Consumed, Chapter 4.

 

I might have completely lost my mind. Under normal circumstances it would never be okay to interact with a patient on this level but there I was ready to risk it all. Keyword: was. I had to get out of there. There’s no way I could encourage a patient to “get rid” of someone. I mean, I really contemplated it. All for you Jason. You’re a problem Jason. A big problem.

My phone rings, but its not you Jason. Actually, I don’t recognize this number at all.

“Hello?”

“Dr. Lauren Grace?”

“Yes…”

“Hello, I’m Dr. Karen Fitzpatrick with Sienna Lake Rehabilitations.”

My heart dropped.

“You’re the contact we have on file for Robert Grace, he’s gone missing…” Dr. Fitzpatrick was still talking but I didn’t here much after that.

Robert Grace. My baby brother Robert. Missing? I’m not even concerned about his safety, I’m sure he’s safe. I’m worried about mine. My brother is a complete psychopath, an entire lunatic, and has been plotting to kill me since we were young. We were small children when he started killing animals. I thought it was all in good sport, boys like to hunt or whatever. I realized I was wrong as we got older. I was 15 and he was 11 when he admitted to me that he was having urges to take his killings to the next level. He was more than serious about it. He researched, gathered resources, and even picked out a target. I couldn’t in good conscience let him go through with it so I told my parents. They had him committed to Sienna Lake; he’s hated me every since. I broke his trust after he had confided in me and for that I would have to pay with my life. I don’t doubt him for a second. He’s out now and I’m sure he’s coming for me.

“Dr. Grace, are you still there?”

I hung up. I can’t sit in this office any longer. I gathered my things and head home in a frenzy. The cab ride to my apartment felt like the longest ride of my life. What if he’s at my apartment? It may not have been the smartest decision to go there. I should have thought about this before I called a cab. I could always change my destination, but what are the odds of him being there? I’m worrying too much. Relax Lauren, keep calm.

The cab comes to a stop in front of my building and now I can’t feel my legs. Take a deep breath Lauren, just chill. The deep breath didn’t work. Just get out the car Lauren. I got out the car. Now what? I stood there for a second, looking up at the building. He could be in there. There’s only one way to find out. I enter, cross the lobby straight ahead to the elevator. As I rise to each floor I can feel my heart pause. Beat. Pause. Beat. Pause. Beat. The 5^th floor is where I take my exit. My door is the first in sight, immediately in front of the elevator. I can’t help but stare at it. Breathe, please Lauren.

I stick the key in the lock and turn. Pause. Just open the door girl. Beat. This time it felt like my heart came out of my chest. Get it together. I opened the door. Silence. My apartment looks normal per usual. Completely unbothered. I hear some shuffling. Pause. It was just my cat. Beat. I almost shit a brick. The anxiety is killing me. I walked through the living room, the kitchen, my bedroom, and the bathroom. I checked everything, no stone was left unturned. No sight of him. I can relax, for real this time.

I need a snack. I head back to the kitchen and grab a bowl out of the cupboard. I grab a box of cereal; Frosted Flakes will do. I pull the milk out of the refrigerator and begin to pour. My milk smells a little different. I sniff at it. It has a bit of an almond-like smell. I think for second. I pour some into my cat’s bowl. This is just a little test.  I’ve lost my appetite now. I can’t help but wonder where my brother may be.

“What are you up to, Robert?”

 

Joy was up to her own shenanigans. She had been home alone since Jason had left the brownstone and it was driving her absolutely crazy. What was he even doing with Maya? Why won’t he come home? Why would he leave her while she’s at her lowest. She knew her affair with David was wrong but she was helpless without Jason. In the midst of her having a meltdown, there was a knock door. She wheeled herself frantically to the door hoping that it was Jason. It wasn’t. Standing before her was a complete stranger.

“Excuse me, my name is Robert Grace. I was hoping to find me sister here.”

“You’re Dr. Grace’s brother?” Joy was a bit shocked.

“Indeed, I am.”

“She’s not here, but please feel free to come in.”

At this point, Joy was willing to take any company she could get. They got real cozy too. She hadn’t spoken to anyone in days so she couldn’t help but spill the beans on everything that’s been happening. From the train incident, David’s death, to Jason leaving and being spotted with Maya. Robert was thoroughly amused by the disarray. He even gave some advice.

“So, what are you gonna do about this ‘Maya’ chick?” Robert was fueling the fire and he knew it.

