The last chance

Chapter 5 :

I'm awakened by male voices. I get up and look out the window. Raviere is arguing with two guys. I rush out and run towards them before they come to blows.

- You piece of shit!

I position myself in front of Raviere to defend him.

- Don't you dare touch my brother!

- Your asshole brother tried to steal my car.

- Nonsense! I was just looking at it!

- NO! You wanted to steal it, you little prick!

- If you touch it, I guarantee you'll regret it!

- Oh yeah, and what are you gonna do about it, huh! Scratch me with your chick nails.

- Punch you in the face.

I turn around and take my brother back to the bedroom.

- What the fuck did he get you?

He pulls a cell phone out of his pocket.

- You're a genius!

I take the phone out of his hand and sit down on the bed.

- Call Mom," says Raviere.

I dial Mom's number. She doesn't answer. I start again.

- Come on, Mom, answer.

She picks up.

- Hello?

Her voice sounds strange.

- Mama! It's us! Where are you?

- It's not going the way I thought.

His voice is really weird. I'm starting to get worried.

- Is she all right? Raviere asks me.

- Mom, where are you? Don't you look well?

- I don't want you to worry about me. Just stay out of sight.

- Mom, what's going on?

- What's wrong with her? Raviere asks me again.

- Your father stabbed me and went looking for you. I don't know if I can hold out much longer.

I can't leave her like this. I've got to do something.

- Raviere and I will come get you.

- No, Avery.

- Raviere's taking your stuff.

- But why?! Tell me, how's Mom?!

- Avery, listen to me! says my mother on the other end of the phone.

- I don't know where you are, but you're not moving, I understand. I love you and your brother, you know that.

- Mommy! Mommy!

A tear rolls down my cheek.

- You're the best thing that ever happened to me.

Then nothing. I can't believe it.

- Avery, Avery, Averyy! shouts my brother, shaking me. How's Mom?

I look at him.

- I look at him. Tell me, what happens at the end?!

- Mom's dead.

- WHAT? No, she can't be. I don't believe you.

I don't believe it either.

- Si Raviere. She died on the phone. I'm sorry.

He gets angry and hits me. I take him by force. He bursts into tears in my arms. I do the same.

The evening takes its course. Raviere managed to fall asleep, but I didn't. I think I'll get some fresh air. I go out with a jacket. It's a beautiful night.

- It's beautiful!

I jump. Damn it!

- You scared me!

- I saw that. Want a beer? he says, handing me a beer.

- No, I wouldn't.

- Are you sure?

- I'm sure

I keep looking up at the sky.

- If you want, you can sit next to me. I'm not going to eat you.

- No, I'm fine standing.

- Come on, then! Come and sit down.

- I just told you I don't want to!

- There's no need to be so aggressive.

- I just don't feel like sitting next to a guy like you.

He smiles.

- A guy like me.

He gets up and walks towards me.

- It's rare that a girl pushes me away. Usually, they're all after me to get them into bed.

- Well, maybe I'm not just another girl.

- Oh yes, you are! And what's the difference between you and them? You're blonde, aren't you?

He puts his mouth to my ear. I feel the breath of his mouth in my ear. It makes me shiver.

- Have you even made love with a man?

He looks at me with an intensity that could pierce me. I don't answer his question. He passes me by and goes back to his room. I return to my room.