Chapter Seventeen: Without You

Without you, my world falls apart.

Without you, my days become shorter.

Without you, the hours form into minutes.

Wishing I can get those hours back,

Wishing that things were different between you and me.

I guess this is where I leave you,

In the back of my mind.

Never to be free anymore,

Your time is done.

My time is now.

As she finishes another poem of courage and self- motivation, Amber got up from her desk and stepped out from her bedroom. Walked downstairs and saw that there was a note on the fridge saying:

"Amber, me and your father went over to your grandma's house for dinner. We'll be back later. Oh, before I forget, your cousin Mia is coming over. So please watch for her. Thank you, love mom and dad."

Amber hasn't seen her cousin Mia for the longest time, since Mia's parents finalized their divorce back three summers ago due to her father cheating on her mother with another women. Mia was around the same age group as Amber, but the only differences between the two was that Mia already graduated high school and Amber will be starting her senior year in the fall semester at her new high school.

Amber sat inside her living room, waiting for her cousin to get dropped off by her mother. To kill some time, she decided to text her boyfriend Jackson; seeing what he's doing today.

….

Amber: Hey there sweetie, what are you doing today?

Jackson: Hey babe, just waking up and about to get ready for work.

Amber: Work? When did you get a job?

Jackson: I'm just going to help my dad out with some things.

Amber: Oh, like secret stuff that he doesn't want me to know. Since your dad hates me.

Jackson: My dad doesn't hate you bean; he just doesn't like that I'm dating a mortal.

Amber: well he must deal with it, just like your sister accepted me.

Jackson: True, what are you doing today?

Amber: I'm sitting and waiting for my cousin to get dropped off.

Jackson: you didn't mention that you had any cousin's?

Amber: this cousin is my mom's sister daughter. We're the same age, but she finished high school already. She must be some fucking brain wiz.

Jackson: How long has it been since you see her?

Amber: Since her parent's got divorced.

Jackson: oh wow, that's tough.

….

A white pickup pulled up to Amber's end of the driveway, as her cousin Mia steps out from the truck with three Duffy Bags. It looks like she's moving in then staying just for three weeks.

….

Amber: babe, I'll text you later. Mia just pulled up and she's heading towards the door now. Love you!

Jackson: Okay, have fun bean. I love you too.

….

Amber got up from the couch and walked towards the front door. Unlocked the door and opened it to see Mia standing there with the biggest smile on her face. As she hides the dried-up tears that ran on her face before leaving her house.

"Hey there cuz, long time nor see," said Mia as she dropped her bags and gave her cousin the biggest hug in the world.

Amber looked from beyond her cousin's shoulder as her aunt quickly whipped the truck around and took off like a madwoman. Amber looked concerned and confused into why her aunt would do such a thing like that. She didn't even wave or said one single word. Something is fishy, and it wasn't Travis smelly gym socks that laid on the floor near the door. Mia stepped inside the house and brought in her luggage, as Amber carried in the last one and placed it onto the couch.

"So, Mia, how are things with you since the whole thing between your parents?" asked Amber.

"I don't want to discuss that Ambe (Mia gave Amber the nickname "Ambe" when they were kids). I just want a start fresh; you know what I mean right?" said Mia.

"Um no I don't know what you're talking about Mia."

"You are a silly one Ambe, you don't remember that you're famous? You survived from being trapped away by that insane principal, Ms. Chambers. I can't believe you forgot all about that," said Mia.

"Thanks for bringing up those old scaring memories once again Mia. I'm trying my best to forget of that day," said Amber.

"Sorry Ambe, I didn't mean to say that. I guess we're even now."

"What do you mean by that?"

"Since you mentioned about my dark past, I had to bring up your dark past. It's only fair."

"I guess so," said Amber.

"So, where will I be putting my stuff? Oh, am I staying with you?"

"No, you'll be staying in the guest bedroom that my mom put together for you," said Amber.

"Oh okay, I thought I would be closer to you since you know what happened to me when we were kids," said Mia.

"What are you talking about Mia?"

"Ambe! You don't remember?"

"Remember what Mia," shouted Amber.

