How Can We

Chapter Thirty Seven

Chapter Thirty Seven

"Would you rather only eat pancakes or waffles for the rest of your life?" Wally asked Artemis as they spoke on the phone.

"You know you could just ask me which one I like better." Artemis informed him.

"It's more fun this way." He insisted.

"Waffles." She said deciding to humor him. On the other end of the phone she could hear Wally gasp theatrically.

"I don't think we can be together anymore." She rolled her eyes at him, even though he couldn't see her. "I can't be with someone who doesn't appreciate the fluffiness that is a pancake." He went on.

"Artemis, let's go!" Her mother called out from the living room. She got up and rested the phone between her ear and shoulder.

"Was that your mom?" Wally asked.

"Yeah, I gotta go, I'm heading with her to the prison so she could meet my dad."

"Do you want me to come with you guys?"

"That's sweet but we'll be fine, besides I'd rather have the pancake/waffles debate in person." She appreciated the offer, but it was unnecessary, they weren't in any danger, at least not anymore.

"Ok, I guess I'll see you tomorrow at my place." She was going to meet his parents, and it was utterly nerve wracking.

"See you then Wally."

"Bye Artemis, be safe." He added.

"I will." She reassured him, smiling softly to herself. Her finger was hovering over the button when her mother shouted for her to hurry up. "I'M COMING!" She yelled back, before hanging up and grabbing her jacket.

*******

"Is this really necessary?" Artemis complained.

"Just as you felt the need to see him, I still have my fair share to say." Artemis sighed.

"I can't go inside with you." She couldn't face him again. Her mother placed her hand on top on Artemis'. "I understand completely Artemis, and I won't force you to see him again."

"Thanks mom." It was moments like these that made her extremely thankful that she had at least one parent who cared about her wellbeing.

Her mother was then whisked away by a police officer, who led her to an interrogation room. Artemis went up to the cop once her mother turned away.

"Can you send an officer with her for safety?"

"Of course, she's in good hands and no harm will come to her. If you want, you are more than welcome to wait outside the room."

"Is it two-way glass?"

"Yes."

"Then show me the way." Artemis agreed. She would overcome seeing her father's face to ensure her mother's safety. She was able to see and hear her parents interact after an incident that sent her mother to the hospital paralyzed a decade ago.

"Hello Paula." Her father said with a menacing smile.

"Lawrence."

"To what do I owe you the please my dear wife."

"Ex-wife." Her mother corrected.

"I forget, did we sign off on that?" Her father was taunting her, trying to get a rise out of her, especially with the ****-eating grin on his face.

"You listen here Lawrence because I'm only going to say this once. You are done with this family, and we are going to make sure you never see the light of day again. I guarantee you'll be in here for a long time, and even then it won't make up for all you have done. You are a monster, and you will never see my family again."