Life was good. I had an respectable and highly honorable father. A sweet and kind Step mother and her daughter who was my motivation in life and loved me like no other. Our family was one of a kind and it was stronger than blood bond.
I had just turned 18 while my step sister, Elaine was 19; turning 20 in the next months ahead. We were very close to one another and enjoyed the 5 years we've known each other. We attended the same high school and college while mom and dad ran their company; making high dollar digits to feed our rich lifestyle. Multiple trips to Caribbean islands; traveling all throughout the world. Paris, Cambodia, Africa ECT. High end cars and a beautiful 6 bedroom house.
Fall semester was coming to a close as final exams reared its ugly head. Every student's nightmare; filled with long hours of studies and sleep deprivation. Elaine and I were studying in the school library when we heard my phone vibrate. It was Elva; my step mom. My head bounced up, taking Elaine in my sight. Whispering a low as could "Hey, mom is calling me.." she glanced up and shrugs her shoulder.
I stood up, walking towards the freshly painted double doors and exited the room. Sliding to the right; I answer the phone call. "Hey, wassup mom?" I asked hesitantly due to the schedule of the call. Thinking to myself "She usually only texted and she knows we're at school; why would she call?" Her voice enters my ear with the sound of distress; her chopped up words nullified by her sobs and whimpers.
I asked again if she was ok but all she can muster was "Come home now. You and Elaine."
I entered the library in a haste and marched my way to the table. I begin to pack up as Elaine stares at me in confusion. I nudge my head towards the exit, she responds to me with the crinkles of her freshly plucked eyebrow and the tightening of her soft eyes. Elaine hesitantly closes her laptop and we were out the doors within minutes.
"What is going on?" She asked me as her hand lands on my arm. I was quiet; contemplating my step mom's cries. I step on the gas as the light turns green; peeling out, sending rubber and asphalt to the cars behind.
"Mom was crying. She didn't tell me anything, she just wants us home. I have a bad feeling." Jotting to myself; my grip tightens on the wheel; shifting into 3rd gear.
"Slow down! I'll call her. Just slow the down Johnny!" She responded as her hand slid off my arm and into her pocket to pull out her phone.
I didn't know why I was feeling or acting in this fashion. I just knew something went down and I had to know. I can hear Elaine talking but it was inaudible being outranged by the high revs of my engine and screeching of my tires. Shifting into 2nd gear I hit the corner, stepping on the gas pedal as the turn became a straight line; a straight shot to the house. Coming to a complete stop, I yank up my E-brake as Elaine exits the vehicle; slamming the door shut.
She runs in a panic inching herself closer to the front door as I steadily followed her a few feet behind. I was scared; I didn't want to know what happened but my brain told me to hurry. I jumped and hurried my pace nearly shoving Elaine through the door. Elva was laying on the couch in a fetal position; her shoulders and back rising up and down. Her face dug deep into the pillow as I realize her sobs. Elaine's knees hit the white plush rug as her arms extend over her mothers back, her tiny hands rubbing over Elva's arm. Her sobs turns into horrific cries; raising her head leaving her mascara behind on the soft fabric. Elva's eyes are blood shot red, her face crinkled showing her aging face. I can feel the tension her body displayed.
"Mommy.. why are you crying?" Elaine asked in a sweet comforting voice. "Mommy, we're here now. What's wrong?" Holding her mother tight as I stood there not knowing what to say or do. Elva reaching out; holding her in a warm embrace.
She looks over to me and reaches out her left arm "Come here Johnny. Come here babie." I step forward cradling her head between my chest and shoulder, my left arm reaching over to hold Elaine's head.
We stood in that position for what seemed like hours. Elva holding us close as her warm breath seeps through my shirt becoming warm and damp from tears. I was so confused, losing the energy to ask why. Elaine raised her head to meet mines; her light hazel eyes surrounded by red veins, lips pink and pouty. "Mom .. what is going on?" I asked, taking a deep breathe; swallowing dry saliva.
Elva lets go of her hold, wiping her eyes with the tips of her French tipped nails. She glances to her right and kisses Elaine on her forehead, she tilt her head up to meet mines and kisses me on my cheek. "Your dad is in jail."
I jump up and begin yelling in disbelief. Millions of thoughts running through my head. "How did this happen? What the fuck did he do?" I stop and continue. "Where the fuck is he at?" Elva sits there as tears begin to run down her face again. I pull out my phone and scroll through my contacts. I wait as the phone rings endlessly; Elva crying more hysterically,
Elaine sitting at her mothers legs in an confused state. "When is he coming home?!?" Eliane asked while slapping her mothers thighs to catch her attention.
The phone rings but ends with the tone of his voicemail. Again I redial and again I was sent to his voicemail. "What the fuck!" Yelling in anger and exhaustion.
Elva tugs on my wrist and I look down at her. "I don't know babie. We just have to wait for his phone call." I stood up and paced my way upstairs, every step had a louder thump than before and every step I felt my anger build. Opening my door and slamming it shut behind me. Sitting on my bed; throwing off my shirt contemplating how naturally confusing the world ran. How things happen one second and turn adrift a second later. I laid there in bed pulling the sheets over my head. My tears begin to run, my yells and sobbing turning into soft whimpers. Within a few minutes my heart begins to whither down as my anger and sadness dissipate. My eyes start to drift as I feel my chest rise and fall after every intake and exhale.