My father fell too hard.
All I recall are times of elation between my parents, and I can’t refute the love he had for her. So, he fell, smack down on his ass, in love. But what came next for them if my memories are tainted? I need time to think. Though I’ve slept most of the day, I faux yawn and excuse myself from the room.
Walking toward Jamie’s room, I check my iPhone for the missed call. Justice left a voicemail. I listen.
“Hey, Chevelle, Justice here. I left town. I told myself not to call, but then when you left your message, I felt so bad.”
Mia comes scurrying out of the doorway, rushing toward me with such energy I’m knocked back a few paces. Though unsettled, I’m still attempting to listen to the voicemail.
“Mommy, Uncle Cam ordered us pizza! Now, he’s downstairs playing with Daddy.”
“Okay, baby.”Why would Justice leave town?
“Mommy, I said—”
The message ends, lacking further explanation. I run my hand over Mia’s silky tresses. The unruly corks bounce back. “Listen, Mommy’s worried about Justice.” I try calling her number.
“Your friend?” Mia jumps along the elaborate design in the runner carpet.
“Yes, honey.” I huff as the call goes to voicemail. Justice’s voice sounded troubled. I redial the number.
“Mommy, I said, Jake and I bothered Cam so much he ordered pizza! And a pizza cookie with choc—”
“Shhhh!” The call connects. “Justice, are you okay?”
“I should be asking you the same.” Her reply is her usual witty retort.
“I’m fine.”
“Well, I tried you early this morning. I swear I thought I’d never hear your voice again.”
“Where are you?” I ask.
“There was something I didn’t tell you about me, Chevelle.”
Playing with the crown molding on the bedroom door, I find myself focused on her words. Call it intuition, but I can tell something is wrong, and Justice has become very important to me.
“I kept telling myself to leave it alone. Then you called, sounding so distraught. Now I feel like a bitch, bringing you into my—”
“Justice, where are you?”
“Some creepy hick town in New Mexico.” She’s muttering about having made another mistake when I cut her off.
“Tell me where you are exactly. Give me your address.”
“Eh, it’s not safe.”
I feel a pang of disappointment and reply, “Justice, I would never hurt—”
“Girl, Nah, I’m sorry. I mean, I know what family you married into. But I have,” she pauses, trepidation shades her voice, “someone bad. He’s been lurking around. Michie confirmed it last night. I’m not coming back.”
“Still, send your location.” I soften my tone.
“Mommy?” Mia jumps onto the balls of her feet, pulling at my ratty shirt.
“Shhh, Mia!” I reprimand, returning my attention to the cellphone. “Justice, I’m not getting off the phone until you share it.”
“Girl, this town is so raggedy I can’t use the internet while on the phone. There isn’t even wi-fi.”