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Chapter 62

My father works full time for a car company—usually even longer hours. I still remember when he came home late and left the house at half past seven in the morning. I remember so well that he had to be at work at the same time as I had to be at school. Nothing has changed.

Maddie has to be at school by eight, too. A convenient cover for my mother. 

While the three of us sit in the waiting area of the police station, I turn to my father. "Why now?" I wish I could ask him without Maddie sitting right next to us, listening in on every word we say.

My father looks at me. He looks exhausted. "I couldn't stop thinking about what you said, Oscar. And your explanation sounded rational," he says, running a hand over his face as if he's trying to wipe away his fatigue. "I asked David if what you said was true. He brushed it off. He just said, 'Of course not.' No further explanation. And I thought, unlike him, you didn't just brush it off. You explained yourself."

I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding. Finally, someone who actually thought it through. Finally.

"So then I decided to ask Maddie." His voice drops, barely above a whisper, but it doesn't help. Maddie's right there, her shoulders stiffening. "She didn't want to talk about it," he goes on. "I asked who hurt her. She said it was David. That's all I know."

My lips curve into a small, shaky smile. "Thanks, Dad."

My father nods, his gaze drifting to something meaningless. "I still hope this is all a misunderstanding."

"Did you talk to Mom?"

"She doesn't want to talk about it."

"She only ever sees what she wants to. She's always been like that, blind to anything that doesn't fit her world."

"Oscar, why didn't you tell me?" His voice dips, heavy with something between confusion and disappointment. "I'm still trying to figure that out. I just can't wrap my head around it. Were you... scared of me?"

"Not of you," I say. "I was scared you wouldn't believe me. Like Mom."

"I'm sorry if I ever made you think that. I really wish you'd told me."

I meet his eyes. "Would you have believed me?"

"I would have done everything to find out the truth."

My phone vibrates. Right. That's when he always sends me videos, right before work. Only this time, I'm not at home getting ready for it.

i cant watch it rn

Why?

im at the police station

with my sister and my dad

It takes him a while to answer. Then I see him typing and suddenly, a flood of messages.

That's great Oscar

Amazing progress

I'm very proud of you

thanks

u kinda helped me a lot

Glad to hear that

I smile a little and let it happen. For a second, I think it's kind of cheesy. But it's not like I'm in love or anything, right? He's just the boyfriend of the guy I actually have a crush on. The one who helps me out a lot. Who I actually trust. Who pisses me off more often than not—but, let's be honest, never enough to make me hate him.

I raise my phone again.

lets do that stupid relationship thing

Not interested anymore

??

😂

that was really not funny man

i mean really

boomer humor

Quite determined all out of sudden?

nah

i just thought why not

Sure you did you little slut

never mind

i just changed my mind

I don't think so

No one can resist easy made money

wait

u would give me money for a relationship?

As soon as I teach you how to handle money

You'll earn that money

ugh

Yeah that's what you will sound like

omg u fukcing perv

That was two days at once

Well done

idc

i have felix now

Now you're on one week and two days

nice

i found a way i can be with felix but without u

at least for nine days now

Felix can't make you feel what I can

u mean annoyed?

I mean that thing that makes you forget how to breathe.

ur literally insane

I'm right tho.

shut up

"Oscar."

"Yes?" I raise my head. My father and Maddie stand up, and in front of us stands a police officer, waiting with a polite smile. God, I'm scared. My whole body feels numb when I stand up. I take a deep breath. I feel my father's hand in mine and I'm nine years old again, after telling my father what David did. I squeeze his hand. Then the officer opens the door.