Twisted Roads – Twisted Horror Stories by Matthew Tonks

The Things You’ll Do For Love

Melinda sits on the side of her bed as tears run uncontrollably down her face, the day finally taking its toll on her. Jeremy makes his way into the room carrying a glass of water and quickly sits down beside her, placing a hand on her leg and gently handing her the glass. She looks at him through eyes brimming with tears, forcing a smile as she takes a big mouthful from the glass, then hands it back to him, wiping her mouth as he places the glass on the table beside the bed.

“I don’t know what I’d do without you,” she says as she grips his hand tightly.

“You never have to worry about that. I’m here for you whenever, however, you need me,” he says, cupping her hand in his.

She smiles as she traces a hand across his jaw. “God, these last few weeks have been the worst of my life, and the only good thing that’s happened is you,” she says as she looks into his big, green eyes. “It’s like you came into my life just when I needed you the most.”

“I guess it’s the world telling us something. I mean, I’ve never believed in fate, or destiny, or any of that shit before, but when we ran into each other that night, something greater was at play, something out of our control, something wonderful,” he replies with a smile.

“You think so? You think we met each other for a reason?”

“I know so. Somehow, we both were meant to be there. Somehow, we were supposed to meet so that we could forge through this, together,” he says as he rubs her leg. She looks down at his hand and cuddles up to him as the tears flow again.

“Really? I feel so terrible that you’re caught up in this mess with me. With all the crazy things that have happened… God, you don’t even really know me, but you’ve still stuck by my side.”

“Don’t be sorry. I want to be here; it’s my choice. So don’t be sorry.”

She smiles at him and stares down at her lap. “The doctor said Mum died instantly. She didn’t feel any pain; she didn’t even know what was happening. B-B-But, but it doesn’t help. Fuck, I was only…” She loses control, and nothing but cries of pain come forth as Jeremy hugs her tightly.

“It’s okay. Let it out, just let it out,” he says, kissing her forehead.

Several moments pass before Melinda finally regains control and pulls herself free from Jeremy’s clutches, faking a smile as she tries to compose herself. Nervously, she picks up her phone and checks through her messages, then lets out a stuttered breath of anxiety before throwing it back down onto the bed.

“God, I just wish Susan would answer her fucking phone, or at least reply to my messages, so I know she’s okay, and she’s on her way. No one’s heard from her for three days. It’s just not like her. Fuck, none of this is like anything I’ve ever experienced before. I just don’t know what to do.”

“She’ll show up, I’m sure of it,” Jeremy says as he places a hand on her chin and turns her face to his. “But I’m here for you, baby, and I’m not going anywhere.” He kisses her on the lips, and they press their foreheads together. “I think I’m falling in love with you,” he whispers, taking a deep breath.

Tears run down her face, and she pushes him away and sits for a few moments before she turns back to him and reaches out slowly, nervously, placing her hands on either side of his face, then kisses him back. “I think I’m falling for you too. It’s the worst time, I know, but I am,” she says as they kiss passionately, falling backward onto the bed together, in each other’s arms.

Jeremy throws his keys on the counter and collapses onto his couch, looking across at her and smiles.

“She said it! She said the words. Fuck, this is insane. Where’s this going to go from here?” She doesn’t answer his question; she just stares at him, her eyes filled with hate, sharp as knives. And he smiles. “Don’t be jealous, it’s just the way life is,” he says as he gets to his feet and walks over to her, running a hand through her hair as she attempts to pull away. But he grabs a handful of hair, pulling her back towards him. “It’ll be over soon,” he says with a grin.

Tears stream down her face as she sees him raise the blade towards her. She jerks around furiously, but she knows there is no hope; the bindings are too tight, and her moving around only makes them rip into her naked flesh more than they already are. “By the way, I know there is never a good way to tell someone this, but I killed your mother this morning,” he says as he slices her throat open and laughs. “The things you’ll do for love,” he says as he steps back and watches the life drain from Susan’s body.