Chapter 18
Lily and Ann walk back into the cell, their faces filled with worry and frustration. Clearly the calls they had made didn’t yield the desired results.
Twenty thousand dollars was a big amount for them. Where on earth will that money come out from
“I called Ethan too,” Lily said, her voice laced with desperation. “He’s on his way.”
They all know Ethan can’t help them with that kind of money but it’s best he knows where his family arc.
As the police officer opened the door to let them back in, Lily’s gaze met her family’s. “I’m sorry, guys. I really thought he didn’t need the painting again. He had told me once to take it… I thought he really meant it.”
Ann’s expression turned sour. “Of course, he was going to tell you anything when he was high and deep inside you.” Her words cut deep, and Lily’s face crumpled.
المعلم الحروف
Their mother sighed, her eyes filled with a deep sadness. “You should have asked and confirmed with him again before taking it, Lily. Now look where we are.”
Mia remained silent, her eyes fixed on her family as they bickered and sniped at each other. She felt a scream building inside her, a desperate cry for escape from this toxic cycle. But she swallowed it, her throat constricting with unshed tears.
The iron cell rattles again. And there stood Ethan with the police officer.
He looked every inch the concerned brother.
“You have 10 minutes” The officer says as she walks away
“Really, Lily?” he asked, his voice tinged with disappointment.
His mother’s eyes lit up with hope. “Can you get us out? Please?”
E
“Mom, that’s a lot of money. Where on earth do you want me to get that kind of money from? Listen I can only try to see if I can borrow but that will take days”
“What?”
“Ethan we can’t stay here that long” Our mother says already pacing around.
“My hands are tight mom” Ethan says with a sigh
Ann’s face contorted in horror. “Oh god, no! Please Ethan!”
“We can’t stay here for days” Lily says panicking
“Should have thought of that before you went and stole that painting” Ethan says glaring at Lily. I mean if it was just you, I’d prefer you stay here for two weeks, maybe that will teach you a lesson.”
As Ann began to shout at Lily again, the police officer intervened, her voice firm. “That’s enough! You need to keep it down in here. And you your time is up”
Ethan sighed, his expression sad. “I’ll see you guys tomorrow, okay?”
As he turned to leave, Ann’s voice rose in protest. “You can’t just leave us here, Ethan!”
Mia finally spoke up, her voice barely above a whisper. “Can I make a call, please?”
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Chapter 18
The police officer raised an eyebrow. “Another one?”
Mia’s family stared at her, their faces skeptical and confused. Probably wondering who she has to call..
As the officer escorted her to the phone, Mia’s heart sank. What was she doing? Alex would probably drop the call or say something hurtful.
But she had to try.
With trembling fingers, Mia dialed the number. She had memorized it after hours of staring at it waiting for his calls and
messages.
Now, as she waits for him to pick up, her heart pounds in her chest.
“Hello?” Alex’s deep voice sent shivers down her spine.
Mia took a deep breath. “Hi, I uh-it’s Mia.”
The line went silent. Mia’s anxiety spiked.
“What happened to your phone? We had a date,” Alex said finally, his tone neutral.
Mia hesitated, unsure how to start and how much to reveal. “My sister got involved in a little issue that got us arrested.”
Alex hummed, his response not revealing if he was shocked? Surprised? or even cares.
“I see. That’s okay though, tomorrow then?t
Mia’s eyes stung with tears. He didn’t sound surprised or bothered at all.
Should she continue?
“I’m not sure, I’m still at the police station,” Mia said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Alex went quiet again. Mia wondered if he had hung up. But then he spoke, his voice low and even.
“How much?”
Mia stood there stunned. It’s as if Alex knows why she called, like he knew why she called immediately she talked about being arrested.
“I huh- the -”
Before she could stammer out a response, Alex asked her to hand the phone to any police officer closer to her.
She did.
The police looked at her confused before taking the call….
Mia watched, amazed, as the officer nodded and said, “Yes, sir… Of course, sir… Right away, sir.”
As the officer dropped the call and turned to Mia, a small smile played on her lips.
“You’re free to go.”
