Chapter 90

Chapter 90
Julie found Emily lying on her bed, staring blankly at the ceiling. When Emily noticed her standing in the doorway, she turned away, tears already in her eyes. Julie felt as if a cold barrier had been raised between them, and she didn’t blame Kyle for being protective. She deserved more than the ‘talking to’ he had given her, but she was glad that he was still chill and supportive.

Without hesitation, Julie climbed onto the bed and sat beside her. "Em," she said softly, her voice filled with regret. "I'm sorry. I’m so, so sorry. I know I hurt you, and I was selfish. You were always there for me and took care of me, even when I didn’t deserve it. You were the only one in my life that was truly there for me, without having anything getting in the way. I didn’t understand it back then... but I miss you. I'm so sorry for pushing you away."

Emily’s remained silent and unmoving. Julie sighed and continued, her voice growing more desperate. "I promise, I'll do whatever you want. Anything! Just... please, forgive me. I don’t want us to be apart anymore."

Slowly, Emily sat up and looked at Julie, a small smile gracing her face.

"You make it hard to stay mad, you know that?" Her gaze lingered on Julie. "Especially when you look like that... all cute and pouty."

"Does that mean...?"

"Yes, I forgive you."

Julie’s face lit up, and without another word, she threw her arms around Emily, pulling her into a warm embrace. She closed her eyes, savoring the feeling of being close again. She pulled back slightly and leaned in, their lips connecting in a tender kiss.

"I'm only going to focus on us," Julie whispered against her lips. "Starting today."

Emily smiled, cupping Julie’s cheek as she deepened the kiss.

When they finally pulled apart, Emily’s expression softened, a hint of concern crossing her face. "So tell me, how have you been? Have you heard from Mason?"

Julie sighed, the light in her eyes dimming as she told Emily everything Margaret had revealed. Emily’s eyes widened with each revelation.

"Wow," Emily finally spoke, leaning back. "That's... a lot to take in."

"I know, right?" Julie replied, managing a small smile.

Emily glanced at her, sensing something deeper. "And how’s Raven handling all of this?"

"Better than I imagined." Julie’s face fell, her gaze hardening. "I... I don't want to talk about Raven right now. I just... want to be here with you. Let’s just enjoy our time together." She let herself relax, laying her head on Emily’s lap and closing her eyes.

Understanding that she didn't want to talk about it, Emily gently ran her fingers through Julie’s hair, brushing a tender kiss on her forehead. For now, she’d let it be.

\~~~~

In the Prescott mansion, Raven and Blair sat facing each other, neither of them spoke. So much had changed in such a short space of time, their very identities had shifted and neither knew quite what to do about it.

Finally, Blair broke the silence. "Don’t tell me you believe what Margaret said... about mom."

Raven arched an eyebrow. "You think she was lying? Why would you think she would be lying about something like this? What motive would she have to suddenly come forward and tell us everything? Why lie about this when there are so many other things she could accuse her of? Why this?"

Blair looked away, frustrated. "Isn’t it obvious? Mom would never do something so... despicable."

Raven's expression turned cold. "Your mom, Blair. Not mine."

Blair’s eyes narrowed. "Wow, after all these years. Are you serious right now? You're just... going to turn your back on her like that? After everything?"

"After everything? Blair, you both treated me like shit! You were horrible and cruel, you ruined everything I had and laughed about it! You schemed against me and hated me for a reason I still don’t understand. She, at least, makes sense because I’m not her daughter, but you? Why did you hate me? Because she told you to! YOUR mother is in jail for kidnapping. So tell me, isn’t that... despicable enough?" Raven’s voice remained steady.

Blair faltered, struggling to defend their mother. "I know, but--"

"But nothing, Blair. We all saw the evidence." Raven interrupted, bitterness seeping into her voice. "I understand she’s your mother, but that woman ruined my life. She stole everything from Julie! She’s responsible for everything I lost and for all the pain I went through. I gave up wishing I had a mother who loved me the way mothers are supposed to love their children. Lately, I thought I had finally gotten the sister I had always wanted. How can you not understand that she's a murderer, Blair? I'm going to make sure she pays for what she's done."

Blair’s face fell, it was a mixture of anger and frustration. "She's already suffering in jail. Why can’t you just... move past it?"

"Suffering? You’ve got to be kidding… please, tell me you’re kidding..." Raven scoffed, shaking her head. "Suffering in jail? That’s nothing compared to the love she's taken, compared with what the two of you put me through. You don’t get it, Blair."

Blair clenched her fists. "So that's it? You want revenge?"

"Revenge? No, Blair, I don’t want revenge. I want justice. I don't expect you to understand." Raven’s gaze was icy, her voice sharp as a blade. "It wasn’t your life that was torn apart. It wasn’t your family that was taken from you. But it's clear now... you'll always defend her, no matter what. You’re her daughter, after all, and I am… nothing to you. I’m not even really your sister, you must be so relieved! I must have been delusional to think that you've changed."

Blair’s eyes filled with tears, but before she could respond, Raven rose from her seat, without another word, she turned and walked out, leaving Blair alone in the silence.