Eddie The Banished

The Will

She could hear the chaos before she ever woke up. Her step dad was yelling at the Tv knowing he didn't win the lottery.. again. It was the 7th time this year. You would think after failing so many times you would stop spending your entire paycheck on a chance, but he never learned his lessons. She threw her covers back and felt her way over to the dresser. It was still dark outside, but the wet morning air was drafting through her bedroom window, so she guessed it was 4:30am or so. She threw on a sweater, and some sweatpants before the house phone started ringing. She walked down the hall to the kitchen where the phone was hung on the wood panel wall. She cleared her throat before giving a soft "Hello" as she picked up the phone. "Hello miss, this is detective Grey. May I speak to a relative of Pearl Henderson?" Said a man from the other line. She wondered why a detective would be calling about her 94 year old grandmother? She kind of laughed thinking she robbed a bank or got caught streaking through a park. She wouldn't put it past her, the woman was crazy. But Annie loved her so much for it! "This is her grand daughter, Annie." The detective sighed, "Miss.." He paused "Mrs. Pearl was found dead by her caretakers this morning. I'm so sorry to deliver this news over the phone. I'm afraid I'm also going ask you to come to the station for her belongings. Her will is addressed to you." She dropped the phone and stabilized herself on the wall, holding her chest. She took a few deep breaths before grabbing her keys from the hook at the front door, her dad never turned around to ask where she was going so early, and she knew if she opened her mouth to speak, she would not be able to stop herself from crying. She started her mom's mustang and sped down the dirt covered driveway. She put in her favorite Metallica mixtape, as she all but drifted out onto the main road. She was never a good driver because she had a major lead foot, but in this moment, it was exactly what she needed. She made it to the police station in half the time it should have taken her. She held her breath as she pulled into the police station, trying to compose herself before she walked in. She cut off the engine and sat there for a few minutes, taking deep breaths to steady herself. A sudden knocking on her window startled her, making her bump her car horn when she jumped. She opened the door and stepped out of the car. "Ma'am are you alright?" Asked the officer. "Yes, yes I'm sorry.. I just got told.. someone told me, um.. I'm here for my grandmothers will." The officer must have seen the tears welling up in her eyes, because he offered her a sad smile "You must be Miss Johnson.. I must say although Mrs. Pearl is no longer with us, she made sure you were well taken care. Follow me." He said as he made his way into the station. She felt like all eyes were on her as they made their way through the station. Every time she looked up from the floor, she would make eye contact with someone looking at her. She just wanted to get the will and get out, but that seemed like it was going to be easier said than done. They rounded a corner and he stepped into a room with a long table and chairs. It looked like a conference room. A man dressed in a nice button up, was sitting at the head of the table, studying some papers laid out before him. "Detective Grey, Miss Johnson is here." Said the officer. Detective Grey looked up and offered her a half smile. He stood and walked over to her, placing a hand on her shoulder. "I'm truly sorry for your loss. Mrs. Pearl was an amazing woman. Although she kept us busy, I am going to miss her." Annie laughed remembering a time when her grandmother lost a baking competition to some middle aged woman who clearly cheated. Everything was supposed to be made from scratch in your own kitchen, but Mamaw Pearl knew a store bought cake when she tasted it. She walked over to the unsuspecting lady, holding her trophy in the air laughing about her win, and Mamaw Pearl slapped the woman clear across the face. "You are a cheater and I liar! You got this cake from the store and everyone knows it." She yelled. Everyone clearly didn't know it, because they called the police, who then handcuffed my grandmother until she calmed down. She never would take any nonsense from anyone, and that's what Annie loved most about her. Mamaw Pearl never fit in with the normal society, and neither did Annie. "Thank you," she said to the detective, shaking his hand. She walked with him over the the table, and took a seat. "I know this is a painful time for you, so I'll keep it short and to the point. We're you aware of Mrs. Pearls financial status?" He asked. Annie snorted and immediately put her hand over her mouth, giving the detective a look of apology. "Definitely not. She lived in a cabin off grid, and the only people she was ever with are.. were her caretakers and me." The detective nodded, "Well she left you a substantial sum, as well as her house in Hawkins, Indiana. She also left you this note, unopened of course." He handed Annie the letter and she took it with a shaking hand. "I.. I don't know what to say.." she said. "You don't have to say anything Miss Johnson. Your grandmother loved you very much, that much is certain." He said. She wasn't able to keep her tears from falling anymore, "You are free to go Miss Johnson," he said standing up from his chair. She turned and walked out to her car. The drivers seat caught her as she practically collapsed into the car. She had her first panic attack since her mom died 7 years ago. She knew the officers walking past her car would see, but she no longer cared. She cried for so long, until she finally caught her breath. With a shaking hand she started her engine and headed home.. she knew the hard part wasn't over. She still had to tell her dad..