Staged: (Oliana Mercer series Book 2)

A Cruel Fate

I descended the stairs of the police station, feeling like I'd betrayed Brandi and James by telling Detective Tanner what I knew. But worse, there was still someone who'd died because of a poor choice. There was still his family to consider. Not only had I done the right thing, but I wasn't interested in getting in trouble for anyone. Whatever happened after that, I didn't want to know. It was time to get out of Colorado and start a new life for me.

When Tuesday came, I awoke euphorically. I was eighteen! Finally! This was it. I was going to be free. It was time for me to focus on Reyersen and my career.

Night had settled in the skies as I turned on the lights on in my house. I checked my phone. 8:40 p.m. "My parents should be back by now."

"How long have they been gone?" a girl asked.

"Two hours. They had to pick up a last-minute birthday present."

"It's probably something special. I mean you are eighteen now. Maybe you're getting a car?" said another girl.

A strong odor, part cat pee, part skunk assaulted my nose.

I looked in the direction it was coming from and followed two of my friends towards the bathroom. "Are you psycho? Smoking weed in here. My parents are going to kill me."

Larry, a boy I'd worked with on stage, coughed, releasing a puff of smoke. "We're sorry, O. We only wanted a quick hit."

I fanned at the smoke. "A hit. You look like you've had more than a hit." I ran to open up the windows and turn on the ceiling fans. I faced Larry as he fell softly against the wall, his eyes the color of his red t-shirt. He was in a pair of skinny pants cuffed at the ankles and suede chocolate brown boots. "Get rid of that stupid thing."

"Calm down." Larry knocked the tip of the joint into his soda can and dropped it into his cigarette pack. "You'd stress less if you smoked."

"There's a cop car outside!" said a girl, rushing to my side.

"Oh my, God," I said through clenched teeth.

As I entered the living room, a tall man dressed in a police uniform walked up to the door. "Officer Bloom?" I said, confused.

"Oliana, I need to speak with you outside."

"I told the detective everything."

"Please, step outside."

I folded my arms around me and did what Bloom said. His eyes had taken on a fatherly concern.

"Your Mom and Dad were in a bad car accident. Traci did not make it. Norman is not in good shape. I was on the scene and recognized your address on the car's registration. I told them I'd be the one to come get you."

Officer Bloom's voice blurred as I stood there, unable to move. I heard voices while hands touched my shoulder. I wanted to disappear. The car ride to the hospital felt like a dream. Just as I arrived, I learned that Dad had died too. Learning that I'd lost both parents, crushed my spirit.

After the double funeral was held, family from both sides did what they could to console us. I was grateful to learn that Mom and Dad had their wills. None of the stuff the lawyer said made any sense. All I knew was that Daniel had a trust fund that he couldn't touch until he turned eighteen. I was able to access mine, but it was to be paid out in monthly payments. It wasn't much, but it'd be enough to help me pay for my cellphone and car insurance. I'd still have to get a part-time job to make ends meet.

Later, arrangements were made to put the house up for sale once I left for school.

Weeks passed. It took a few days for me to find the strength to pick up where'd I left off. So many decisions to make while dealing with a barrage of bad news. Daniel was placed with Marc and Linda had passed away not long after that.

Although it was too late, I'd found room in my heart to forgive Linda. Because I accepted that life was too short and the people that you think will be with you forever, can be taken away.