Page 67 of Love in Pieces

“So, now what?” I ask, waiting for the officers to tell me what they think the next steps should be.

“Well, I think you all should come to the station to give your statements so we can make a full report and decide on the next steps.” Officer Thurston folds her hands in front of her.

“No.”

Officer Proud jumps in for the first time. “Ms. Cooper,” he starts.

“Abby. My name is Abby.”

He sighs. “Abby. I think it’s in your best interest to join us back at the station. If everything we’ve gathered is true, we could create a case against him.”

“No,” I say again, crossing my arms.

The officers look at each other and then at Meredith and Dallas behind them. Dallas shakes his head, but Meredith takes a step forward.

“Abby, I think you should listen to them.”

“So, you called them then?” I ask, but I already know the answer.

She doesn’t respond, giving me all the explanation I need.

“Go fuck yourself,” I blurt out, just before either officer speaks again.

Her face screws up tight, clearly defeated. Dallas looks a little crushed at the comment, too.

“Did you help her?” I ask, facing him fully.

He shakes his head, his voice little more than a whisper. “No. She was already on the phone with them when she came and got me.”

I take a deep breath, forcing the air into every crevice I can muster. Looking around rapidly at anything other than the four people standing before me, I force the knot in my throat down, letting the rage take its place. I nod flippantly before making my way back to the bleachers.

“Abby,” Meredith says trailing behind me. “Abby, please!” she yells.

I halt just before turning the corner for the bleachers, still facing away from her. “What,” I snap.

“I warned you. If I suspected anything more, I would call the cops. I did. Can you blame me? I saw him sitting in the parking lot watching you. Staring. I’m not going to just stand by while he torments you. Who knows what he would have done if he stayed any longer.”

I turn around, seeing her begging eyes. “Just stop. Okay? You crossed a line. I’ve told you not to call the cops. And you did it anyway. I’m an adult capable of handling my own decisions. Had I wanted to call the cops, I would have. But you didn’t give me that choice. Sam has had a few moments of weakness and—”

“Weakness?” she cuts in.

I hold a hand up, cutting her off, my blood now boiling. “Yes. Weakness. Don’t we all have weaknesses? This is an issue between me and Sam. Not you. So back off.”

“No. I won’t. I refuse to let this continue the way it has. Because clearly, you won’t do anything about it.” She folds her arms, popping her hip out.

I shrug. I’m done with this conversation. If she can’t respect my wishes, then this can’t continue. “Fine. Then we’re done.” I point a finger between us. “Don’t call or text me anymore. I’ll stop visiting the cafeteria.”

Her jaw drops. “Oh, come on. You can’t be serious.”

“I am. I refuse to be friends with someone who can’t honor my decisions, especially on something this big. So, goodbye, Meredith,” I say, turning around to hide the tears welling up in my eyes. I don’t want this to be the reason our friendship ends, but I know her. She’s not going to let this go. I don’t want every conversation with her from here on out to be about my relationship with Sam. This is something I need to sort out with him myself.

Meredith calls after me as I make my way back up the bleacher steps, but I keep walking. Away from my problems.

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