Reborn In a Murderer’s Embrace

“Phoebe, thanks a bunch. I didn’t expect you to be such a gutsy girl.” Melody came over to schmooze with me. She was holding my hands with this fake concern, but her eyes were screaming threat.

I shook off her clutches and, with my stomach growling, I bolted from the Fitzgeralds and went to a hospital. I should’ve thrown in the towel right then and there.-

In the hospital.

“You’re pregnant for two months. Didn’t you notice? Let’s keep an eye on it for a while.”

I sat there stunned. My whole body was shaking like a leaf as I stared at the test results.

Pregnant.

Of all the times to get knocked up, it had to be now.

Dexter didn’t love me, so he sure as hell wouldn’t want the baby on board. Even with a baby on board, he wouldn’t change his tune about me – he’d just think I was playing dirty to trap him into marriage.

Five days before my death.

I mustered every ounce of courage to tell Dexter about the baby thing. If he didn’t want it, I’d get

it taken care of and then I’d split for good. No more clingy ex–girlfriend drama.

But when I called, it was like talking to a brick wall – he wouldn’t pick up.

The last call got answered, but it was Melody on the line, “Phoebe, you looking for Dexter? He’s beat and needs rest.”

“Why spill the beans to her? Just tell her to buzz off,” Dexter’s voice buzzed through with Melody’s giggles in the background. “Dexter, cut it out. I’m on my period and you’re not laying a finger on me today.”

I sat there, phone in hand, numb and stiff as a board on the couch.

That night, Dexter came back with Melody in tow.

“Why the hell did you bring her?” Dexter’s mother Hailey frowned, clearly not thrilled.

“Mom, Melody and I are getting engaged. Just wanted to give you the heads up,” Dexter’s voice was firm, leaving no room for argument.

Hailey was gobsmacked. She instinctively glanced my way. I felt tears welling up, but kept my lips sealed.

“I don’t agree, you and Phoebe have a prior engagement…” Hailey tried to object.

“Melody’s got a target on her back from some killer who goes after single, unmarried women. We’re going public with our engagement.” Dexter declared.

His favoritism for Melody was blatant.

I felt a storm brewing in my stomach, and with a sudden jolt, I dashed for the bathroom to hurl my guts out.

What am I to him? I thought.

I still remembered the car crash that killed my parents when I was eighteen. I was trapped in the twisted metal; the car was ablaze and was ready to blow any second.

Dexter came running like a madman to save me. He was shattering the glass, slashing through the seat belt that had me pinned and pulling me to safety even if his hands were smeared with

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Then he went back, risking his life to save my parents.

“Dexter… it’s too dangerous…” My voice was weak. All I could do was watch from afar as he risked everything to save us.

When my parents were finally free, the car exploded. The vast blast and the flames shook me to the core.

“Phoebe, don’t be afraid; you’ll be okay, Phoebe…”

“Phoebe…”

At the crash site, he kept calling my name. He told me to hang on, that help was on the way.

Back then, I thought maybe he liked me too. The misconception lasted for years.

Even though my parents didn’t make it, the image of Dexter desperate to save our lives was seared into my memory. He’s a good guy, always had been. He just didn’t love me.

After hurling up everything I could, I collapsed on the floor and the world went dark.

He and Melody were getting married, and I was just a joke.

“Phoebe, stop playing dead!” The bathroom door flew open, and there was Dexter, looking down. at me with pure annoyance. “You’re heading to Flare Alley tomorrow night. We’ve got everything set up, so cut the crap.”

“Dexter, aren’t you scared I might die?” My voice was hoarse.

“Phoebe, you’ve got nine lives so you are perfect for this. Go haunt that killer with the same tenacity you use to cling to me. Might even do the world a favor.”

“If I died, would you be sad?” my voice was still hoarse.

Dexter frowned, “You think you’d actually go through with dying? Let’s save that question for after you’re gone.”