“What could I do? I’m stuck in this fucking wheel chair.” Joy fights back tears.

“I’m sure you’ll think of something.” Robert could see the wheels turning in Joy’s head.

Robert loves some good drama, this was all he needed. He took it upon himself to help Joy with a few small chores around the house. Seal the deal, gain trust, you know how that goes. Joy was so anxious for human interaction that she saw this as a blessing rather than a manipulative plot. She was vulnerable, and he was eager. It was perfect situation for disaster.

Robert hadn’t forgotten about Lauren though. That was his number one priority.

“I better get out of here. I’m still trying to track Lauren down. I’ll see you around, Joy.”

With Robert gone, Joy put a plan into motion.

 

Joy’s plotting was short lived; Jason finally came home.

“Jason? You’re home?”

“I’m just trying to get a few things, I’ll be out of your way shortly.”

“But…Shouldn’t we talk?”

“Talk about what?” Jason paused for a second while piling clothes into a travel bag.

“Us, Jason. We should talk about us.”

“I’m not trying to hear this shit, Joy.” Jason resumes packing.

“But…”

“You weren’t thinking about us when you were fucking off with David,” Jason interrupts.

“Jason!”

“Whatever man,” Jason grabs his bag and leaves the brownstone without another word.

It would have taken a miracle for Joy to hold back the stream of tears falling from her eyes. Amid all that’s happened, she would have never imagined that Jason could have ever been so cold towards her. Not her sweet, docile Jason. Joy thought that he’d never have the guts to leave her. He loved her far too much. She thought she could get away with anything and he’ll still be there for her. It was finally registering with her that she was wrong. She lost him. She lost them both. She thought for a second that he might love someone else. Does he love Maya? Is this some kind of sick revenge? She lost her last grip on reality at that very moment.

Joy wheeled herself back to the living room. Jason left his phone on the coffee table while rushing to grab his things. Joy saw this as a sign. Time to play a little game.

She began texting Maya from Jason’s phone.

Message from Joy to Maya: This bitch is acting crazy, she won’t let me get my things.

Joy’s anticipation of Maya’s response fueled her psychotic breakdown.

Message from Maya to Joy: I’ll stop by if you need me.

Message from Joy to Maya: Please, hurry before I lose it.

Message from Maya to Joy: on my way.

Joy started laughing uncontrollably, “Look at her, coming to Jason’s rescue. Pathetic bitch.”

Maya showed up 15 minutes later with a menacing beat on the door. “Jason, I’m here. Are you okay in there?” she yelled from the other side of the door. Joy calmly wheeled to the door and took a deep breath before opening it. As soon as the door cracked, Maya rushed her way in while simultaneously knocking Joy out of the way.

“Jason! Jason! Where are you?” Maya yells as she searches the brownstone for him.

Joy follows her leaving the front door ajar. “He’s not here.”

Maya stops in her tracks, “He told me to meet him here, how is he not here?”

Joy laughs, “I told you to come here. Are you slow? Clearly, he’s not here.”

Maya looks around, “Joy, I’m not quite sure what your problem is but I don’t have time for your shit.”

 “But you have time for my man?”

Maya laughs, “Is that what this is about? Your man? You’ve been having an affair with my husband for God knows how long but somehow you’re concerned about what I’m doing with ‘your man’?”

Joy cracks a smile, “Silly girl, they were both mine.”

“You’re a sick bitch,” Maya proclaims as she walks back towards the opened door and left.

Those words triggered Joy. She sat there for a minute but just couldn’t let Maya leave in peace so she wheeled the wheelchair as quickly as she could towards the door to catch up with her. By the time Joy made it to the door, she could see Maya lying on the ground at the bottom of the steps leading up to the brownstone. Joy was completely stunned. How did this happen?

A voice came from behind Joy, “Don’t worry, I took care of her for you.”

 

I left my apartment after losing my appetite. I needed to clear my mind. It took several hours but I finally got it through my head that I was in the clear. Robert wasn’t looking for me. He couldn’t have been. We were children the last time we had saw each other; I’m sure he had moved on from all that. Well, at least that’s what I was hoping.

I came back to my apartment late that evening with a fresh, new bottle of wine ready to wind down and enjoy the weekend. I opened the door, flipped the light switch on…my heart fell out of my chest. Right before my very eyes, my cat was lying lifeless on my living room floor. The bottle of wine dropped from my hand. All I could see was red. He’s definitely been here.

“Robert.” That was the only word my mouth could form.










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