Twinsequences Ivy (Twisted Twin #2)(33)

I couldn’t control my emotions. My sister was standing over me, gloating. Bile rose to my throat as I considered my life resulting to this. I had nothing to live for. I’d never be in love, or get married again. I’d never have a child, or be a mother. Once again I was completely alone, while my sister thrived with life. She had everything and she knew it. “I want you to leave.”

She leaned over the bed again, this time looking out to make sure no one was coming. “Remember when I said I wasn’t the type of person to kill? Well, normally I’m not. I’m compassionate to a fault, and that’s why I’m going to give you a going away present. I’m going to give you an out, because it’s what you deserve. I want my family to be able to sleep at night without keeping one eye open. We need to feel safe.”

“What could you possibly give me? If you haven’t noticed I’m shackled to a damn bed, awaiting transfer to prison.”

She snarled. “You almost killed my children. As a mother, I can’t let it happen again. I need to make sure you’re incapable of getting to us, even by the use of other people. It’s my turn to take control. Goodbye, Ivy. Goodbye to all your evils. Goodbye to all your schemes. The world is a better place without you.”

I watched a pillow come over my face, unbelieving she was capable of doing it. While I struggled to free myself, attempting to scream with no sound able to make it through the stuffing. I could feel the oxygen leaving my body. She was suffocating me – ending my life to protect her own. She was right. This was Karma. I stopped fighting her then, finally realizing what I’d done. Willow wasn’t capable of murder, not unless she felt threatened. Her gift to me was ending my pain, and as I fought for breath I accepted it. Then there was nothing.





Epilogue


WILLOW


As a child we were sheltered from funerals. In my whole adult life I’d only ever been to two. This was my third. With the exception of my husband, no one would ever know my secret. I’d taken my sister’s life. One day I’d have to pay for that sin, but I wondered if God would punish me at all. Surely he wouldn’t want someone like my sister roaming his precious earth, hurting innocent people.

Did I feel bad for my actions? Sure. Every single day it tore at my heartstrings, but then I looked at my children and saw their bright smiles lighting up the room. They were safe from her wrath. They’d never remember the turmoil we went through to be free of her. They’d never remember the time when a psychopath kidnapped them, while we were tied and gagged in the backseat.

I glanced over at my parents, sitting in the first row of seats designated for family. Our friends had attended, but only to support us, not because they cared anything about my sister. She didn’t have friends. All she’d ever done was use people.

My mother sobbed with a balled up tissue stuffed in her hand. My dad kept his hands on his knees, while staring blankly at the casket.

Stoshua’s hand laced with mine. He knew I was thinking about my sister’s last moments, and how I’d been the person to put her out of her misery. My sister was sick. She had something wrong with her, and no one really understands why. She always felt neglected, but she never was. Growing up we had to share everything. I was only praised when I made an accomplishment. Every parent would do that for their children. Ivy never wanted to try to be better. She refused, thinking happiness was handed to you on a golden platter. She expected life to provide for her without effort. She was jealous of my life, my future, and most importantly my family. I squeezed my husband’s hand and felt fresh tears fall from my eyes. No matter what anyone assumed, I’d always love my sister. She was a part of me – my flesh and blood. She’d forever have a place in my heart. The crazy person that tried to steal my life wasn’t the one I chose to remember. Somewhere deep inside my sister was an innocent soul, begging to be set free. I’d given her that last gift. I’d help relieve her pain.

Destiny ran up and climbed on my mother’s lap. In an instant I saw a smile form on her face. The comfort of a child always helped hard wounds heal. I closed my eyes and silently prayed a thousand angels would take Ivy’s soul and heal what was broken. I hope that wherever she was, she was free. To constantly want another person’s life had to be stressful, drawing out the life in someone, until they were an empty shell. That’s who I saw when I looked into her eyes in my van. My sister was gone permanently. It was as if a demon had possessed her body, forcing a once kind girl to commit acts of a selfish crime.

Thinking about it made me upset. I buried my head against Stoshua’s chest and felt his arms coming up behind my back. “It’s going to be okay,” he whispered.

Ivy thought I’d hate Stoshua for his part in what they did in the van. He and I had spent so many nights discussing what would happen if she ever got to us. Even though I hated seeing it, I knew his intentions were pure. He risked himself for the safety of our family. He did it to free me.

During the time my sister was in a medically induced coma in the hospital while she healed, I struggled to get over what happened between them. I kept seeing it playing out every time he tried to touch me. I had to finally let go. I couldn’t hold it in, so on that day they woke her up, I paid my sister a visit. With those images fresh in my head, I had the strength to do what was necessary. Every day I felt like a killer. When I looked at my children I wondered if I’d ever be worthy to be their mother. Maybe I didn’t deserve to live. Maybe I should have drowned in that van.