Mirror Me

By Nakeya Chaney

Erin Elderberry had the perfect life. Her father was the mayor and her mother was a stay-at-home mom. It was until one summer, when things started to change. One small mistake her mother made, led to a whole web of lies that Erin sought out to unravel. The scandal was greater than imaginable. Clawing her

• Language: English
• Publisher: Nakeya Chaney
• Release date: Jul 19, 2022
• ISBN: 9781088046593

Book preview

Nakeya Chaney

Mirror Me

Copyright © 2022 by Nakeya Chaney

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning, or otherwise without written permission from the publisher. It is illegal to copy this book, post it to a website, or distribute it by any other means without permission.

This novel is entirely a work of fiction. The names, characters and incidents portrayed in it are the work of the author's imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or localities is entirely coincidental.

Nakeya Chaney asserts the moral right to be identified as the author of this work.

First edition

This book was professionally typeset on Reedsy

Find out more at reedsy.com

This book is dedicated to my daughter. May you have everything your heart desires and accomplish anything you put your mind to.

I love you

Contents

Acknowledgement

The Necklace

The Tree house

Confusion

The Attic

The Camera

Silhouette

Wreckage

The Switch

Identity Theft

Haldol

Firearm

The Truth

The Funeral

Acknowledgement

I would like to thank my wonderful husband for believing in me. For picking up the slack as a result of me neglecting my chores in order to write this story. For going on this roller coaster of a journey with me. Thank you for not complaining about the hours I have spent glued to my computer while sitting on the couch, ignoring the mayhem around me. I am truly excited about the finished product and I hope you are too! Thanks for all that you do.

The Necklace

Istood at the top of the stairway looking down over the sea of tables, searching for Jake. I hope he kept a close eye on grandmother like he said he would. I don’t need anything to happen to her since she is my key to getting out of this mess.

Glancing at the television screens, I realized the tallies were close to the end with father in the lead. In the front of the room, I could see my father, already celebrating his victory. Jake was still sitting at the table with my grandmother, as he promised. I made my way over to them with only those two in my sight, looking straight ahead.

Then, I noticed a sparkly, red blur in my peripheral. It was Ellen! She was headed toward the garage! I changed course and focused my attention on the red blur. It came into focus, then went away, then came into focus again. I was in the kitchen now, still following closely behind. She opened the garage door, then it closed behind her.

I made it to the door, but before opening it, I took a second to breathe. I was unsure of what I would be walking into once I opened this door. Although no one knew I was here, I couldn’t go back now, I couldn’t lose her. I was scared. Beyond fear. But this was it. Whatever happens, I needed to mentally prepare for it. My life depended on it. My identity was at stake.

I opened the door and straight ahead, pointed directly at me, I was looking down the barrel of a gun.

Ellen said, Come in and close the door.

A few months earlier.

It was summertime, my favorite season. It was the time of year one would expect warm weather, sunshine, and to see children playing outdoors. Only this time, this summer, it was the total opposite. The sky was dark, kids weren’t playing outside, and the mood was gloomy. It felt as though a dark cloud was hovering over the town, casting darkness and sorrow over the townspeople. And it was refusing to budge.

This was abnormal for Wellspring, the town in which I live. The weather is what I normally use to gauge the mood of the day. So far, it has not looked promising.

We started our day over a normal breakfast. Despite the weather being a hindrance to most plans, mother tried her best to make sure our normal routine stayed the same. The smell of freshly baked homemade biscuits filled the air. The sound of pots and pans clinging together encompassed the room. The bacon sizzled; the coffee brewed. The morning could not get any more normal. As I took my seat at the breakfast table, I was joined by my mother and father.

How did you sleep last night? mother asked.

Of course, as usual, I barely slept. I have trouble getting rest at night as I am always awake, disturbed by something I cannot quite put my finger on. Still having trouble sleeping mother but it was the best sleep I have gotten all week, I responded as I took a sip of coffee.

