The Fire's Within

Chapter 8: My Fault

☆Nyx☆

Not really understanding what's happening, I quickly send a text to Corbin.

Me: Something has happened to dad. Get here now!

"Nyx, Calm down. Don't think the worst-"

"I'm officer Holden, and I hate to be the bearer of bad news, miss. But approximately, fifty minutes ago, your father was in an accident. A drunk driver went through a red light and hit his car. He was rushed to hospital where they-"

"What hospital?" I rush out as I strip out of my coveralls.

"I beg your pardon, miss?"

"What hospital! I have to get to him, he needs me." I huff and turn to grab my jacket.

"You need to listen, miss. And we should wait for your Aunt before-" Officer Holden starts as she grabs my shoulders.

"Why?" I snap, cutting her off.

"The paramedics and hospital did everything they could, miss... But I'm afraid your father didn't recover."

"What!?" I say not believing my ears. They have to be wrong.

"Nyx!" I hear Corbin's voice call my name but nothing more. White noise invades my ears, no it's the screams and cries of Ember and Ash. Why is everything slowing down? Why are they screaming in my head? She didn't say what I think she did. She can't have. My dad isn't gone, he's... he's... he's gone to get something... From the shops! They have to be wrong. I feel arms go around me and look up blankly at Corbin. When did he get here? He'll tell them!

"Tell them they're wrong, Corb." I plead as tears drip down my cheeks.

"Shh. Mum's talking to them now." I block everything out, and just lay my head on Corbin's chest. Then I pull my phone back out and dial my dad's number. It rings and then I hear it.

"Daddy. It's me. Your favourite daughter. Answer the phone haha. Love you." I look at the police officer, expecting dad to be behind him, but the officer pulls a phone out of his back pocket and holds it up, a sad look on his face. It's my dad's mobile, in a zip lock bag thing.

"No. No. No... No. It... it can't be... Aunt Krystal. Tell them... they're wrong!... Why does he have... Dad's phone? Where's... my dad? Why do you have his... Phone?" I start crying and shouting, I even snatch my dad's phone and push the officer when I ask why he has it.

Corbin grabs me around the waist and pulls me away from them, spinning me around and then tightens his arms around me.

"Let me... go, Corbin... let go!" I yell, struggling in his hold.

"I'm so sorry, but we do need his mobile back, it's evidence right now. And we need someone to come down to the hospital and identify him, and sign some paperwork. They will also give you the number of the funeral services available." I tighten my hold on the phone. When Krystal comes to take it.

"No." I snap at her. She has tears running down her cheeks, then she looks at Corbin.

"Keep a tight hold of her." She says in a broken whisper. What does she mean- she snatches the phone out of my hand and hands it to the officer. I struggle again to get out of his hold so I can take it back. They can't take it! It doesn't belong to them.

"I'll come with you, officers. Corbin-"

"I know, mum." He says, sorrowfully. I hear the front door shut and I scream in Corbin's arms. He manages to get me up the stairs and into my bed, where he holds me and lets me scream and cry until I pass out.
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