These were definitely from someone’s journal. But, as I took a closer look, I saw these pages weren’t from just anyone’s old journal, they were from Helena’s…from back when she was a freshman at college. Ami had been her roommate at the time. She must have stolen Helena’s diary at some point.
What had Helena written that Ami felt was important enough to hide behind her painting? A painting meant for me? Something in these pages pertained to the secret; otherwise why hide them in a piece of artwork. I took a deep breath, scooted my chair closer to the table. And then I began to read…
March 20
A great day!! Mom called this morning. Guess what, dear diary? Ron moved out! Give me a minute while I scream with joy… Okay, I am back. She claims he’s gone for good. He’s never done this before, leave that is, so I hope to God he stays away. Forever and ever. And I think he may. He put her in the hospital again last week, and even if Mom’s not through protecting him, I’m thinking the hospital may report it the next time she comes in. They have to be suspicious.
I called Nate down in Boston and his exact words were “Finally! Thank God.”
He and Adam have been itching to kick Ron’s nasty ass for a long time now, but I always say no. I know it’s been frustrating for them to stand by and do nothing, but how can I take a chance with my mom’s safety? Ron once told me revenge is best served cold, and I don’t even want to think about what the hell he meant by that. He’s such a bastard. But now he’s gone! Ami said we should go out tonight and celebrate. She knows how monumental this is. I’m just thankful she’s been here for me to talk to.
April 4
I thought it was over, I really did. My mistake. I should have known better. While everyone thinks Ron has gone to Florida, the state he once said he was born in, he’s actually been staying somewhere not too far from here, though I’m not sure
exactly where. I can’t say I’m entirely surprised he hasn’t left the area. He has no family, none he’s ever spoken of, that is. Besides, I think tormenting women is great fun for him. So why leave? He may be leaving Mom alone (Praise Jesus), but he’s moved on to me. He cornered me the other day outside the science building. Once I was over the shock of seeing him there, I tried to run. But Ron has always been fast. He caught me, and once he was sure nobody was around to see anything, he shoved me up against the side of the building and knocked me around a little bit. I now have the bruises to remind myself he maynever leave. I was terrified, but I had enough nerve to ask him why he was hanging around. He said he wanted to have a little fun with me before he left. Sick, right? I told you so. I tried to scream, but he covered my mouth with his sweaty hand. Disgusting pig. I know it’s just a matter of time before he escalates to things unthinkable. It makes me sick to even write it down. But I don’t know what to do. Tell Nate? He’ll kill him. Adam would probably help. Ami has no idea he’s back either. It’s my burden to bear. I’ll figure something out by myself. Besides, Ron told me if I tell anyone anything, he’ll kill my mom. And I believe him.
April 16
Things are getting worse. Ron shows up all over campus, at varied times, but always away from any crowds. His threats are getting more detailed, and I don’t know how much longer until he starts acting on them. I probably don’t have much time. He’s already slapped me, shoved me. Yesterday he kicked me as I walked away. Of course, he laughed when I fell. But those acts are nothing compared to what I fear he’ll escalate to. I want to tell Nate, but I know he’ll take action. And I fear for him, too. Ron is dangerous. But at least he’s leaving my mom alone.
Today was bad though. Ron was waiting for me by the back entrance of our dorm. He was leaned up against a tree, smoking. I think he must be staying at Fowler’s Motel, outside of Harbour Falls, because after he flicked his cigarette toward my face, he laughed and immediately lit another one with a red matchbook that I recognized as being from Fowler’s. We had some pretty cool parties there back in high school. It kind of scares me now that he’s staying that close to my mom’s house. It makes his threats all the more credible, because he’s close enough to carry them out. He scared me today, but I was so mad I said more than I should. He responded by giving me a black eye. Ami saw my eye when I got back to the room, so I had no real choice but to tell her what’s been going on. She promised she’d never tell a soul. Ami can be quirky and unpredictable, but she’s really good when it comes to keeping secrets.
May 5
5:20 p.m.
Oh my God, Ron was in the dorm! In the room I share with Ami. She missed him by five minutes. He didn’t do or say anything; I think he just wants me to know how easily he can get in here. Ami saw my face when she came in, and once I told her he’d been in our room, she grabbed her cell and her car keys and went after him.
