21 Questions || 8.25.16
The voice of Hope was in the distance, words slurred but the voice recognisable. She had heard it a millions of times and knew it by heart. It sounded distressed, angry and Paris knew that the guilt once she woke up was going to kill her inside. She felt it fill her lungs as soon she saw Hope among the cops bursting into the club. But she was probably dead right now, wasn’t she? How else could she still be stuck here, nothing but pure darkness and nothing to dream about? She never really believed in heaven and was convinced that this was it. In the end there will be nothing and you’ll be stuck in your own mind forever….
The white light was blinding, making her squint her eyes. Then she saw the movement of a man hovering above her, making her understand that wherever she just was, was completely gone and she was alive and had woken up. “Hope?” Her voice cracked and scratched. The man looked up and shook his head, helping her sit up. “How are you feeling?” He asked politely and she wanted to make a remark that she had died for like a minute, and far from actually being fine. “I’ve been better.” it was the easier reply to give. Then he grabbed her arm, soft and sweet but a little demanding, so easily and slowly she stood up, holding onto her ribs as they still hurt but at least there was some kind of bandage holding it all together.
The walk to the police car was awkward and for once Paris was actually scared what all of this meant. Was she going to go to jail? How long could you even get for this? Would her father help? She knew he wouldn’t, honour was important to him and reputation or not, paying for your own crimes was something he strongly believed in.
When she saw Hope standing there, she looked away. Guilt eating a hole through her stomach. Paris knew what this all meant, not bringing a suspect to the station right away, she had put her job on the line for her and Paris hated that Hope had to do that. “Hope… I–” She started, mumbling the words. “I’m sorry— Can we please talk about this?” She finally looked up at her friend, that hopefully still be her friend after all this.
hope leaned against the police car wishing she took up smoking at some point. her arms rested across her chest as she looked upwards to the sky. hope wasn’t big on astronomy or into other limits like daisy, but she did find comfort in the night sky. it was dark and there were only small twinkles of light to guide you. she used to wish on stars as a child, but she’d lost that spark of hope a long time ago.
she heard footsteps coming toward her, but made no signs that she cared. hearing paris speak caused the ends of hope’s lips to turn upward slightly. she thought she’d never hear that voice again. it was funny. what feels like years ago they had talked on the phone about dating and food and happiness only to end up here. friendship, huh?
hope sighs heavily & turns to johnny & paris, “thank you, j.” he nods and leaves the young woman in hope’s care. she looks at her, checking over her to see how badly the damage was. paris’ face was still bruised and as strong as hope was, she couldn’t fight the urge to softly place a hand to paris face. eyes sad and lip quivering, hope swallows harshly and drops her hand and spins paris around. “you have the right to remain silent anything you say can & will be used against you in a court of law...” she continues on, stuffing a handcuffed woman into the back of her car.
a woman. not her friend, sister... just a woman.
