Chapter Text
When the police officer in charge of the investigation told me that two members of the police force would be spending a lot of time at the house to monitor and ensure the safety of my family members, I was worried that I would have to protect them too.
But now that these two members of the police force are in front of us, I feel reassured. These are two members of S.T.A.R.S. who will be watching over us, the elite of the elite in my eyes. The captain's even on board! I've got nothing to worry about now, have I?
"I'm Albert Wesker, captain of the S.T.A.R.S A.L.P.H.A. team, and this is Chris Redfield, one of my men. As you probably know, we're here to keep an eye on you and protect you. We'll be here from 8.30am to 7pm. Here are our phone numbers, I want you to record them so that you can contact us if anything goes wrong while we're away. If you go out, we'll come with you. Do you have any questions?
- Do we have to cook for you or do you bring your own food?
As I've been the cook in this house for several years, it's vital that I know this information. Imagine I'm making tuna pasta and one of you is allergic to tuna?
- We'll bring our own meals. Any other questions?
A silence answered him. As far as I'm concerned, the telephone numbers are recorded, but my parents haven't bothered. They let me know in their own way by words or actions that they don't condone at all, that I've given them up to the cops. I can understand that it's a shock, but I've been dealing with the mixture of "domestic violence" and "psychological abuse of a minor child" for 15 years now, so here's to others!
- Act as if we weren't there. If you have any questions about the situation, come and ask us in person.
I turned my head towards my sister. She's 7 years older than me and just turned 24 a few months ago. She was literally drooling at the second policeman who'd been standing back for a while. I admit they're hot, but that doesn't mean I can't listen?
I get up from the sofa and bury myself in my room. My den, the only place where I can get away from it all. I wouldn't say it's my most peaceful place. I don't have any keys, so my door opens easily. I've already tried putting a chair under the handle to stop any outside intruders getting in, but the chair is too small... Or the handle is too high, take your pick! If I really want peace and quiet I go to the toilet, which isn't very glamorous but at least I can lock it.
I grab a book and wallow on my bed. I hope this situation will be resolved quickly. I cuddle my pillow and sigh heavily before tackling this little novel about ghouls, magic, rooftop races and sword fights!
___________
18h30. The police arrived at 3pm. It's been 10 minutes since I finished my book and I'm actively thinking about what I'm going to make for dinner tonight. Gorgonzola gnocchi with carrot peas? Sold, my dear friends!
I get my arse out of the love of my life (aka my bed), leave my room, cross the corridor past my parents' and sister's bedroom, the toilet and the bathroom (yes, my bedroom is the last room in this corridor, fortunately it's short) and open the door that separates me from the living room.
My mum's on the family computer, my dad's on the sofa sprawled out like a pacha watching Formula 1 and my sister's playing switch, also on the sofa. I turn my head to the right and the two policemen are sitting around the table staring at me.
An awkward moment... I smile at them, my back to the door. Why did I want to come into the kitchen now? Because by the time I've cooked the food it'll be 7.15pm, which is eating time? I'm not sure my argument holds water any more...
Policeman Redfield returns my smile. I take a discreet breath before walking straight towards the kitchen, skirting the table slightly. There's a door in my kitchen that opens onto the garage. I go in to get my carrot peas from the deep freeze. My hands are freezing!
Back in the kitchen, I get out the gnocchi and the frying pans and start cooking.
I feel a look coming over me. Probably one of the policemen... I turn round and stare at them too, to see if they like it!
The two policemen left at precisely 7pm, as the captain had told us. There was silence for about ten minutes, disturbed only by the noise of the hood and the cutlery I put on the table.
"Are you happy with yourself? You got what you wanted, I hope?
I turn my head towards my mother, my face impassive, my gaze unreadable. I look at her expressionlessly before refocusing on the melting blue.
"You stuck the cops up our arses! The cops! But what are the neighbours going to say when they realise! Have you thought about what the family will say?
- Who cares about the others? I thought about protecting us first and trying to get you out of your shit. Did it ever occur to you that I worked myself to death trying to help you between the ages of 5 and 9? But you sent me back to shit tirelessly-
- Never mind the speeches! (she grabs me by the hair and pulls it out, it's all right, I've never had a sensitive scalp). Tomorrow you're going to make them understand that they need to fuck off! (she spits in my face, it's disgusting) And don't you dare call them if we argue and I'll throw you out!
She brutally pushes me away, only for me to hit the cupboard handle right in the back. I try not to wince, but it hurts like hell! I'm definitely going to have a bruise.
"To the table".