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“We might not share DNA but our past is thicker than blood.” Vic’s voice was level. There was no accusation or anger in his tone; it was as if he was telling me history or teaching me math. I, on the other hand, was furious. How dare he assume so much about me? I was about to say so when he continued. “You’re pretending you’re moving on but your memories have got you in a vice grip so tight you’re struggling to breathe.”
I caught my breath just as a wave crashed over the rocks, causing us both to slip and fall. Vic caught me before we got sucked away with the current, but we were both soaked and I was hurting from the fall. If Vic was also hurting, he didn’t show it. He didn’t show anything.
“I guess we should go home,” I mumbled, feeling like an alley cat stuck out in the rain.
“I’ll drive you,” Vic said.
“My house isn’t that far.” Wet or dry, I didn’t want to spend another darn minute with my brother.
“It’s dark and we’re wet. I’m driving,” Vic said, his tone conveying that he wouldn’t take no for an answer. I didn’t know how Lennox put up with him. We’d only been together a few hours and I was ready to toss him back into the ocean.
“Fine,” I responded through gritted teeth. We made our way back up the beach and Vic opened the door for me. I glared at him, not wanting his chivalry. Vic made a sound halfway between a growl and scoff and left the door open, going to his side. I slid in reluctantly and barely had time to close the door before he started the car.
The ride was silent and bitter. Even though it was dark and I couldn’t see a thing, I kept my eyes out the window. Ignoring my brother, I watched the road reflectors light up and disappear, wondering if I would ever have any semblance of family.
“I’m sorry.”
“What?” I craned my head to look at Vic, not sure I’d heard him correctly.
“I’m sorry, Grace. Today I wanted to get to know you, to see if we should be a family or some shit. I messed up.” Vic stared out at the now dark road. It was like he wasn’t even talking to me, his gaze was so transfixed on the windshield. He turned on to my street, and I briefly wondered how he knew where I lived. I buried that thought, instead deciding to take the olive branch he’d given me. I wanted to know Vic too. I opened my mouth to accept his apology, but was cut off.
“Maybe it’s not meant to be,” Vic said, pulling to a stop in front of my apartment. “I never had much family until Lennox. It was a nice thought, but maybe you and I are just too different. Too much time has passed.” He looked at me, no animosity or contempt on his features. What did he expect me to say to that? He was sorry but he didn’t want to try?
Thanks a lot.
I got out of the car without another word, feeling like dirt.
As I shut the door to Vic’s car, I was in a sour mood. First Eli and now Vic; all in all, the day had been a bust. I was looking forward to Vera. Her brand of crazy was just what I needed.
I stepped up to my apartment keys in hand, but the door was already slightly open. I pushed it all the way, closing my eyes. I’d learned my lesson the first time with Vera. If a door is open it doesn’t mean come in, it means she’s getting naked for someone online.
“Hello?” I said, hand over my eyes. “Can you put a robe on so I can see where I’m going? I don’t know our apartment that well. Also, we need a rule for this, like, you need to inform me when you’re going to use the entire apartment for your job or at least give me a cut. Does that make me a pimp?”
When there was no response I gingerly lowered my hand, so I could see where I was going. The living room and kitchen were empty. No sign of Vera.
“Vera?” I said, slightly above normal volume. “Vera?” I walked into the kitchen and grabbed an apple, hoping she wasn’t so busy that she couldn’t hear me. I wasn’t sure what that would entail. Someday I would need to sit down with Vera and have her teach me about it.
Maybe that was weird.
I took a bite of my apple and pushed her door open a bit. “Vera? I’m coming in, please be semi-decent—Oh my god!” I dropped my apple to the ground. The sound made a thud on the carpet. Distantly I wondered if it would stain, but then that didn’t matter. There were plenty of stains. The first I noticed was blood. There was red blood on her sheets and some splattered on the carpet.
Vera wasn’t anywhere to be seen. I wasn’t sure if that was a good thing.
Did that mean she was alive?
Her desk chair was broken and so was her lamp. Everything was such a mess. Vera was a messy person, but this…this was a struggle.
I felt like I’d been staring at the scene for an hour, but it was only a minute tops. Reality came crashing back like a rockslide. I ran out to the living room and reached into my purse for my cell phone. I dialed 911 and explained the situation in a whirl, not really comprehending what they were asking.
“Ma’am, can you tell me where you are?” the 911 operator asked.
“I’m at my apartment. My roommate isn’t here. She… It looks like she was taken.” I glanced at Vera’s ajar door. I could see inside, and the scene sucked me back. Just the little snippet of blood and struggle within our nice apartment. Just that little bit…
“Ma’am, can you tell me the address?” The operator tore me away from the scene and I shook my head, answering her question. “I’ve dispatched officers to your address. They will be there within minutes. Ma’am are you in a safe location?”
“I… Yes… I mean, I’m at my apartment. I don’t think anyone is here.” I dropped the phone a little, looking around the place. Could someone still be there? I hadn’t even considered that possibility.
“How is this happening?” I whispered.
