5I never knew growing up would have the challenges it does. Never did I think I'd lose a friend either. This is the story of one part of my life, Marilyn Adams, and how I'm still trying to find answers.
"Marilyn," My boyfriend Josh whispered in my ear.
"Yes?" I asked with my eyes closed, leaning against him.
"I love you." He said softly.
I smiled to myself. Josh wasn't just my boyfriend, he was like my best friend and I loved him too. He had always been there for me and I hope he always would.
"I love you, too." I answered back. He smiled and kissed me lightly on the forehead.
"Okay, enough lovey-dove stuff." My friend Natalie laughed. "I can't take it!"
Josh and I laughed. I looked at her and rolled my eyes.
"I sense jealousy," I said jokingly.
"You better believe it." She joked back. "But seriously, I wish my relationship was that good."
"It can't be that bad." Josh stated.
Nat kind of looked uncomfortable but then smiled.
"I guess you're right." She said. "Speaking of Casey, I got to go meet him at his house."
I could see her grinning and starting to blush as she said that.
"Okay, don't have too much fun." Josh winked.
"If you say so." She sighed and started to walk backwards. "Bye!"
She waved at us and then turned around. Natalie walked the rest of the distance to the car, got in, and drove off.
"So, what do you want to do?" I asked Josh.
"I don't know. What do you want to do?" He replied.
"I don't know."
"We never know what to do." He pointed out.
"I'm blonde, what's your excuse?" I joked.
"I'm just dumb." He laughed.
"No argument there." I said innocently.
"Funny, real funny. I see how it is, that's fine."
"I was kidding." I defended.
"You put this upon yourself." He stated and started to tickle me.
"No! Oh my god! Stop!" I said laughing hysterically.
Later that night, Josh and me were sitting on the couch.
"So, what do you want to do?" Josh asked me.
"I don't know. What do you want to do?"
"Movies?"
"Sure. I want to invite Nat, if that's okay." I told him.
"That's fine. Tell her to bring Casey." He told me as I got up to get the phone.
"Okay." I answered and dialed Natalie's number.
A hysterical woman answered the phone.
"Mrs. Carol?" I asked.
"Yes dear?" She replied.
"What's wrong? Is Natalie there?"
"Natalie's dead." She cried, choking out her words.
I dropped the phone.
"Something wrong?" Josh asked with a concerned look.
"Turn on the TV." I managed to say.
He nodded and put on the TV.
"19-year-old, Natalie Carol, was murdered this evening. The suspect, Casey Lyski, is now in custody. Natalie was severely injured and beaten to death. The suspect was the victim's boyfriend of two years. Mother, Sally Carol, was questioned earlier if she ever expected such a horrible thing to happen. The response we got was, 'They seemed to care about each other and everything seemed normal. I never thought this would happen.' We'll have more news on this at 7. Stay tuned."
I could feel the tears pouring down my face and I was shaking violently. Josh hugged me tightly.
"Shh . . . calm down." He said trying to soothe me.
"Why? Why her? What did she ever do?" I screamed grabbing at his shirt.
"I don't know, but now Casey has to pay. He won't hurt anyone else. The Carol's will get their justice."
"But why'd he do it? Why, why, why?" I cried uncontrollably.
It's been three years since that horrible day. I never did find the answers. I'm still searching.