A Lie Unraveled

By J. Leilani

A Lie Unraveled is a compelling story about Monica, a shy, introverted woman in her 20s. One night out, Monica meets a handsome man by the name of Wes. Although Wes seemed like the perfect guy, the timid Monica couldn't muster up the courage to speak to him. After arriving home, feeling embarrassed, she finds a brown box with a blue ribbon sitti

• Language: English
• Publisher: Palmetto Publishing Group
• Release date: Jan 6, 2023
• ISBN: 9798822908659

J. Leilani

A native of South Carolina, J. Leilani has a bachelor's degree in psychology. When she's not writing, she enjoys spending time with her two sons, traveling, cooking-and eating! J. Leilani currently resides in Florida with her family and can be found online at j-leilani.com.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

Throughout her life, Monica Williams, a slim five-foot-eight woman with shoulder-length sandy-brown hair and brown eyes, had always been described as shy, quiet, and reserved. She’d always been the one to sit in the back of the class, the one who was never out on the dance floor, and the one who only spoke when spoken to. Monica was the true definition of an introvert. Until this point in her life, she’d managed to live a happy and fulfilling but quiet life.

At age twenty-six, despite the challenges that came with Monica’s shy personality, she’d been able to land an accounting position at a major accounting firm. On a daily basis Monica arrived to work promptly, got settled into her desk, and worked diligently throughout the day, keeping totally to herself. It wasn’t that she didn’t like her coworkers or had a bad attitude; Monica just didn’t feel the need to strike up a conversation. There had been many times that Monica wanted to join the watercooler talk, but something deep down inside would not give her the nerve needed to jump in and socialize. She typically preferred to observe rather than to engage.

At the end of the workday, Monica logged out of her computer and locked her desk drawers. She made her way toward the parking garage, got into her car, and turned the music up loud. In her car was where Monica could finally let loose as she sang along with the radio, bobbing her head confidently from side to side as she made her way to her apartment.

Once inside her home, Monica kicked off her shoes by the front door and headed straight to the bathroom to take a relaxing shower. After washing the day away, she threw on something comfortable, grabbed a TV dinner, and popped it in the microwave. She went over to the couch as her food was prepared and flipped through the channels to find a movie to watch on TV. She landed on a movie that she’d seen before and really liked, so she decided to watch what was left of it while she ate. As the movie played, the phone rang.

Hello, Monica said as she placed the phone to her ear.

Hey, girl! Which TV dinner are you eating tonight? said Nya.

Monica laughed. Girl, please. You know I don’t have time to cook. Besides, it’s just me here.

You mean you don’t know how to cook, but I didn’t call to talk about that. I called to let you know what the plan is for this weekend, Nya continued.

And what’s that?

Travis is throwing a party, and we’re going. So get your outfit ready, and don’t put anything on your calendar for Saturday night.

Nya, you know I hate parties.

I know, but I love them, and you’re my best friend, so you’re going. Besides, Tracy is coming, too, and you know she doesn’t go anywhere. She’s always at home with those kids. Nya laughed.

They’re her kids, Nya. She’s supposed to be with them.

I know, I know. I was just joking. But she should still make time for her girls, too, and I don’t want to hear any excuses. All three of us are going out on Saturday, Nya said while dancing to the music playing in her room.

Fine, Nya. I’ll go, but only for Tracy, Monica confirmed.

Whatever, girl. I’ll pick you up at nine, so be ready.

Okay, see you then.

Monica hung up the phone and began to panic. She began thinking about all the people that would be there. The loud music, the talking and socializing. She was not at all ready to face another social event. At most parties Nya wandered off, leaving Monica to fend for herself. She usually found a place to sit and waited for Nya until it was time to go.

Monica shook her head as she thought about how this would turn out. She sighed to herself and finished the movie before turning the television off so she could begin to get ready for bed. Her nerves began to take over as she cleaned the kitchen and turned out the lights. As she lay in bed, she again thought to herself about the event that was steadily approaching…Travis’s party.

Saturday arrived, and Monica woke up dreading the day ahead. She dragged out of bed, grabbed her robe, eased her feet into her slippers, and headed to the kitchen to cook breakfast. Mmm, mmm, mmm, scrambled eggs, biscuits, and bacon, Monica thought to herself as the smells of the delicious breakfast filled her nostrils. As she sat down to eat her food, she tried to think of an excuse to get out of the night’s festivities. Could she say that she was sick? Or maybe she could say that she couldn’t go in order to catch up on work. Monica sighed to herself as she came to the realization that none of these excuses would work on Nya. Nya was always the one that could see straight through Monica. I guess that’s why they’d been best friends for so many years.

