I Hate You More

Punching Bag

Harlen

"Ms.Fields," The officer called my name bringing me out of my thoughts, "I'm Michael Way, the officer assigned to your case. Do you think you could start from the beginning?"

"Where are my friends?" I responded.

"They're right in the hallway." He said softly.

"Can they be in here?" I asked.

Michael shook his head, "No but, as soon as we're done I can send them in if you want?"

His name reminded me of the band's former cameraman, and I found myself thinking about him, and honestly everyone else I hadn't seen in so long.

"Do you know where my little sister is?"

"She's on a plane headed towards us right now," He sighed, "now, do you think you could answer a couple of my questions?"

I silently nodded, prompting him to begin his interrogation. Well, I guess I wasn't technically being interrogated but, it sure felt like I was, "Do you remember what happened the day you went missing?"

"Yeah uh," I took a moment to gather my words, "we had finished our tour and were-"

"Who finished what tour?" He interrupted.

"Uh- my band and I- or it wasn't my band but, I was in it- uh Palaye Royale," Michael nodded, encouraging me to continue, "our last show was in L.A, where we all live- uh lived- and we had a party to celebrate our last show-"

"Where was the party?"

"At our house- or their house. I was just staying there."

"Why were you staying there?" He pushed.

"Because of my dad."

Michael nodded, "How much did you have to drink?"

"I didn't drink anything," I snapped, "now am I supposed to tell you what happened or be interrupted with questions every five fucking seconds?"

Michael's eyes widened at my anger. It felt like he wasn't listening to me, he was just trying to prove me wrong, "I'm sorry. I'm just trying to get what's important."

"Ok," I scoffed, "I left the party by myself- completely sober. I was headed to my friend Renee's house to pick up my little sister Gianna. I was almost to Renee's house when I realized I- left my bracelet at the boys' house. That's when my dad hit me over the head, and- I don't know- took me?"

"When you said you were staying with your bandmates because of your dad. What did you mean by that?"

"He- uh hits me," I sighed, "I mean he hits my little sister too but, I've gotten pretty good at taking everything so she doesn't have to. He's the one that did this to me."

I gestured to the bruises and cuts all over my body, and even though the worst of them were covered by my hospital gown, and blanket, he got the idea.

"Do you have any idea where he might be?"

"Well I know the address of the house he had me in," I shrugged, "and I had only left there about two hours ago so, maybe he hasn't gotten back yet?"

"Can you write the address down for me? I'll call in some back up, and we can go pick him up."

I did as the officer asked, my hand shaking from both nerves, and the fact that it was my non dominant hand. My right arm was in a cast now, so, I couldn't really use it.

"Ok," Michael smiled sympathetically. I wish someone would give me a smile that wasn't sympathetic, "that's all for right now. Thank you Harlen. Uh- feel better soon."