Patience

Chapter 7 - Fancy Meeting You Here

"Look Manny, I can't be a part of that, I've got Tom here tonight and I can't leave. Do whatever you have to do but I can't leave the house." I run a hand down the front of my face, what if that had been me? God, my head is killing me. 

"Alright, I'll give you a ring in the morning." He hangs up without so much as a goodbye, rude. I get that this is my fault, my fault for being related to such a maniac but he can't expect me to just leave my little brother here alone while I go off and watch them beat down on some guy.

Was an extra few years without any bullshit too much to ask for? I feel like I deserved at least that after all he put me through. I guess it's a good thing we swapped cars when we did or that would be Tom and I tonight instead of Manny and one of his guys, I can only imagine what they'll be doing to him right now to get information. And in all honesty, that, I am happy to not be a part of.

We've only ever had one incident like this over the last three years, it was only a few weeks after our mum split on us and we were stuck in my childhood home with no way to pay the bills. Little did I know that the house was actually one of Adam's friends and he was less than impressed about not receiving his rent when he should have. Things got a bit messy to say the least, he let us stay for a while after I got a job but a few months in he thought he had the right to start beating me around just like my dad used to. I put up a fight that time, broke his nose, a few fingers and couple other bones but, when he showed up a second time with worse intentions, Manny showed him the grave.

That took awhile to let go of, I know what he was there to do that night, but I never wanted anyone's death on my hands. I never asked for it, I never wanted to wake up in the middle of the night because I'd screamed so loud in my sleep that I startled myself. I didn't ask for this life, not at that time anyway. All of the events in the last three years has made us more of a target for when Adam got out, not only taking over some of his business but also downing some of his men? It wouldn't go overlooked that's for sure, I was just hoping they would keep him behind bars for longer than they did.

Sitting on the cold floor of the shower, my mind races, water running down my face. I can't tell if I'm crying anymore or if it's just the water pouring over me from above. I have to figure something out, I've got Manny's car which seems to be going fine for me, but he has mine and that's no longer an option. I could change my number plates, sell my car. There are plenty of Ford Rangers out there and I imagine the only reason they would know which is mine, is because of the plates... actually, they know where Manny lives now too. I'm not sure how we're going to fix that... Either way I'm going to have to be more cautious when I'm out, for everyone's sake, this isn't just about me and Tom anymore.

As the water turns cold and my lip begins to tremble, I finally work up the energy to pull myself out of the bathroom and change into my pajamas. I catch a glimpse of my reflection in the mirror as I make my way out the door, dark, clouded eyes stare back at me, heavy bags and tangled hair join them, I'm not sure who this person is right now. She looks crazed.

I make my way to Tom's room, checking in one last time before I close myself in my room, pull out my phone and try to turn off for the night.

1 Unread Message:

Shitface

Tapping on the screen as I roll to my side, I read the message. Not entirely sure what we'd have to talk about at 1 o'clock in the morning... but alright.

Shitface: You awake?

Me: No, you?

Shitface: Same

A small laugh escapes my lips as the next message comes in.

Shitface: Thought I would provide you with your daily pick up line, sorry it's a bit late: Are you a magician? Because whenever I look at you, everyone else disappears!