“Oh, he is. So was I.”
“What?”
Mr. Gladys grabbed my arm tight.
“What are you doing!”
He pulled my arm so hard. Lifted me up by my shirt and slammed me against the wall. He started trying to make out with me. I fought back. He was strong. Persistent. Next thing I know I watch him put one hand up my skirt. I didn’t know what to say. All I could do is struggle to get free. He threw me on the bed. So much force. I just keep struggling. I looked at the door just to find Po. Watching. What is he doing? Was this a plan? The skirt! It all makes sense. I’m very uncomfortable with going into the details of everything else that went on. I watched Po get closer and closer. He joined in. It was a plan. A well thought out plan. It had to be. I have never felt more betrayed. I thought he was the one. I thought it was all worth it. But this is not how I wanted it to go down. I imagined it to be perfect. This was far from it. This was hell. It all was hell. I even noticed my phone on the dresser. It was stolen from me. Of course. So, I lay helplessly as I try to fight it. Feeling lost. Abandoned. Used. All while being abused. When I saw the chance, I got away. I grabbed my phone and ran. I only saw one goal, getting home. I saw Derrick on my way out. He saw me running. I couldn’t talk. I couldn’t even look at him. All I saw was the path home. Believe me, it was not close. Ran down the long road and squeezed through the gate. Continued running. The adrenaline allowing me to get back without exhaustion. I busted through the door. I told all this to dad; well, I told what I could. I was extremely comfortable with my father and I knew I could speak to him about anything. Plus, I knew if I kept this inside, it would only hurt me more. Tomorrow is another day…
…
I comforted Heather for a while. A long while. I had so many emotions going through my mind that everything seemed to slow down; even stop at times. I could only think of one thing. Elle. What would she have done to help in this situation that I’m not? Then I do what I think she would have. Eventually Heather went upstairs to go to bed, but I was afraid she wouldn’t get to sleep well.
“I love you honey. A lot.” That’s what I told Heather before she went upstairs.
“I love you too, daddy.”
I, too, need to get to bed. However, I’m unsure if I can even sleep after this shit. I’m beyond furious. First, my wife, and now my daughter. This world is testing me and I’m ready for it. I may be shaking with fury right now, but I have to keep my composure. No matter how many bad things I wanted to do to the Gladys’, I have to worry about Heather first. She needs to be okay. After tomorrow, I’ll take Heather down to the police station. It’s the right thing to do.
I ended up not sleeping at all. I was up all night. I was upset with the situation with Heather. So, operating on no sleep for work was just fantastic. I was actually late for once. I’m never late for work. I walked into the studios and Gene immediately noticed that I seemed off. Guess my double shot expresso from the local coffee shop didn’t work. She kept trying to ask me what was wrong because she knows I’m never late, nor do I look so miserable. “You’re usually good at hiding when you’re miserable.” She said. I agree, I am. I got prepared and did my absolute best for my early morning broadcast. “Good Morning, Arizona!” The usual greeting. I think I did a good job faking my attitude. I was slurring some words and getting choked up at times. I was struggling on the inside but was faking my way through it on the outside. I pretty much ran out of the studios. I didn’t want to talk to anyone. I wanted to be able to get home and show Heather the love she deserves at this moment. Thankfully, my show doesn’t air on Sunday’s, so I’ve got tomorrow off. I can relax and mentally prepare for the next show.
When I walked out, I saw Tate. He waved at me and of course, I waved back; I couldn’t be rude. I just wanted to get to my car.
“Hey Cordell, are you okay? You seem grouchy.”
“Yeah, I am kind of miserable. It was a late night.”
“Oh, did you go to a party?” He smiled big.
“Nah, Heather did though. She went to a graduation party at the Gladys’.”
“Oh cool! Did she get to see his famous face?”
“I don’t know.”
He smiled again; kind of picking on me like a good friend does.
“Did she get home late, and you were up all-night waiting for her?”
“Kinda. Hey, I gotta go. I’ll see you later.”
“Oh, okay. Goodbye.”
Tate even seemed weird himself. Different attire, sunglasses, and a hat. He was really smiley today too. Did he get a job or something? A baby on the way with his wife? I don’t care right now really; I just want to get home.
I walked into the door and yelled to Heather to let her know I’m home. When I walked into my office and I saw those court documents, I knew I had to do what was right. I know Heather is going through a tough time right now, but I think it’s time to tell her the story. The truth. Everything.