"The last time I was over here, we had a sleep over. I was coming out from the shower and I walked downstairs. I saw your brother watching something that he wasn't supposed to be watching. I started to watch back upstairs; to tell you what I saw, but my robe got caught on your staircase, exposing my naked flesh to your brother. He got this weird look in his eyes, as he creeped closer to me, I quickly ran up the stairs and went into your parent's empty room, and I hid underneath the covers. Your brother found me, he ripped off my robe, and he began to rape me…"

Amber stood there in total shock, that her brother didn't rape her, but raped Mia.

"I can't believe it; it all makes sense now. He lied to me!" whispered Amber.

"Ambe? Are you okay?" asked Mia.

"No, I'm not okay. I just need to sit… (Amber blacked out).

"Ambe! Are you alright? Travis!!! Come quick, your sister passed out."

While Amber laid there on the floor, a memory rushed from the back of her mind made its way towards the front of it. Showing her what truly happened on that day.

(Flashback)

Mia walked slowly back towards Amber's room. Her young life was taken away from her by the hands of her sick obsessed older cousin, Connor. She opened the door and saw Amber sitting on her bed. Amber looked up at her and saw that something wasn't right. She got up from her bed and ran towards Mia.

"Mia, what's wrong? You look sick? Do you want me to call your father; to come and pick you up?" asked Amber.

"No Ambe, I'll be fine. I just need to lie down on my bed," said Mia as she slowly sat down on her bed.

Amber saw something red coming out from Mia's lower region. She sat with her, as it got worse. Amber ran out from her room and got a bunch of tissues from the bathroom and gave them to Mia. Amber walked back into her room and saw that Mia's private area was bleeding. Amber screamed….

Amber woke up inside of a hospital room and saw Mia and Travis sitting inside the room with her. Mia walked over to her, placing her hand onto hers.

"Ambe, are you alright? You had me worried," said Mia.

"I'll be fine. Mia, I need to talk to you in private. Travis can you please wait inside the waiting room with mom and dad. I got to talk to Mia alone," asked Amber.

"Okay, that's fine. I'll let mom and dad know that you're awake," said Travis as he stepped out of the room.

"What is it that you wanted to tell me Ambe?"

"Mia, I saw what happened to you on that night when Connor raped you. I went there to visit him and told me that he raped me when I was a kid, but now I know the truth. We need to bring this to the police. Mia let's go bring down my brother and send him away forever," said Amber.

"Okay Ambe, we will do that first thing in the morning. Just rest now, and we will discuss more about this tomorrow okay?"

"Okay Mia, sounds good."

The next day arrives, where Amber is heading back where her brother is being held. This is the first time that Mia has ever seen a jailhouse or stepped inside of one. She has been inside of a courtroom when she was a kid when her parents were filling out the final reports on their divorce. Plus, she is about to see Connor, and how he changed from the last time she saw him.

They walked up towards the desk and told the officer if they speak with the warrant, with some new and interesting information that will change the whole course of the case right around. As both Mia and Amber walked down the hallway towards the warrant's office, Mia tried to put all the pieces together; on what she's going to say to him. Before they can reach for the door to the office, the warrant steps out and greets them both. Also, here's an interesting point to throw out towards you all. The warrant is a very good friend of the Banks family, he knows both Amber and Connor from when they were little.

"Well, isn't it little Amber Banks. All grown up. How are you?" said the warrant.

"I'm doing good uncle Harry" (here some more info)

(When I said he's a very good friend of the family, I was leaning towards that he's part of the family. Harrison R. Daniels is Amber's father's brother-in law and Amber's mother's brother)

Amber continues, "How is Aunt Vicky and the boys?"

"Everyone is doing pretty good," said Harrison. He peeked over Amber's shoulder and he saw Mia standing there, leaning towards the wall of the doorway. "Mia, are you going to say hi you your uncle?"

(Okay, here's more info for you reader. Harrison is Mia's godfather and know her family personality well. He was there when her parents were filling out the last bit of personal matters; to make the divorce final)

Mia started to tear up because she hasn't seen her godfather for the longest time. She ran over towards him and gave him the biggest hug. She was thrilled to see him as the warrant of this prison than some scary guy that takes his job very serious.

