Chapter 14: Chapter 14
We wake up early the following morning for our visit to the police station. There's a tense and nervous atmosphere inside the car as we all prepare ourselves both mentally and emotionally to witness my brother's death.
"Please follow me this way," says a grey-haired police officer as he ushers us towards a private room.
"I can assure you guys that this won't be easy, please feel free to let me know if you want me to stop at any point.
The screen turns on and a black and white version of a dim street appears. The officer forwards the video to a few minutes before the action happens. I look at my parents who are sitting quietly and focusing on the screen, their hands woven into each other's.
"I will play this next part in slow motion," reports the officer.
On the screen appears Charles, cycling past the camera point and in what was in reality almost a split second a car follows behind and hits his bike sending him flying onto the windshield. The screen cracks as his head hits and blood splatters all over the glass. The driver reverses and swerves around his body, disappearing down the street. Charles is left lying on the ground, now soaked in his own blood.
"Switch it off please," says my mother, tears falling down her cheeks, "He didn't even stop for him, he didn't hesitate to get out the car and check if he is still alive."
"The person acted very fast. In real-time, the accident happened so fast that you could swear it was a deliberate hit and run. The loss of a child must be one of the most tragic things one would have to face in their lifetime. I am terribly sorry for your loss."
"Where is the number plate from? asks my dad, a tone of anger in his voice.
"It's from a town called Wilkins, about an hour or two away from here. We have tried to trace the number plate and reached a dead end. The owner of the car passed away a year ago, but he doesn't have any family that we know of."
"So there is no way of finding this person?"
"We will do everything that we can, but we cannot make any promises right now."
"Can I use the bathroom?" says my mother, wiping tears from her face.
"This way," says the officer as they walk out the room together.
My father and I are left in the room together.
"Are we telling mom anytime soon?"
"About what Maya?"
"I think you know."
"This isn't the right time."
"I'm just saying. I mean it might as well get all the bad news out the way altogether you know."
"Let me handle this."
***
You can't keep doing this to me. Please call me back, I'm losing my mind here.
I feel guilty every time I see a message from Phoenix. Everything that is happening is not because of him and I am adding to his suffering nevertheless.
"Maya can you help me get lunch ready," says my mom from the kitchen.
"Talking about lunch, Maya who's that friend of yours you have been spending time with?"
"Larry?" I'm hesitant to say Phoenix, not sure if my father is really trying to bring him up.
"No the other one."
"How long have I been gone," asks my mom surprised, "and Maya has been making new friends."
"You mean Ph...Phoenix?"
"Yeah I think, I think that's him," stutters my dad.
"Phoenix?" asks my mom, a tinge of confusion in her voice.
"Yes Phoenix," answers my dad and I simultaneously.
I look at my mom who has an amused frown on her face.
"Who is this Phoenix and where is from?"
"I was hoping that Maya would invite him over for lunch so that you could get to know him?" says my father.
"Lu...Lunch," I say as I turn back to him.
"I'd love to meet him, go ahead and invite him," says my mom enthusiastically.
I pick up my phone and send Phoenix a text message.
Mom and dad want you to come over for lunch. Let me know if you're free.
"So is he just a friend," asks my mother.
"Just a friend," replies my father before I can say a word.
"Dan I think Maya can answer that herself, honey."
"Just a friend mom."
My phone buzzes.
This was unexpected. I'll be there in half an hour.
"Phoenix will be here in half an hour."
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone