Chasing Stars ✔️

3.

"I like the stars. It's the illusion of permanence, I think." - Neil Gaiman

She

Talking to the police was hard. I have done it before, and it never failed to make me nervous. Probably because I used to lie, when I was younger, despite knowing it was wrong. The lame excuses used to came out of my mouth with ease.

I fell. I am clumsy; hit the door frame. Scraped my knees on my bike.

I got so good at it. Neighbors, teachers, school buddies, my grandma, the police. I could look straight into their eyes and lie. No remorse, no second thoughts. Because even my young mind could sense that they knew, deep down, they knew something was wrong, but choose to believe my facade. It was easier for everyone, I realized. So, if they couldn't bear with the truth, I would lie for the sake of everyone's peace of mind.

The police officers always asked the same. John, being a lawyer, said it was normal. Part of their work was to check all the angles of the information. Honestly, they just made me feel stupid every time, and I certainly didn't need any assistance doing that.

"So," the man in the blue uniform was tapping his index finger in his mustache while asking for the third time, "You are saying you voluntarily went to see your abusive mother."

"Yes. That's what I am saying, officer. I walked there on my own."

"And that was because...?" he insisted. Was I really supposed to believe he was just double-checking his information and not making me feel stupid?

"That was because it was her birthday. And I always visit. It was part of the agreement when I moved in with my adoptive family. I have to see her on birthdays and Christmas. "

"Hum. Hum," he responded. "So you were adopted. She's no longer your mother".

If I wasn't afraid my head might explode if I started screaming, I would probably be calling him names that would cost me jail time.

"I'm pretty sure it doesn't work like that, Officer," I answered, irritation clear in my voice.

"Malloy," another officer that was in the corner of the room, silent until that moment, took a step forward. "Why don't I take it from here? You sound like you could use some coffee".

Officer Malloy said something under his breath and left the room after giving his notes to his colleague. As the other man stepped closer, I could see how tall he was. He was not wearing a uniform, just a black shirt and black trousers, the only color on his clothes coming from a golden badge pinned to his shirt's front pocket.

"I'm sorry, miss. He's usually not like this. He's kind of grumpy today." The man dressed in black smiled. He was younger than officer Malloy, probably in his mid-twenties, and I could feel myself relax when his light brown eyes met mine. There was warmth and sympathy in them. Not pity. Most of all, no judgment.

"I'm detective Wolf. Matthew Wolf. You can call me Matt if you like. I mean you should, because I would like to call you Alexa if that is ok."

That was nice of him... perhaps too nice. I narrowed my eyes, a little confused. I regretted that immediately as a sharp pain hit my forehead.

"Shit," I muttered, instinctively raising my hand to touch my head.

"Do you need the nurse?"

"No. No, it's fine. Thank you."

"I'm sorry if this came out wrong, Alexa." He said as if reading my mind. "It's just... well, you spend the last half hour telling us about your life and, I just thought it would be easier if you feel comfortable for the next part of our conversation."