The Scars Within

Convicted?

Opening the door, I see Officer Gale Boris waiting on the front steps. Officer Boris looks just like your stereotypical cop. Tall, fairly muscular, short cut brown hair, and he always wears aviators over his brown eyes. The only reason why I know his eyes are brown is because Dad invited him over to dinner once, so he didn't have the aviators on. Why Dad invited him to dinner, I have no idea, but he did.

"Hello, Officer Boris. What can I help you with?" I ask. He grimaces. 'That doesn't seem like a good sign.'

"Good afternoon Carmin. Can I come in, please?" Stepping aside, I open the door wider and allow him in. After closing the door, I turn around and lead Gale into the living room. When we're both settled onto the couches, he speaks up. "I'm not going to try and beat around the bush here Carmin. I'm sure you've heard the rumors that you conspired with Leon to kill your mother. Now, before you say anything, I don't believe them. I know you're a good kid Carmin. The problem is the rest of town. They're scared. Nothing like this has happened here in forever, so people don't know how to react. When the people are scared, they look to the cops. That's why I'm here. We want to rule every possibility out, and while I don't personally agree with it, I have to get your story. The sheriff and judge will look over all the evidence and decide if you were a part of anything. Understand?" After blinking a few times, I slowly nod my head.

"Yeah, I understand. I don't really know what I can give you that would help, since obviously nobody believes what I say." Pausing for a moment, I suddenly think of something. "I could give you my phone! I never talked with Leon before the night of the accident, since he didn't have my number until then. I even have the texts to prove it! I know that won't prove that I never 'conspired' with him, but I'm sure if you get a few students who aren't afraid to talk they'll agree that I didn't even like Leon. If anything I avoided him like the plague."

"That would be great, Carmin. Having the history from your phone will definitely prove your innocence in all this. After all, nothing is ever truly deleted from the internet. Could you get your phone for me?" Nodding once again, I run upstairs to my room, grab my phone, and head back to Gale. Handing him the phone, I speak once again.

"The password is carbub16 with no capitals nor spaces." After Gale tucks the phone into his pocket, I look at his face. "Thanks, Gale, for... well, ya know, believing that I wouldn't do this. I really appreciate it. You're one of very few people whom actually believe me."

"Yea, I've seen your 'friend' Stacy around the station a few times. She's always babbling about how mean us cops are for not letting her see her 'Darling.' It's pretty pathetic if you ask me. If anyone was conspiring with Leon to kill your Mom it would be her. Don't worry kid, I'm sure everything will be sorted out soon." Pausing, he places a hand on my shoulder. "If you ever need me, be sure to call. I know that'll be a little difficult since we'll have your phone for a while, but you also know where I live. If you need anything, and I mean anything, don't hesitate alright? I know I shouldn't be saying any of this but I know you're a good kid. I hate seeing all of this happen to you."

Smiling, I give Gale a hug. "Thanks again. I really, really appreciate all of this." Breaking away from the hug, I make a move to lead Gale to the door, then I think of something. "Wait... You said that Stacy has been trying to see her 'Darling,' right? That would mean Leon... Why would she want to see him so badly if he never talked to her at school before? He avoided her like I avoided him. Plus, she was the one that gave Leon my number... Then, right after the accident she started avoiding me, again, like I used to avoid Leon. This all sounds a bit suspicious if you ask me. I know that's not much to go on, but it's bothering me now that I think about it."

Frowning, Gale says, "Now that you've put everything together like that, it does sound extremely suspicious. I'll have to talk with the judge on this one. Thanks for all the info and your phone Carmin. I'll keep you updated." After exchanging goodbyes, Officer Gale leaves.

"Well, I certainly wasn't expecting that. I hope all of this blows over soon. I don't know how much more of this I can take." I say aloud to myself. Even though the police are involved in this stupid rumor, I feel a bit better. I know that Gale will do everything he can to help me. It's a great feeling, having someone on your side. Especially after having no one for a while.

'That whole thing with Stacy bothers me though. I mean, why would she visit him while he's in jail? He never even acknowledged her existence at school, so why would she bother trying to talk to him? This doesn't add up right. Add in the fact that she was the one who gave Leon my number only a few hours before the accident and things seem off. Plus, she was my 'friend' for how long. Why would she just start avoiding me because of rumors? Granted, I never really liked her, but why? If someone was to put all of this together they could get the wrong idea about what happened... Or is it the wrong idea? Could Stacy have been working with Leon? I don't understand why she would work with him though. I never did anything to her so why would she? Did she? I don't know. Ugh, all of these conspiracies are making my head hurt.'

Shaking my head, I decide to head back up to my room. Going to my bookshelf, I grab a book that I haven't read yet then, after turning on some soft music, lay on my bed. 'Hopefully this book will help get my mind off of everything else.' Opening the book up to the first page, I quickly get lost in the adventure. All thoughts of Stacy, Leon, and my Dad are forgotten and replaced with thoughts of dragons, knights, and dangerous, unexplored lands. Once again, I don't notice that Abel is watching, this time though, instead of a smile, he has a look of worry on his face.