Obsession

Chapter 35

I finally understood it all. The conversation I had witnessed weeks ago between Calvin and my Dad, it all made sense now most things were linking up and I could remember everything.

After I left last night I tested Brad and we had a good long needed conversation with a little crying from me. I also spoke to Rebecca assuring her there was no one she needed to beat up. I texted Jessica and we had a good conversation. When i texted Jennifer she didn't reply or read but I knew shed gotten it. When I asked Jessica she said she didn't know because last night Jennifer went back to her parents house.

I was dressed and ready for school a little earlier than usual. I ate breakfast but still no one had come down.
I snuck into my dad's study checking every few minutes to make sure I was still alone on this floor. I rushed my hands swarming through his drawers like little mouse nitpicking every detail until a thick stack of letters caught my attention.
They were letters from my Dad to Maya, my biological mother. I shoved them into my pocket and went back to the kitchen. I almost jumped when i saw Calvin drinking coffee at the counter.
"You ready to go or do you still wanna eat." He gulped down the last of his coffee and grabbed my keys from the hook as we walked out.
"Aren't we taking your brother today." I shook my head.
"Why, am I that bad?" I asked playfully. He shook his head and smiled a little.
We sat in the car but Calvin sighed and came round to my side. "Can you drive today?" I raised my brows. Since Calvin came into my life I'd barely driven. He looked distracted and unhappy.
I nodded and we swapped sides. I was driving extra slow since I had an hour and a half till school.
"What's wrong?" He shook his hand waving it off.  I pulled over and took out the key. I turned to him and gave him a stern look. "It's Susan's... Jenny's birthday today." I inhaled sharply. I'd never known any personal details about Jenny. She was quiet and in our situation nobody wanted to talk about the life they'd left behind, the family that was hurting over us. All we could do was support each other when times were darkest and hope for escape. I didn't know what to say. Luckily I didn't have to say anything.
"She hated the name Jennifer you know. It makes me wonder why she let you guys call her that. Maybe she didn't want to link the life she was forced into to her real one, ever. She was only eleven when they took her. What kind of..." He closed his eyes.
"She was so close to freedom. She suffered for four years and right before she made it." He snapped his fingers.
"Just like that."
I took his hand still not quite comfortable with the physical contact but he needed it more than me. "She was so strong you know. She kept me going in the darkest of times, she had this little light inside her that no one could dull. I'd do anything for it to have been me or any one else, but somehow i think its better this way." He looked at me the pain in his eyes scraping at my heart.
"I don't want to go into detail but everything that happened in those four years sucked. I'd like to believe she would've been a fine and happy 17 year old, but look at me. I can barely sleep never mind blink because I'm so scared of what I'll see when i close my eyes. I have been at the top and bottom of life's roller coaster in these past two months excluding all the death. Through all that I somehow need to focus on school and make sure I still stick with my educational plans for the future. There were six hundred girls in there and when I think of the amount that quit school, became prostitutes or committed suicide it makes me sick, and I'm no exception. I was so happy before my suppressed memories came back and now... I can't even remember the last time i genuinely smiled without drugs or some fear gnawing at me. So yeah I wouldn't that upon anyone, no matter what i know she's in a better place. I get that it sucks that she's not around but trust me, she's better where she is.

He nodded. "You're amazing you know that. No matter what I'm here for you." I nodded and we hugged before I started the car and drove to school. I was about to het out the car when i turned to Calvin. "This is stupid but i have to know. What do you do while I'm at school?" He smiled. "I sit in the car watch for no suspicious characters." I raised my brows. "All day?" He laughed. "It's not the most entertaining job." I laughed still shocked as I entered school.
My phone buzzed.

Unknown
Warehouse 264.! Now.

Me
No! I've changed my mind. I know everything now.

Unknown
You sure?

Me
Contact me one more time and I'll turn this and everything I know to the cops.

The was a huge commotion in the middle of the hallway i heard screaming. My heart clenched and I ran to the scene. I relaxed as soon as i saw what it was. Some guy in my grade had a group of musicians playing a song while he sang when the song was over he held up a sign saying: PROM?
She squealed and they kissed. I rolled my eyes and went to fetch my books.
The day dragged on and after what felt like forever i was finally heading out. I felt someone grab my arm. My instincts kicked in and I was about to begin a struggle when I remembered where I was. I relaxed and turned around to see a smiling Joe.
"Hey, i know we were all good at lunch but I just wanted to make sure you're good." I nodded.
"Also i wanted to ask if maybe- " I cut him off. "Calvin is going to lose his mind with worry if I don't leave now." I turned and ran down the hallway. I quickly turned seeing he was still there. "Text me!"  He nodded and i continued running down the hall.

Joe
You still haven't been to a carnival here. You? Me? Tonight?

Me
Yeah. Okay.

"Calvin,I'm going out tonight." "Okay I'll let Heath know." "Huh, who's Heath."
"I'm taking the night off so my fill in is Heath,he's trustworthy and is well acquainted with this case."
"Case?"
"This is under police investigation your Dad hired bodyguards and had us get acquainted with your case."
"Oh. Why do they let my Dad know so much if he's not a cop."
"Yes he is, he's the main detective for the entire case."

I was stunned, so much for a teacher. Maybe he didn't want to trigger any memories so he never told me even so he had some explaining to do especially after i read all the letters. I closed my workbook tomorrow is the last day of school before we have two weeks of finals and they're still bombarding us with homework.
Prom is next week Saturday and most people already have dates, though I'm not sure i even want to go.

Joe showed up at 16:30 even though he told me to be ready by four. I got in the car and he drove off. I had no idea where this place was but i recognized the street. "This is where Ray lives right? He nodded as he stopped at Ray's house. "What're we doing here?" "I know you guys have bad blood but he's done being an ass." He'd already texted me an apology but we'd never bonded and definitely weren't friends. Besides I figured it'd just be the two of us.
"He has this new girlfriend he met in a warehouse party when we went to the beach house. He's planning to ask her to prom tonight." My heart felt a slight bit disappointed. We walked up to his door and knocked. He opened the door and we were greeted by the sight of him and his girlfriend.
"Oh my god." She was just as shocked as me. "Joy is that you." Her face softened and i could see memories flashing between her and I.
"No way...Dope?"