BlueBird •A Jeff The Killer Fanfic•

Chapter 7

"You finally ready to go home?" Mom asks as I lace up my converse.

"Almost," I say. Today was finally the day. I get to go home. It was about time too, that beeping from the machine was driving me crazy. The police came to ask questions a few more times, and, for some reason, I still covered for Jeff. They eventually gave up. I could, then, focus on my school work. Jeff visited every now and then too, when I was alone and supposed to be sleeping. He had a way of knowing when I would wake up. Either that or he watched me in my sleep. The thought sends shivers down my spine.

"I have a surprise for you when you get home," Luke jumps up and down. I laugh.

"I can't wait," I beam. Luke giggles as we head to the front desk to check me out. The drive home seemed short. I listened to Luke babble on about some third grade drama, but my mind was focused on other things. How was Dad going to react when I get home? What if he slips into an abusive phase again? No one's going to be there to protect me.

"Earth to Carla!" My mom waves her hand in front of my face.

"Huh, what?" I snap back to reality.

"I want you to know that your father's been a little... On edge lately..." Mom lowers her voice and focuses her eyes on the road.

"Hearing what's been going on from Luke, I can tell," I say. Neither of us talk for a few moments. "Is it bad?"

"Not as bad as it has been in the past."

"No knives?"

"Thankfully."

"Good." I sigh in relief. The thought had been lingering in my mind the moment I saw the bruises on Luke's arm.

The last few minutes of the car ride were filled with silence. We pull into the driveway, and Luke dashes into the house.

"Car, I need you to be honest with me," my mom grabs my sore wrist.

"Of course. What's up?"

"Have you been lying to the police about that Jeff boy?"

I look her in the eyes, "No. I haven't been."

"They keep saying that you show suspicious behavior and-"

"Mom, they were asking intense questions! Not to mention that they nailed me as soon as I woke up. I didn't have any time to think about anything," I recited what I'd been mentally planning on saying for days. I still don't know why I'm covering for him. I don't know if I ever will.

Silence.

My mom sighs, "Alrighty then. Are you ready to face your dad?" My mom grabs my hand.

I give her hand a squeeze, "As ready as I'll ever be."