"It's good to see you again, uncle Harry. I missed you so much," said Mia as they were brought to their seats.

"So, what can I do for my two beautiful nieces?" asked Uncle Harry.

"The reason why we're here uncle Harry, is that your nephew Connor was lying to you, to his doctors and to the judge. He didn't rape me on that night, he raped Mia," said Amber.

Harrison was shocked that his own nephew had the fucking balls; to put his rapping hands on his goddaughter. He's expression even changed when his niece developed the overwhelming news to him. He quickly pulled out Connor's testimony, and glanced at it very closely. Until, he spotted the section and showed it to Amber and Mia, "So this statement that your older brother Connor told right here is a lie?" asked Harrison.

"Yes, uncle Harry, he didn't rape Amber, he raped me," said Mia as she started to tear up again.

"I'm speechless and in total shock, that he would something so disgraceful to a member of his own family. Mia, please explain your side of the info on what happen on that night when you got raped by Connor," said Harrison.

Mia started to build herself up again and began to tell her uncle the whole story that she told Amber when she was dropped off at her house. Harrison wrote down every word that her goddaughter was telling him about that night. Mia got towards the ending of the nightmare. Then it was Amber's turn; to give her statement about that night. As each of the stories drew towards their conclusion, Harrison looked at his newly formatted information that his nieces just gave him:

"Girls, what you just gave me is going to put Connor's life in jeopardy. With this info, will become the death of him. There will be a court hearing and trial that will make this final. All I want to know before I bring this to the judge," (looks at them) "Amber, Mia, are you ready to say goodbye to Connor once and for all?" asked Harrison.

"Yes, he deserves what is about to come to him," said Mia. "What do you say Amber?"

Amber looked concern as the ball is in her court, does she truly want her own brother to die? Or have him suffer for his actions. There was no turning back now, the decision needs to be given.

"Yes, I want Connor to suffer for his actions," said Amber.

"Okay then, I'm going to send this info to the judge, and we'll set up a court hearing to determine the fate of one Connor Banks. You both know that I have to contact each of your parents about this info that you girls just brought to my attention, right?" asked Harrison.

Both Mia and Amber shook their heads in agreement that their uncle Harrison must fill this info towards their parents.

"Okay then girls, it was good seeing you, but your uncle needs to get back to work. Thank you bringing me this info, and I'll see you both at the hearing,"

Amber and Mia, both hung their uncle goodbye and walked out from the office and headed towards the entrance. Until they were both stopped by Connor, this time he wasn't behind any glass. He looked at Amber first and brought his attention towards Mia. He was caught by surprised on how grown she looks now. He tried to speak but was caught off guard by an officer; directing him back towards his cell. As Connor was being brought back to his cell, he whispered something towards Mia, "Hello there precious" Mia's body started to tremble, as her legs gave way. Amber caught her right before she landed onto the floor. She glanced back towards Connor as a smile arose from his face. "Rot in hell, you prick!" shouted Amber. Connor just brushed it off and laughed.

Amber brought her cousin outside of the prison and sat her on a bench, "Mia, are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm good Ambe."

"Don't worry, it will be all over soon. He's going away forever as HE BURNS IN HELL!!!" shouted Amber. "Are you okay to walk?"

"Yeah, let's get the fuck out of here. Shall we?" said Mia.

"I agree, let's blow this pop stand."

As the girls drove back towards the house, what awaits them, will become a bit of a surprise. As Amber turns onto the block, she saw a silver pickup and a blue sports car near her house and both of her parents are home. Once again, there is no escaping this now. It's about to get real.

Amber and Mia walked up the driveway, as they were stopped by Travis and Krystal, "You two better get your asses inside their now, before hell erupts in that house," said Travis.

"Um, where do you think you guys are going?" asked Amber.

"Mom told me that I didn't need to be here when the actions start. So, I called Krystal and we're heading back to her house."

"You better not be doing anything stupid when your over at her house Travis."

"I'm not! Man, when did you become such a…"?

