Page 8 of Black Wave

I still my emotions, plastering on a fake smile as best I can. “Of course. You were gone all weekend.”

“I like to hear that, Emma darling. I have plans for us this Friday before you graduate. I want to take you out to dinner with my parents. We are looking forward to your graduation.”

“Oh.” I look down and begin to fiddle nervously with my hands. Julian sees this and stills my hands for me. I gaze up at him, and he motions to move to the kitchen with his head.

“Why don’t you get us a couple of waters? You look like you could use one, and I am thirsty anyway.”

I go to the kitchen, looking over my shoulder. “Okay, I’ll be right back then.” I disappear and get us the water. When I return with our beverages, I find him walking toward the door.

“Julian? Where are you going? I thought you wanted water?” I say, extending my arms out, holding the two glasses.

He smirks at me and opens the door. “I need to go. Behave, Emma. Good luck with your finals, and I’ll see you Friday.”

With that, he leaves me in the living room holding the two glasses, wondering what the fuck that was about.

There is still time left in the two-hour allotted time frame when the school bell rings, alerting us that if we are finished, we can leave. I collect my things and exit the classroom for the last time as a student at this school. I’m curious if Evie is done, too.

Emma

Hey! All done. I’ll be waiting for you near the car.

I leave the school, and the students hanging out by the doors look at me, giving me the sense they are talking about me. Luckily, I have other more important things to think about right now, so fuck them.

I walk to my car and place my bag in the back seat while waiting for Evie to text me back. Another thirty minutes go by before my phone begins to vibrate. Expecting it to be Evie, I look down and see that it is Julian.

Julian

How did it go? Does my special girl deserve a reward for all her hard work?

“I don’t want anything from you,” I say aloud, trying to be brave, knowing he can’t hear me and I am safe from his cruelty.

Emma

I am all finished. Yes.

That is all I reply to his text message. I look up to see Evie walking my way. She is texting someone. I look at my phone and don’t see a response to my message, so I know it isn’t me she is talking to.

I run up to her and give her a big hug. “School’s finished, sister. Finally. Aren’t you excited?”

She hugs me back with less enthusiasm. She quickly puts her phone away and throws her bag into the car’s back seat beside mine.

“Yes, but I am also unsure about what the future holds for us, you know? It’s hard to get excited with so many unknowns.”

I nod in agreement. “Yeah, but I am trying not to think about it. I am too scared. What if the plan doesn’t work? Uncle Andrés hasn’t told us about what is going on.” I chew my nails pensively, praying that he can keep us safe.

She gives me a small smile. “I am sure it will all eventually work out. I just want you to know that I don’t blame you for anything. I love you so much, Emma, and no matter what, I’ll never leave you. Even if you think I am not around, a part of my soul will always be with you.”

She brings my hand up to her mouth and kisses the inside of my wrist, where we got our matching tattoos.

My eyes water at the sentiment, and I promise the same to her in return. Evie makes me promise to be strong, take the gift certificate she gave me for my birthday and learn self-defense classes. “I promise, Evie. I will learn to defend myself.”

She accepts this and places her arm around me. “Come on, let’s go home, graduate.”

We get into the car and drive out of the school parking lot for the last time before our graduation ceremony.

When we get home, our parents are already there waiting for us. All our schedules have been a bit off lately, with finals going on and ultimately finishing this week. Mom comes to us with a smile and what looks like good news.

“Uncle Andrés called. He plans to get us all out of here and away from Julian and his father’s political stronghold.”

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