A Surge of Fury
JULIANNA'S POV
As we arrived at the police station, the tension in the air was palpable. My mom, my friends, and I moved quickly through the station's entrance, our collective resolve unwavering. The officer at the front desk glanced up as we approached.
"Excuse me, we're here to inquire about Damien Ryder," I said, my voice firm despite the swirl of emotions inside me.
The officer's expression turned guarded. "Mr. Ryder has been released," he said. "By the highest authority."
The implication was clear, and it felt like a punch to the gut. My rage flared, burning away the numbness that had settled over me since the news of my father’s death. "Of course he has," I spat, the sarcasm dripping from my words. "Because justice doesn't apply to the rich and powerful, does it?"
"Julianna, please," my mom pleaded, placing a calming hand on my arm.
But I couldn't hold it in any longer. "What about my father?" I screamed at the officer. "Where is the justice for him? Does your conscience not bother you at all?"
My friends and mom tried to calm me down, gently pulling me away from the front desk. I could see the pity and discomfort in the officer's eyes, but it only fueled my anger further. As they managed to drag me out of the station, I shouted, "I hate you!" My voice echoed through the lobby, my fury directed at the entire Ryder family.
Stella stayed close to me, understanding my turmoil better than anyone else. "It’s not fair, I know," she said softly as we walked to the car. "But we will find a way to get through this."
The drive back home was somber. No one spoke much, and I could feel the weight of my father's absence more acutely than ever. When we got home, I went straight to my bunk, trying to process everything. The guy I had allowed to touch me, to whom I had shown vulnerability, was the same person who had played a role in my father’s death. The betrayal was a knife in my chest.
************** Test Day ***************
The week passed in a blur, and before I knew it, the day of the chemistry test had arrived. That morning, my mom came to me, her face etched with concern. "Julianna, you need to focus on your studies," she said, sitting on the edge of my bed. "Don't let your emotions affect your performance. Your father would want you to do well."
"I know, Mom," I sighed. "It's just hard."
She hugged me tightly, then prayed for me, her words a balm to my soul. "When will you go back home, Mom?" I asked, pulling back. "People shouldn't find out my mom is staying with me at my hostel."
"I'll leave after your test today," she said, smiling gently. "I know you'll be fine."
At campus, my friends and I walked to the exam hall together. The usual chatter was subdued, and I could tell they were all worried about me. "Remember, we’re here for you," Nora said, giving me a reassuring smile.
The test itself was a blur. I could barely focus on the questions, my mind kept wandering back to my father and Damien. The invigilator's voice droned on, and I forced myself to concentrate. "You can do this," I whispered to myself, trying to push everything else aside.
After the test, we gathered outside the hall. "How did it go?" Stella asked, her eyes full of concern.
"I did my best," I replied, though I wasn't sure if it was good enough.
Nora put an arm around my shoulders. "Let’s go get some coffee," she suggested. "We all need a break."
As we walked to the café, I couldn’t help but overhear snippets of conversations around us. People were still talking about Damien Ryder, speculating about his innocence and his father's involvement. My anger flared again, but I tried to keep it in check.
At the café, we found a quiet corner and settled in. "How are you holding up?" Stella asked, her voice soft.
"I don't know," I admitted. "I’m trying to stay strong, but it’s hard."
"You don’t have to do this alone," Nora said. "We’re all here for you."
"Thanks," I said, feeling a little better. "I just... I need to find out why. Why did he do it?"
"Maybe you should talk to him," Stella suggested. "Like....call him. Get the answers you need."
"Yeah, maybe," I replied, though the thought of hearing Damien voice filled me with dread.
As we left the café, my resolve hardened. I would get through this, for my father's sake. And I would find out the truth, no matter what it took.
YOU ARE READING
The Fictional Man Among Us
Lãng mạn"What's wrong here?" Ryder's voice was deep and authoritative, sending a shiver down my spine. My body reacted in ways I couldn't control. My thighs clenched together, a sudden throb of desire pulsing through me. I was startled by my body's reaction...
