2 Barrett is sick of it

“News flash: Yesterday, an accident took place on 14th street in the middle of the night, a car crash and the driver who is a Manager at the Diner Store was rushed to the hospital but didn’t make it.”

I woke up hearing this and I got chills. It was the store Manager, I was shocked that I didn’t notice that my phone was ringing. When I got back to my senses, it was the fifth call from the other Manager, I answered it with trembling hands.

[Hello, is this Barrett?] the unfamiliar voice of the woman whom I barely talk with even at the store.

“Yes, speaking…” maybe she was to ask about the manager.

[Uhm, I’m  sorry to say this on your day off, but have you seen the news yet?] she carefully asked me, “The news?” I try to feign innocence first, it's better to be careful and I don’t want to be involved, I immediately grabbed the remote and turned off the television.

[ It's about Manager Gregory, last night his car got into an accident]

“Oh no!’ I tried to react as surprised as I could.

[ I know this surprised you but do you happen to know what happened before he left the store?] 

“Nothing, it's just the usual, he left first once we locked the store and we separated. That’s all that happened maám” I carefully omit that he smoked in front, no fault with a dead man anyways.

[ I see, just in case, since the authority said he is not drunk and there’s no malfunction with the car, I would advise you that they might visit and take your statement.]

“Oh I see…”

[Don’t worry, I told them that you are a part timer and rarely have been on duty with Manager so I think they would let you go after a few questions.] That still doesn’t sound reassuring, how can a teenage girl like me be comfortable with policemen in front of my apartment? After that she ended the phone call, and a few minutes later the doorbell rings. Here they are.

Slowly I peeked at the small gap of the door not removing the chains, I am being careful just to make sure they won’t force their way in.

“Who’s there?” I asked, though it's obvious, two men with huge built in blue uniforms and the cap that they are policemen.

“Good afternoon, is this where Ms. Barrett Adelaide lives? ``The one who's a bit tan with a lot of medal pins on his uniform seems like the senior officer spoke first.

“It’s me, what is it sir?” I replied back, waiting for the next step the police would do.

“We are from the North police station, we would like to ask you a few questions regarding what happened last night. I believe Manager Carrier called you beforehand?” so this is what she’s been talking about.

“Yes, she did… However, I have a class in a bit so I can’t spend too much time.” with this, they noticed that I don’t want to let them inside my apartment. It is suspicious but as a single young lady, I am still uncomfortable to let a stranger inside.

Both of the officers looked at each other, then the other policeman spoke, “Then, not to take much of your time, can you tell us what was the last thing that happened when you were on duty with Manager Gregory?”.

It's just the usual question so I answered simply, “It's just another late night shift at the store, around past eleven we exit the store, the three of us, manager and the other kitchen staff. Then after locking the store Manager drove his car off first and my coworker took the last trip at the bus stop.” 

There’s nothing to tell more, so I think they can’t get anything for me, and besides it’s a car accident, I wonder why there would be an investigation? Isn’t it normal to have a car accident late at night?

“I see, that is quite late, didn’t the manager offer you guys a lift?” the tan policeman asked, “Uhm no, the manager just bid farewell then drove.” 

“How about on your way to the bus stop any other thing you seem to notice or what?” he added ‘’Hmm… Nothing more, aside from the several cars passing by since it's late at night. That’s normal.” I replied, then I remembered the weird howling of the dogs and the strong gust of wind but it seems irrelevant so I did not mention it. Less talk, less mistakes, that’s what my mother told me.

“I guess that would be all. We apologize for taking your time and thank you for your cooperation.” I nodded at the two officers and saw them off as they walked away from my apartment door when I heard the other officer speak again, “I guess it’s all because of the hunt, those rascals are really a pain in the ass.” he said irritably.

Hunt?

What kind of hunt is it? I pondered to myself then my phone rang again surprising me, immediately answered it. [Barrett! Where are you!?]  It was so loud that I moved the phone away from my ear, “What was that?” I asked, this voice definitely belongs to my beloved stepmother.

[This child! How can you talk like that to your mother! Remember who fed you when you were a kid!] I barely said anything and there she goes again.

“What is it that you need? I have a class to attend.” She only calls me when she needs something or has a favor to ask.

[What do you think of me? Can a mother not call her daughter at a time like this?] 

“Oh come on, just tell me. I have no time.” I know she’s just making it sound like that, still prideful even though she’s that shameless.

[ This child! Geez! You have to send money, the last you gave is all used up!]

“What happened? It’s just a few days ago?

[You! Don’t ask! You think that little money can last? We have lots of expenses, the electricity and the food, plus your brother is studying. How do you expect it will last?]

“Isn’t it enough? I sent it last time for you to pay off the bills!” I am just amazed how they spend money carelessly.

[Just shut up and send it over or I’ll tell your father!] Everytime I argue and hesitate, she will always threaten me with my stepfather.

The younger days where I see the leather belt and the painful buckle that hits my hind leg.

I am sick of it.

I hold onto the necklace and pour all my strength with it. My mom has long been gone from this world, only she cares about me.

My foster parents? They aren’t my real family anyways, and there’s no related blood running through my veins. 

They are the bad strangers.

“I am not going to send money, from now on work for it.” that’s it, I finally said what I should have done years ago.

[What are you talking about? Are you really not afraid now? How shameless of you! You are just a part timer at your job and you look as if you are high and mighty!] I don’t know where she ever got those, when it's them who are being shameless.

I just cut off the line and went to my class. Not knowing that when I arrive back to my apartment would be the worst nightmare.