S T A L K E R

2

I don't answer the phone as it rings. His name stays at the top of the screen and even though he isn't around me the goosebumps still raise. My trembling hands reach for the ignition as I press the start button. I shouldn't even be driving but I know better. He'll do anything to have the final say. The ringing stops and I begin to stomp the gas pump as I glide through the freeway. I tune out the music on the radio and wonder what my excuse will be this time. Why I didn't 'prioritize' him when he gave me this success.

Angry drivers beep at me when I begin to furiously overtake. What if he hurts Carter because I didn't get there fast enough? It's my fault. I thought moving all this distance would've helped to protect me from him but all it did was play in his favor. He loved seeing me anxious. I was always standing on eggshells around him.

I took a sharp left turn, not even checking to see if anyone had the right of way and kept going until I saw the familiar gated community. The vehicle slows and I wind down my windows so security knows it's me. The nearer I get the more lightheaded I feel. The urge to vomit is stronger than ever. As I calmly close my eyes I see dark hands reaching for me. The same pink fairy outfit I wore religiously as a child is to my knees. I hated it now. I hated the unwanted attention it gave. I hated the pain it caused me.

I quickly park the car in front of the house and storm inside not even knocking to let them know I'm home. I see my mother standing at the foot of the stars. She has a dusting rag gripped tightly in her hand as she cleans non- existent dust from the rails. She jumps as the sound of my shoes echo on the marble floors. I see her docile eyes take me in and for a quick second something flashes in them, just as quickly it disappears. She wipes her hand on the apron she's wearing and goes back to doing nothing.

"Where is he?" My voice doesn't betray the anger I feel. In fact it intensifies. This wasn't the time for me to evaluate her , she's already too far gone for recovery. Everything I've done for her just led her back into his arms and land me in a hospital. I want to be disgusted at her and hate her for everything she's allowed over the years but my heart can't permit it. She's innocent.

"He's bathing Carter." Mid stride I turn to look at her and see the bruise forming around her eye. It doesn't help that she's half his size. She's unable to help but she doesn't stop. She keeps letting him torture her for foul shit like this.

I run upstairs almost slipping in my heels. I stop and take them off, weaponizing myself against the monster behind these doors. I hear laughter but it's only Anthony's. Immediately I open the door and step in. My eyes snap to the bathtub. I'm ready to attack but he's just watching Carter pretend to swim in the tub. His little eyes are above the water as he kicks messily at the water while his hands support him. I notice his soapy curls and slowly walk toward them.

The man whose biologically my father rests on his knees opposite to Carter, his shirt sleeves are rolled up to his elbow but he's not wearing pants. His black boxers are dripping wet. I feel nauseous. Knowing he was in there with my little brother was repulsive.

"Azalea, how nice of you to drop by-" He doesn't finish because as soon as Carter hears my name he begins screaming happily. The man stands from the white towel beneath him and comes closer . I evade his contact and go to Carter to wash out his hair. The little boy starts mumbling incoherently unaware of the tension in the room and at that point I'm thankful for his innocence. I sweep him into my arms not caring that he's dripping wet and cover him against me with my coat.

I turn and he's right in front of me. Evil obsidian eyes stare into mine. His hands reach forward to touch my cheek and I know better than to flinch. Going to Carter a while ago I took the risk of disrespecting him. He wanted that reaction out of me, he knew I would immediately go to my brother. Carter's small hands wrap around my neck. I'm happy he's safe in my arms. As dangerous as it is I'm willing to do whatever it takes to take him with me. The scars I have haven't given me a reason to stay away. They drive me to keep applying pressure. I don't want to rush because I almost have him red handed.