The next morning, I wake up before the alarm. Groaning, I rolled over and looked at my alarm clock. 5:30 in the morning. Why am I up? Blinking a couple of times, I notice that my phone is vibrating non-stop. Picking it up, I see that Leon has been texting and calling me for the past hour. I'm not in the mood for this. I completely turn off the phone and go back to bed. Waking up an hour and a half later because of the alarm, I slowly get out of bed. Stumbling down the stairs, I see my father sitting on the couch in front of the TV, his face deathly pale.
"Dad? What's wrong? Why aren't you at work right now?" He doesn't say anything back, he merely motions with his hand towards the TV. Slowly walking into the room, I see that the news channel is on, showing a fiery car crash. The caption says 'Drunk Man From Richardson gets into a Car Crash - Killing Another Driver.' Eyes widening, I look at my Father. He looks back, but before we can say anything the reporter starts talking.
"Early this morning, a tragedy struck. 17 year old Leon Severn went out underage drinking with his friends last night. At around 6:00 this morning, he was driving home from the bar when he T-Boned another vehicle. Witnesses say he was traveling at an extremely high state of speed. We received word from the hospital that the other driver died on impact. Apparently, this other driver was none other than Mary Harley, a real-estate agent who lives with her husband, John Harley, and daughter Carmin in Richardson. The police have detained Severn, and he is awaiting charges." No... It can't be. She was fine yesterday. How could this have happened? I suddenly remember the texts I got from Leon at 5:30. I ran up to my room, and turned on my phone. After what seemed like an eternity, I got the messages pulled up.
Unknown: Heeeeeeeey Bae, it's me again. A couple of friends and I are at the bar here and I'm invitin' you! I'm so sweet, aren't I. Seriously, come out with us.
Missed Call from an Unknown Number
Unknown: Wer r u Baeeeeeeeee? Iz waitin' for ya. I miss uuuuuuuuu.
Missed Call from an Unknown Number
Missed Call from an Unknown Number
Unknown: Heeeeeeeey there's a funky lookin unicorn thingy chasin meh. I thnk it wants mah oreos. Imma get in da car n try n escape it, I'll tell ya if I do. Byyyyyeeeezzzzz.
Missed Call from an Unknown Number
Oh my god. This is actually happening. This can't be happening! I'm still asleep! I have to be! She can't just be gone! Please! Don't be gone! I burst into tears. I don't even hear my father come up the steps towards my room. He kneels down beside me, and pulls me into a hug.
"I'm so, so sorry Bub. This should've never happened." I don't say anything in reply. I can't say anything. What is there to say? Clutching my phone to my chest, I see another message from someone else. I notice that it's from Mom.
Missed Call and Voicemail from Mom: 5:35 a.m.
I quickly sat up and opened the voicemail. I put it on speaker so my Dad could hear it as well.
"Hey sweetie, it's Mom. I know it's super early in the morning and I hope I didn't wake you. I'm sure your father has already told you the details of the divorce, and I wanted to let you know that I'm sorry about it. I don't want to put you through this, but it has to be done. I love you Carmin, I want you to know that. No matter what happens, or what you decide to do, I will always love you. I'm leaving work right now, so I should be home in about an hour."
And that was the end of the message. Then I notice she sent a text right afterward.
Mom: Almost forgot to say goodnight Sweetie! Well, technically good morning lol :D Have fun at school later and I love you!
Looking at my father, I see he has tears in his eyes. I've never once, in my entire life, seen my father cry. I quickly hug him again, and we sit there for what feels like hours. After we finally break the hug, he says that he already called the school to say that I wasn't going in today. Nodding my head, we both stand up off the floor. Wiping his eyes, he gives me a small smile that doesn't reach his eyes. He then wraps his arm around my shoulders, and we walk downstairs for some breakfast.
After some cereal, we both moved back into the living room. Not much happened for the rest of the day. We just kind of moped around the house. Dad made some calls to try and get funeral arrangements set up, and I spent a lot of time in my room. Stacy's been trying to talk to me all day, but I'm not in the mood for her obnoxious self. I just want to be left alone with my own thoughts.
Glancing at the clock, I decide I should get some lunch. First I finally get dressed into some jeans and my favorite band T-shirt. Heading back downstairs again, I see Dad is still talking on the phone, except now, he's pissed. Grabbing some snacks from the cabinet, I sneak over to the wall and listen in on the conversation.
"How is this my fault? You're son was the one who went out and got completely hammered. Underage I might add!" There's a few seconds of silence, then he speaks again. "Oh, believe me. Charges will be pressed, that I can assure you. No matter how much money or favors you offer Severn! I'll see you and your son in court." With that, he hangs up. After a loud sigh, he says, "You can come out now Carmin. I know you're hiding." Slowly stepping from my hiding place, I look at my Dad. He opens his arms and says, "C'mere Bub." Walking into his arms, he envelops me in another hug. "Don't worry about this, okay? I'll make sure that they don't get away with this. I guarantee it Bub."
"I know you will Dad. You are the best lawyer around after all." Chuckling, he holds me tighter. We stand there for a few minutes, then slowly break the hug. Then I say, "I was thinking of going out to eat for lunch. Ya know, get out of the house for a bit, maybe do some shopping?"
"That sounds like a great idea. I think we both could use some time outside. Let me quick change and we can go out." With that, he walks upstairs to his bedroom. As I wait in the living room, I look outside the window and get lost in my thoughts. 'Things are really going to change. I'm not sure how well I'll be able to handle it all, but I'm not going to let this bring me down... I hope.'
YOU ARE READING
The Scars Within
Teen FictionCarmin Harley is what most people consider to be an ordinary sixteen-year-old girl. She's popular, rich, beautiful, and at the top of her class. Life seems to be everything anyone could ever want. That is, until certain events send her life into a d...
