The Fallout

Busted

Ruby's (POV)

It was 5'o clock, terror crept through my gut like an animal stalking it's prey. I closed my eyes trying not to let my mind tell me what to think. I exhaled and inhaled slowly waiting by the door patiently for the child police to come, that's what Natalie calls them. I see them as a total threat and danger to our family...my family. By my family I mean just me and Natalie, we seem to take care of each other.

I heard tiny footsteps padding across the floor. I look up to find Natalie sitting on the step waiting groggily with me. A moment later, we both heard a knock at the door. I bolt up in fear looking at the door scared to open it.

"It's the lady you talked to on the phone with miss! open up!", she yelled knocking loudly on the door.

I fumble with the knob pulling it open. Natalie stands at my side clutching my leg nervously. I still can't get over what she said to her toys when she put them in the basket. why would she say that? Is dad hurting her to make her think he's hurting her animals too?

I was brought out of my thoughts as people pushed past me looking around, and writing things down on clips boards. Natalie stayed right behind me and grabbed onto my hand. I smiled reassuringly and walked to the lady who spoke with me on the phone.

She had gray hair and a blackish purple dress on. Her glasses seemed to make her look like a caring old grandmother. We both smiled at each other.

She shook my hand and spoke, "hello dear I'm Helen sorry I gave you such a fright on the phone! haha you are?"

I smiled laughing a bit, "I'm ruby...its fine mrs. Helen can I call you that?", I ask as Natalie runs from my grip towards her toys yelling at two women.

'No! no touchy! my toys!', she yells crossing her little arms in front of her chest frowning.

They both laughed and the one lady cooed, 'why aren't you a cutie! we just want to look at them do we have your permission?'

She easily grinned excitedly showing them her favorite toy, and told them that they were waiting for her to come back so her dad won't hurt them again. I winced looking at the two women who sadly looked at Helen. I gaped fumbling with my fingers nervously. Helen smiled politely and walked over to Natalie taking her by the hand, and started to talk to her.

"What's your name sweetie?", Helen asked softly.

"I four! and I'm Natalie.", she says holding up three fingers. I laughed pulling up one more for her.

Helen chuckled replying sweetly, "that's amazing! do you know how old your sister is?"

"Oh she 17.", she replied trying to hold up that many fingers. I laughed seeing the confused look on her face.

Helen looked up at me, "well all we need to do is check the rooms and ask you both questions and we'll be done here."

I nodded looking at Natalie still try to count my age on her fingers. At least this is going well so far. I grabbed Natalie and set her on my hip. We walked into my dad's bedroom and smelled alcohol right away. I winced trying not to notice.

Natalie scrunched up her nose, "pew! it stinky rubie!"

"Shhh I know...", I whisper trying to get her to settle down.

Helen looked at us and frowned. I lowered my gaze sitting on the bed setting Natalie next to me. I watched as they went through his drawers and pictures. I shot up running towards one of the ladies grabbing the picture of mom out of her hand. That picture was too special to me it was the only thing I had close to my mom.

"Ruby how about you go out in the other room and we will take care of things."

I nodded walking out and bumping into someone. I gawked to find dad glaring at me.

"What the hell are these people are doing in our house ruby?", he yelled making me jump back a little.

I sighed knowing I had to think of an answer and quick.