An obnoxious knock pounds against the door, and it takes everything in me to get to my feet, wipe away my tears, and pretend like I’m okay.
I’m not okay. I’ve never felt this empty before, like the only way to overcome this sudden emptiness is to fill it with something that will make me numb.
Each step toward the door feels heavier than the first, and when I look through the peephole to see a cop and Eddie standing there, my pain turns to anger.
I wrench that stupid door open, eyes narrowing on the piece of shit sitting on the ground, hanging his head in his hands, a cop silently consoling him.
“She’s not here,” I shout, slamming the door in their faces.
Another knock.
This time it only pisses me off. I turn into someone else, someone not quite me.
“What? What the fuck do you want, Eddie? Haven’t you ruined enough?” The cusswords come out so easily, like they’ve always been a part of me. I never cuss. I save thosefor my sister, but right now, facing the man responsible for turning my world upside down, they seem freeing.
The cop clears his throat, looking a bit uncomfortable. “Ma’am, I’m Officer Johnston with the Reno Police Department. May I come in?”
“Sure, but that motherfucker can stay outside.”
“Unfortunately, ma’am, I feel as though it’s best if he comes inside. He’s having a bit of an anxiety attack, and I’d like to keep an eye on him. Would that be okay?”
Good, I hope he dies from it.
“Do I really have a choice?” I state in annoyance.
Officer Johnston nods his head. “Everyone has a choice, but in his current condition, I can’t leave him alone.”
“This is so stupid. But fine. By all means, come on in.” I wave them in, my animosity only building the more I have to look at him.
He did this. He made her leave. He broke my sister. He fucked up my life.
The officer helps Eddie to his feet and guides him to the couch. I stay in the corner with my arms crossed, ready for war.
“It’s probably best you have a seat,” the officer states.
My eyes dart to Eddie, hating how sad he looks. He doesn’t get to look sad. Not right now.
“What’s this about?”
“Eddie tells me that your parents are out of town on business?”
“They’re always out of town… why? What’s going on?” They both share a look, one that makes my back straighten. Something’s definitely wrong.
Eddie can’t even look at me, and when he does, his eyes widen like he’s staring at a complete stranger.
“I’m not sure how to tell you this…” Officer Johnston starts, shifting a bit in his seat. “But there was an accident…”
“An accident? Are my parents okay?” Instantly, I’m on high alert. Not that I hear much from my parents, but it’s quite possible something could’ve happened to them, and I just not know it yet.
“Your parents are fine,” he reveals, “It’s not them I’m here about.”
Pippa.
It’s the only other option. My eyes cut to Eddie, and narrow into furious slits. “What did you do to my sister?”
The officer jumps in. “I’m not sure how to tell you this—”
“Is that all you know how to say?” I growl, my voice rising to an octave I’ve never hit before, then I look at the pathetic motherfucker cowering in his seat. “I know you have something to do with this, or you wouldn’t be here. What the fuck did you do?”
