Thread: Southern Sins (Kassy & Reaperlament)

Her face never turned back. Something like fear and pride jittered up along her nerves. Each step had just a little drag to it until she disappeared out of sight. The back of the house seeming like a momentary sanctuary. It helped her gather some courage to knock on her fathers door because she was just as frightful of upsetting the delicate balance they had as she was of telling the cop her father was asleep. There was something comforting in the system they had set up. It was a solid yes in a world of nos. The system was good, the system kept her content and now this cop was messing it up. She slowed down even more once she hit the small hallway, carefully processing what all of this would mean or rather trying to. The annoyance of it all almost replaced the seriousness of the situation. There was a cop asking for her father, late at night. It wasnt good. None of this was good. It was an unknown. Sophia's fingers rapped against the door, hard as if a little angry had spurred through her fingers. Did her father do something? Why would he do anything but work, drink and come home? There were no extra factors, Sophia had assured herself it was so. So why was the law on her doorstep? Her knocks grew harder until she could hear the familiar shuffle of feet, questions blooming in her mind like honeysuckles. They were winding their way through her simple foundation cracking it just a little. Her own feet took her back a few steps as she tried to shake off the familiar feeling of a bubble popping when her father open the door, just a crack. The opening was only enough for her to see his face, but not much more. Still, she could smell the heavy scent of lavender drifting out and could catch glimpses of shadowy furniture as he adjusted himself at the door. James was an older man, but the years didnt really touch him except for a few wrinkles and gray hair but otherwise he had a good strong face. When he revealed his full shape in the doorway after a moment of silence, she could see the strong tall build figure. He was a large man, tumbling with muscles and standing taller than her five or so feet. He looked like a protector with those sad eyes and Sophia instantly loosen up. She hadnt even realized she was tense, her shoulders squared for a fight with her father, for having a cop at their door. But of course, there was no way he knew about the cop coming, she could see that as he watched her, confused. He didnt even say anything, he just watched, patiently with her as always. Theres a guy from tha law here. He wants to speak to ya. Asking where ya was at tonight. Her dad tilted his head, watched her for a second, then stepped out the door, shutting it behind him. As he came to the light, she could see the fresh circles around his eyes, he has been crying again. It had been a few years since her mother died and he was still crying like it happened yesterday. It made Sophia feel bad for even thinking her daddy had suddenly done something other than what he always did. For just a few seconds she had thought her daddy had threatened, what little comfort they had but the blame didnt lay with him. Come, Il talk to him. Itl be fine. James voice automatically carried an air of reassurances that he did not feel. His daughter seemed to need them so thats what he gave. He was good at reading her facial expressions because he didnt like to talk a lot to her. She reminded him of Jenny and he wasnt comfortable with it. Dislike wasnt quite the right word for what he felt for his daughter. There was love there, but it wasnt entirely unconditional all the time. James was dictated by circumstance he knew it and she knew it. He would be whatever she needed to be out of obligationbut not quite love. Walking down the short hall, he heard her follow, her steps light like always. When he rounded the corner, he saw the tall figure of a white fellow, dress in the outfit of the law. James stopped for a hot second before moving forward, no smile covered his face as his heavy steps cut the distance, He was tall maybe taller than the officer. He didnt feel the ounce of fear that he might have if he was anyone else. But that was less because of size and more because of the numbness. This was a role he was playing, it was all he knew. So it was okay, everything would be okay. Yes, officer how may I help?