Chapter six

“I can’t believe you would do something like this.” Mr Richard screamed out at Amelia.

“I did the right thing. My things were missing from my room, I found them in that brats room, and when I confronted her she attacked me.” Amelia cried out. “Don’t you believe me daddy, you chose to believe this bastard rather than me, your child. Mother would be ashamed of you.”

Mr Richard slapped Amelia hard, the sound echoing round the now silent room.

Amelia gasped, before bursting out in tears.

While Mr Richard looked down at his hands, almost like he couldn’t believe what he had done.

I exchanged a quick glance with my mother.

I had called Mr Richard at the police station, explaining to him what happened. I didn’t have any other choice, I wasn't going to allow my sister to go to jail for something she didn’t do. I just didn’t expect Mr Richard to hit Amelia.

“Amelia, I didn't mean to do that.” Mr Richard stuttered out, moving closer to her.

Amelia threw him a nasty glare, before turning towards me and my sister.

She marched towards Gia, dragging her arm roughly. “Tell them, tell everyone the truth, you stole my jewelry and when I caught you, you attacked me. Tell them the truth, you sick disgusting imbecile.”

“I didn’t steal it, you gave it to me.” Gia cried out.

“Stop lying.” Amelia screamed out, shaking Gia roughly. “You stole it, I caught you.”

“Ok, that’s enough.” I say sharply, dragging Gia away from that crazy bitch. “I know my sister. She might be on the spectrum, but that doesn’t make her a thief, or a liar. Gia wouldn’t take what doesn’t belong to her.”

“Amelia honey, maybe you forgot you told her to take it,” my mum says gently.

“Stop it you old hag. I know the truth, dad can’t you see what their plan is? They want to turn you against me, take what’s mine.”

“Amelia stop this nonsense immediately please. I am tired of this childish tantrum. Fine, you believe Gia stole your jewelry. Aren’t you supposed to report to me first, before going straight to the police. Do you know what this could do to Gia’s and our reputation?” Mr Richard screamed out in frustration.

Amelia burst into wide ugly tears instead, before running out of the room.

I sighed, rubbing my thumbs at the center of my forehead.

“I am sorry,” Mr Richard says softly, now standing in front of Gia. “Don’t worry I will talk to Amelia. This is probably one of those phases adults go through.”

I nodded my head, not believing him, but choosing to stay quiet. Amelia is a spoiled brat, I don't think this is going to end anytime soon, not as long as me and my family are still in this house.

After the whole fiasco, Mr Richard went to work, while my mother and Gia went out to get stuff.

I sat on my bed, trying to call Clarke again. She didn’t pick up again.

I sighed, uneasy and worry creeping through my body.

I just hope something bad hasn’t happened to her.

The next day, I hurried straight to work, hoping that Clarke would show up so we could start our project. We were already behind since we couldn’t buy the materials we needed.

Amelia and her group were already there, discussing and putting together their materials.

My eyes scan the room, stopping at the far corner where a figure sat, head bent.

I walked towards that direction.

“Clarke…, hey, how are you? I have been trying to reach you.”

Clarke didn’t respond, just stared at me, before bursting out in silent sobs.

I frowned, taking the seat close to her. “Hey, what is the problem?” I asked quietly.

“I am so sorry, but I didn't have a choice.” Clarke cried out, sniffing softly.

“What is it? What happened?”

“My mother, yesterday she fainted and I had to rush her to the hospital. They wouldn’t attend to her till I dropped a down payment and I didn't know what to do. I couldn’t let her die, I am so sorry.”

My heart dropped, a bead of sweat rolling down my back at the implication of what Clarke said run through my brain.

I moved closer, lowering my voice.

“Are you saying you used the money for our materials and project to pay for your Mum's hospital bills?” I asked shakily, just to be sure.

Clarke nodded, before bursting into loud tears, drawing the attention of the others in the room.

I wrapped my hands around her, comforting her as best as I could while my mind ran through what this meant for us, for me.

Without that money, we couldn’t get materials. Without materials we couldn’t create our design nor participate in the next upcoming show.

I didn’t mean to be insensitive, but I just….

I looked down at Clarke's crying face, biting my lips as I held her tightly.

The competition or project didn’t matter. This was Clarke’s mother. I would have done the same thing if it was my mother or Gia in that position.

“Hey, it’s ok, I understand. I would have done the same, don’t worry, we will find another solution and if we can’t, then we forfeit this project. Other projects will come.”

Slowly Clarke withdrew from my hands. “Are you sure? I am so sorry but I couldn't just watch my mother lay there, dieing.”

“Clarke. It’s fine, I understand. How is she? Is she getting better?”

“Yes, she was stable this morning before I left. I am sorry, but I have to withdraw from the competition, I need to take care of her.” Clarke says softly, wiping her tears.

I nodded my head, sympathizing with her. I could only imagine the pain she was going through right now.

“It’s fine Clarke, I understand. Go be with your mother, but you don’t have to drop out of the competition. I will figure something out for both of us, ok?” I tell her, leaning down a bit towards her.

Clarke stared at me for a while, before looking away, frowning a bit. “Are you sure? I don’t want to take credit, especially when I didn’t work for it. It’s best if I remove myself from the competition.”

Before I could say anything else, she stands up, drags her bag from the floor, before running out of the room.

I sighed, running my hands through my hair.

“What happened?” Rob asked suddenly in front of me, his arms crossed over his chest.

I bit my lips, before sighing out again.

“Clarke, her mother fell sick yesterday, she had to use the money for our materials to pay for the hospital bills.”

“What!!, she can’t do that.” Rob exclaimed, sitting down on the chair Clarke was just a few minutes ago.

I shrugged my shoulders, staring at my hands. “Don’t be insensitive Rob, any of us would have done the same thing.”

Rob sighed. “So? What are you going to do now?”

“I honestly have no idea.” I mutter. Once again, my dreams were moving farther away from me.