Vision Of Broken Things

Chapter 8

I have never been one to wallow in self-pity but I found myself drowning in it on the way back home.

I dragged these innocent people into my mess, I should've insisted on staying in Dallas. I should've called Ashley and I should've opened my eyes to the change in my parents' relationship.

Ashley is dead in a crate right now because of me. Her parents must be worried sick, I wanted to call them but I would just feel guiltier than I already do.

We reached my house and parked my dad's car in the garage, like clockwork my dad storms out and demands answers.

''Chrissy called because someone tried breaking into her house. I acted on instinct.''

My dad took the keys from Chrissy.

''She didn't call the cops, she called you? What would you have done? Unarmed and without an adult?''

My dad stormed into the house, leaving us with awkward silence.

''Why did you come? After everything that I did to you?''

I didn't know why but I just knew I had to.

''No one deserves to end up like Ashley.''

We walked towards the front door and we were greeted by the smell of fresh pancakes. Our hungry stomachs made our feet speed up, we both went directly to the kitchen.

Victoria was dancing around the kitchen in her apron when we got to the kitchen. She looked happy, she looked free. I envied this.

''Oh, hi. Didn't hear you come in.''

She smiled at Chrissy.

''This must be the famous history partner. How are you, darling?''

Chrissy leaned onto the kitchen counter.

''A little bit in shock, can't believe I was stupid enough to leave the windows open overnight.''

Victoria was very sympathetic.

''I am so sorry, have a seat. I will fix you some grub chop-chop.''

Victoria leads Chrissy to sit on the side chair by the kitchen counter.

''You don't have to worry about anything, dear. You are safe right here with us.''

Was she always so sweet or is just a persona of her to manipulate me.

Soon after our nostrils were greeted with amazing aromas, I never smelt anything so sweet and define.

The second our plates were in front of us we gobbled down. The sweetness of the syrup blended well with the fresh berries and cream. Every bite was a blessing to my taste buds.

She wasn't kidding when she said she owned the fanciest restaurant that I have ever seen, with these flavors, I am not surprised at all.

After we filled our stomachs to the brim with pancakes, we drifted off to my room. We haven't spoken a word since we got here, I somewhat think that it is a good thing. We are both traumatized from the last twenty-four hours and we just need space to process it all.

She sat on my desk chair and I sat criss-cross on my bed. Silence filled the room, what would we even say?

''Do you think we will end up like Ashley?''

Truth is, I've thought about it and I am uncertain. It is a possibility.

''I don't know.''

Silence one again echoed off the walls.

We sat there for a long time, not saying a word.

''I'm sorry about Jason.''

I jumped up and shut the door.

''We don't say that name around here, it makes my dad upset.''

She nodded apologetically.

''Do you think all of this is happening because of what happened the night he died?''

She did know everything.

''Chrissy, I don't know why this is happening. I know just as much as you do.''

I sat down on my bed again, I texted Angelo about what happened after he dropped me off at my house last night.

Instantaneously my phone rang and when I answered his sleepy voice sang over the phone.

''So, is she with you?''

I looked over at Chrissy, her ocean eyes filled with fear.

''She's here. Spending a few nights.''

Angelo gave a slight giggle.

''Remember, there is no better time for some crises booty time.''

I rolled my eyes.

''Come over tomorrow morning, we need to figure out what to do next.''

I gave another glance to Chrissy, memories of the first time I saw rushed over me. She didn't ask for any of this, she was a happy girl with so much potential. She was so put together, not a care in the world. I caused this, the girl in front of me was a different girl than the one I met that day.

''See you tomorrow, Mel,''

I said goodbye and hung up.

''What does Angelo say?''

I threw my phone gently onto my bedside table.

''He will be here in the morning.''

I could see the worry in her features. She looked tired, I wonder how she's been sleeping at night. Her jaw was clenched; I could see tears forming in her eyes. Her eyes looked even more beautiful than before, water-stained blue.

''Everything will be okay.''

I lied, I just didn't want to see her cry.

''I sure hope so.''

I got up and reached under my bed and grabbed a key that I stuck against the bottom of my bed. I took her hand and placed the key into her open hand.

''You are safe here, lock the bedroom door whenever you want. I don't want you to feel scared while you are here.''

I hope this made her feel more like she had control over what was happening next.

She hugged the key to her chest and gave a half-smile.

''Thank you.''

I could tell she was drained. More physical than emotional, I offered her my bed and when she refused I insisted.

She looked so peaceful when she was asleep, she looked similar to the girl I mentioned earlier.

I hated that I was the cause of her unhappiness.

Her blonde hair waved over my pillow and her tiny hands clenched over the blanket.

I examined her face once more, each detail seemed more at ease than earlier.

She was beautiful, probably the most beautiful girl I have ever seen. At that moment I started thinking about Ashley again, I used to think these things about her too.

I reached over to get my phone and my fingers traced the number I knew by heart. I had to call her parents and hear how they were doing, I called their houseline. It rang twice and my body got automatically chilled when I heard a familiar sweet melody of a voice.

''Hello?''

I remained silent at first but the shock could never hold back the name that slid through my lips.

''Ashley.''