What Happened That Night

“Then how can you even think about forcing her to go back to see him?”

“Because he’s her father. Regardless of his past transgressions, I believe he loves Brandy.”

“He’s not capable of love. He’s a monster who killed my sister and—”

“I’m not condoning his actions or trying to diminish your sister’s death. I just think he did a good thing in letting go of Brandy so she could have a normal life. Legally, he had the right to make life miserable for all of us, but he didn’t.”

I bit down so hard I tasted blood. Salvador had no idea. No idea.

“Ruthie, this isn’t a big deal. I mean, it is but—”

“He raped me,” I blurted out.

“What?”

“He raped me. After killing Cheryl, he raped me. He didn’t just destroy Cheryl’s life, he—” Angry tears shook my body. “I never wanted you to know. I’m so ashamed. I never wanted Lia—”

Salvador’s eyes widened. “Ruthie, are you saying... are you saying Lia...”

I swallowed. “I wasn’t pregnant when I went to Texas to see my sister. I thought I was, but I wasn’t. I just missed my period. The night he raped me is when I got pregnant. That’s why my dates didn’t match with the sonogram.”

“Oh, Ruthie.”

“I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry.” I fell to my knees as huge sobs shook my body. Now that Salvador knew my shame, nothing would ever be the same again.