Mystique

By Lia Grant

The Mosswood family experienced
the worst nightmare imaginable.
Their precious daughter Kyla
Unique vanished. After fifteen
painstaking and grueling years,
Kyla is reunited with her family. As
this nightmare should be over for
Kyla, she discovers it is only just
beginning. As a crazed lunatic lurks
in the dark, Kyla must relive suicide,
murder and molestation in order to
move forward.
Her persistent boyfriend will stop
at nothing to discover what haunts
her thoughts as she must decide
whether to reveal her past to save
herself or keep a promise that may
cost her life.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Mar 31, 2010
• ISBN: 9781450039789

Book preview

Prologue

Blood dripping from open cuts, tears rolling down her cheek; her hands trembled causing the gun to shake. Brianna walked to the center of the church and fell to her knees. She let out a scream of pain.

God please, stop this pain please! she yelled.

Brianna cried harder and yelled again, before picking up the gun and placing it to her head. She turned to Kyla, her eyes were pleading for her to stop. She was scared her body wouldn’t allow her to move. Realizing that Kyla couldn’t or wouldn’t help her, Brianna turned to the cross.

Please God; stop me before I do something bad, please! I just want to go home, I don’t want to hurt no more! she yelled.

Briana looked back at her friend, crying and without the slightest hesitation she pulled the trigger, BAM!!

Chapter One

Kyla splashed water on her face before drawing in a deep breath. She was trying to wash away the images of last night’s nightmare. Guilt seemed to plague her conscience. What bothered her most about her friend’s untimely death was her inability to stop her from pulling the trigger. A knock on the bathroom door interrupted Kyla’s thoughts.

You OK in there sweetie? Mrs. Smith asked

Yes Mama

OK, well you’re lawyer is waiting for you.

OK, I’ll be right out. She replied unlocking the bathroom door and proceeding down the stairs behind her foster mother. Animosity was felt in the living room as Kyla took her seat, glancing back and forth between her lawyer and her foster parents.

Why is everyone so quiet?

Go ahead Damien tell her what you think she should do? Mr. Smith said seething in anger.

I think it would be in your best interest to find your biological parents.

WHAT? WHY?

I think it could be a huge factor in helping your healing process.

That’s absolutely ridiculous and out of the question.

Well I don’t think it is. I’ve already assigned one of my staff members to looking up your biological parents.

Are you guys going to allow him to do this without your consent?

You’re of legal age Kyla I do not need their consent.

This is bull shit, She yelled storming out of the housing, her blood was boiling like a volcano ready to exploded as she marched down the street in the cold winter weather.

*     *     *

Across town Aaron sat in his living room watching his three year old daughter playing silently with her toys. He was waiting on his wife to finish getting dress as they had plans to join his parents for dinner. Aaron glanced at his watch they were already late.

Adrianna are you ready to go yet? Aaron yelled

Yes, Aaron I’m coming! Goodness! She exclaimed as his cell phone rang. The caller I.D. flashed his mother’s name.

Hello?

Hey son, what happened to you guys? I thought you were coming over so we could see Ariel?

We are Mom, as soon as Adrianna is ready.

Mrs. Smith rambled on about Kyla; but Aaron’s focus was on his daughter who was now pulling on his shoe lace.

Ari cut that out.

Sorry, Daddy.

Ariel continued to play with her Elmo doll as Aaron returned his attention to his mother.

Mom I’m sorry, I didn’t hear the last thing you said. What was it?

I was saying that Kyla’s nightmares seem to get worse every day, and she won’t tell us what they are about. It’s really bothering me, especially last night when she was yelling for you to stop.

Stop what?

I don’t know, His mother got quiet and Aaron knew she was worried about Kyla. He was too. Adrianna finally came down stairs. She put Ariel’s coat on her as they all headed out the door.

Well, Mom we’ll talk more about this when I get there OK?

OK son, see you then.