I prepared my coffee as I always do with one-fourths a cup of sugar and two tablespoons of hazelnut creamer.

My name is Erin.

People say there is no such thing as perfect but those people must have never met me. I make straight A’s, have never missed a day of school, and probably, well not probably, I am, the most popular girl at school. I am an only child, a high school senior, and live with my mother and father. They were high school sweethearts who got married immediately after graduating college. I am the result of that bond.

My father was the mayor, and my mother was a homemaker. She attended college and graduated with her bachelor’s degree, but she never intended on pursuing what she studied. She was more interested in becoming a stay-at-home mom. I never understood why people would spend thousands of dollars to go to school for years without the slightest intention of working in the field of their major.

Father sat at the table quietly reading today’s paper while eating breakfast. He was a man of few words and always serious. I turned my head slightly to see what was on the front page. I saw a few square boxes with the faces of young girls under a title that read, 17 Years Later and No Closer to Finding These Missing Girls. While trying to cram in the article under the photos, father quickly shut the newspaper and folded it inside out. Then he peered at me over his glasses. Silently communicating that I needed to mind my business.

Every morning was routine for him, coffee, newspaper, and a full suit. Father never comes down to breakfast without getting dressed first. He believes you should always be ready for the day. Even if you only plan to stay at home. His tie was always secured around his neck, his button-up shirt was always tucked in, and he wore dress shoes that were polished you could see your reflection in them.

We took pride in our family name. Father makes sure of that. He is also very particular about the way I address them by mother and father, instead of mom and dad. He says it is more respectful if I address them properly. Meh, I could care less.

We were the epitome of the American dream and a staple in our community. There’s not a lot of room for error when someone is constantly watching you, not to mention being judged for every little error you make. My father always says that comes with the territory of being an Elderberry. Since he was the mayor, our image in the media was of the utmost importance. Father says people only remember the bad things they read about you, never the good.

He finally broke his silence without looking up from the newspaper. Your grandmother is due to come over today. I want you to be on your best behavior, he said.

I will! I can’t wait to see her, I said enthusiastically even though that could not be any further from the truth. Truth is, my grandmother and I were not exactly close.

She was just like my father, very stern and protective over the Elderberry name. She made childhood more like entry-level boot camp. I was to be a lady at all times. That meant no playing outside, no roughhousing, or getting dirty. I feel as though I missed out on being a child because of her.

I excused myself from the table and headed up the stairs toward my room before I remembered today my boyfriend, Jake, was coming over. I turned around and went back downstairs to grab my clothes from the laundry room. I had an idea of the perfect outfit to wear.

When I turned the corner, I saw my mother with a plate from breakfast. She was heading toward the posterior staircase. Which was weird, she had already eaten her morning meal.

Mother was a slim woman that took pride in her appearance. She wasn’t the type to normally gorge down a second plate full of food. Father was still downstairs reading today’s paper. Why on earth would she have leftovers? Furthermore, what would be the reason she’s casually walking around the house with it?

Mother, have you not had enough to eat at breakfast this morning? I asked jokingly with a puzzled look on my face.

She halted in her steps and shook her head, Oh darling, what am I thinking? I must be confused. Let me take this back to the kitchen. She turned around and headed back to the kitchen.

Without thinking twice, I continued my journey to the laundry room. What was I going to wear again?

I scrambled to get ready before Jake’s arrival.

Jake was the head football player at our school. He was masculine, popular, and a total jock. Jocks were only interested in themselves and their popularity a lot of times, but Jake was different. He showed a vast amount of interest in me, the things I liked, and details about my family. This was the total opposite of what I expected but I’m not complaining.

A short, plaid skirt with a crop top is what I have decided to wear. My outfit was complemented by long, white socks that reached my knees. I threw my hair in a sleek, high ponytail and painted a thick layer of gloss on my lips. I managed to get my room decluttered just in time before the doorbell rang.

That must be him!

I darted out of my room, down the stairs, through the living quarters, and to the front door.

I’m glad you could make it! I said with excitement while opening the door.

