THE COST OF REVENGE

*Point of View: Lila Carter*

I gaze at the skies while sitting on our little house's groaning porch. I'm Lila, and I'm depressed. My dad used to sit here with me and tell me tales of heroic bravery while pointing to the sky. But now he's gone. Everything was taken from him by a cruel guy called Ethan Blackwood. When Dad's company failed, he became so ill that he abandoned us. The thought of that makes my heart ache. I can't go on, even if Mom insists we must. Ethan must be aware of his actions.

Mom is doing dishes inside. There's a gentle clink of plates. My sneakers touch the wood floor as I enter. "Why did Ethan harm Dad, Mom?" I inquire in a low voice. With damp hands, she pauses and gives me a weary expression. It was a long time ago, Lilia. Dad had a tiny business, whereas Ethan had a large one. They showed no concern. I can tell she's depressed because her voice trembles.

My fists tighten. "It's unfair. I will apologize to him. Mom's eyes enlarge. "No, Lilia. Getting revenge won't make Dad come back. I shake my head, nevertheless. I am no longer a child. I have a plan, and I'm twenty-eight. I'll travel to the large city where Ethan works, alter my name to Lila Smith, and conceal my identity. I'll find a method to make him lose everything, just as Dad did, and get a position at Blackwood Enterprises, his massive corporation.

I go to my room and reach under the bed to get a suitcase. It's vintage and has stickers from my dad's travels. I pack my favorite blue dress, pants, and tees. I pick up a photo of my dad grinning and holding me by the arm. I slip it in my backpack and mutter, "I'll do this for you." Even though my heart is racing, I'm not afraid. I'm upset.

I give Mom a big embrace in the morning. I assure her that I'll be OK even if she is sobbing. As I ride the bus to New York, I see homes and trees fly past. When I arrive, the city is noisy-high buildings obscure the sky, and automobiles hoot. I discover a little apartment with just a bed and a table. It's sufficient, but it's not home. Ethan's face appears on a news page as I start my laptop. He is strong, wealthy, and smiling. I feel sick to my stomach. He seems content, as if he has never harmed anybody.

I apply to work with his organization. They need a personal assistant to support Ethan on a daily basis. Excellent. I pretend to be Lila Smith, a well-organized girl who is consistently on time. I press submit and bide my time. As the days go by, I'm anxious and gnawing my fingernails. Then my phone rings. A lady says, "Miss Smith, you have an interview tomorrow." My heart leaps. I'm quite near.

I practice smiling in front of the mirror after putting on my blue outfit. I must seem pleasant, not angry. I am going to meet Ethan Blackwood tomorrow. I'll act as if I don't despise him and shake his hand. I'll discover his secrets by entering his world. But a little part of me wonders what he's truly like while I lay in bed and stare at the black ceiling. What if he isn't the monster I believe him to be? I ignore the notion. I promised my father. I'll keep going until Ethan pays. I don't know why, but when I shut my eyes and picture his grin from the news, something within of me stirs.