Dabbling in Danger

Eyes of The Law

Malina

"Tiana's under a mandatory hospital stay until she can be released to a rehab facility. She'll stay in rehab for at least thirty days because now, in the eyes of the law, she is a harm to herself and family," Adeen announces.

I don't have the courage to say anything, so I nod. Adeen sighs loudly and tosses his keys on the counter, sits in a chair, and mashes his face into his hands.

Tiana's been in the hospital two days now, I wonder when she'll get moved. I guess it's good she has no choice but to go to rehab.

I watch Adeen silently as I lean against the counter. The two nights staying in the hospital seems to have worn on him. I can't imagine he's gotten much sleep. Hell I've hardly gotten any sleep and I haven't been involved at all. I haven't asked to visit. Adeen hasn't invited me to go, I dont know what I'd say if he did.

Slowly Adeen raises his head and looks at me, something heavy on his mind.

He speaks, "Tiana um... She finally told me what pushed her to slip up."

I can't bring myself to speak.

"Told me," he continues, voice strained. "Said she didn't understand how loveless our marriage was until now. Once she realized, she drank until black out..."

I'm even more stuck on how to respond now.

Adeen goes on.

"Tiana told me about you and her's conversation... I... I can't even be angry with you, but just... Why? Why would you say that to her, did you want her to drink again?"

I'm instantly defensive, "why the hell would I want her to drink!?"

His voice grows louder, "why the hell would you tell her I cheated?"

"Because you did, how was I supposed to know she didnt know!? You knew all about her infidelity."

I see the anger flicker across his face, but I also see him trying to keep in control.

He shakes his head, "nothing makes a bit of a difference."

I bite my lip, stare at the floor. Adeen looks like he's lost in thought.

I sigh and finally look at Adeen again.

"I'm sorry," I say softly, watching Adeen meet eyes with mine.

"This was all my fault," I go on. "I really fucked up and I'm sorry."

Adeen shakes his head, opens his mouth to speak then closes it.

"Not yours, it's my fault," he says finally. "I shouldn't have been unfaithful let alone tell you about it, getting you involved."

Unplanned and unaware, caught up in thought we both freeze like statues. That is, until Adeen's phone chimes, ringing with a shrill.

Adeen quickly answers, "Hello? Yes this is he..."

I watch as he nods, each nod lasts a little longer then he's rising from his chair, digesting any new information.

He exhales with a great sigh when he hangs up. "That was the rehabilitation center. She'll be heading there early tomorrow morning. Her phone will be placed in storage and visitation rights restricted for the first three weeks.

Adeen pinches the bridge of his nose and closes his eyes, sighing again.

"I'm just glad she wasn't charged with anything.... I suppose I'll head back up there, spend the night with her."

I nod, he takes a step then looks at me again.

"Want to come?"

I teeter on my feet, knowing my answer will be no, but still trying to seem as though I'm considering it.

"I don't know if that would be a good idea," I finally say.

He nods and responds, "well I'm gonna shower."

Flashes of what Adeen might look like in a steamy hot shower come to mind.

I fake a clearing of the throat and walk away, nearly running up to my room.