3WW-Taking Liberty Part 18

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Taking Liberty is a serial story that started with the inspiration of 3 Word Wednesday.  Each week Thom posts three words and I run with it.

I've managed to make it this far with virtually no story mapping, often cursing myself at the end of an installment because I've painted myself into a corner.  This week is no different.  After the big realization of what Liberty has been using her body for, Elizabeth is faced with the decision of what to do now.

If you need a refresher, check out my Taking Liberty page.  You can find links to all the individual installments, or read the summaries at the bottom of the page.

"It's my body!" I screamed into the air.

"Oh, come on, you think I didn't see how you were looking at him at the funeral?  You know you would've jumped him too if you had the guts." Liberty's deadpan voice was infuriating.  How could she be so calm about this?

"It doesn't matter!  It's my body!" I volleyed back.

"Too."

Her voice was just a soft whisper, barely audible, even though it was coming from inside my head.  My confusion must have reached her, wherever she was.

"It's your body, too.  You're not a single person anymore, you're part of a dual person."

I was about to scream something back to her, my brain stuck in that panicky place when I heard a knock from downstairs.  I glanced in the mirror to make sure I was presentable.  As I walked downstairs, I wondered if my room was always that dim in the afternoons, my hair had looked a couple of shades darker.

I looked through the peep hole and saw James leaning against the railing on the porch.  For a split second, I thought back to all the warnings my mom had given me in middle school about not letting strangers in the house.  I heard Liberty's low chuckle somewhere in the back of my mind.

I closed my eyes and pushed her to the back of my mind.  I could still hear her laughing, but it was as if she were in another room now.  Then I opened the door and tried to put on a welcoming and not terrified because my world was coming apart smile on my face.

When James turned to look at me, I had a feeling the two looks were identical. Any residual anger in his body language melted away and he rushed and put his arms around me. 

"I'm sorry I stormed off like that." He said as he kissed the side of my face. 

I melted into his arms and clung to his neck, only barely keeping my resolve not to cry.  He held me for a long moment, his strong arms so tight around me that they were on the edge of pain. He let me go and then held my face in his hands, staring into my eyes.

"You're so weird, Lizzy.  It's like there's two of you, and I never know which one to expect."

Poor Elizabeth's really going to have to tell James sooner or later.  I really want him to be a good guy, but I'm not sure he'll believe her.

So what do you guys think?  Would anyone believe her, or is she on her own now (well, except for Liberty)?