Mermaids of Calabar Beginning

Chapter 1: The Death

I never saw it coming, that was my biggest mistake of my life.

That's what haunts me the most of all, the fact that I remained blind in love while all the signs were there blaring neon lights in front of my face but I refused to see it.

I could remember all the signs vividly that showed me something was wrong— it started with David working later than usual, the secretive phone calls that he always has at odd times of the day and never in my presence, the way he'd pull away from my touch when I reached for him.

But I'd refused to see it, convinced myself it was just a rough day at work, that it had nothing to do in our marriage.

Until I felt the cold sharp end of the knife in my stomach.

It was a Tuesday evening when I was killed in my house. I remember how it happened. I had been standing in the kitchen after making dinner which was already set out on the table cooling, , the twins were upstairs in their room playing video games.

David had texted me that he'd be late again and I shouldn't wait up for him. No surprise there.

The doorbell was pressed alerting me that someone was at the door while I was pouring myself a glass of wine.

I wasn't expecting anyone except if David managed to finish earlier and had returned, I doubted that thought because he had a home key, but I answered anyway.

Jessica was standing on my front porch, smiling that smile of hers like we were best friends and knew each other intimately. I'd only met her a number of times before, if I remembered correctly she was David's "old friend from high school" who'd recently moved back to town.

She was everything I wasn't, young, gorgeous, with a career while I was a mere housewife.

"Caroline! Sorry to drop by without seeking an invite before hand," she said, as she walked inside without waiting for an invitation from me. I closed the door like that and walked in after her as she continued speaking

"I just needed to talk to David about something. Is he home?"

"He's working late," I answered as I held on tight to my wine glass, my only support system now. "Again."

Something was on her face, but it passes away too quickly for me to see it. Was it amusement? Pity? I couldn't tell at all.

"Oh, that's too bad," she said, following me to the kitchen, as I narrowed my eyes but kept quiet.

"I guess I'll just have to talk to you instead."

I should have noticed that something was wrong there. I should have seen how she kept looking around, making sure we were alone. I should have noticed why she was blocking the door preventing anyone from entering and leaving the kitchen.

"What did you want to talk about?" I asked, turning to look at her after I dropped my glass down on the kitchen counter.

Jessica's smile shifted from something cheery to something cruel and hard as she scoffed loudly.

"You know, Caroline, I've tried to be patient. I really have, more than you know. But this is getting ridiculous."