Aaron arrived at his mother’s house twenty minutes later. There was an unfamiliar car parked in the driveway.

Baby who’s car is that? Adrianna asked

I don’t know, but we’re going to find out. He replied as they walked towards the door. Aaron pulled out his key and unlocked the door.

Up daddy, up please. Ariel whined

Aaron picked her up and she grabbed hold of his neck tightly, slightly choking him. She was scared and he knew it.

Ariel let go of Daddy’s neck some, you’re choking me.

She did as Aaron said. He started to walk into the house; his wife grabbed his arm to stop him.

Baby, I don’t think you should go in there.

Come on Adrianna my mom could be in trouble; let’s just see who’s here.

They walked into the living room to see Aaron’s mother and another man sitting in their living room talking. Aaron’s facial expression went from confusion to furious in an instant.

Who is this mom?

This is Damien Miller your sister’s lawyer.

How are you young man? he asked and stuck his hand out for Aaron to shake it.

I’m good. Aaron said shaking his hand.

Damien, this is Aaron my second oldest son.

How’s the case coming? Aaron asked

He turned and looked at Mrs. Smith, as if he was asking for permission to speak about the case. Aaron raised a curious eye brow at the exchange.

Where’s Kyla and Darren?

Darren went back to Atlanta

Where’s Kyla?

We don’t know where she is Mr. Miller said

What do you mean; you don’t know where she is?

Why don’t we let you two talk; Adrianna and I will go start dinner. Mrs. Smith said.

Yes and Ariel can help, right angel? Adrianna said to her daughter who was playing with Aaron’s chain.

No, I want to stay with daddy. She Whined.

No, come on now and let your father and the nice man talk. Ariel started to cry as Aaron gave her to her mother. They walked out the room as Aaron sat down in the chair by the window.

You have a very beautiful family. Mr. Miller said

Thank you.

About your sister,

What about her? Where is she?

Well she kind of ran away.

WHAT? Why did she run away? What did you say to her?

Calm down son, I have informed her that my staff is looking for her biological parents.

Her biological parents, She doesn’t need them she has parents.

I know this may be hard for you to handle, but this is for Kyla’s benefit. He spoke knowingly as an enraged Aaron stormed into the kitchen.

You’re sending her back to her real family? Aaron questioned.

Sweetie the Lawyer thinks it will aid Kyla along in her healing process. His mother said

We are her family, he can’t just make these decisions for her without her consent, she’s not going anywhere and that’s final. Aaron walked out the house leaving his wife and child.

*     *     *

Kyla walked down the street, the cold night air chilled her. She was still seething with anger at her lawyer’s decision. Her biological parents were the furthest thing from her mind. Consumed with thoughts and unaware of her surroundings, Kayla was startled when she bumped into someone.

My Bad, Excuse me. she said moving out his way

It’s alright, he said

Kyla looked up at the guy; he looked very familiar to her. He however stared at her like he’d seen a ghost.

Do I know you from somewhere? She asked

You probably don’t remember me, but I know you.

Wait, do you know somebody named Aaron?

Yes, my name is James Anthony Mosswood Jr.

"Your name sounds familiar for some reason, my name is . . .

Kyla Unique Mosswood, I know.

Yeah, how did you know that?

I told you I know you.

J.J. hadn’t notice that his calmness and knowledge of Kyla gave her an eerie feeling. She looked at him for a minute observing him, wondering how he knew so much about her.

How do you know Aaron? J.J. didn’t respond. His look sent chills through her as she slowly started to back away from him. It seemed like every time she would move he would too. Kyla heard someone from behind her calling her name. She turned to see Aaron coming towards her and started walking in that direction when J.J. grabbed her arm. She screamed for Aaron as he came running down the street.

Aye get your hands off my sister Aaron yelled

Your sister, this is my sister he said

J.J. what do you mean this is your sister? Aaron said trying to play it off

Man don’t try to play it off like you don’t know what I’m talking about, you know this is my sister.

