Splinters: Part One

Part One | 44

"When we found out you were gone. She came over."

"What do you mean she came over?"

Ursa shrugged. "We obviously thought you snuck out to go to Collie's party so Dad went down there. When he realized you weren't there, she left her own party to come with us and talk to the police and search for you around Barrington."

Collie ditched her seventeenth birthday party for me. If that isn't a real girlfriend, I don't know what is, and the Piersons should obviously see that. Collie isn't the same girl they think she is.

"So she just left? Without saying goodbye?"

"She didn't even open her presents," Ursa smirked. "I have to say, I was a little impressed. Not a lot, but a little."

I tried not to smile in victory and acted as if I didn't care, even though it meant the world to me that Collie did that. "So, what, the police came to the house?"

"Yeah, and they searched your room or whatever." I knew something was different about my room. "And once they realized your car was gone, too, they ran your plate and searched around Barrington and the rest of Rhode Island with us."

I looked away. "When did you guys realize I was gone?"

She shrugged again. "I'm not sure when Mom found out you left, but it had to be like an hour or two after you and Mom fought."

"You know about that?"

She shrugged, avoiding eye contact.

I nodded, embarrassed. "I'm sorry, Ursanne. For everything."

"Hey, it's only a matter of time before I run away," she joked.

I laughed, even though we both know that after this, none of the girls will even think about running away, which is good. I know I'd lose it if one of the girls just up and left. I'm a real jerk for doing that to them, aren't I.

"Well, I'm gonna go to bed," Ursa told me.

"Night. I love you."

"Love you, too, Brayden," she smiled.

She stopped just before the door, though and turned around. I was surprised when the next thing she did was hug me. The best and weirdest part about it, though, was that I didn't even realize that I really, really needed it.

...

My hands were sweaty as Melissa and I walked inside Bedford Hill Correction Facility. Melissa had made the appointment earlier, giving Marie and I the opportunity to spend some more time together than the first time.

"Just sign these papers," the woman behind the desk told Melissa.

I felt a sense of déjà vu. The first time seeing Marie had been just like this. Again, there was a large amount of people here, waiting to speak to whoever. Eventually, two men took us back to a large, cement room. A large glass window showed Marie sitting at a low, black table with an officer in the corner of the room.

I felt like I was in Criminal Minds in the interrogation room.

Melissa's hand was on my back as we carefully watched my mother. She seemed nervous, scared. I bit my lip. I hate seeing her like this. But she deserves it.

"Can I go in now?" I asked.

Officer Devaney nodded after he checked me and my clothing. He opened the door for me, revealing my mother to me and myself to her.

When Marie's eyes caught mine, she smiled. "Brayden."

I smiled back. "Hi."

She leaned forward, lifting her hands, but they were cuffed. But that was okay. This time I can touch her. I took a seat across from her and set my hands on the table. She slowly took them, tears forming in her eyes.