Obsession

Chapter 21

I pull into my driveway about ten minutes after talking to my mom. There's a police car sitting out front, but I don't see anyone outside.

I look around before getting out of my car and running to the front door. I knock instead of using my key. "Mom, it's me!" I call out.

I look back over my shoulder, but I still don't see any sign of Kai. Hopefully, the officer was able to scare him away.

The door swings open and my mom's face floods with relief. "Oh, thank God!" she cries, hugging me tight.

She pulls me inside and locks the door behind us. The officer is standing next to her holding a clipboard in his hands. He's tall, with broad shoulders and a very handsome face.

"You must be Mara," he says.

"I am."

"Mara, Daryl says you can file a restraining order against Kai," mom says. "After his behavior tonight, I think that might be a good idea."

"Okay, but who's Daryl?" I ask.

"Oh, sorry about that," the officer, or Daryl, says, extending his hand. "I'm Sargent Daryl Brown with the Anaheim Police Department."

I shake his hand, wondering why he and my mom are already on a first name basis. "Nice to meet you."

"Kai left as soon as I pulled up, but in case he has plans of coming back, I'll have a squad car stay out front for the night. In the morning, your mother can bring you in to file a restraining order."

I sigh in relief. "Okay. Thank you."

"If you need anything else, just call, you've got my number," he says to my mom.

She smiles in response and opens the door to let him out.

Once he's gone and the door is securely locked, I hug my mom again, thankful that she's okay.

"Mom, I am so sorry."

"Don't be, sweetie. You had no idea what you were getting yourself into," she says, kissing the top of my head. "I'm just glad you're safe. I was so worried."

"Mom?" I pull away from her and wipe the tears from my eyes. "What am I gonna do? He's right next door. I'm gonna have to face him sooner or later."

"You can always go stay at your dad's for a while."

I was already thinking about that, but I didn't want to hurt her feelings. I know things are still pretty bitter between them.

"Are you okay with that?" I ask her.

"Of course. He's your dad, Mara. And even though he's a pitiful excuse for a husband, there's no one else on earth I trust more to keep you safe."

"What about you?" I ask.

"Don't worry about me," she says, wiping the mascara from underneath my eyes. "I'll be in good hands."

"So I guess Daryl is more than just your friendly neighborhood patrolman?" I chuckle.

She smiles bashfully. "I was going to tell you, but we don't really get to see much of each other anymore."

Guilt punches me right in the gut. I've spent the better part of the past couple of weeks with Kai and during that time, I blew off plans with my mom multiple times.

"I'm sorry."

"Don't worry about it. You're in college now. I don't expect you to hang out with me like you used to. Although, I must admit, I do miss it a little."