Growing up, Monica’s petite, fit, always-rockin’-a-cute-short-haircut friend, Nya, was always the one that looked out for Monica when bullies tried to mess with her or whenever Monica was too shy or scared to speak up for herself. Nya was always there to speak up for Monica. She’d been taking up for her since they met in Mrs. Daniels’s third-grade class.

I guess you could say that Monica should thank Robin Finkleberry for her and Nya’s friendship. Robin was a straight-up bully. She would throw paper at Monica during class, take her pencils, and taunt her at recess, but Monica would never say anything back to her. Robin was a little big for a third grader, and Monica didn’t want any trouble. But on this one special day there was a new girl in class, Nya Monique Brown. Nya walked into class with the confidence of a grown woman. Monica was drawn to Nya’s confidence, wishing that she could someday have that much confidence of her own. As Nya sat down at her new desk, she looked over at Monica and waved. Monica waved back, and they turned their attention back to Mrs. Daniels’s lesson. Later that day at recess, Robin began to pick on Monica as usual. Nya saw what was happening and walked over.

Why don’t you pick on someone your own size, Robin! yelled Nya.

Robin turned to look in Nya’s direction.

I mean, I know it won’t be easy, since you’re bigger than the rest of us actual third graders. What grade should you be in, anyway? Nya asked sarcastically.

All the kids on the playground laughed. Robin couldn’t believe what was happening. She stomped away angrily as she tried to hide the tear rolling down her face. Nya looked over at Monica.

Don’t worry, girl. She won’t bother you anymore. You gotta beat ’em at their own game. Bullies expect you to not say anything, Nya explained.

Thanks, Nya! Monica replied.

Come on! Let’s go play on the swings! Nya said as she grabbed Monica’s hand, leading the way.

Throughout their elementary school years, Nya and Monica’s friendship grew more and more, and after a few more years, their duo became a trio when Tracy Gibson moved into town their eighth-grade year. Tracy, a stocky, brown-haired and brown-eyed thirteen-year-old, was more of a mixture of the two. She was somewhat reserved but would always speak her mind if needed. Over time the three of them became inseparable, forming a lifelong sisterhood.

After their high school graduation, Monica attended the local college and soon obtained her bachelor’s degree in accounting. Nya went on to get a job as a waitress, and Tracy quickly married and began to start a family. Even though each of them took a different path in life, they still remained close friends and made it a point to hang out every once in a while.

After breakfast Monica placed the dishes in the sink and went to her bedroom to look through her closet. She needed to find the perfect outfit that made the statement I’m bold, confident, and cute but shy. After rummaging through the closet for a bit, Monica finally found a fitting black dress that stopped just above the knee to wear to the party. She picked out a pair of black shoes and gold accessories and laid them to the side. After lying around on the couch for a few hours, Monica started to feel a bit tired and took a nap before having to get up and get ready for the night.

Around 7:00 p.m. Monica was awakened by her alarm. She yawned while rolling out of bed and headed to the shower to get ready for the party. Not too long after, Monica was putting on her earrings and completing the finishing touches of her makeup as she heard a knock at the door. She walked toward the door and slowly opened it to find Nya standing in the hallway in a bright silver sequined dress and silver stilettos with a matching designer clutch purse.

Hey, girl! said Nya. Are you ready for tonight?

Sure, Nya, Monica said as she rolled her eyes.

Don’t be like that! One day you’re going to thank me for making sure you’ve had a great life. Now grab your stuff so we can go.

As Monica reached for her purse, she thought to herself one last time, Is there any way that I can get out of going?

Suddenly Nya interrupted her thoughts: Ahem. She cleared her throat. Come on, girl, let’s go. What are you waiting for?

Oh, nothing, just making sure I’m not forgetting anything, sighed Monica. I’m ready.

And with that the girls headed out the door to meet Tracy at the party.

CHAPTER 2

As Nya raced through the streets, they could hear the music getting closer and closer.

Yes! I can’t wait to hear my song! Nya yelled.

Girl, calm down. Monica laughed.

Soon after, Nya pulled into the parking lot and parked the car. The girls immediately began checking their hair and makeup and applying lip gloss in the mirror before stepping out of the car. As they approached the building, they saw Tracy standing out front.

What took you so long? I’ve been waiting on you for twenty minutes now, Tracy scolded.

Monica was having second thoughts about coming, said Nya. She looked at Monica and added, Girl, I know what you were thinking. Don’t try to hide it.

Monica rolled her eyes. Whatever, Nya.

Anyway, Tracy said. Let’s go in. I am in need of a night away from the kids!

The trio stepped inside the building. The room was packed. There were people everywhere, from wall to wall. Everyone in the room was out on the dance floor dancing to all the latest hits the DJ was playing.

I need a drink, Tracy said. Y’all coming?

Oh no. You know I don’t need any of that to get my night started. I’m the life of the party without it! I’ll meet y’all on the dance floor if you make it out there. And Monica, I’ll see you by the chairs when I’m tired from dancing, because I know that’s where you’ll be, said Nya.

