Bethan's Plan
A Story Every Day in 2024 Oct 20th 294/366
Bethan
I tried to call Dave again but I knew that he wouldn't answer. I'm going to have to set an ambush. At least, I know where he lives, so I can access him, follow him. I let my anger against him and my concern for Katie fuel this craziness. It just feels like another chapter in an already torturous, twisted story.
Katie sends me a text every day, just checking in. It's nice to feel a connectedness to someone again. This is what it would feel like if Laney...was still...here. I don't go too far down this way of thinking. I've built so many walls to reconstruct myself, I don't know if I dare let them be breached fully by sentiment.
Right. Now, I need a plan and I need to figure out how to handle a meeting with Dave, if he's not too slippery to avoid one.
Katie
I feel weird. All this stuff with Bethan, Dad, this camera, the photos. I'm glad I've got Bethan. Being able to share what I know with someone and knowing that they've got your back, it makes me feel good.
I've not said anything. To Dad. I'm trying to act natural. I don't know if I'm doing it. Sometimes, I see him looking at me slyly and it makes me anxious. I want to confront him with what I think I know but I'm frightened. Because he's not who he says he is. He's a cheat who can lie to the people he loves the most and can do this day-in, day-out for years. That's fucked up. He's lied to me, to Mum, to Bethan, to Laney...But what if he's capable of more than just lying? The camera, Laney's camera...
I keep going over in my head - how did he have this camera? And that makes me concerned that he may know more about Laney's disappearance than he's letting on.
I think about Mum in all this. Did she know that Dad was already married and she's been lying to me too? I don't think so but...
Home used to be a place where I felt safe.
Now, it's a place where I'm always on edge.
***
366 words
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Comments (13)
Bethan's point of view is phenomenally written. As a mom, I can easily see myself acting in exactly the same way. And I can feel her teetering on the brink of obsession, completely justifiable obsession, that might just drive her mad if she can't channel it into something productive. You masterfully switched to a younger, less experienced voice with Katie. Same kind of obsession, but more fear.
Poor Katie. I feel for her and Bethan and Katie's mother. Damn Dave...
You're expanding this story quite well, Rachel. I can't wait to read more.
Oh Dave... a storms a comin' and he best be ready for it!!
Is it a lie if it's to protect someone or a way to save them? You've done a great job in weaving this story between characters. ( Something you may be interested in if you don't already know about them are Enneagrams. I learned about them yesterday and it's quite interesting. I thought of this series after I heard about the 9 levels.
Poor Katie… & Bethan🥺.
Once that boulder of a lie starts rolling down the hill there's no stopping it! Great stuff, Rachel!
How awful for Katie! You’ve made these characters so compelling, Rachel. Very invested in how this all plays out
Poor Katie - she's really caught in the crossfire. Definitely not a fan of Dave - hope he does something to prove me wrong! Great writing Rachel, as always.
I feel bad for Katie.
Poor Katie. Dave of course never thought about how this whole affair would affect her. Being on edge in the place that is supposed to be your safe harbor of love is growing to screw up any kid for life.
Poor kid! FTR if you published this as a novella, I'd read the crap out of it.
It's nice to know that Bethan and Katie have each other