Angelica "Freak Two" Munson

Chapter 27

"So we've narrowed it down to Farland, Statesville, and Birdare County. Those are the closest stops when heading south." Wayne circles the small towns on the map.

"Do we know anything about Farland, Statesville, or Birdare County?" Eddie questions with a sigh.

"Well, I've been to–"

The doorbell chimes, echoing its broken record throughout the small trailer.

The two Munsons share a look of hope and worry. Could Angie have come home on her own?

Eddie rushes to the door, swinging it open as Wayne follows close behind.

When he sees who's at the door, he audibly groans.

"Why the hell are you back here, Karen?" Wayne throws his hands up in disappointment.

"Because you guys kept hanging up on me. I just figured it'd be easier if I came in person."

"Well, it's not appreciated." Eddie goes to slam the door in her face, but she puts her foot in before he can.

"Eddie, that is no way to treat your mother."

"I don't see you as my mother." He scoffs, "You're no mother. Just the woman who birthed me."

"Eddie!" She places her hand over her heart, "Wayne, are you going to let him treat me this way?"

"Honestly?" He questions rhetorically, "Yes... I mean, the boy has a point. You were an absolute shit mother to these kids, and they have every right to be mad at you."

"But that's why I'm here. I'm here to make amends."

"It's been 14 years, Karen. It's a little too late to be making amends." Eddie states discardingly.

"Well, I won't ever be able to do it if you don't quit being so stubborn and just let me in."

"No, I will not 'let you in'. I was fine with it before, but I've been previously enlightened on the trouble you've caused all of us since we've known you." Eddie sighs sadly.

"Hmph, if you won't talk to me, then I'll just go talk to Angie instead." She huffs.

"No, you won't." Wayne speaks up.

"Why not? She's my daughter."

"First of all, no. Second of all... she's not here."

"Well, where is she?"

"We don't know."

"You don't know? So you're telling me you've lost her?"

"We–"

"It was probably because none of you listened to her." Karen rolls her eyes, "God, I can't imagine how alone she must feel in a house surrounded by selfish men."

"That's not what—"

Eddie is interrupted by his birth mother once again.

"I'm sure that she's fine." She brushes it off, "I'm not even sure why you two bother looking. She's probably having the time of her life without you... I'm saying don't plan on her ever coming back here."

The guilt swallows Wayne and Eddie whole, especially Eddie, who's spent the most time with her.

"I–" Eddie's voice gets caught in his throat as her realization hits him. He drove his sister away. He did. And she's never coming back. It's all his fault.

"It's good riddance, if you ask me... Left town to be her own self instead of dealing with you two or making amends with her deal ol mama."

"Get out." Eddie mumbles.