Read 40 Something - Safety for Free Online Page A

seems
to have gotten worse. But there were still bad things happening
when you were a teenager and when I was. I remember a couple of
girls I went to school with were raped and murdered. It was a scary
time until they finally caught the man, a drifter. Some thought he
was innocent, but it never happened again.”
    “How did you
keep us safe?” I ask her.
    “Prayer. Lots
of prayer. Even with it though your sister was hurt.”
    “Charlie was
never hurt.”
    “Not Charlie.
Grace.”
    “Grace? Nothing
happened to Grace.”
    “You remember.”
I shake my head, I don’t know what she’s talking about. “In
University. She was raped.”
    “No she wasn’t.
I’d have known if she was.”
    “Sure you knew.
I told you.” My mom says.
    “You never told
me anything of the sort. Mom I think you need to go talk to your
doctor about your memory. You seem to be mixing up fiction with
reality.”
    “Rose.” My dad
says. “Your mother is telling the truth. We didn’t talk about it.
Didn’t want to upset you or your sisters by talking about it. It
happened and that was it. She got over it and moved on.”
    “I’d know if
that happened to Grace.”
    I would.
Wouldn’t I? I was in high school when Grace was in University. I
was home. Well, most of the time I was out with Gus or at the
Fischers, but the rest of the time I was home. I’d know if
something like that happened to my sister.
    “Hey mom what
do you want?” Alexis asks.
    Isabella and
Aiden follow her into the kitchen.
    “I just want to
spend time with my kids. Is that so terrible?” Silence. “Where’s
Jessica?”
    “She’s not
here.” Aiden says.
    “What do you
mean not here?”
    No one says
anything. I scramble to the phone and dial her number. No answer. I
dial again and no answer. Panic raises it’s ugly head deep down
inside me and is gripping at my heart with both hands. Where is
she?
    “Did she came
home from school?” I ask.
    “I don’t know.”
Aiden says. I look at the girls who shrug.
    “Isabella, you
go to school with her. You must have seen her.”
    “No. I haven’t
seen her for a couple days.”
    “Days? What?
You would have seen her this morning.”
    I dial the
phone again. No answer. I keep dialling.
    “No. I think
she left for school before I got up.” Isabella says.
    “Last night?
Gus can you text her?” He nods.
    “I don’t think
so.” Isabella shrugs.
    “I know I saw
her last night. She came down, got some food and went back up to
her room.”
    At least I
think she did. I was so busy with getting everything out and
cleaned up. The boys kept getting in the way. I try to picture
Jessica getting a plate. Suddenly, I’m not so sure I did see
her.
    “If you say so
mom.” Isabella said. “She probably just went to a friends house
after school. I’ll text her.”
    “Which friend?
Joanna? Kariann? Jodie?”
    “I don’t think
she’s friends with them anymore.” Isabella said. “I haven’t seen
her with them in school.”
    “What?” I have
no idea what to say. “Who is she hanging around with then?”
    They all shrug.
I grab the phone list and start calling all her friends. None have
seen her and they confirm that they don’t really hang out anymore.
This doesn’t make any sense. Where is my girl? Where is my sweet
Jessica?
    Suddenly, I see
her, in my mind that is, she’s scared, beaten, and half naked.
She’s being raped. No, she’s locked in some crazy man’s basement.
No, she’s dead lying in a ditch where no one can find her. Images,
thoughts, and fears race through my mind. What kind of mother
doesn’t know where her kid is every minute of every day?
    I try calling
her again.
    “Mom.” Alexis’
voice stops me. “Get a grip. It’s 5:00 she’ll be home soon. Stop
acting like a drama queen. Jeezus.”
    “Alexis.” My
mother’s shocked voice. “Language young lady. Rose does she always
swear like that?”
    “Hun.” Gus hugs
me. “I’ll go look for her. OK? Calm down. She’s fine.