I’m not your sister, I don’t even know you

You do know me you just don’t remember, how else could I have known your name?

I’ve been all over the news you could have found that out easily.

Would you like me to prove you’re my sister?

No J.J. I think you need to leave now. Aaron said

Why don’t you let her answer for herself?

No I said leave

What’s the matter Aaron you don’t want her to find out the truth?

J.J I’m warning you leave,

How about it Kay you want me to prove you’re my sister?

J.J I’m going to count to five you either leave now or . . .

Or What Aaron, you’re going to fight me? She has a right to know her real family.

She already has a family; she doesn’t need a new one

She is my sister, she’s going to come home weather you like it or not.

Your sister, please I’m the only one who cares for her not you

You think I don’t care about my sister, your wrong cause I do

Yeah right, if you cared for her then, where were you when she got kidnapped huh? Why didn’t you try to find her then huh?

Kyla had never seen Aaron act like this before, it scared her. She could clearly see the animosity between them.

Aaron let’s just go home, please I just want to go home. Kyla said

Kay, this is not your family, you’re coming home with me.

Try it and I’ll kill you.

This isn’t over Aaron you’ll be seeing me. Kay when you ready to know the truth call me.

I don’t know your number.

Ask Amare. J.J. said getting into his car and left. The walk home was silent not a word was spoken, two sat on the steps; neither of them were ready to go in.

Kay, no matter what happens you’re going to always be my baby sister, I love you regardless of what your lawyer does, or says. And you don’t have to go anywhere if you don’t want to understand?

Yeah, I know big head I love you to.

Aye, what I tell you about calling me that

Sorry

Better be, now come on let’s go eat, because I’m hungry

Yes, you should be. You’re looking a little thin these days.

Aaron and Kyla walked in the house laughing, noticing that all eyes were on them. Kyla stopped dead in her tracks and eased her way behind Aaron.

Kay, I know you not hiding from me I thought I was your favorite? Amare said

Man, forget you, I’m her favorite Keon said

Both of ya’ll can shut up, she doesn’t like neither one of you. Adrianna yelled from the kitchen. Laughter erupted in the room, Amare and company approached them. Hugs and kisses floated around. Kyla noticed a smooth Carmel skinned man standing behind Amare. He was taller than him, maybe by an inch or so. His hair was wet and curly, a small diamond stud complimented his ear and the intensity that sprinkled behind his hazel orbs captivated her. Feeling her gaze upon him, he flashed a toothy grin her way as she blushed.

Kyla, come over here. Amare said

Amare, how are you?

I’m good. This is my baby brother Kyan. Kyan this is Kyla. Now you kids play nice, he said, pushing Kyan forward and walking away.

Hi, it’s nice to meet you.

It’s nice to meet you too, She replied shyly. Everyone sat around joking and laughing and full of life. Kyan stole glances at Kyla who was to pre-occupied wondering who J.J. was. Kyla snapped out of her daze when she felt her niece tapping her leg.

T.T. can I watch the Lion King? She asked.

Oh, you have the Lion King?

Yes, I do. Would you like to join us?

Why yes, thank you. Come on Ariel I’ll race you upstairs, Kyan said. Kyla laughed following behind the two running up the stairs. When she got up to her room Kyan and Ariel were arguing over who was going to get to sit on the bed.

I get the bed, Kyan.

Why?

She’s my T.T.

So I like her. So I get to sit on the bed.

I’m telling on you Kyan.

Well, I’m telling on you to Ariel

Kyla hurled over holding her stomach in laughter watching from the stairway as Ariel walked up to her father, teary eyed.

What’s the matter baby girl? Aaron said

Kyan won’t let me sit next to T.T. on the bed.

Why not?

Cause he said he like T.T.,

Come on Kyan. She is only three let her sit next her aunt." Keon said

I want to sit next to her too. Kyan said

Stop acting childish, Kyan. Ms. Daniels said, settling the dispute.

