Chapter 72: Chapter 72

When I wake up, I reflect on what I dreamt about last night. It makes sense now. That guy must've drugged her when he brought her the drink. After that drink, she starting acting like she was drunk. Who was that blond guy with him? Another suspect?

Another guy who raped me? I used to sketch in high school. So I decide to put my old hobbies into effect and I sketch the blond guy I saw in my dream and the guy with the anchor tattoo. It might come in handy for later. I haven't heard anything from detective Chandler since the interrogation. I try to get some information out of Greg, but he's usually here with me.

Today's the first day since the accident that I've been alone. No parents, no therapy, just me. My mom went to go deal with a 'crisis' at her bakery in Alberta. I personally feel like she missed gossiping with her friends.

My dad, I haven't seen him since dinner the other night. He is doing God knows what.

I decide that I'm going to enjoy this alone time. I take a nice soothing bath for 30 minutes. After I'm done, I get dressed, putting on sweat pants and a cropped top. When I'm done getting ready, I straighten my hair. This takes about an hour and a half. Finally, I'm done and my hair is parted in the middle and lays flat on my chest. Every once in a while, Greg calls to check on me. After the third call, I just invite him upstairs. He arrives upstairs and after taking a shower and sitting on the couch for 5 minutes, he falls asleep.

Sharon comes over and of course, she isn't empty handed, rum and vodka accompany her.

"Who's that?" She says pointing at Greg sleeping on the couch. I explain to her that he's my security guard. She starts laughing saying he looks just about the same age as her 13-year-old brother.

We drink and reminisce a little about Jade, telling jokes and stories.

"Remember the time when Jade was dating a twin. What was his name? Uh, Michael, and she couldn't tell the difference between him and his brother so she accidentally had sex with his brother Miles"

We start laughing.

"She claims it was an accident" I reply.

Laughter again. Surprisingly I enjoy Sharon's company, but hearing all these stories about Jade makes me miss her more. She was bold and brave. She was a brilliant Journalist. When she interviewed people, and when she spoke, people listened. She knew how to get a story out of anybody no matter how rich, or rude, or even reluctant a person was. Even with the absence of her father and her mother, she was a strong individual. At times, I wanted to be just like her, unafraid and always confident.

Sharon leaves after a few hours and a few drinks.

Briefly, I turn on the news to see if there are any updates on Jade's case. Detective Chandler hasn't told me anything since my police sketch and last interrogation.

"...still following the case of the death of Jade Butler. Students and faculty members of Pineridge University have decorated near the dumpster where Jade was found. It's been cleaned out and filled with flowers. The city has deemed this dumpster to no more be a place of pickup. Meaning you will have to find somewhere else to throw your garbage..."

I'm not surprised of how much attention Jade has gotten. She was well loved and respected. She had almost 500 thousand followers on her blog.

After I watch the news, I decide that maybe I should see my dad, I already lost a friend, I didn't want to lose a father too. I ask Greg to swing by the hotel so I can see my dad. In 25 minutes were at the hotel. He waits in the lobby while I go to the receptionist to ask what floor my dad is on. My mom gave me a key card in case of anything. I go into the elevator and get off on the 6th floor. I knock first just in case he's undress. After two minutes of no response, I walk in.

Empty liquor bottles are on the coffee table and on the carpet. I walk pass the living room and in the kitchen. There are empty bottles on the counter as well. I still don't see my father, though. I walk towards the room door which is slightly ajar. I push it open and there my dad is laying on the floor near the bed passed out with a bottle beside him. A flash of a memory comes to my head.

Jade is lying motionless on the floor on a carpet. I'm laying next to her. My dress being lifted up, my underwear being taken off. Guys chanting in the background. I feel something going into me. Ow! This hurts. He's raping me. Tears fall down my face. I want him to stop. I look up, it's the blond guy. "I'm next" he calls out.

"Dad!" I yell. He's unresponsive. Tears start pouring down my face. Is this because of what happen to me? Is he really unable to deal with the stress? I take the phone out of my pocket and call 911. I hold my dad's hands waiting for the ambulance to arrive. Greg bursts through the door.

"I heard there was a 911 call on my radio," he says out of breath. "what happened?"

"My dad won't wake up"

Minutes later the ambulance shows up and they circle around him, checking for a pulse. They put him on the stretcher and I let go of my father hands...

**

It's been two weeks since my interrogation with Detective Chandler, two weeks since Chandler promised to find the guys who raped me and killed my best friend Jade. Two weeks since what happened to me drove my father to drink until he passed out, resulting in liver problems.

Two weeks in this hospital because my dad had to undergo surgery.

I'm consumed with rage. Why did I have to go to that party? I was fine with never going partying. But we were done exams and we were celebrating the end of the first semester of our last year. Now Jade will never graduate with me. She will never set foot on that podium and receive her degree. And it's all because we went to that stupid party! I kick a garbage pale in front of me. Ugh! Some people stare. I don't care, let them stare.

I'm pacing in the waiting room when I hear the news on the TV.

"...there has recently been an update on Jade's case."

The picture I described to the sketch artist is displayed on the television.

"The man in this photo is believed to be one of the suspects responsible for Jade's death. If you know who he is or if you have seen this man, please contact 911 or call this number to talk to an officer...416..."

They chose to show this now? I've described this man two weeks ago. He's probably halfway out of the country by now! This idea makes me angry. It makes me hate him, the guy with the anchor tattoo who killed Jade. It makes me hate the blond guy who helped. Who gave them the right to take a life? To take my virginity.

A doctor approaches me.

"Your father just came out of surgery. He's doing fine. He's going to have to stay here a few more days to recover. Where's your mother?"

"She went to the bathroom," I tell him.

Last time I saw her she was crying in the bathroom. She's not too fond of surgeries.

"Okay. He's sleeping right now. But visitation to you and your mom is open. You may see him if you like"

"Thank you," I say and he departs

I've been in this hospital too much these last few weeks. I go into the bathroom to check on my mother. She's not there. I look around the hospital for her. I pass by the hospital chapel and there my mom is, kneeling down at the alter praying. I haven't seen my mom pray in so long. Since I was a child and grandma use to bring us to church. I decide to let her be. I'm glad she found something to take comfort in.

I'll just have to visit my dad without her.

When I get to my dads room, he's still sleeping.

I'm heartbroken. I'm the root of this problem. I hold his hands like how I did when I found him passed out.

"Dad I'm so sorry" I barely whisper.

I decide maybe it's time to take things into my own hands. I write my dad a note that he'll read when he wakes. I kiss him on his forehead.

I leave the room the same time my mom walks in.

"Where are you going, honey?" She asks

"To take care of some things."

I leave without saying another word.

If the police weren't gonna do their job and find jade's killer, I was.