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2 0 1 8 T U S C A R O R A R E V I E W

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T U S C A R O R A R E V I E W 2 0 1 8

S T O R Y

“Brooklyn,” I answer, keeping my focus directed on my own slice.

“Why did you leave?” she inquires with another poorly concealed glance.

“Troubling neighbors, believe it or not,” I say, bringing my head up to meet

her eyes across the table in an icy stare.

“How unfortunate,” she muses, meeting my glare.

“I promised champagne,” she says suddenly, standing and crossing to the

kitchen. She returns moments later with a bottle and two glasses.

“It’s funny how you happened to choose this town. I would think you’d have

quite the trouble adjusting to the envi-

ronment,” she says, pouring each of us

a glass. She returns to her seat across

the table.

“Brooklyn and Malibu aren’t as differ-

ent as you would think. It seems like the

people are about the same,” I trail off,

watching Ashley throwme a sarcastic

smile.

“Well, you seem to have gotten com-

fortable. I’m sure Rob would agree.” I

stiffen at the mention of her husband, auburn hair and emerald green flashing

through my mind. I reach for my glass and take a long sip before replying.

“The both of you have been very welcoming.” I stifle a painful cough as the

sensation of the liquid in my throat grows sharp. I look up at Ashley in flooding

realization.

“Oh, Rob’s been very welcoming, hasn’t he? You know, maybe you should

consider closing your windows at night. Or locking your door when your leave.

Or closing your blinds when you sleep with my husband.” She stands and walks

over to me as I fall to my knees, clutching my throat and coughing violently.

She grabs my face and forces me to meet her eyes, her nails digging sharply

into the skin of my cheeks. “I knew you were no good from the minute you

arrived. You destroyed my neighborhood, so I’m going to destroy you.”

Ashley lets go of my face and I crumble to the floor, blood trickling frommy

mouth. As my eyes fall shut and my chest lifts one last time, I hear a whisper

from above me.

“Poison for poison.”

“I knew you

were no good

from the minute

you arrived.”

Nicole Campbell, Beast – Illustration