Euphoria

Seven

Sapphire 💜

"Mom." My voice cracked when she answered the phone.

"I need you to come home." Her reply was full of anguish like every word  knocked her breath away.

"Don't worry, I'm coming."

"Listen carefully sweetheart. Only bring what you need. Don't tell anyone you're leaving. Lars is on his way to you. I love you."

"I love you too mom." The click of the phone felt definite.

I began snatching everything I needed, throwing it into my green duffle bag and red suitcase. I searched for my important documents, banking information, and I stashed the cash Nico gave me in my purse. I grabbed my favorite books and a few special clothing items. The majority of my things would be left here. Eventually, I'd call Carmen and ask her to take them to a women's shelter.

My mom's words consumed my thoughts. "Don't tell anyone I'm leaving."

Did someone notice my dad was here and took that as their opportunity to hurt him. If he would've flown from California to New York without stopping to see me, he would be alive. Why did I have to move so far away? Either way the wind blew. I knew it was my fault and that I was a horrible daughter.

Kaden, Ezra and my sweet Ivy would have to grow up without a father because I made a stupid decision. My phone rang. It was Lars.

"I'm outside, we need to go now." I didn't respond. I rushed out of the apartment, carrying my heavy bags. It's strange the things you remember when your world starts crashing down. My dad would never let me carry something so heavy. He would take it off my shoulder. Then carry it like it weighed one pound.

I opened the car door without saying a word to Lars.

"I wish I was here on better terms, Ms. Richter."

"Take me to my mom." Those were the only words I could manage. Anything else might open the gates to me having a nervous breakdown. I always thought my dad was invincible. Today proved that he was just a man. That man was my dad, my mom's husband, a wonderful boss and so many more things. Remarkable, but a man no less. Not the superhero, my siblings and I have come to know. 

"I know this might not seem like the right thing to do, but you have to get on a plane."

"No, I can't." Tears slowly streamed down my face.

"You don't have a choice. Your mom is expecting you in 4 hours. Don't worry." Lars opened the door, taking my bags on a plane I'd never seen before. My dad's planes were painted a metallic blue with Richter by the wings. This one was white with one red stripe.

I walked to the stairs, but couldn't step up the ramp. My body physically wouldn't.

"We need to go, Sapphire." Lars rarely called me Sapphire. Instead of walking on the plane, I began to run. Lars grabbed my arm. I could feel a small sting. My legs were heavy, I couldn't keep my balance as I swayed back and forth. Then there was nothing.

----------------------------------------------

I jumped up, not aware of where I was. Looking around taking in the familiarity of the scene. It was my room. I was home. My head pounded and I could barely move. I pressed the emergency button next to my bed. A galloping sound stopped at my door, quickly pushing it open.

"You're up!" Ivy yelled, laying her head across me. The happiness in her voice trailed as I felt my shirt getting wet. "I was afraid they would hurt you, too."

I wrapped my arms around my little sister. "No one's gonna hurt me. I'm here and I'm fine. I heard you won first place in your robotics contest." She cried a bit more before looking at me.