City Of Dreams

Three

I knock on Addie's door.

"Oak? Addie? One of the several children?"

My foot taps angrily at the ground.

It's been a few weeks.

Everyone questioned me.

_________________________

"I'm sorry Mrs. Bara, but we have to find out what happened here."

The officer asked me.

I hesitated for a moment.

I should tell him.

I could fix everything right now.

This could all go away.

I could fix everything I've started.

"I don't know what happened."

Fuck you, Charlotte.

"I just saw the fire and I ran to find my friends."

He raised an eyebrow.

"A few people said they saw you outside."

Shit.

I fiddled with my hands.

"I was just nervous and needed air."

He nodded, realizing.

Or he thought he was realizing.

All I keep doing is running away.

I need to stop running and start facing this.

But I can't seem to stop being a pussy long enough to do that.

______________________

The door swung open.

Addie smiled at me.

"Hey, Char what'd ya need?"

I cringe, seeing the healing skin on the side of her face.

I blink.

"I...uh...do you want to go see a show tonight? I got two tickets, but...uh...Darren has a...uh show that he performs in...so uh yeah."

She laughs at my loss for words.

"Sure, what show?"

This makes me smile.

I pull the tickets from my pocket.

"Oh you know just..."

Her eyes lit up.

"Aladdin?!"

I nod.

She giggles and throws her arms around my neck.

I don't deserve this.

I don't deserve the affection.

Take it back.

She pulls away and bounces on her toes.

I smile at her.

"What time do I need to be ready?"

I shrug.

"We live walking distance, so about seven."

She squeals.

"Alright. I'll see you then, Char!"

I nod and walk back to my apartment.

This is all fake.

It's all a lie.

And it my fault.

Fuck.