Broken | Wattys2019

Chapter 7

"Mom?"  My jaw quivers, and my mouth feels dry as I wait for her to speak.  I am nervous for the news I am about to receive.

"Sweetheart," her voice shakes.

Oh, no!  My heart sinks, that isn't a voice of happy tears, she's breaking.  I know my mother enough to know when she is fighting with herself internally, and this is one of those moments.

"Mom, please just tell me."  I whisper into the phone.  My voice cracks and I lose all confidence in my ability to speak.

"He," she paused, "They found him to be not guilty, Adelaide.  I'm sorry sweetie.  I am so sorry!"  She sobs into the phone.

My head and heart feel like a flurry of emotions as everything around me begins to spin.  I can tell you I am a million things but let me just list the strongest emotions that are sieging through me: confusion, heartbreak, scared, and pissed off.  But the only one I seem to lock onto is this aching feeling of numbness.  Despite everything that is what I feel most, numb. 

"Addy, please say something."

"Did they say why? I took the stand and everything, they said that would help.  How can he just walk free?"  Although I am asking, I don't care to hear the answers to any of them.  There is no answer that could give me even an ounce satisfaction.

"We were never able to track your father down for a statement and the DNA evidence was found inconclusive.  Something about improper handling, so it got thrown out."  She begins sobbing again.  "Addy I am so sorry.  Do you want me to come up this weekend?"

"No that's okay. Thank you for calling me."  I am trying to hold myself together for her, but it is proving to difficult, I need to get off the phone.  "I'm out with friends though, I have to go."

"Oh honey, you made friends?" my mom's voice turns slightly cheerful at the thought.

"I guess, haven't decided yet.  I need to go bye mom."  I hang up before she can push for more information.  The second my phone is safely in my pocket I break down, and the tears stream my face at an alarming rate.  I need to get out of here.  Shoot I have to at least say good bye, I mentally groan before returning to the group.

"Jesus are you okay?" Hayden asks when I come around the corner into the living room.  Everyone's eyes are on me, including Oliver's who had rejoined them during my absence.

"Fine," my voice shakes. "I just I got a call and I'm just not feeling it anymore.  I think I'm going to head out."

"What's wrong? Mommy catch you out after curfew?" Hannah bursts into a mocking laugh as she eyes me with disgust.

Oliver whispers something inaudible into her ear that causes her to sink into the couch, clearly pouting at what he had to say.

"I can walk you," Hayden offers with a concerned smile.  His eyes fill with worry as he observes the tears staining my cheeks.

"No, that's okay.  I kind of just want to be alone."  I try to muster a smile but fail miserably.

"You sure?  It really isn't a problem."

"Hayden, she just wants to be alone," Lindsey speaks up from behind him.  "I think you should respect that."  She shoots me an encouraging smile.  "You have my number so if you need anything just text me."

"Thank you."  I smile before waving goodbye.  "I'll see you guys around." 

Taking one more glance around the group I notice everyone's expression.  Luke, Hayden and Lindsey all seem concerned while Hannah looks pissed and Oliver is completely expressionless.  My heart aches at his lack of emotion over my current appearance, I thought he wanted to be friends?  Shouldn't he be concerned about why I am crying?