Yes, Ma’am, He said returning to Kyla’s room with the young girl in tow. Kyla sat in a chair by the window and Ariel was on the bed. She was looking out of the window at a couple of doves sitting on a tree branch. A hand touching her shoulder made her turned around.

Look at her sleep already. He whispered

Yeah, Loin king puts her down every time.

Can I ask you something?

Sure, I guess.

Why don’t you have a boyfriend?

It’s a long story. Kyla said hoping he would drop the issue

Tell me, I got all the time in the world.

You wouldn’t understand so just drop it she said a little annoyed.

How do you know I wouldn’t understand if you won’t tell me? Kyla sighed; Kyan grabbed her chin making her look at him, the intensity in which he stared at her made her nervous.

Hey I’m not here to judge you, just trying to get to know you ma.

Look it’s a long story, I don’t trust men, and I’m uncomfortable around them and a bunch of other stuff.

Do you feel uncomfortable around me?

I didn’t until you started questioning me

I can’t help if I wanted to get to know you. He was becoming angry, she was afraid to let her guard down and he made her feel bad.

How many foster homes have you been in?

Stop questioning me please

Forget it man, I’m out He got up and walked out of the room. She followed behind him entering the kitchen were Mrs. Smith, Adrianna, and Ms. Daniels were talking.

Can I talk to you guys for a minute?

Sure join us Said Adrianna

This is about my son isn’t it? Ms. Daniels asked

Yes ma’am, it is

What happened?

He was asking too many personal questions and I snapped at him

Yes, he does have a tendency to do that when he’s interested in someone, don’t take it personal he likes you.

I guess so

Kay you’re going to have to open up at some point and stop being so secretive, every man isn’t the same.

You should think about it, let him get to know you, he seems harmless. Adrianna added. Aaron entered the kitchen interrupting their conversation announcing him and his wife’s departure. Kyla took the opportunity and returned to her room, Kyan stood over her bed shaking her sleeping niece.

Kyan, I’m sorry for snapping at you like that.

It’s ok, I’m not mad at you.

Can I make it up to you?

Sure, how about you let me take you out tomorrow.

I can’t I have court tomorrow.

Oh, well we can do something after court then,

Yea that’s if I’m still free, Kyan studied her facial expression; her hand trembled nervously and he took notice.

Don’t be nervous; I’m not going to hurt you

I didn’t say you were going to.

Didn’t have to, your hands are trembling.

Oh, sorry that’s a habit.

It’s not your fault. He blurted out unexpectedly

What’s not my fault?

What happened to your friend, don’t blame yourself.

How did you know about her?

Television, they been talking about it for days.

That figures, the media always finds out your darkest secrets.

Yep, they are good at that, but why would you keep her a secret?

She’s not; I was just making a statement.

Oh, listen can I get your number and I’ll call you tomorrow, if that’s ok with you.

Yea sure, The two exchanged numbers, Kyan pulled her into a warm hug, before descending downstairs. Kyla retreated to the bathroom, a small grin played on her features. She felt like a shy school girl as she stepped into the shower washing away the day.

Chapter Two

Kyla heard a loud bang come from downstairs, Tony was home. Scared Kyla shook B.J. until she awoke. B.J. locked the bed room door and the two hid under the bed as they listened to Tony stumble up the stairs. His footsteps stopped just outside their room door. He turned the knob but the door wouldn’t budge. Tony realizing the door was locked, began kicking the door, until the door swung open. The girls could see Tony’s shoes, as he moved about the room. The girls covered their eyes praying they would escape Tony’s extreme punishments at least for tonight. When they no longer saw or heard Tony, B.J felt it was safe to come out, then suddenly, B.J. was being pulled from under the bed and a hand grabbed Kyla’s shoulder.

Ahhh!

Kyla, its ok your safe A voice said

No, let me go!

