Fractured ( Fractured #1)

by Holleigh James

  His smile was bright. He reached across and rested his hand on mine. I was ready to swipe all the food onto the floor and throw him down on the table. I wanted to show him how much I loved him, but his cell phone rang.

  “Hello...yes.” He never took his eyes off me, but they changed from adoration to concern. “Okay, we’ll be there in ten minutes.”

  “What’s the matter?” I asked.

  ***

  I sat in the front seat of the car this time, as Rob raced back to my house. He pulled into the driveway. I didn’t wait for him to shift it into park before I flung the door open and ran inside.

  “How long has it been?” I screamed at my brother. His expression was blank. He was shirtless and his hair was messed up.

  “Like twenty-five minutes,” Jimmy said. I switched my attention toward him. His neck was already turning purple from the hickeys Tanya had been decorating him with. His face was almost as dark.

  I looked past Bryan. Jennifer was trying to twist her shirt back into place; her usually perfect hair was jutting out all over the place. Again, I looked at Bryan. “When was the last time you saw him?”

  “I was in my room with Jennifer…” A quick glance back to Jennifer made me take note of how red she was. Lipstick was smudged all over her mouth. “Then Jimmy banged on the door and said that Dillon wasn’t downstairs. I told him to check his room. He came back five minutes later and said he wasn’t in the house. We looked all over, and in the yard, too.”

  “Then what happened?” I could feel the heat of anger building in my face.

  “Mom came out of her room. She could barely stand up straight. She heard Jimmy say that Dillon wasn’t in the house. I tried to hold her back, but she broke away from me, and raced down the stairs. I went back to my room to grab my shirt and ran after her, but the front door was open, and I couldn’t find her. I couldn’t leave everyone here.”

  “Yes, you could, Bryan!” I was screaming. “Your ten-year-old, autistic brother is out wandering the neighborhood. He doesn’t know how to cross the street, or ask for directions, or stop when traffic is moving. What if some sick, twisted person hurts him? Isn’t that more important than putting another notch in your belt?”

  Bryan looked down at the floor and nodded. “I called Dad. He wasn’t there, but I left a message with Al at the shop; and I’ve been calling his cell, but he hasn’t answered.”

  “He wasn’t at the shop?” I asked. My voice was several octaves higher than usual. “Where is he?” I paced on the porch. “I ask you to watch Dillon once, Bryan. All you had to do was make sure he was safe.” My blood pressure was rising. My ears pounded from the inside.

  “Dillon was upset you weren’t home, Mandy,” Jimmy said. “I told him you went with Rob. He said he was going to find you. He said something about Rob going to go see the planes.”

  A little light went on in my head. It was my “ah-ha” moment. I turned to Rob. “He’s headed to the airport.”

  “Come on,” he said, and we raced back to his car.

  “I’m comin’,” Bryan said.

  “No!” I barked. “Your help is useless. You stay here and explain it to Dad when he finally calls back.”

  Rob revved the engine, and the tires squealed as we took off for the airport. It was only a mile past town, the equivalent of thirty blocks maybe, but once Dillon set his mind to something, particularly planes, he was like a bullet. Who knew how far he was, or in which direction he traveled?

  With the window rolled down, I stretched my head out and scanned the streets. No Dillon. No Mom. No one. The streets were bare. Horrible thoughts raced through my mind. What if he’s hurt? Or a stranger has him? What if he’s been hit by a car, and he’s lying in the middle of the street? Beads of sweat formed on my hairline despite the breeze rushing through my curls with the speed of the car. I shouldn’t have left him, at least not without explaining where I would be, and telling him when I’d be back. I never thought to tell Dillon about my date with Rob. Now he was missing and it was my fault.

  Rob pointed toward the left. “There! Is that him?”

  The streetlight flickered, threatening to go out at any moment. I squinted to make out the shape. “Yes, yes. That’s him!”

  Rob drove straight toward him. I flung the door open and jumped out of the car. “Dillon!” I screamed.

