Bandmate ||Ricky Garcia||

《n i n e t y - f i v e》

Ricky's POV

I always had a hard time believing love existed. My parents were a shitty example. If anything it scared me to think I could transform into another version of my dad. Perhaps with age, I would grow cold and abusing. I was terrified of becoming him but at the same time, all I wanted was to be like him, so he could accept me. I spent years battling this contradicting feeling that clawed at my insides. However, all that weight lifted away knowing I was not my father's son. The biological component was no longer part of the future's equation.

It felt weird to step foot inside the police station once again. Back when I first accompanied her to the station to receive news on her lost family I was behind her. I was squeezing her shoulders tight so she wouldn't crumple. She felt so weak that her bones felt hollow when I touched her. Now the roles have reversed. We wait for my mom as she goes in to give her statement to get a restraining order against my dad.

Audrey is standing behind me as I sit and wait. Her arms wrap around my neck and she rests her chin on my head. The soft air of her breathing moves my hair calming me. Sam paces back and forth trying to walk in the same tiles. Justin reappeared with coffee in hand for when mom comes out. She'll need it.

''When will your mom go?'' I ask keeping my eyes on Sam's pacing legs. He stops and taps his left foot.

''She said she'd wait for me. She didn't want to go alone.'' He continues to pace.

''I think what your mom is doing should help all of you be more at ease." Audrey whispers and her fingers caress my skin. I lift my hand and wrap my fingers around hers.

"It for sure will make me sleep better at night," I answer her. I don't know what got into my mom to make this decision. Had she finally grown tired of his bullshit? Or perhaps all this time she still had hoped he'd change? Whatever it could be I'll never forget the look on her face when she told us she'd do this. Her chin was high and mighty from the moment she woke up to the moment to stepped foot inside the police department.

"Oh Justin, get the coffee ready.'' I hear Sam say breaking apart my thoughts. Audrey's embrace loosens up allowing me to get up. She walks out holding papers and talking to an officer. He waves her goodbye and they part ways.

''How did it go mom?'' Justin asks handing her the cold brew. She puts the papers under her arm and takes a sip.

She nods giving us a thumbs up, ''Everything should be fine now hon.'' Her smile is big with hope. Her arms expand to give us all a group hug before guiding us out the door.

Even stepping foot back into the house feels relieving. The occasional ghost of my father's presence flashes every now and there but strangely I feel more protected. Audrey and I sit out in the yard while the others cut up some fruit to celebrate. The sun is hot but the tree provides us with shade. She is leaning on me as her fingers scroll through her phone. I feel her body vibrate when she chuckles. I look down to see her staring at family pictures.

''You're really lucky...'' I suddenly whisper and clench my teeth. The last thing I want is to guilt-trip her.

''You're lucky too,'' She scrolls down to a photo of my mom helping me fix my tie. It is when I was at Jester's party. I had no idea Audrey was watching us. "But in a different way.''

"You're such a stalker.'' I laugh and she shoves me.

"I was capturing a sweet moment. Ungrateful.'' She shakes her head and crosses her arms. I was about to lung over and embrace her but my phone starts to ring. I look down and see Emery's name.

''Little fish is calling,'' I groan and pick up. ''Yes?"

''He's here and he's crying.'' He frantically tells me. I hear shuffling as if he was running.