Kyla wake up! She shot up, sweat covered her shirt, tears falling from her eyes, and her vision blurred as she looked up. Her mind still flashing an image of Tony, she began to panic.

No I’m sorry I won’t act up again. Tony’s image moved closer to Kyla but she continued to back up, shaking with fear and nowhere to go, Tony’s figure vastly approaching her, she Shot from her position in hopes of finding a safe haven. A pair of muscular arm reached out halting her escape.

Kyla calm down, I’m not going to hurt you a voice said

No Tony, Aaron help me please

What’s going on in here? a female voice said

Nothing honey, Kyla was having a nightmare. He said

Was it the same one? Asked Mrs. Smith

No it was a new one. Kyla replied her blurred vision now clear she stared aimlessly into nothing and slightly embarrassed for her outburst.

You want to tell us about it?

No

Ok, we’ll let’s get ready, you have court in an hour. Mrs. Smith said.

Ok The Smith’s exited the room, she sighed another nightmare left her feeling the need to pay a visit to her friends grave. Kyla headed towards the stereo turning it on letting the sounds of Janet Jackson’s ‘That’s the way love goes,’ fill the room as she continued to prepare for her day.

*     *     *

The court room was stuffy, the smell of sweat lingered throughout the place, and the people were shifting in their seats uncomfortably. Kyla sat there palms sweating, heart beating a mile a minute waiting for the judge to return for the verdict. She turned and glanced around for her family, Kyan came into view her stomach fluttered as she mouthed a quick thank you to him.

All rise, for the Honorable Judge Emory Jones. The Bailiff said. Everyone in the room stood as the judge entered and took his seat in the stand

You may be seated. Said Judge Jones. Everyone sat down; her eyes wondered the room again. Sensing her nervousness her lawyer leaned over and whispered to his client.

He’ll be here, everything will be fine.

Has the jury reached a verdict? asked the judge

Yes your honor, we have.

Please read the verdict.

We the jury find the defendant Kyla Unique not guilty on the charge of first degree murder. A loud gasp sounded in the court room, Kyla stood and hugged her lawyer as they made their way through the sea of flashing camera’s and news reporters. Once outside Kyla noticed Aaron was standing at the bottom of the steps awaiting them.

See Kyla, I told you everything would be ok. Aaron said

Thanks Aaron, for everything, your support and everything.

No need to thank me, what are big brothers for?

There for a lot. J.J. interrupted

Who asked you for your two cents?

Mind your manners Aaron. Mrs. Smith said

Yes ma’am. Aaron replied. J.J. approached Kyla two adults by his side. They stared at her awe struck; becoming nervous she pulled Kyan to the side as a distraction.

I didn’t know you were coming,

I wanted to surprise you, I’m glad you got off.

You and I both, but thank you.

You’re welcome, so can I still take you out tonight?

Yes, you may,

Good, let me give you a ride home, He stated gently grabbing her hand leading her towards his truck just as Mrs. Smith approached them.

Well, let’s celebrate, who’s up for a Barbeque? Asked Mrs. Smith

I would love to celebrate but, I have a date tonight.

Who are you going on a date with? Aaron asked

Damn get out of her business. J.J. said

Man was I talking to you? Aaron said, she chuckled at the two, Kyan opened the car door helped her into the passenger seat and allowed her to get comfortable before shutting it. Kyla looked back to see the two familiar adults walking up towards the Smith’s confusion settled in as she watched.

What’s wrong?

You see the two adults, talking to my parents?

Yeah,

They look familiar; I think they might be my biological parents.

Did you talk to them?

No,

Do you want to? I can wait.

No, no that’s ok,

Ok, would you like for me to take you home so you can change?

Yes please, and would you mind if we stop by the cemetery after that. I have something I need to do.

Sure ma, anything you want. Kyan turned on the radio, Kyla laughed aloud at the song playing Kyan looked at her as they begin singing the song together.

