Notorious Hope

12. ''You never have and I have no faith that you ever will''

North Side Detention Centre-12:42pm

''Riley Jones, here to see FP Jones.''

The clerk passes her a visitors badge as she is followed into the visiting room by two security guards. Confused as she is taken into the maximum security cell. A single mattress, a tap and a metal chair. 

''Why the hell are you in maximum security, Dad? Are you that mentally unstable that they couldn't even give you a cellmate.''

Her father's expression softens at his daughter's sudden outburst.

''Riley, you need to understand that I'm not safe to be around anymore.''

Her expression hardens, her nails digging into her palm. Her once porcelain knuckles, now reddened with fury.

''What else did you do that you're not telling me about? Because you don't just hold somebody at gunpoint and get sent to maximum security.''

Her blonde highlights shimmer in the light. Her black rimmed glasses are resting comfortably on her nose. Lucas's sweatshirt over her white tank top, his scent lingers over her.

''Tall Boy told me that I could make some quick cash if I did some jobs for him and that's what I did. I wanted to have a legacy that you and your brothers would look up to and remember me fondly for. I don't want you to grow to resent me and eventually hurt the people you care about most. Don't be like me, Riley, don't become me. I know you are worth so much more than that.''

Scoffing at the idea of her own father screwing her over, not just once, but for what feels like the millionth time. The thought of Auggie ever going anywhere near their father scares her to death. The fact that he lives with her Aunt Morgan brings much relief to her mind. She'll no longer be controlled by her father's mind games.

''That's bullshit, you and I both know that. Auggie is only 9, he doesn't deserve to have any of this. I don't know any 9-year-old who has a mother who abandoned him as a toddler and a father who is a drug dealer. Every time I go and visit him he looks at me and I look into his eyes and he sees the world. But you know what I see when I look at you, I see a father who was never around for me. Who never gives me the light of day. I don't care if somebody comes to your rescue and bails you out, because for all I know when you walk through that door at home, I won't be there. I'm not going to sit here and pretend like you care, because you don't. You never have and I don't have faith that you ever will.''

Slinging her bag over her shoulder as she paces out of the building as quickly as possible. Lucas stands outside in the parking lot, resting against his car. Cradling Riley in his arms, burying her face in the crook of his neck. 

''I think I just needed to get that off my chest, I guess I'm not mad at anybody in this situation anymore. I'm just disappointed. I just wish that I was like other kids at school and had a stable home life but I don't. I guess I just need to come to terms with it and accept it.''

Riley follows Lucas as he drives her to an undisclosed location, although she soon comes to realize that they've stopped at his house. Her eye catches her brothers yelling at one and another inside. Lucas rushes Riley inside before they have the chance to call out to her.

''So you can sleep in my room and I'll take the couch.''

Tugging on his wrist before he gets the chance to leave his own bedroom. He reads the fear in her eyes as she stays close to him.

''Please don't leave me, Luke. I just don't think that I feel safe enough to be alone right now.''

Rubbing circles in her back as she cozies herself under his covers. Grinning to herself as she sniffs his scent in his blankets. A security net of safety as he wraps his arms around her waist.