written in scars || father lrh (au)

chåpter ñíñëtëëñ

"Her name is Leilani Rayn Hemmings - she's seven, um nearly eight, and she's about this tall," I paused, gesturing to the place in which my daughter reached my abdomen, and sniffled as I tried to catch my breath, "She has blonde hair - like mine - uh, olive skin..." 

I was a stuttering, breathless, red and puffy mess. I felt as if my whole world had crumbled, and I was left alone, in my own jet black void. For many years, I believed that Dahlia leaving me had been the most gut-wrenching and implausibly sickening experience of my life. But this was worse. Far worse.

I didn't know if I'd see my daughter again.
I didn't know if I'd hold my Leilani, or lul her to sleep, or drive her to school, or blast Mayday Parade and sing with her.
I didn't know if my beautiful, little Eila was safe. An internal gasp passed through me; I didn't know if my lifeline was still alive.

"Sir? I need to know when she was last seen." The police officer broke me from my reverie, smiling sympathetically at me whilst a manic franticness danced in her eyes.
For a moment, all was still, and I found myself unable to move, or speak. I was paralysed.

I felt cold. For the first time in what seemed a long while, I fell to my knees, trembling, and felt truly alone.

"Sir, I know this is difficult. You said she's seven, yes?"
I simply nodded in response.
"My little girl is seven too, and I know that I'd be losing my mind if this happened to her. I honestly understand. Which is why I really want to help you find Leilani. Now please - where was she last seen, and roundabouts when?"

I sniffled, a shaky sigh parting my lips. "I-I... I think it would've been around 2:30... one of her school friends said that she left her school - Redhill Primary - and um, headed off onto... onto... Dartsmere Lane."

I glanced to my left, eyes meeting those of sad juniper as Michael sat beside me on the cold ground and rubbed my back. A small, frail smile fakely moved upon my face. I wanted nothing more than to curl up and die.

But I couldn't. Because, despite the churning in my stomach and ache in my chest, I clung tightly to the hope that she was okay. And I needed to be okay... for her. I tightened my jaw, gulping away my weakness. I could cry once I'd found her and beat the shit out of the stupid bastard who'd taken her.

And so, as I walked out of the police station, I held my head high. Sure, the police could look all they liked. But I had an advantage.

It was him. That asshole that terrified my sweet little girl. And I knew it.

As my eyes met Michael's, he nodded knowingly.

"Time to call Korra?" He questioned.
I nodded, determination set on my face as I swung into my car and started the engine.

"Time to call Korra." I confirmed.