I will love you any way, even if you cannot stay, I think you are the one for me here is where you ought to be, I just want to satisfy you your not mines and I can’t denied it don’t you hear me talking babe love me now or go crazy, whoa ooh sweet thang, don’t you know you’re my everything yes you are.

You like old school music. Kyan said with a sly grin

Yea, I’m old school to my heart.

What you know about Chaka Khan?

I know a little bit.

So how old are you?

I’m Twenty-One and you?

I’m Twenty-Three,

Tell me something interesting about you. He told her all about his childhood, family, and fears. Upon arrival at the Smith’s home, the placed was completely deserted. Kyan sat on her bed, watching Television. She stood under the water in the shower and let it hit her face. Kyla sighed the trial was over, but the nightmares, pain, and the scars were still there, never to go away and rocky road still ahead.

*     *     *

The Smith’s sat at a small table in the middle of the diner; the air was hot and smelled of smoke and funk. The Mosswood’s sat across from them; a folder sat on the table in front of them. Aaron kind of had an idea of what this was about. Kyla’s lawyer walked over and joined them as well.

Ok let’s get down to business, Mr. and Mrs. Smith these are Kyla’s biological parents. Mr. Miller said

Please allow us to re introduce ourselves I’m James Mosswood Sr. and this is my wife Renee and of course you know my son James Jr.

I’m Jeremy Smith and you know my wife Annette and my son Aaron.

Yes, it’s been a long time Aaron how is everything? Asked James

Everything good sir, but what’s this about? Aaron replied

Well, we would like to discuss something with your parents regarding the return of our daughter Kyla. Mrs. Mosswood said

What is there to discuss? How do we know your her biological parents? Mr. Smith

Come on Jeremy don’t play this game you know Kyla is our daughter all we want is for you to return Kyla back to us. James said

Can you prove that Kyla belongs to you? Mr. Miller interjected.

Of course we can we have her birth certificate, and pictures of her when she was six and a flyer from when she was kidnapped.

Kidnapped? the Smith’s said playing it off.

Yes Kyla was indeed kidnapped when she was six years old, there was also an arrest warrant issued for Mrs. Allison Jones, for creating a false birth certificate, and altering Kyla’s given name to her middle name. Mr. Miller said

Why weren’t we told about the kidnapping? Asked Mr. Smith

I assumed you guys already knew about it. Mr. Miller said

No she does not like to talk about her past, the only thing we knew about was the birth certificate. Mrs. Smith said

Well, are you willing to return our daughter? Mrs. Mosswood said

No, we will not return her. Mr. Smith said

Please, we don’t want to make this a court matter. James said

Kyla is of legal age to make her own decision so this really wouldn’t be a matter of the court; it would be Kyla’s sole decision to leave the Smith’s. Mr. Miller said

Yes we know that she is of legal age, the court matter would be charging you with kidnapping, seeing as how the Smith’s knew that Kyla was our child and did not return custody of her to us, when she was found. James Sr. stated.

Look all we want is our child back, you have no idea what it’s like to wake up every day wondering if your child is dead or alive, or if she hurt or not. Mrs. Mosswood said on the verge of tears

We may not understand your pain, but she has become part of our lives to. Mr. Smith said

How about this, we let Kyla stay with you guys for a while and if she likes it then she can stay, but if she doesn’t then she remains in our custody and you don’t take this to court, is it a deal? Mrs. Smith

It’s a deal. Mrs. Mosswood said

Hell naw, I don’t agree with that. Aaron yelled out

Keep your voice down son. Mrs. Smith said

No way, I’m not going to sit back and let you give my sister back to these people, you haven’t even discussed it with her.

Aaron calm down son, now Annette you know he’s right, I really think we should talk to Kyla about this first and that’s all I have to say about it. Everyone stood up and walked towards the door, Jeremy avoided shaking hands with the Mosswood’s as he exited the diner.

"Look Annette, here is my number, please give me a call when this is