Affliction

Chapter 8

Jessie

I was on the case, I had no clue where to start or what I was really looking for but I had to do something. So I decided to go to where it all started, Homestead Ln.

Arriving at the location where Abby was found I started thinking of all the investigation shows like CSI and NCIS. I scanned the premises looked for any clue left by the police that already investigated the area.  After a good hour my motivation began to dissipate, I thought maybe the investigators found all there was to find.

The sky was now painted orange and red, its sunset. I'd better get home I thought. Packing up my bag and board I give a last sigh of disappointment "Guess, this isn't a good start." I tell myself stepping onto my board, as I was about to roll off I spot something lying in a patch of grass on the next lawn over.

I quickly kick up my board and head towards it. Picking it up with my latex glove I give it a quick look, it seemed to be a missing number from someone's embroidered team jacket. The number was 2, and had the colors of Vanguard. So did that mean that it was someone from school?

I had my first clue; now it was time to get some answers.

When I got home mom franticly shot up from the couch and rushed over to me "Where have you been"? She asked taking my board and placing it next to the shoe rack behind the door.

"I went to Abby's graduation, got her diploma and gown." I answered, "I'm back before dark, why you so worried"? she stared at me with that deadly mother stare, " why am I worried," she mimicked " because my oldest daughter was just attacked by some ass hole whole stole the most precious thing from her and my youngest is lord knows where doing lord knows what." She continued crossing her arms.

I give a stressed sigh wiping my eye lid "mom, I love you but when was the last time you cared what time I got home." I argue taking my bag off my back I pull out the rolled diploma, "see; here ... another proud moment for the wall." I state handing her the diploma.  The Wall of Honor was this once blank wall in between the living and dining room area.

It once was just a huge blank wall that neither mom nor dad knew what to do with, but 2 summers ago when I had won this skaters competition mom decided she wanted to show case my award where everyone could see it, we didn't have the money to invest in a shelving unit or some kind of mural.

Instead mom decided hanging it up on the wall between the living and dining room where everyone could witness her children's' greatness.

She takes the certificate from my hand and gives a stressful sigh "Jess I just don't want anything to happen to you too." She states brushing through my short blonde/brunette hair with her empty hand. "I know, nothing will happen mom I promise." I respond taking her hand out my now tussled hair.

Dad wouldn't be home for another few hours he was doing some serious over time at the warehouse. He worked for his best friend Bobbi with and I to be precise, they had known each other since the sandbox days and "Uncle Bobbi" has always been an entrepreneur, he talked of running his own company forever.

Finally at the age of 30 he was able to accomplish that dream, he now owns this furniture company – they sell high price and great quality sofas and love seats. He is the one that gave us dad's favorite leather chair, which now was empty more than often.

Upstairs was quiet – unlike the rest of the house that was filled with noises of nature, and TV; upstairs was peaceful. I checked in the bathroom where Abs tried to commit suicide and saw the little bit of evidence mom left behind. She had set some bleach down in the tub and had the mop at the door. She seems to ready to clean it.

In Abby's room the faded gleam from the sunset peeked through her white sheer curtains, I could see the specs of dust hovering around like little dust fairies. I crack open the door and peek inside. She was laid on her bed facing the window, her wounded are resting on her hip; she was asleep.