  He turned around. “Manny. Planes.”

  I threw my arms around him and squeezed as hard as I could. “I see them, Dill. But you can’t go off on your own to see the planes. You have to wait for me or Dad, okay?”

  “Kay,” he stared past me to Rob. “Planes.”

  “I see, Dillon. Very nice. Why don’t you get in the car? I’ll take you home, and we can talk about the planes.”

  Giving Dillon the quick once over to make sure he wasn’t hurt, my father pulled up in his car. He raced over and hugged both of us. “Bryan called me. I came as soon as I could. Are you okay?”

  “Yeah, we’re okay,” I said. “What do you mean you came as soon as you could? Where were you?” I said, but he didn’t let go. From under his arm, I caught a glimpse of someone sitting in the passenger seat of his Nissan. Although I could only see a silhouette, there was no mistaking who it was. Shoulder length hair curled upward on the bottom. I stiffened, and then pulled away from my father, dragging Dillon with me.

  After the cloud of confusion cleared, my father realized what I had seen and tried to explain. “I was driving Mrs. Sutton home. Her car is in our shop.”

  “Save it. I don’t want to hear it,” I said, and marched toward Rob’s car, dragging Dillon by the hand. “Are you her pusher, Dad? Was it you who gave her that bottle of Jack Daniels the day after we had those amazing few alcohol-free hours with her? Are you keeping her loaded so you can have fun with your tramp?”

  “No, Mandy. I… I don’t want your mother driving to the liquor store. She might get into a car accident if she drives drunk.”

  “Oh, so you’re doing her a favor, are you? She can’t even form a whole sentence, but you’re afraid she can’t drive? It looked as if she was trying the other day.” Dillon got into the back of Rob’s car. “Do me a favor, Dad, just go on with your little skank. Forget us.”

  “Mandy, I do care.”

  “Really? Like I believe you give a shit about Mom, or any of us.” I made sure my brother was safely buckled up in the back seat. Then I turned toward my father. “I’m going to look for your wife, now. She’s out searching for her son.”

  “Is she in any condition to be doing that?”

  “No, but I guess it doesn’t matter to you, does it? You can go back and finish your evening. I’m sure the strawberries and whipped cream are getting warm. Your bimbo must be getting cold only wearing her black lace teddy.” I got into Rob’s car and told him, “Drive!”

  We roared away and left my father standing under the flickering streetlight.

  Three-quarters of the way back to the house, I spotted Mom, passed out on the Hanleys’front lawn.Rob slammed on the brakes and was out of his door in a shot. After checking to make sure she was still alive, he picked her up, and carried her to the car. When we got home, he carried her upstairs to her bedroom while I got Dillon into the house.

  Rob waited in the living room until I had washed her, put both of them into pajamas, and tucked them into bed. Jennifer and Tanya had gone home, and my brother and Jimmy sat in the kitchen, waiting for my reprimand.

  Instead, I ignored them, and sat on the couch next to Rob. He put his arm around me and said nothing. That’s when my tears came. And they didn’t stop, not for a long time. Still, Rob said nothing. He just held me and let me cry.

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Dad eased the front door open and peeked his head around the door. He was alone. I rested my head on Rob’s shoulder; I didn’t want to look at that bastard. He stopped in front of me.

  “Mandy, I can explain.”

  “I don’t want to hear it.”

  He looked down at me for
a few moments until he realized that I didn’t want anything to do with him. I crossed my arms over my chest, and turned my head away from him. His shoulders slumped as he walked into the kitchen. I heard the chair scrape against the floor and knew he had sat down with the other irresponsible men in the family: Bryan and Jimmy.

  Rob stayed with me until Jimmy went home, and Bryan and Dad went upstairs. I’m sure it was well past midnight.

  “I’m sorry everything got ruined,” I said, looking into Rob’s eyes.

  Rob looked back at me with understanding. “Nothing was ruined. Dillon is home, and he’s fine. Hopefully, your mother won’t remember what happened, and I think Bryan got lucky tonight.” His grin was a good attempt at making the mood lighter.

