Nobody Said Life Was Going to be Easy. And I, Should Have Known Better

16: Investigation

As soon as I left Annalise's house I was determined to figure out if it was indeed Craig who broke in. I vowed to spend all of the day searching for answers but I needed a good night's rest first. I passed by Craig's room. Slowly peeking in, I saw him sprawled out on his bed sleeping.

"Sleep in peace tonight Craig but if you did what I think you did then they'll be hell to pay." I whispered and retreated to my room. I lay in bed unable to sleep with thoughts of her running through my mind. I was worried about her even know, when I made sure her door was locked behind me. What if something happens when I'm not there? She'll be okay  a little voice in my head kept repeating. My thoguhts took a turn and soon I was imagining her in that dress she wore for our date. Her pale skin looked so perfect and soft. Her green eyes popping out in contrast to her skin and dress. They were complimented by the soft pink  blush that seemed to remain on her face all night; and that smile. Her smile is so contagious and inviting, makes me smile without even realizing I am. How can she not have guys chasing her down everywhere she goes? She doesn't even know the effect she has on me, which maybe is the most appealing trait, her innocence. I glance down and groan, I just want to sleep but my body has other ideas. I roll to my side and try not to think about how much I want her. Her soft lips against mine, her soft skin-STOP! I inwardly yell. I covered  my head with my pillow.

I yawn and stretch, opening my eyes to the blinding light coming through my window. I glance at the alarm clock next to my bed, 10:20am. I slowly got up and hopped in the shower. By the time I got out, I was bound and determined to figure out what Craig was up to last night. I owed it to Annalise. I found my mother in the kitchen. She was alone, good.

"Hey Mom. Can I ask you a question?"

"Yeah, sure." She hesitated.

"Was Craig home all yesterday?"

"Yep. John grounded him, he's failing a couple of classes."

"He was? Are you sure?"

"Yes! He cleaned the house I know, I helped. Since you are too irresponsible to be home to help."

"I had work until 4."

"Mmhm." She responded skeptically.

What's wrong with this family? I give them a quarter of my paycheck each week to help pay bills and they still treat me like shit. I didn't know whether or not to believe my mother. She doesn't have any reason to lie really, unless Craig had threatened her 'cause he knew I would ask that. My investigation was not over, oh no, it had just begun. A sleepy Craig walked in and glared at me, I glared right back. I could vaguely hear my ringtone from my room so I sprinted up the stairs hoping it was 'Lise. Instead I found my best friend's number on the caller ID.

"Hey Mike. What's up?"

"Yo dude, you wanna meet me at the skating park?"

I thought about this, I didn't feel like skating at the moment but he is also Craig's friend too, maybe he knows what he was up to.

"Alright, see you in a few."

When I got there with my skateboard he was already waiting by the gate.

"Hey."

"Yo. Ready?"

We skated mindlessly for a little while before we sat down on a bench to rest.

"So have you talked to Craig at all this weekend?"

"Yeah, why?"

"Just wondering. What did he do saturday night?" trying to sound casual.

"Uhh, he stayed home I'm pretty sure. He mentioned something about being grounded."

"Oh."

So my mother was telling the truth. What would be the odds of everybody lying? I was confused and felt like I hadn't accomplished anything for Annalise. Oh well, maybe it really wasn't Craig. Maybe the police will call him in and question him.

"I don't see why you two don't get along at all."

"He's just an asshole to everyone."

Mike shrugged. I checked the time, 1:15.

"Dude, I have to go get reaady for work at 2. I'll see ya later."

"Peace."

I drove home to put on that lame ass work uniform and go to work. I texted Annalise letting her know that evidence pointed to Craig's innocence