And with that Tracy was off to the bar for a drink, Nya was on the dance floor, and Monica was headed to the back to find a seat.

Two hours passed by while Monica sat in her chair, bobbing her head to the sultry beats. She giggled as she watched her friend take over the dance floor when all of a sudden Monica heard a deep voice.

Hello, beautiful, the voice said.

Monica turned around to find a tall, handsome, and impeccably dressed gentleman with a low cut and the perfect smile. She paused for a moment before she finally spoke.

Hi, she said nervously.

You don’t look like you’re enjoying yourself over here all alone.

I’m actually here with my friends, Monica said as she pointed to Nya and Tracy, out on the dance floor.

Well, why isn’t a beautiful woman like you out there with your friends? asked the handsome man.

I’m just a little tired, Monica lied. I was out there earlier.

Well, would you like to dance? After all, you’ve had time to rest.

Sure, she uttered as she slowly and hesitantly got up and began to walk toward the dance floor with this fine man following behind her.

When they hit the floor, the man began to dance to the music, holding his arms out for Monica to join in his rhythmic motions. Monica was so overwhelmed as her nervous energy took over. She froze right there in the middle of the dance floor. She couldn’t bring herself to move. She began to panic as sweat rolled down her forehead. Her breathing began to speed up, and her heart began to race. The man looked at her with confusion.

Is everything okay? he asked.

Monica couldn’t find the words that should be coming out of her mouth, so she turned around and ran straight for the door. When Tracy and Nya caught wind of what was happening, they were right on her heels, headed to the door.

When they reached the parking lot, Tracy and Nya yelled, Stop, Monica, slow down!

I can’t! Monica screeched. I have to get out of here now! I am so embarrassed!

Nya and Tracy caught up with Monica.

What happened? Nya asked.

It’s me! I was so nervous I couldn’t bring myself to dance with him. And he was perfect! I always do this! Why can’t I just loosen up and have fun like everyone else!

Monica, you just have to take it one day at a time. There’s nothing wrong with being a little shy.

It’s more than being shy, Tracy. It’s like I can’t function like everyone else in public. I just want to go home. Please just take me home.

Okay, I’ll take you home, said Nya.

Monica, please call me. We’ll talk more later. I should be getting home to the kids anyway. See y’all later.

Bye, Tracy, Monica and Nya said in unison.

Nya and Monica headed to the car and rode back to Monica’s apartment in silence. Nya, feeling bad for Monica while also a bit upset for having to leave early, didn’t know what to say to console her friend. Monica sat silently beating herself up. Why couldn’t she just let go and dance? Why did she get so nervous? They pulled up to Monica’s apartment complex and walked up the stairs.

I need to use your bathroom before I head home, said Nya.

Monica turned the key to her door, and they walked in as she headed straight to her room to change into something comfortable while Nya headed for the bathroom. Once she was changed, she went back into the living room and sat next to Nya.

I don’t want to talk about it, Nya. If you want to sleep on the couch, you’re welcome to it. I think I just want to have a nice glass of wine and lay down.

Nah, I’ma head home. I just needed to come up because you know how I feel about public restrooms. Nya smiled. If you need to talk, I’m here for you, as always.

Thanks, girl.

Monica stood up to walk Nya to the door and closed it behind her. She stood there for a moment and then headed to the kitchen to pour some wine. After taking a sip of wine, she headed toward the couch and began flipping through the channels to find something to watch on TV. A few minutes later, she stumbled upon something to watch as she continued to refill her wineglass. She began to feel relaxed, and the embarrassment of the day didn’t seem so bad. Slowly Monica’s eyes began to close, and she fell fast asleep.

CHAPTER 3

Knock, knock, knock! Monica was awakened by the pounding on the door. Startled, she jumped off the couch and headed to the door to look through the peephole, as she wasn’t expecting anyone at this hour. She couldn’t see anyone through the tiny lens, so Monica headed to her room to go back to sleep. Knock, knock, knock!

Monica turned around. Who is it! she yelled. But there was no answer. Monica headed to the door once more to see who it might be, despite her better judgment. When she opened the door, she found no one. She looked both ways down each hallway, but still no one could be seen. Just before Monica stepped back into her apartment, she looked down. On the floor in front of her was a little box with a ribbon tied in a bow. Monica bent down to pick up the box and took it inside. She headed toward her kitchen to get a good look at the box. While in her kitchen, Monica untied the ribbon and took the top off the box. Inside there was a note that read, Hoping this helps you through the day. Drink this tea, and things will go your way.

Monica began to think to herself. Who would give her this, and why would they not be able to show their face? Monica was too tired to figure it out, so she placed the box on the counter and headed to her room to lie