Short Stories from Wing's Authors.

Rita

by

Naomi Chapman

Rita Carlotta Silvana Grisanti.  I had to get a new identity, new look, and move since I was wanted by the police.  Now my name is Eve Marie Bennett.  I chopped my hair; it’s really short now, straight, and black.  It was blond, curly, and long.  I also lost twenty pounds, figuring after all this the cops would never find me.

This is what happened, I killed a guy.  I didn’t mean to but he tried to rape me so it was self-defense.  No one will ever believe me.  I read in the paper the man’s house was robbed the same night he died.  The police think the robber killed him.  That’s not how it happened.  I had nothing to do with the robbery.  Here’s what happened.  I was walking through the subway when this guy attacks me.  He held me down on the ground and ripped my shirt.  I had to get him off.  The only thing I could think of was to use my keys and stab him with them.  It worked because he let go of me and I was able to shove him off.  I jumped up and started running up the stairs.  He grabbed my arm and I kicked him.  He fell down the stairs and died.

It was a horrible sight, his lifeless body all twisted, lying in a pool of blood.  I was so scared so I took the money from his wallet and ran.  It wasn’t like I meant to kill him.  It was an accident.  I just wanted him to leave me alone, but he wouldn’t and there was no around to help.  Worried that I would be in trouble, I decided to move and make some changes in my life.

Years have passed since that night and to my knowledge there have been no arrests and no one suspects me.  I’m so relieved, but I do feel guilty.  I read he had a wife and a daughter.  The daughter is now a teenager.  I feel bad that she grew up without a father, but at least she didn’t grow up knowing he was a rapist.  Who knows, maybe I saved her from being raped.

It’s rough living like this.  I’m always scared and looking over my shoulder.  Every time I hear a siren, I hold my breath and fear they are coming for me.  Over the years, I have tried to live a normal life.  I got a job and I exercise every morning.  My life could be more normal.  I could have friends, but I don’t.  There’s just too much I would have to lie about so it’s easier not to have friends.  It really sucks and it’s lonely not having anyone to talk to about things. 

I miss my old life.  I had a great boyfriend named Brent.  We dated for five years and I was in love with him.  I didn’t even get to say good-bye to him.  I just couldn’t.  If I would’ve seen him, I wouldn’t have been able to leave.  I loved him so much and still do.  I think I always will.  I’ll never be able to move on and date again.

Just as I was thinking I could live in my new home for the rest of my life, I noticed this guy following me on my morning walk through the park.  I was scared and sure it meant someone found out about my past, maybe saw me on America’s Most Wanted called.

As I hurried home, I noticed that him following me.  I tried to act casual and not panic as I rushed into my apartment building and to the third floor.  Once inside I peaked out the window.  He was by a tree talking on a cell phone.  Great, I thought.  I’m in serious trouble.  He’s calling for back up.  I don’t have much time.  They’ll be here soon.  I began pacing back and forth trying to think of something and fast.  I didn’t want to go to jail so I decided to run again.  I grabbed my bags from the small closet and tossed them on the bed.  I packed my clothes and checked the window again.  I expected to see police cars, but I didn’t.  He was still there, but he was talking to another man.

I grabbed my bags and headed for the door.  I slowly opened it and peaked into the hall.  It was empty.  I dashed for the back stairs that led to the back entrance.  When I got to the first floor I was just a few feet from the door when I heard a man yell for me to stop.  Needless to say I ran as fast as I could out the door.  I hurdled bushes, even ran through yards until I was grabbed from behind causing me to tumble to the ground.  I was pinned face down, but I wasn’t giving up without a fight.  I started kicking my legs and trying anything I could to get away.  It was useless.  He was too strong.

“Calm down Rita.”

I froze.  He knew my name.  My heart started pounding.  Now I was busted for sure. 

“It was self-defense.  I didn’t mean to,” I said quickly.

“What are you talking about?” he asked as he turned me onto my back.  I nearly fainted when I looked at him.  I couldn’t believe it was Brent.  He found me.

“Brent?  Is that really you?  How did you find me?”

“It wasn’t easy finding you.  I’ve been searching since the day you left.”

“You have?”

I was shocked.  Why was he searching for me?  Was he a cop?  I wasn’t sure if I could trust him.

“Of course.  Did you honestly think I would let the love of my life leave?”

I was confused.  This couldn’t be happening, but I was excited to see him.  He hadn’t changed a bit and neither had my feelings for him.

“Answer one question?”

I nodded and waited for the question.

“Was it because of another man?”

“Of course not.”

“Was it because you didn’t love me?”

“No.  I still do.  I always have.”

“I don’t care why you left just as long as you will marry me and come with me.”

“Where?”

“Anywhere.”

I couldn’t believe he was there saying this.  It was a dream come true so of course I smiled and said yes.  Then he kissed me.

“So what’s with this Eve Bennett name?”

“Don’t you like it?”

“I didn’t say that,” he said, “but you’ll always be my Rita.”