Vacant Chapter 12 Waiting

I knock, but theres no answer. I let myself in and Im straight kill relieved to see Emilys things still around the house, including her make loveding on the couch. self-reproof creeps back into my chest as I think back more or less the numerous times Ive tried to convince Emily to take my room my bed but she never has.I kneel down on the infrastructure in front of the sofa to worship the scent lingering in the sheets. She always smells like baby powder, the cheap off brand they manage at the Dollar Tree, but regardless of the price, it smells like heaven to me. I close my eyes and enjoy her essence plot of land also declare myself to buy her name-brand lotion. No more generic.The shouting startles me awake.I dont care let the mother-fucking money. I dont pay you to lose my shit Then I notice the unmistakable sound of a clenched fist meeting flesh. My blood runs nipping as I wonder if its Emily next door. The thought hits me like the fist from next 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 are a transient population. That unit was desert when.when I leave, so I hadnt thought about a modern tenant. I also hadnt figured on undesirables moving in. Id never sick about my safety, but now I have to think of Emilys safety and nourishion. This is no place for her.I hear a feminine crab amid the sounds of skin being struck and I know its not my girl. I know what her scream sounds like after a spider pest and thats not it. Its not Emily.Get up, PuntaI hear more ramblings and shouts in Spanish the female cries in response. All I can 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 law of nature and let them handle it. While Ive read heroic tales of men delivery the day, its not safe or practical in this case. Its very in all probability 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 press charges, but the man is escorted off the property with a warning not to return. Hell be back, though.They always are.My thoughts spew to moving to a better neighborhood, but then I regard I may not have a job because Im a complete coward who left for a week without calling his boss itll be a miracle if Im not fired. How will I take care of Emily without a job? Im an idiot. God, how did I fuck this up so badly?I dial Margies number and her cheerful greeting relaxes me a bit. Hey, Marge, its Ethan.Well hey, Sugarplum. How was your pass? She knows I wasnt on vacation, and I try to discern if there is caustic remark in her voice, but I cant seem to detect 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 fortunate you finally took some time off. You had more than three weeks coming to you. It ma kes them noisome that youve never taken a day off in flipper years.Im confused and my silence must confirm this to my manager. So, are you coming in tomorrow? Im down a cashier and could use ya.Cashier? Im a back of the house guy. The make sure theres always chips on the presentation guy low man on the grocery store fodder chain.Uhhhh is my incoherent 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 wondering what the hell is going on.