  “I meant the evening you planned for us.”

  “Nothing was ruined. I got to spend the whole day with you.” He kissed my forehead. He always knew the right things to say.

  “Rob, I don’t know if I’m destined to be happy. I have a lot of baggage. My family is very dysfunctional. I’ll understand if you don’t want to be with me.”

  He cocked his head back and held me at arms distance. “Are you breaking up with me?”

  “No! I don’t want to. I just know that you’ve been through a lot–the fire, your parents, the millions of emotions you must have to deal with on a daily basis. You don’t need this chaos, too.”

  “Look, I know you’re embarrassed by everything that’s happened, but I don’t care about all of that. I only care about you.”

  Just hearing those words caused my heart to sing. I kissed him and then snuggled closer. I laid my head on his chest and listened to a wonderful sound, his heartbeat.

  Finally, I told him to go home to get some sleep. I walked him to the door.

  “You get some rest, too. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.” He kissed me only once, but it was a good one. Then he got into his car and drove away.

  I took a shower and got ready for bed, but my eyes refused to close. My mind kept going over everything that had happened.

  The next day, I stumbled downstairs to answer the rapid knocking on the front door. Isn’t anyone else up? Why do I always have to do everything? Only one of my eyes opened; the other was protesting the light. When I opened the door, it was a deliveryman with a very large bouquet of pink roses. I struggled to focus both eyes on him.

  “I need a signature,” the man said. He stared at me. I looked down and realized I was still wearing my rubber duck pajama pants and matching t-shirt. I shifted behind the door to try to hide most of my body. Reaching my arm around, I scribbled my name on his clipboard.

  He handed me the flowers and started to walk away. “Wait. Who are these for?”

  Without stopping, he lifted his hand in the air. “Have a nice day.” And then he was in his truck and drove away.

  After closing the door, I looked at the flawless pink roses. A small white envelope stuck out from between two of the buds. Catching a glimpse of myself in the hall mirror, I understood why the deliveryman was so surprised to see me. It wasn’t that I was in my pajamas; it was that my reddish-blonde locks were sticking out in every direction. I looked like Medusa. An indentation from where my pillowcase had bunched up lined the side of my puffy face.

  I filled a vase with water from the kitchen sink and placed them on the table, next to the wildflowers Rob gave me a few days before. Pulling the card from the small white envelope, there were only two words written on it: “Only you.” —R

  I needed to run to him–hug and kiss him, tell him how he made me feel–but the clock convinced me it was too early for any of that. I remembered what the mirror showed a few seconds ago. I would definitely have to change my clothes and get my hair under control if I was going to see Rob. I raced upstairs and began my morning ritual.

  Dillon woke up, and I made him breakfast and got him onto the bus. He wasn’t affected by anything that happened the night before. I didn’t even bother with Mom. Peeking into Bryan’s room, and judging by how messy his bed covers were, I figured out that he’d gotten up minutes before he needed to be at work. I bet he got dressed while he was running down the stairs. I couldn’t care less where my father was; probably with his whore.

  Then I ran into a problem. Rob was staying with his aunt, uncle, and Eric, but I didn’t know where they lived. I knew it was still too early, but I didn’t care. Reaching into the drawer, I pulled out the phone book and searched for the listing for John Bowman. I wrote down the address, grabbed my purse, and headed out the door. At the end of my driveway, I stopped and wondered if I should proceed—but I wanted so badly to be with Rob. Oh Mandy, you always give in to everyone else. This is the only thing you’ve ever truly wanted. Stop being a coward and go find him. That was that. I had convinced myself.

  I walked down Main Street. Thoughts of Rob filled my head. It made me walk faster. Half way there, I thought I heard footsteps behind me. I turned, but no one was there. I continued to walk and listened carefully, but the birds and squirrels blocked out any other sounds. From the corner of my eye, I thought I saw Eric, but when I turned my head, the street was empty. Perspiration started to form on the back of my neck. Paranoia washed over me. Scanning the street all around me, I noticed the bagel store was open. I ducked in there to compose myself.

