Stardust // Reggie Mantle (3)

Chapter Thirty-Six

Caia couldn't lie. Her life had been somewhat falling apart lately. But there was one thing she thought she didn't have to worry about. And that was one thing she hadn't thought about it a long time. At least, she had tried not to.

Her father.

After he had been put into jail almost a year ago, she had tried to suppress her memories of him. This was, of course, because they were almost too painful just to think about. And in all honesty, it had worked. She almost never thought about him anymore. That was until she received a text the afternoon before the Heather's performance night.

Caia was putting on makeup using the mirror in the bathroom. The musical was still a few hours away and there would be about an hour before the show that the cast could get ready before the show. Of course, Caia would also go to that. She just liked to get a little head start.

Caia's phone dinged from its place on the counter next to her. She glanced down at it before finishing applying her mascara and capping the bottle. She set down the mascara and picked up her phone. What Caia saw on the screen dropped her heart into her stomach.

I'm out, bitch. And I'm coming for you.

- J.S.

Caia swallowed hard. She knew who's initials those were. It was more than obvious. However, there was no way her father had been voluntarily released. His time served was not nearly up yet. Caia almost refused to believe he had really gotten out because that meant he had escaped, and that thought made her shiver. Not to mention the fact that Jack would be coming for her, to get revenge.

Caia rushed to the door as she dialed the number for Shawshank Prison. She had to know if Jack had really escaped or if this was some sort of sick joke.

"Hello, Shawshank Prison and State Penitentiary," the monotone voice on the other line greeted. "This is Penny speaking, how may I help you?"

Caia cleared her throat as she clicked the lock on the door shut and glanced outside the window. The driveway was still empty. "Um, I'm calling about the status of a prisoner. Jack Sinclair?"

The sound of keys clicking translated through the phone. "Hm, yes, let's see," the woman began. "It appears he has been released today." Caia's eyes widened. What?

🎶 Yo, girl, keep it together. I knew you would come far. Now you're truly a Heather. Smell how gangsta you are. 🎶

"I- I don't understand," Caia stuttered. "Did he serve all his time?"

"It looks like it," the woman informed. "He was only sentenced to a year, and he received a few extra months as a penalty for bad behavior."

Caia swallowed dryly. "That's not possible," she stated. "It can't be."

"Actually, it is more than possible. It looks like he was booked for child abuse and in the state of New York, that type of offense usually only receives a year." The woman paused. "Is everything okay?" She questioned. "Has Mr. Sinclair violated his parole or something?"

Caia shook her head. "No, no," she informed. "I'm sorry for bothering you. I gotta go." Before the woman could reply, Caia had already hung up.

🎶 Yo, girl, feel a bit punchy? She's not looking so well. Still, you've earned that red scrunchie. Come join Heather in hell. 🎶