The Girl and The Murderer

18. Eddie

He left me. Without saying anything except "Thanks a lot". I don't know what to do anymore. I just stay here, standing in the middle of the street like an idiot. Is it starting to rain ? I feel my cheeks go wet.

-Er... What are you doing here ? Are you lost or something ?

I turn to the voice. It's a boy. He's a little shorter than me. Red hair and green eyes.

-A..a..are you crying ? I'm... I... I'm sorry !

I wipe my eyes and shake my head softly. He didn't see Zack leaving.

-It's not your fault. Who are you by the way ?

He seems a bit uneasy. I don't really know why, it's a normal question I think.

-My name is Edward Mason but you can call me Eddie. Me and my parents just settled here. I start school tomorrow.

I smile but my eyes are still a little teary.

-Welcome to town. There are not much things to do but you'll surely enjoy your time here.

My voice sounds off. I can't get Zack out of my head. Why does it hurt so bad ?

-What are you doing all alone here ? It's not very safe... I heard a psycho was pacing the streets.

And here it comes... Zack is not a psycho. At least, I don't think so...

-I'm heading to the police station. My dad works there.

It is obviously a lie. Even though a little visit to Lenny won't be so bad.

-Say, can I join you ?

I stare at him blankly. Why does he want to keep me company ? He knows what a police station looks like, right ? This Eddie is surely weird...

-Why ? Are you scared of being alone ? Or do your parents abuse you ?

He slowly lowers his head. Shit, I think I just made a big mistake...

-I... Look, I'm sorry okay ? I didn't want to... I'm really sorry. I'm in a bad mood today and I can get wicked quite easily... Please, come with me. I could give you a tour while we're at it.

I try to smile but it feels really wrong. He has been through a lot of things too. And not only butterflies and rainbows...

-Give me your hand.

He gives it to me, slightly worried. I take it in my palm carefully and start to rub my thumb on his wirst. I feel his blood pumping rapidly against it.

-It's soothing, isn't it ?

He nods and takes back his hand.

-Thanks... I'll go home now. It's useless to get in your way. Good bye.

And he runs off to his house.

-What a weird boy... Well, I must get going. It's getting late.

I run through the streets, with the hope of meeting Zack on my way. But no. There was no one in the streets.

I soon reach the police station. It's kinda weird. The last time I went here was two years ago. I push gently the door open and a policeman greets me.

-Hiya kid. What can I do for ya ?

-I want to visit someone sir. Lenny Gardner. Can I go ?

He stays at awe for a moment.

-Wait a sec, he says as he walks to a desk. What's your name ?

-Rachel Gardner.

-Ok, you can go. Turn left and then right.

I thank him and follow his instructions. It's the cell corridor. They are not all taken but those which are give me goosebumps.

-Ray ? Is that you Ray ?

Two hands pass through the cell bars. Lenny tries to caught me in his arms. I grab his hands tightly in mine and squeeze them.

-Are you alright on your own ?

-Yes Lenny.

-Are you eating properly ?

-Yes Lenny.

-Did someone come to take you away from the house ?

-No Lenny.

He lets out a sigh of relief and rub my palm tenderly with his thumb.

-You're awesome sweetie. I'm relieved to see you healthy.

-When do you get out of here ?

-In a week. You know the safe combination ?

-1147512. Angel.

-Good. You're a very brave girl, you know that ?

-Yes Lenny.

I finally part from him, freeing my hands with soorow. I wave goodbye as I go back home. A whole week... It will be long. Especially now that I'm alone.

On my way back home, I pray God to let me see Zack one more time. Again. But hope is slowly sinking into my sadness.

When I reach the house door, my heart is racing. I didn't lock it when I left. He could have come back... Maybe.

But there was nothing. Nobody. No bandaged boy sound asleep on the couch or crouched in a corner, trying to write the alphabet letters. Just the heavy silence of a lone house. And it will go on for a whole week.