself out of trouble so there are no more incidents. Can you do that for me?”

She nodded and managed a shaky smile.

He squeezed her shoulder. “Go to bed. It’s been a long day.”

Once he left her room, she walked into the bathroom and, for the first time ever, made sure to lock the door that led into Jesse’s room. Jesse had approached her twice, but she shot him down. She didn’t want to risk Mom or Dad hearing them talk and honestly, there was nothing to say. He’d been so sure no one would find out about Tucker. He was wrong. She couldn’t afford for what happened between them to come out, so it ended now before anyone suspected. They could redeem their relationship before it became any more twisted. If they tried, maybe they could work their way back to seeing each other as friends instead of lovers.

 Tears slipped down her face as she brushed her teeth and readied herself for bed. When she walked back into her room, she stared at the closed bathroom door. She had no doubt Jesse would come to her after their parents went to bed. She couldn’t let that happen, even if it was just to talk.

Sniffling, she locked both doors that led into her room. Dad instructed them to leave their doors unlocked in case of an emergency. This was an emergency of a different sort. Boundaries that needed to be set.

She climbed into bed and willed herself to sleep, but Pastor Sonny’s warnings made her toss and turn. It was just after eleven when the bathroom light came on. From the gap under the door, she saw a shadow approach and then the snick of the doorknob as Jesse turned it back and forth. There was a pause and then a louder rattle as he used more force. She pulled the covers over her head as Jesse cursed.

“Vi!” he hissed.

She didn’t move. Several minutes later, she lowered the comforter and saw the bathroom light was off. She blew out a breath, turned on her side, and prayed for wisdom and strength in getting them on the right path starting tomorrow.

**This is a raw draft of the prequel for Corrupt Idol. Please do not share or distribute.

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