Page 65 of The Guru: Shadow

Julie

Hope u r alright

Sorry it went that way

I’m fine, told you

Can you talk?

Sth happened with Carl

Her heart dropped. She had opted out of reporting the crime as they did the FME, she wanted to think about it first, form a strategy.

what happened?

Julie called within five seconds of the message being sent.

“Em, Carl, he–” She was sobbing so heavy, her voice shaking, it seemed words failed her.

“Julie, breathe.”

“He sent me a text, a fucking text, things are over with us, and he’s in love with someone else, and then the police came by and questioned me about him sexually assaulting a woman.”

He what?

And then it dawned on her.

Deis. It was him for sure.

Blind rage fired through her within the second.

How could he? Against my will?

She had no idea what happened with Carl the moment Deis had entered her apartment, it was all such a blur, but Deis would for sure have things handled, but reporting him to the police against her will was something beyond.

“I’m so sorry, J. Better to see his true face now than after the wedding, I suppose?”

She tried to control her voice as much as she could. All of her just wanted to forget what happened and Deis, he just acted. But sure as hell, she wouldn’t be the one dropping that shit on Julie. Nor the drugs thing. All of it had to spin far, far away.

“It’s just so strange. His stuff is still here, but he’s not answering any of my other messages. I just can’t believe it. We’ve been together for ages. Why? How?”

“I don’t know. Only that everyone has secrets. Maybe he wanted to bind you, have you feel secure while he did something else. I dunno.”

“But how could I not see?”

“Because he was always kind and sweet with you and everyone. Maybe it was a mask. Maybe too many green flags are a red flag, I dunno. Don’t blame yourself for other people’s faults.”

Funny how I give her the advice I should listen to myself.

“I feel so bad. First what happened with you, now Carl–”

Yeah, you should.

“Don’t. Well maybe for the event thing, but with Carl, you couldn’t have known. I’m sure you’ll find someone amazing one day, someone who really values you.”

I sound like Deis on stage. Giving stupid advice while my life’s a mess.

“I don’t know. This might take a lot of time to get over with.”