Sweet Revenge

Julia sat on a chair near the door. Her hands rested on the cane because inflamed knuckles did not allow her fingers to curl over the curved handle. This was the last day she would spend in the home that she had lived in all her life.

Her parents had purchased it when they got married and raised six children. Four had married and moved around the country, but Julia the eldest, had stayed.

“Aunt Julia, this is the last of the furniture. You wanted this old writing desk at the new place.” Tom gestured to the scratched and stained piece that held so many memories.

“Yes, I want that. It won’t take much room.”

The men picked up the desk and one end slipped crashing to the floor. “Sorry, I didn’t get a good grip on it.” Tom and Steve checked the desk, nothing was damaged. “Good sturdy piece of workmanship here.” They picked it up carefully and went out the door.

Julia looked back where they had been and on the floor was a small square of paper. She was going to call someone to pick it up but decided she would attempt to get it herself. With the rubber tip on her cane she pulled the paper toward her and looked down. It wasn’t just paper, it was a photograph. The black and white had faded to an almost sepia tone but the figures there were still as clear as the day it was taken.

A cold chill ran down Julia’s back. Her blood thickened and her breathing slowed. She wanted to crumple the stiff square into a small ball and find the hottest fire to burn it. The faces in the picture were seared into her mind and memories took over the present.



“Julia, what did you make for a treat today?” Henry, her younger brother, demanded as he threw open the door to the kitchen. He was followed by his two best friends Luke and James. The other two slid into the chairs by the table and watched Julia as she came into the room. They were in their last year of school and were as cocky as they came.

“There are cookies from the other day unless you ate them all. I am not here to bake and keep your bellies full of sweets.”

Henry grabbed her around the waist and lifted her in the air. She was a small girl, but strong. She worked for James’ mother three days a week, as a housekeeper and nanny to his little sister Lizzy.

“Come on Sis, we're starved. We walked all the way from town.” he threw themself into a chair and the other two tilted their chairs back on teo legs.

“I heard a truck stop and drop you all off, don’t get smart with me.” She made them each a sandwich and put some cookies on a plate. They devoured the food and washed it down with cold milk.

Luke hugged her a little too long before he headed outside. Henry, patted her on the head and thanked her, but James, ran the back of his fingers over her cheek and leaned very close to her face. “You are a very special girl. I am glad you are working for Mother. I’ll see you on Monday. Thanks for the snack.” He winked at her and the screen door slammed behind him.

Julia, shivered now as she had that day. James was nice looking but there was something about him that made her uneasy. She stayed away from him when she was working at his home, and was never alone in the house with him. That was until two weeks later.

James’ mother was called to a friend’s home just after Julia arrived. “I am taking Lizzy with me as Emily hasn’t seen her in a while. I made a list of things that need to be done after you do the regular chores.” She picked up the baby and Julia was alone.

She went right to her chores and was dust mopping the floor under the beds when James ran his hand over her bottom. Julia jerked back and sat on the floor staring up at him. He leaned against the foot board and crossed his arms over his chest.

“Hello Sweetheart,” he drew the words out slowly.

“What do you want James?” She stood, holding the mop handle in front of her.

“You, but you knew that. Its why you took this job.”

“I took this job because I need the money. This isn’t the only job I have here in town. I didn’t take them because of you either.” She stood facing him and edged her way toward the door. James quickly blocked her escape by leaning against the door jam.

“Oh no, you aren’t going anywhere, is she Luke?” The other boy stepped behind him and to her horror, Henry’s face appeared between the two.

Luke and Henry each grabbed one of her arms. She tried to pull away, she still thought they were just teasing her.

“Lay her on the bed and hold her arms down.” James ordered, his hands at his belt.

Julia screamed at Henry to stop, to save her and not let this happen. Henry shook his head. “James said you've been teasing him and asking for this ever since you started to work here. We're just doing you a favor.” They each took their turn at her. Even her brother who was urged on by the older two. The ordeal went on for hours until they had their fill of fun. They left her, confident she wouldn't tell. Julia stumbled from the the house and never returned.

Henry didn't look at her for the next few weeks then disappeared and was never heard from again. During the following year James died of stomach trouble; Luke drowned. The police said he was probably drunk. Julia and her husband moved to another state and she didn't contact anyone in town again..



“Aunt Julia! Are you okay?” Hands were shaking her and she slapped at them. The shouting snapped her into the present.

“I’ll be fine. Is everything gone?” She looked around the empty room.

“Yes,” Tom helped her to stand and held her arm as she slowly moved to the door. Steve took the chair stepping on the photo. It stuck to the his sole and then was released into a puddle in the street. The mud oozed over the picture obscuring the faces until it was completely obliterated.