Unknown Creatures [Unedited]

18. Court

Isabella's view:

It's already 11 am and court starts in thirty-five minutes. Mark is driving, I am in the passenger seat with mum, dad and Ethan in the backseat.

"Thanks for coming guys," I say, smiling slightly as I hold my ribs.

"You know we will always be here for you, Isabella," Mark says, his eyes fixed on the road ahead. I steal a glance at Mark but he keeps his eyes ahead, only looking my way for one second before saying, "Can't take my eyes off the road if that's what you want me to do. That's how accidents happen."

"That isn't entirely how accidents happen, but you are just very mean," I state, crossing my arms.

From the backseat, Ethan laughs and says, "Issie, we love you."

"You are very mean too."

"What? No, I am not. Since when?!"

"Since one minute ago."

"Not long enough."

"Are you two children gonna keep bickering? 'Cause if you are, I might as well chuck you both out now. It ain't good for my concentration," Mark's says bluntly.

"I might as well chuck you both out now," I mock his tone.

"Isabella, I ain't in the mood right now."

"When are you ever in the mood?" 

"Never."

Mum and dad chuckle in the backseat.

"Kids behave yourselves," mum says from the back of the car.

As we get closer to the court my stomach does summersaults and I begin to feel sick.

"Calm down Issie, it'll be ok," Ethan says, trying to sooth me.

"Thanks Ethy but that won't work," I say, staring at the road.

"The court day is too early if you ask me, but that courts won't listen to us," Mark says, anger clear as day in his tone, his hands clutching the steering wheel tightly.

"If you hold that wheel any tighter it'll pop right off."

"And?"

"Nothing."

The drive turned silent in an instant, then the car comes to a hault with Mark muttering a string of curses.

"What? What's going on?" I ask but get blocked out by the sound of Mark's horn sounding. 

"That ute pulled out in front of me is what!" Mark roars then speeds off not wasting a second. 

It didn't take long before we reached the court, Mark parks the car and gets out almost immediately. He pulls the wheelchair out and assembles it in lightening speed as Ethan and my family get out of the car. Dad lifting me out of the car and into the wheelchair. The street is empty with only police officers and guards walking around the area.