Please Understand

Chapter 15: A Mousy Child

Nothing tasted good, and the pizza felt like lead once it hit my stomach. All I wanted to do was sleep after my adventurous day, but Mom was so excited about the new lead in Amelia's case, so she wouldn't shut up. Dad politely listened, but I could tell he still wasn't thrilled about eating greasy pizza for dinner. I guess he could blame me for that. At least he seemed happy and hopeful that the newest clue would help them find her.

I, on the other hand, wasn't so convinced. Something felt wrong, like this wasn't going to help. How could a blood covered shirt lead us to Amelia? The drunk guy from that night probably had nothing to do with it, and we were just wasting our time. She could've lied about that night, even though I really believe she told me the truth. It could be possible she fell off the ladder and made up her story; there could be an infinite number of scenarios. My mind was traveling to the worst possible solutions because my best friend had this whole double life I didn't even know about.

"Mason? Answer your dad," Mom coaxed with a slightly irritated half smile. She was trying her best to be patient with me, but I knew she was trying to force me to be happy.

My hands were limply sitting on my lap. "Sorry what?" I grumbled as I reached for another slice. I needed to act normal, if that was even possible anymore, and then maybe my parents will back off.

"I was asking about the game on Friday. You're allowed to play, right?" he asked as he raised one of his eyebrows.

I nodded my head as I chewed my mouthful. "Yep. It should be a good one," I answered even though I really had no idea what school we were playing. Now am I trying too hard? Who was I before?

He nodded his head, but continued to look at Mother from across the table. "Good to hear. Danny was thinking about joining us tomorrow night," he replied with a little smile. "He's doing a lot better. All cleaned up and sober. I actually had an enjoyable conversation with him."

Mom smiled with pure happiness. "Well, hopefully he gets his life back together. I'm sure Amelia would love to come home to a clean house," she insisted.

My stomach lurched and I was ready to run away. Why was she assuming Amelia was going to be able to come home? Would Amelia even want to come home after everything? Would she be able to handle it? So many bad things have happened to her in this town, and if I were her, then I wouldn't want to be here either. How could one girl be so strong?

"He's trying to get back on track. It's taken him so long, but I don't think it's too late. I'm sure Amelia will forgive him once she sees how well he's doing," Dad continued the horrible conversation. His words came crashing into my thoughts, running over my pessimism with his optimism.

My ears were burning with all of the false hope. Why are they even saying these things? Are they trying to make me happy? Do they want me to think someday she'll be living next door to us again with a better dad? What happens when they find out she's dead and my whole world is shattered? Isn't that going to be worse than me moping around right now?

Mom was smiling, but I could tell she was forcing it. "I'm glad to hear! Hopefully, Danny will cooperate with the detectives and give them names of his friends. I'm sure he will after they explain what happened," she replied with a quick glance over to me. "He probably wants Amelia home more than we do."

Lies! I couldn't take it anymore. My feet were jogging up the stairs before my mouth could explain to my parents, but they were probably too happy to even notice my absence. The door slammed shut and I collapsed to the floor next to my backpack. I threw my assignments and textbooks onto the floor, and then I held the diary.

Blood.

Lust.

Mr. Morris.