Might as Well Face it, You're Addicted to Love (Joe Perry/Nikki Sixx)

Chapter 157: Don't Close Your Eyes Part 2 (Josephine Nicole Perry Perry)

This was what I needed, wanted....and yet that feeling that SOMETHING isn't right hasn't went away. I think it's about time to check in with mom, with dad.... I THINK but I feel like NOW that someone is watching. I look around & see no one though.... I catch my sister's gaze; the same look dad wears with mom's eyes & I try & calm. Being here hanging out with Athena, Persephone, Amara & Bobby has helped to distract me...somewhat. Athena who looks like Uncle Tommy but with Aunt Stevie's eyes & wild blond hair, telling funny & embarrassing stories about Uncle Tommy being well Uncle Tommy. Persephone, a dead ringer as dad would say for Aunt Stevie, with Uncle Tommy's hair chiming in with her sister & then there's Bobby the son of the Alien AKA Uncle Mick whose eyes miss nothing, KNOWING shit, his arm finding its way around Athena. Still, he's here for me.... they all are.

Then Amara goes to the bathroom, and after a moment I follow & I get the brief feeling that Athena, Persephone & Bobby.... well, I KNOW they will be OK.... get help....

I find the bathroom & my sister.... being corned by a woman, my sister looking scared shitless & despite MY fear, I feel myself getting PISSED.

"Hey! Lady, BACK OFF! That's my sister, let her GO!" I shout & the woman turns & the air leaves my lungs as I REALIZE it's the source of my nightmares that I've had for months now: Dad's ex-wife Elyssa. "---NO..." I breathe out in horror. And the bitch SMIRKS, the kind that gives me chills, but my sister NEEDS me. I HAVE TO help her, I must...and save not just her but Dad.

"Huh, so you're Joe's oldest......you've got his mouth, and your so-called mother's balls.... Still, I have plans for you & your sister here. See, your father ruined my life, only fair that I ruin his by taking what he loves most.... starting with you two." A flash of a gun, which I realize now is directed at me but then suddenly she moves as if to strike Amara & I blink having thrown myself into it & she strikes me across the face instead & it HURTS, I CAN'T BREATHE....

"L-Let h-her go.... you've done enough..." standing barely in front of Amara. "—Go Amara.... g-get help.... I'm gonna.... distract.... her...." I whisper quickly.

"No...Josey.... i should help you.... stay...."

"No, if I can help you.... save you...an' dad.... I've got you."

I feel myself shoved, forced down.... huddled now with Amara.

"So that's the way you, wanna play it you little bitch. Just know, you will NEVER leave here alive...and your father will SEE me coming." She is hissing, going once more to hit my sister, but I stop her & get hit on the other side of my face instead & again it HURTS. I feel fear.... pain......

Dad will be worried.... scared.... mom too.... but he will come.... our family will, I know that. and I will die to save the one's I love....

Time seems to pass in a haze, Elyssa taunting my sister & I, saying such terrible things about Dad especially, I missed calling them.....and she fires the gun or brandishes it at people that try & enter....help, help has to come....and I have to make sure my sister gets out of here....i have to......

I have no clue what time it is now, but I barely managing to hang on & I hold my sister desperately.... finding strength to protect her, no we don't need words....and my phone has been buzzing desperately & thankfully Elyssa hasn't noticed.... if I could just get to....

Hearing voices shouting now.... HELP......cops....... surrounded.... i hear surrounded....and I find my voice......

"PLEASE...let us go.... you've already...already hurt Dad enough.... please.... take ME.... let my sister go.... PLEASE..." I plead, slowly standing on my feet. She seems to consider it, knowing she's in deep shit...already lost, but I KNOW better.