Chaos erupts as I rush outside, my friends running to meet me. Sirens wail in the distance and I can't help but feel like everything has changed forever.
Anxiousenergypulsatesthroughmy body as I pace back and forth in the cold, sterile walls of the police station. The faint scent of coffee lingers in the air, a feeble attempt to mask the underlying tension. Suddenly, Iz bursts through the door, followed closely by his father.
"You good?" he asks breathlessly, concern etched on his face.
I nod, unable to find my voice. "Yeah. I still have no fucking idea what happened."
He takes a seat next to me, while his dad approaches the front desk to inquire about any updates. I let out a heavy sigh, trying to piece together the events that led up to this chaotic moment.
"It was all a blur," I mumble, running a hand through my disheveled hair. "One minute Becca and I are working on the community project, the next it's just... chaos."
My parents rush in, enveloping me in their arms. My mom's worried gaze scans me from head to toe. "Oh my god, honey! Are you hurt? Are you okay?"
I assure her that I'm fine, but her motherly instincts won't let her rest until she's checked every inch of my body for injuries.
As we wait for any news about Becca, my heart races with fear and uncertainty. Finally, the officer opens the door and Becca emerges. My mom rushes over to her best friend, pulling her into a tight embrace. Becca clings to her like a lifeline, seeking comfort and safety in her arms.
They approach me, and Becca nuzzles into my chest. Relief floods through me as I hold on to her tightly. "Thank fuck you're okay," I whisper into her hair. "God, Becs."
She looks up at me with tear-filled eyes and nods silently.
Iz's dad interrupts our emotional reunion with a stack of papers in his hand. "Becca has been cleared. Why don't we get you guys over to the hospital now?"
We all nod, grateful for the reminder that Becca is safe and sound. We pile into the car, with Iz hopping in next to me and Becca. The weight of the events from today weighs heavily on us as we make our way to the hospital.
As our car pulls into the hospital parking lot, Iz's dad approaches us. I can tell Becca is nervous as she gets out of the car and joins him, leaning against the side. His voice is low and serious as he speaks to her.
"You're a smart girl, Becca. You didn't say a word until I, your lawyer, arrived. But I need you to listen to me very carefully. You are not to discuss this with anyone right now."
Becca nods in understanding. "I know."
"Good. Now tell me exactly what happened."
A deep breath escapes Becca's lips as she reaches for my hand, seeking comfort. "My mother somehow got past our security and broke into our home. Katya and I panicked and hid in the safe room but came out when we heard a gunshot. My mother was screaming for me, waving a loaded gun around. She grabbed me and I tried to break free. Katya tried to intervene, and they ended up fighting. That's when I saw my mother raise the gun towards Katya. I acted on instinct and shot her in the leg with my father's gun. Then everything went into chaos as the police burst in."
"Good job, Becca. You may have hit her leg pretty badly, but it was Katya's knife to your mother's heart that ultimately stopped her."
A single tear rolls down Becca's cheek as she relives the traumatic event in her mind. "It was self-defense. My mother wouldn't have stopped." The weight of the situation settles heavily on her shoulders as she realizes the gravity of what she had just been through with her own mother.
As we approach the hospital, Becca's dad and Katya emerge from the doors. Becca runs to them with open arms, and they embrace in a heartfelt reunion. I stand back with Iz, giving them their moment of privacy.
Iz playfully bumps my shoulder. "So, did you tell her you love her yet?"
I grin and nod. "Yeah, I did. And she said it too."
"Good. I really like Becca. Don't fuck this up," Iz teases.
I roll my eyes. "No way. Becca is ingrained in my soul; I'm never letting her go."
Becca rejoins us, her father and Katya following behind her.
"Katya is going to be okay. Just some stitches, but she'll be fine," Becca reports.
I pull her into a hug. "That's great news, baby."
Theo smiles at me and then turns to Becca. "I'll take Katya to the condo tonight."
Becca nods. "I'll stay at Danny's."