He looked as handsome as ever. His black hair was slicked back. He wore a plain, white shirt, blue jeans, and his letterman jacket printed with the letter B, which stood for Blue Devils.

He cracked a slight smile trying not to seem too ecstatic to see me. I’m happy to be here. Thanks for inviting me, he said.

I leaned in for a kiss but he quickly leaned back, dodging my offer. I was taken aback by his reaction. I may have even been a little upset that someone dared to turn me down. Attempted to just tell him to leave, I ignored it and guided him to my room.

Once we made it, I closed the door behind us and began to ramble about my morning but Jake didn’t seem to be listening. It was as if there was something else on his mind.

What is going on with you? I asked.

Nothing. I’m fine, he quickly responded.

His tone was dry as if he didn’t care to be here. I tried not to think much of it, however, it was consuming me. I turned on the TV and snuggled up next to him. In the back of my mind, I was wishing I had the manuscript to his thoughts.

We sat in silence pretending to pay attention when both of our minds were focused on other things. At least we were together, quality time was what truly mattered, right?

I stroked the long black strands of his hair and ran my fingers across the creases of his forehead. Studying his face, I looked closely enough to notice the endless number of pores on his skin. He was at peace, relaxed but his eyes were fixed. His pupils were not moving back and forth with the screen, they were still. Maybe, another day, at another time, in a different place, he would tell me what was on his mind.

The anxiety was getting hard to bear. After hours of wanting to blurt out, Jake, what the hell is wrong with you? he saved me by asking to be excused. He rose from our comfortable position and headed across the hall. What a relief.

I felt around looking for his phone since I was sure that would give me either answers or more questions. Finally, I found it buried between the crevices of the sheets. Darn. Facial ID recognition! Thinking quickly on my feet, since I did not have a lot of time to waste, I grabbed my phone. While scrolling through my gallery, I stopped when a picture of Jake popped up on my screen. A closeup, or selfie, should do.

I held my phone up to Jake’s screen and thankfully I was able to outsmart a smart device. It worked! I started digging through his messages, then emails, his photo gallery, and his calendar. Not much stood out to me other than a few doctor’s appointments.

The last app I headed to was his maps. I input my information to set up tracking from his phone. That way, I will be able to see the places he visits in real-time. If something was wrong that he doesn’t want to share, then what other choice did I have? I checked my phone to make sure his location was updating accurately and it was. Showing Jake’s device was one foot away from my device.

I heard loud grunting noises coming from across the hall. I stood and made my way toward the door to listen in closer. Someone must have had beans for dinner last night. As I approached the bathroom door, the noises were amplified and that is when I realized, they weren’t grunts.

Jake, are you sure you are feeling ok? Should I call the doctor?

No I’m fi-, he was interrupted mid-sentence. He began hurling again which was immediately followed by the sounds of agony.

I peaked through a slit in the door and asked, Are you that disgusted by me attempting to kiss you? He shook his head no while still throwing up his stomach contents. Well, I cant tell, I added. It did hurt my feelings a little but a part of me was concerned.

I apologize Erin. I’m just going to go home. We can try this another time. He stood and wiped his mouth with the back of his arm.

I hope you feel better, I said as I watched him turn to leave.

I returned to my room and threw myself across the bed. Upon unlocking my phone, I navigated to the maps app to watch Jake’s location update as he returned home. The cursor was moving slowly but I could still tell, home was not where he was headed. Jake lived five blocks away and in the opposite direction of where the cursor was moving.

He finally made it to his stop but I waited for a minute or two to make sure the cursor would remain stationary. It was hovering over the high school. There wasn’t any practice today and school was out for the summer. Jake, what are you up to? I whispered to myself.

I watched the phone screen for all of thirty minutes and the cursor didn’t budge. Any other time I would have wanted to get dressed and go to the school to see what was interesting. Since I am working on becoming a better person, I decided to sit this one out. I don’t want to stir the pot too much. People may start to think I’m crazy and surely, we can’t have anyone believing