Disiplinary

Chapter 7

The next day, me and Adam head back to Alisha and Simon. But we look around to notice that Deidre is not with them. I'm starting to get really worried, but I masked my fear, knowing me and Adam had a job to do.

"Thanks for letting us come in again", I said.

"You're welcome", complimented Simon, "And both of you are doing a good job. I can't imagine how hard this must be for both of you."

I looked at him, having smiled for the first time, "Thanks", I replied. I then looked around the room once more and had to ask the question, which was "where's Deidre?"

Alisha dipped her head. I reassured her to say it was okay, she then bravely spoke up. "They moved her to intensive care."

My face literally dropped to the floor. I was on the verge of breaking point, but Adam calmed me down, allowing me to continue. I eventually then calmed down.

"I'm sorry to hear that", I told them, "when did this happen?"

"Moments after you came round yesterday", Simon mentioned.

We both saw them look uneasy and uncomfortable.

"If you want", I recommended, "We can come back tomorrow or even next week?"

Alisha was not having it one bit, "No", she quickly responded, "The sooner we figure out who did it, the sooner we can move forward."

I was hesitant but gave in, replying with a simple, "Okay". I then got out my notepad. "You mentioned before that Deidre looked after you both as if you were her own. What did happen to the parents?"

"They were on drugs", Alisha replied, "And have both been since..." but she stumbled.

"Since what?" Adam asked.

"Since the miscarriage," she blurted out, and sobbed into the sofa.

Adam, stepped in. "We lost our sister, Mia, due to a stillborn. We were grieving as well, but they acted as though we never existed. It all started with not talking to each other at teatime, then gradually moved to the mornings, then the afternoons, to the point where they would go out and come home plastered later on. It was horrible."

"Did you ever tell them this?" I asked. They both shook their heads. "Why?" I asked.

"As they said we wouldn't understand," Alisha replied, "and that we weren't the one carrying the baby. Yeah, maybe we weren't, but the baby connected to all of us."

I looked at them, understanding.

"Do you have any other family relatives?" Adam asked.

"An uncle", Simon answered, "But he's often away on work. And since mum and dad left us, we've hardly been in touch with him. We don't want to be burdens."

"I'm sure he won't think like that", I responded, "but if the worst comes, will at least consider..."

"No", Alisha butted in.

I tried to find a way to get her to open up, "Maybe you might be surprised."

Alisha was disgusted, "Don't tell me about my life. You don't know me. Or Simon for that matter." I can see how traumatising it is for her. And then she saw red "Do you know what just get out. Both of you. GET OUT!"

They both had to wave the white flag as they made their way out.

"It's not you. Honestly", Simon butted in, "it's just a lot for her. You know".

"I know," she replied, "see you later" and Simon saw them out, and then made his way back to Alisha to calm her down.