  “Hey, Mr. Mills. Can I have a buttered bagel and a small tea to go, please?”

  “Sure, Mandy.” His round body took up most of the space between the counter and his work area. Chubby fingers grabbed a long knife and cut the bagel in two with one swift motion. I looked out the storefront window as he worked and made small talk. The street was empty.

  “What are you doing up so early? It’s the middle of summer. Aren’t all you teenagers supposed to be sleeping late?” He gave a little chuckle. “My kids don’t get up before noon.”

  Taking another glance out the window before turning my attention toward him, I said, “I’m actually looking for the best way to get to Forest Road.”

  He swatted the empty air. “Ah, that’s easy.” I listened to his simple directions.

  Heading down Washington Street, with my bagel in one hand, and the tea in the other, I scanned for stalkers. Thankfully, there were none. Don’t be silly, Mandy. Maybe Mr. Mills is right – everyone is sleeping in. I arrived at Forest Road shortly after I left the bagel store. I crumpled the wax paper and napkin, and shoved them into the empty cup. Lucky for me, it was garbage pick-up day. Many of the residents had their bins out at the curbside. I discarded my garbage and walked down the street, looking on either side for number sixteen.

  A charming beige house behind a white, picket fence invited me down the walkway. A quick glance at my watch told me that it wasn’t as early as I originally thought, so I knocked. Several moments later, a pretty, dark-haired lady, wearing a sleeveless peach blouse and navy walking shorts answered the door. “Yes?”

  “Mrs. Bowman, I’m Amanda Stewart.”

  Her face registered my identity. “Oh, I was wondering when we’d meet you. Please, come in.” She stepped aside and swept her arm across empty air to invite me in.

  The front entry spilled into the living room. A country-styled couch in a floral print sat atop a beige area rug. Two, solid–colored, emerald armchairs stood across from it, with a wooden coffee table sandwiched in between. The opened lace curtains allowed the sun to bathe the room. A warm feeling enveloped me.

  “Won’t you sit down?” Mrs. Bowman said.

  “Thank you.” I sat on the flowered couch with my purse on my lap.

  “Can I get you something to drink, Amanda?”

  “Please, call me Mandy, and no thank you. I’ve already had a cup of tea.”

  She sat in one of the armchairs. “Robert isn’t awake yet.”

  “Oh, I’m sorry to bother you. I can come back later.”

  “Don’t be silly.” Her smile was friendly. “I wouldn’t miss this opportunity to chat with you. I’ve been very anxious to meet the young lady who’s been responsib
le for Robert’s recent happiness.” Her smile widened. “Thank you for being there for him.”

  I had no words. My eyes widened, and my jaw became slack. Suddenly, I felt very accountable.

  Mrs. Bowman continued. “I’ve seen your photo on your father’s counter at the garage. We’ve had some problems with our Volvo.” The mention of my father caused the bagel in my stomach to churn. “I’m sure that photo is old. You looked about ten in it.”

  “I just turned seventeen a few weeks ago,” I said.

  “Oh, that’s so nice. I bet you’re excited to be in your last year of high school. What are your plans after graduation?”

  “I…I’ll probably get a job and go to college at night.”

  “Good for you. That sounds like a very committed decision.” Her tone was one of acceptance, not judgment. I was happy that she wasn’t like the other snobbish residents of our little town who thought a person was worthless unless they were accepted to an Ivy League school.

  Eric walked into the living room. His light brown curls were messy, and it looked as if he had just thrown clean clothes on. He fell into the other armchair. “Hey, Mandy.” With him sitting next to his mother, I could see the resemblance.

  “Hi, Eric. I’m sorry if I woke you.” It wasn’t him on the street near the bagel store.

  “Nah. I was up, just finding excuses not to get out of bed. I don’t have to be at work until noon.” He leaned forward in the chair. “Do you want me to see if Rob’s awake?”