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At least things didn't seem to be escalating. It was just so tense, and I didn't see how to end things.
Eventually, one of the moms came up to me. "Are you okay?"
I nodded, but the whole time, I held my hand to my cheek. I was just in shock that a grown man slapped me across my face for basically no damn reason.
She removed my hand and looked at the red patch of skin. "Let's sit you down, and the two of us are going to talk."
That sounded like a good idea.
Luke was still screaming, "You better not let her take off with my son. I want the police."
I didn't even bother to do anything other than sit down and try to relax, although I didn't trust Luke at all.
Leaving with Eric was the last thing on my mind right now. The only thing I wanted was to feel safe and be held by Spencer.
Shit, Spencer is going to lose his shit when he hears about today. Thank God he's playing a game right now.
Then, the police came up to the building. Cops were talking to Luke while I gave my own statement. They even took pictures of my face, although I was sure the red patch was gone by now.
Not that I wanted to be properly hit, but if I had a bruise, it would seem like less hearsay.
Right as I was finishing up my statement, I heard Luke screaming, "What the fuck do you mean you gave permission for Eric to play hockey and some strange lady could take him to practice? Who the fuck do you think you are for doing that?"
Well, at least that backed up my story, and it showed that I didn't actually kidnap Eric or do anything nefarious.
I was really worried about both Annette and Eric, but I didn't know what I could do. While I had Eric's word that Luke was the reason they went to the shelter, it wasn’t proof. Luke was so pissed.
That's when the police officer asked, "Are you okay, Miss? You have gone really pale."
I didn't feel comfortable telling her that Luke had been abusive in the past, and I feared for everyone's safety after today.
"Yes, it's nothing."
The officer pursed her lips and shook her head. She clearly didn't quite believe me but didn't think there was anything in her power to make me talk. Instead, she knelt down, "We can't help you if you don't tell me."
"I appreciate it. But honesty, it's nothing substantial. It's just a feeling."
"Well, if that changes, please let us know. We're here to help." The officer nodded and got up. I appreciated her efforts and nodded. "Let me talk to my colleague. Stay here."
I had no plans of getting up. If anything, I just wanted to curl into a ball and sleep for a while.
The cop went to talk to some of the other officers. After that, the police officer said, "We're going to let you go for now. Although, we're going to ask you to let the gentleman take the child home from hockey practice since he’s the legal guardian."
I nodded. I hated that for Eric, but I wasn't his mom. I just hoped that regardless of what happened next, both Eric and Annette were safe tonight.
I forced a smile and went back to the hockey rink without my hot chocolate. If I left without telling Eric goodbye or watching a little bit of his game, he would be so hurt. I climbed into the bleachers, and I swore I could see a smile spread across his face, but it was hard to tell with the cage on.
Chapter 32
Spencer
Coming home at night, things were oddly dark and quiet. I hated it. Did Nat stand me up?
I opened the garage, and her car was parked there. So she was inside. That should have relieved me, but it didn't.
She wasn't one to hang out in the dark if everything was okay. No, she liked to work in full light. That way, she could see the full color contrast when working on graphics.
As I pushed open the door, I did my best Ricky Ricardo impression. "Honey, I'm home."
