by Cari Hillard

Created on: October 07, 2009   Last Updated: October 10, 2009

Prologue

Ohio, January 26th, 1978

Toni gave her head a shake and tried to open her eyes. There was a roaring in her ears and she groaned as she tried to sit up. Her head was throbbing in unison with the roaring. Putting pressure on her temple to ease the pain, she pulled her hand away when she felt something wet. Bloody fingers came in and out of focus. Mumbling to herself, she pushed herself off the ground. Instantly her legs buckled and she had to grab hold of a tree for support, the rough bark digging into her numb fingers. She was freezing and standing next to the of side of a road. There wasn't much light from the moon but she could see well enough to know there was nothing but dense forest around her. Head bent, she closed her eyes and tried to clear the fog from her brain. She dug deep into her mind and remembered. She could see Carl's eyes, narrowed with determination and something else. They were in their car, parked on the side of the road.

"I've changed, Toni." Carl turned away from her and looked out the driver's window.

"What do you mean, you've changed?"

Turning back he looked at her and stiffened. "I mean that I don't love you. This-" He swung his arm out in a grand gesture. "isn't working for me. I want a knew life." He hesitated and masked his face with fake remorse. "You aren't a part of it anymore".

Her eyes and throat burned, swallowing hard, she fought back tears. She couldn't believe this! They were supposed to be starting a new life together in Michigan! Looking at him through narrowed eyes, she let her anger take over.

"You have got to be kidding! What the hell are you talking about?" She was screaming now. "Three years, Carl! Three years! And now you try to pull this shit?" She could see her breath coming out in little puffs in front of her face. Panting, she tried to calm down. "You don't mean it. We'll just forget that we had this conversation. You haven't been yourself lately. I'm sure you are just nervous about your new job. You'll change your mind when we get to Michigan."

Carl snorted. "I don't think so." Knuckles white, he gripped the steering wheel. "You never listen to me, Toni! You only hear what you want! I'm done. We're done." Toni sucked in her breath, Carl was not only acting cruel, he was beginning to look the part. "You're done, Toni. Get out."

"Do what?" Her jaw dropped in shock.

"I said get out. You walk from here." He reached over her lap and tried to open the passenger door and Toni slapped his hand away.

"No! You

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