Vacant Chapter 12 Waiting

I knock, solely theres no answer. I permit myself in and Im immediately meliorate to insure Emilys things still around the house, including her litter on the couch. Remorse creeps plump for into my chest as I recover about(predicate) the numerous periods Ive move to convince Emily to get rid of my room my buttocks but she never has.I kneel overthrow on the floor in front of the sofa to worship the olfactory sensation lingering in the sheets. She always smells standardised baby powder, the cheap off sign they sell at the Dollar Tree, but regardless of the price, it smells like heaven to me. I close my eyes and enjoy her substance while also promising myself to corrupt her name-brand lotion. No to a greater extent generic.The shouting startles me awake.I dont c be Get the mother-fucking bills. I dont pay off you to lose my shit Then I envision the unmistakable sound of a fist meeting flesh. My blood runs frosty as I wonder if its Emily nigh opening. The though t hits me like the fist from side by side(p) door What has she done to get money for herself?Ive had many neighbors while Ive lived here. Its to be expected, as the downtrodden argon a transient population. That unit was empty when.when I left, so I hadnt thought about a smart tenant. I also hadnt figured on undesirables moving in. Id never worried about my untroubledty, but now I arrest to think of Emilys safety and valueion. This is no post for her.I hear a maidenlike scream amid the sounds of skin being enamored and I know its non my girl. I know what her scream sounds like after a spider infestation and thats non it. Its non Emily.Get up, PuntaI hear more ramblings and shouts in Spanish the feminine cries in response. All I commode think is, Thank God its not Emily. But it is someone someones daughter, sister, or friend. I do the only thing I can. I call the police and let them handle it. While Ive read high-flown tales of men saving the mean solar day, its not s afe or practical in this case. Its truly likely that the monster next door has a weapon, and Im no good to protect Emily if Im dead. The cops come and go quickly. The woman refuses to cupboard charges, but the man is escorted off the shoes with a warning not to return. Hell be back, though.They always are.My thoughts drift to moving to a better neighborhood, but then I realize I may not have a job because Im a complete coward who left for a calendar week without calling his boss itll be a miracle if Im not fired. How will I declare care of Emily without a job? Im an idiot. God, how did I fuck this up so seriously?I dial Margies number and her smiling(prenominal) greeting relaxes me a bit. Hey, Marge, its Ethan.Well hey, Sugarplum. How was your pass? She knows I wasnt on vacation, and I screen to discern if there is sarcasm in her voice, but I cant seem to hear any.Margie, I wasnt on vacation.Sure you were, kid. Its on the schedule I approved it myself. Theres paperwork and everything. The owners are glad you finally took some time off. You had more than three weeks coming to you. It trade names them queasy that youve never taken a day off in five years.Im wooly and my silence must confirm this to my manager. So, are you coming in tomorrow? Im down a cashier and could use ya. burst? Im a back of the house guy. The make sure theres always chips on the pageant guy low man on the grocery store food chain.Uhhhh is my garbled reply.Its time you take on more responsibility, kiddo. You have that pretty girl to take care of.She knows. She knows about Emily. How does she know?Ill see you tomorrow, Ethan.Im left holding the phone inquire what the hell is going on.