Page 76 of Taking Adalisa

Warmth liquid flows down my neck slowly, making tears well in my eyes. He’s pushed a knife into my neck. What’s next?

“I don’t want to die,” I barely get out. “I don’t want to die yet. I’m not ready. I’m just starting my life.”

“You aren’t going to die,” Matthias tells me, ignoring my brother.

“She is going to die. She should have died all those years ago. She should have died when I first tried to kill her, but she just didn’t. She had to go and get the neighbor to take her to the hospital. She had to get on people’s good side so they would take care of her.” There is so much hatred in my brother's voice. “Always trying to be so perfect and make sure everyone loved you. That’s why you have to die.”

What did I do to deserve so much hate from Gerard? Growing up, I never thought he hated me, not until he showed his true colors. How naïve am I?

“What did I do?” I whisper, feeling lost. “Why do you hate me so much? Why were you trying to kill me?”

Matthias takes a step away from us, and I look at him, confused. Why is he taking a step away from us? But he doesn’t look at me, he keeps his eyes trained on my brother.

“You were born. You took our parents away from me, and then I was stuck taking care of you,” he sneers. “I wanted to give you to foster care, drop you off at a church, but that would’ve made me look bad. Everyone would have asked why. So I decided to slowly kill you so no one would know.”

Tears pool in my eyes. All I ever wanted was a family who loved me, and hearing Gerard tell me how much he hates me breaks my heart. I knew he tried to kill me before.

He hasn’t changed.

I look at Margery. There is so much I want to say to her, so much I want to do with her still. We have our whole lives ahead of us. Tears glisten in her eyes as she looks at me. She knows I don’t have long left I’m dead. I just hope when I go that she isn’t watching. I don’t want my death to haunt her.

“But you didn’t die, so when I went off to prison, I made sure I was on my best behavior, helping everyone who needed it and being a role model so I could have the possibility of parole. When they let me out, I knew I needed to do was kill you. It was always the end game.” He releases some of the pressure on the knife. “This time, you aren’t going to live. I won’t allow it.”

I look over at Matthias, wanting to see him one last time, but I don’t see him anywhere. Ethan stands in his place, a wicked smile across his face as he looks at my brother.

“Think again,” someone whispers, their voice void of any emotion.

I close my eyes as the knife slides across my throat. My hand flies to my neck, holding on as I crumpling to the ground. All I can hear is groaning and rustling, but I don’t pay any attention to it.

“Keep the pressure on it,” Ethan says from my side. “It’s going to be okay.”

Tears fill my eyes as I look at him. I open my mouth, but he shakes his head.

“No, no talking. I want you to keep pressure and remain calm. Brad, the doctor, is coming to check on you. He’ll be here any minute now. I want you to just take nice, easy breaths until then.” His voice is gentle but firm, letting me know I have no room for argument.

I can feel the blood pooling beneath my hand, making my eyes go wide.

“Shh, you’re okay. There is some blood, but not a lot. You’re not dying,” Ethan says, scooting back a little.

“Adalisa.” Matthias comes into view, blood splattered all over his face, his hands coated in the red coppery-smelling liquid.

He killed Gerard.

“You’re safe,” he whispers. “Everything is okay. Brad is almost here to look you over. He can’t hurt you anymore.”

Tears run down my face, my shoulders sagging with relief. My brother can’t hurt me anymore.

“I know, baby. After Brad looks over you, you can break down, but I need you to be stronger for just a little while. Can you do that for me?” he asks. “Can you be my brave girl for a little while longer?”

Nodding, I keep my eyes on him as we wait for Brad.

“You should beall good to go. You have seven stitches in your neck, so I don’t want you to do anything strenuous for a while.” Brad starts to clean up his mess. “I want to see you in a week tosee how it’s looking. Depending on how it’s healing, we may take the stitches out.”

“Thank you for stopping by,” Matthias says and shakes his hand.

“Any time. And if you need anything, call me,” Brad says before he leaves.

Matthias kneels in front of me and cups my face with his hands. “You’re going to be perfectly fine.”

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