City Of Dreams

Thirty-Five

The radio blared in the Uber I sat in.

I barely heard Addie's name.

"Sir? Can you please turn that up?"

I shoot up from my seat.

He nods, fixing the volume.

"Due to recent events the rising Broadway star, Addie Blue, has lost custody of her children. The recent shooting involving her and a bombing at her wedding made a concerned called think it would be safer for her children to be separated from them. Authorities say they could be reunited after a year of calm. Stay tuned for more."

I shook my head.

"No! They have to be kidding! That's wrong! No!"

I yell, taking handful of my hair and pulling at it.

"Please let me out, sir."

He stopped on the not-so-busy road.

I handed him a twenty and jumped out.

"No! That's wrong! She can't lose her kids too! It's not true! It can't be!"

I cried, avoiding gazes by ducking into a random bathroom.

"Wow. You really have ruined her life."

I throw a handful of water in my face.

"This can't be happening."

Anger replaced devastation.

I fished my phone out of my backpack, dialing a number I didn't ever want to dial.

I put the device to my ear and locked the door to the family stall.

He answered after two rings.

"Yes?"

I wrapped my hand in the fabric of my shirt and held it tightly.

"Why do you keep doing this? I'm giving myself up! Why do you keep going after Addie?!"

He scoffed.

"Why do you think it was me?"

I growl like an animal. 

"You cost her everything she cared about! Why Addie?! What did she do?! I'm trying to give you what you want!"

He was silent.

"I know where you are."

I laugh grimly.

"Well come get me you dirty bastard! Just leave everyone else alone!"

He chuckled.

"I will. I'll send you an address. You have two hours. See you then!"

He happily said, hanging up.

"Charlotte, what are you doing?! You can't defend yourself against him! He's at least three times your size and strength!"

I ignore her, pushing the door open and calling another Uber.

"Charlotte, are you listening to me?! He's gonna kill you!"

The driver pulls around the corner and I jump in.

I read the address out to him.

He nods and starts the car.

__________________

The entire hour ride is silent.

I thank him, paying and stepping out.

"Wow. Creepy old apartment building. What is this? Are we in a cop show now or something?"

I push the door open, stomping up the stairs to the third floor.

356.

I knock aggressively on the door.

A familiar man opens it.

"Ah! Charlotte, it's good to see you."

I clench my fists at my sides and step in the door.

"What do you want now?"

He closes the door and dramatically snaps his neck.

I laugh loudly.

"You think I'm scared of you! Ha!"

He steps toward me.

"You used to be."

I take my backpack off and put it on the floor.

"Well...now I have nothing to lose."