Serendipity

Chapter 22. These Four Walls

Chapter Twenty Two ~ These Four Walls

           Dad was pacing around whatever apartment we were living in at the time. I didn’t know what he was thinking, but I knew there was a lot of stuff going through his mind. I didn’t understand what, though.

            Mom stormed in the kitchen and dropped her–stolen–Louis Vuitton purse on the counter. She popped her gum obnoxiously as she placed a hand on her protruding hip. “Relax, would you? I’ve never seen such a nervous man!”

            Dad’s eyes shot to hers. “Linda!” he yelled. “They saw you! You were on tape!”

            Mom remained impassive and she shrugged loosely. “What did I tell you when we first met? We’re going to be involved in some deep shit and if you don’t want to own up to the job description, then leave!”

            Dad chewed on his bottom lip thoughtfully. No matter what he said to Mom, she wouldn’t listen. He really did love her and it showed. Often times, he would go out and actually buy her jewelry—with his own money.

            Of course, Mom would only sell the jewelry to get the money.

            Dad was worried, Mom was in trouble, and I was clueless.

            Somehow, Mom convinced Dad she was okay and then, they kissed. Mom turned to me and gave me her proudest smile. “You’re going to be someone good, one day.” She kissed my forehead and we slept.

            The next day, Mom was gone. She didn’t even leave a note or anything, she just left. Dad cried for days…weeks even.

            A month later, we saw her face on the TV. Turns out, she ditched us because we were too much of a burden on her. She got caught and they arrested her.

            Dad wasn’t convinced it was our fault. When he finally got himself together, he decided to continue our thieving lifestyle. He said this time it would work, because he shut off his emotions.

            From then on, we lived different lives. The main goal was to get Mom out of jail. At least, that’s what he said.

            But now, now I wasn’t sure.

*            *           *            *

            A man cleared his throat from above me.

          I glanced up and saw the young cop who arrested me. He seemed taller now; maybe it was because I was sitting. I was really starting to notice the stubble forming along his jawline. He was a young guy, not much older than me.         

            “What should I call you?” he asked me. 

            I shrugged. I didn’t know who I was anymore. I wasn’t even sure if I was worthy of a name.     

            “Okay, then I’ll call you Cooper because that is your real name.” He motioned towards one the interrogation rooms. “I’m going to ask you some questions.” It wasn’t question, more like a demand.          

            I stood to my feet and followed him to the room. He ushered me inside and closed the door behind him.           

            “A lawyer has been assigned to you and will be arriving shortly,” the cop told me as he took a seat on one of the chairs, motioning me to sit across from him.