Secrets to the Grave

57

You can’t pass out, G.

I know.

If you pass out, you’ll fall. If you fall back down, you’ll die in here.

I know. I’m not stupid.

I’m not so sure about that.

Very funny. I’ll remind you, you’re dead. I’m only half dead.

Shut up and climb. We can’t both be dead. You have to live. You’re the only one who knows the truth, G. You have to live to tell the truth. For Haley.

I’m so sorry I didn’t tell it already. I’m so sorry, M. I was so afraid. I’m still so afraid!

You have to be brave now, G. For me. For Haley.

Gina licked her cracked lips and looked up. She didn’t even like getting on a step stool to reach the highest shelf in her kitchen cupboards.

She put her stick in her left hand, reached up with her right and grabbed hold of the rusty iron rung. It was nothing more than a piece of bent rebar cemented into the wall. Who knew how long this well had been here or how long it had been abandoned and therefore not maintained in any way. Gina didn’t know if the rungs would even hold her.

She took a deep breath and pulled, got her good leg under her, and pushed herself upright. Colors burst before her eyes while black lace crept in on her vision. There were no words to describe the pain. Trying not to focus on it, she held on to the rung, hanging her full weight from her good arm as she lifted her good foot and placed it on the bottom rung of the ladder.

She had raised herself six inches off the bed of garbage. Her muscles twitched violently. Her stomach rolled with the bad food and bad water she had consumed. She had to fight hard to remain conscious.

Marissa shouted at her.

Way to go, G! Do it again!

I’m going to fall!

No, you’re not. You can do it! Do it again!

Gina looked up at the next rung. She would have to let go of the one she was holding in order to reach the next one. She would have to bring her foot up one, then spring upward to catch the next one with her hand.

She thought about what a miserable failure she had been in gym class. Marissa had been athletic enough to climb up the dreaded rope that hung from the gym ceiling. Gina could barely climb the stairs without tripping.

Holding tight she struggled to get her leg up where it needed to be. She panted a few breaths, then sucked one in, held it, and pushed herself upward, reaching for and grabbing the next rung up.

Ohmygod, ohmygod, ohmygod.

Gina hooked her arm through the rung and clung tight, her consciousness dimming again with the pain. If she got out of this alive, the first thing she would do would be to hire a personal trainer.

Of course, she would be destitute and homeless, but if she lived in her car, maybe she would be able to afford it.

Marissa’s laughter filled her head.

You are such a dork, Kemmer!

At least I keep you amused.

You’ll make it, G. You’ll make it, and you’ll train with that guy Lance at Ultimate Fitness.

Hot Lance with the washboard abs and round butt?

And the piercing blue eyes and tight workout shorts.

Will he fall in love with me and sweep me off my feet?

No, but he’ll screw your brains out!

Gina’s own laughter startled her.

What the hell did she have to laugh about?

She had twenty-three feet left to go.