Krystal punched Travis hard on the shoulder.

"Ouch! Fuck Krystal, what was that for?"

"I think you know damn well what that was for," said Krystal.

"Thanks Krystal," said Amber as she turns her attention back to Mia, "I knew there was a reason why I love that girl."

"And why is that Ambe?" asked Mia.

"Because, she keeps Travis in check. So, he doesn't act like a douche."

"That makes sense," giggled Mia.

Amber and Mia approached the front door as they started to hear all the commotion that awaited them. Amber opened the door, with Mia standing right behind her, as they saw their parents arguing about the whole thing with Connor and other personal stuff. They took off their shoes and proceeded towards the kitchen. Amber's mom and Mia's mom spotted the two of them entering the kitchen. They ran over towards them, hugged them and quickly changed to, "Where were you?" asked Amber's mother.

"We were coming home from the prison, after we told uncle Harry about what actually happened that night," said Mia.

"You should have told us that you guys were going to see your uncle at the prison," said Mia's mom.

"I wanted to, but I knew you would say no. Look mom, I'm old enough to make my own decisions now. You must stop treating me like a little child," said Mia.

"I know things haven't been easy for you since me and your father finalized the divorce Mia, but you still need to be given certain rules on what you do or don't do unless me or your father are with you."

"See, there you go again Mom!" shouted Mia. "Quit treating me like I'm a fucking child already, I wanted to do something with my cousin, and we did just that." Mia stood there with her arms cross, "I don't know why you don't trust me anymore? It's like you think I'm somebody else."

Mia's mother was in total shocked on what her daughter just told her, she couldn't believe it, "Well then Mia, if you truly do feel that way about me, then I'm sorry. I don't want you to grow up to fast now."

Mia walked over towards her mother and gave her a hug, "You don't have to worry about me growing up to fast mom, I'm still your little blessed angel."

"That is very true Mia, you will always be my blessed angel," said Mia's mother.

While this heart to heart moment was going on, Mia's dad however wasn't all but pleased in this mother-daughter moment, "Okay, can we please get back to busy here?" announced Mia's father.

"Whoa, easy there Brett. Your ex-wife and daughter are having a touching moment with one another. The best thing that you can do is to let them have this time together," said Amber's mother.

"Whatever, I just want to see some justice for what your boy did to my daughter," said Brett. He got up from the table and took another drink out from the fridge, "If there is no justice being served here then, I'm going to handle things myself."

Mia's mother looked back towards her former husband, "I will believe that when I see it, I know you're act pretty well Brett. You say that you'll handle something, but it doesn't get done. You're full of shit Brett."

"You can't tell me what I can do or can't do anymore Lisa, I'm a free man now," said Brett. "I don't see Rick or Nancy doing anything about their son. Where's the justice?"

"Shut your mouth Brett, you're drunk. You need to take it easy," said Rick. "Me and my wife did something about Connor that we put him away, so he won't do any more harm to any other girl."

Brett got up and stood right in Rick's face: "You think locking up your son away in some prison is going to change how he is? Think about it, your son is a monster. He deserves whatever the judge throws at him."

Rick didn't know what to say at that point, he looked at his wife, then at his niece and daughter. He suddenly came up with the one answer that will put an end to his son's life: "I get that Connor is a monster, I and Nancy are at fault for not raising him the right way. If this is the only way that justice will get solved, then it's time for him to learn his lesson."

Nancy looked at her husband and couldn't believe what he just said. She, herself felt trapped in a counter, with no exit. She knew that her own son wasn't himself. She got up from her chair and walked over towards the kitchen window as she starts to reflect on when Connor was a kid. This was her first born, her pride and joy, her everything. How can a mother decide the faith of her own son? This will be one of the toughest choices that will haunt her. She has to set her son free: "Okay, I agree. Connor needs to be taught a lesson."

"Then we all agree, that Connor needs to be put down for his actions," said Brett.

Everyone shook their heads in agreement. The room slowly fades to black and brings it back onto both Travis and Krystal. When one moment ends, another one suddenly comes up.

"Travis, I'm pregnant!!!"