Chapter Thirty-Three: Faithfully
Manny was nervous. She had received word that her parents were on their way, Emma in tow. Mr. Boyd commended her on her change of attitude. Her euphoria had died after her realization, but the message was still clear.
But knowing she had to be alone with herself didn't mean she couldn't see Emma. She hadn't even known the willowy blonde had been searching for her.
They hadn't had any contact for over two weeks. It felt like forever. She felt like she should be better presented for this momentous occasion.
"Hey, kid. How's tricks?" a casual voice asked her. Manny barely acknowledged it.
"Go away, David," she said, too lost in her thoughts to even sound interested. Wanting David away had become an instinct for Manny. He disturbed something inside of her, something still whole, or enough so to realize his wiring had been frayed. He offended something inside of her. He had the eyes of a killer.
She could practically feel his amusement. "You know what they say, babe. Every dyke like you is just waiting for a real man to come along. So, what do you say? Want me to be your real man?"
Manny glared at him. "If I didn't like chicks already, babe, that thought alone would convince me."
David sneered in reply. "Someday, you'll get what's coming to you. All you slutty little bitches will."
Manny smiled, the flickering rage in her eyes in contrast with the sarcasm-laced curve of mouth. "And this is why you're going to rot in here forever. I'll be sure to send you a postcard."
"Bitch," he snarled.
"After a while, it sorta loses its ring. Now if you'll excuse me, I have company," Manny retorted, standing up. She walked away as briskly as possible, without being obvious.
If he said anything else, she didn't hear it.
~
"Have you met this Theresa girl?"
Emma sat in the back of the Santos' car. She shifted uncomfortably. They had been on the road nearly half an hour. The Santos' promised they were almost to Manny. Light conversation shimmered in and out of the car. No one felt like talking. The silence was deafening, the noise was like nightmares sliding along Emma's skin. She was finding herself liking Manny's parents less and less.
"I know who she is. We don't talk," Emma replied quietly. Javier said nothing for several more minutes.
"That little…little puta destroyed my daughter."
Emma bit her lip. She didn't know how to respond to him. She didn't approve of Theresa, or Manny's opinion of Theresa. Theresa Scannel was the closest Emma had felt to hate in her lifetime. But after weeks of pondering, she didn't blame her as much. And Emma didn't want to debate with Javier Santos about whether or not it was Manny's brain, Theresa's influence, or the Santos' themselves that caused all of this to happen. Or if it was Emma herself.
"You tell her, Emma. Tell her if I ever see her around my Manuela, she will wish she was never born."
Emma felt her eyes widen involuntarily. Is he talking about…killing her?
Emma decided he couldn't be. That was just too crazed, too alien. Even for someone has frightening as Javier Santos.
"Where are they?" Manny whispered, anticipation overwhelming her. She had managed to avoid David so far, but if he realized her guests weren't coming, she'd never hear the end of it.
"I'm sure they're on their way," Jahnava replied.
Manny glanced at her friend. Jahnava was casually hanging around Manny, probably to meet her friend and family. Manny wasn't sure she should admit to having made a friend here. They'll just think she's a new Theresa for me to hang onto, Manny thought dismally.
She liked Jahnava. She really did. But she was unsure about making attachments to someone who was in a mental hospital.
Manny realized she was biased. It was silly. Silly to be ashamed of befriending someone who didn't even have half the issues that Manny did. Compared to Manny, Jahnava was the poster child for mental health.
This is ridiculous, Manny decided. She smiled at her friend. Jahnava smiled back.
"If you want to see them alone, I understand," Jahnava said, as if hearing Manny's thoughts.
"Maybe," Manny replied. "I don't know."
Jahnava shrugged. "Either way. I can be your backup, or your hindrance. It all depends on you."
"Thank you," Manny said.
Jahnava smiled at her. "I'll see you later," she said, walking away.
Manny watched her, gratefully. She didn't want to be rude, but she didn't want Jahnava there when Emma and her parents first entered the hospital. Maybe she'd introduce Jahnava to Emma later, if her parents would let Emma and Manny talk alone.
She didn't want to see her parents. She wanted to see her Emma.
~
Emma and the Santos' were buzzed through the hospital doors. They were walking towards the final double doors, behind which would be Manny. She was nervous. She didn't know if Manny would be the same girl she always knew.
Her mind raced as he doors loomed closer and closer. She wasn't sure she wanted to be here.
She knew she didn't want to be here.
But she had to. She had to see Manny for herself, make sure she was alright.
The doors opened.
Emma paused. Her mouth was agape. Standing there, staring right back at her, was Manny. Her long lost Manny. Her hair was patchy and strange. Her dark circles had dark circles under her eyes. Her eyes were bloodshot. She looked awful, and still, Emma found her stunning.
Tears welled up in Emma's eyes. If only she could have helped her friend.
Emma stepped forward, cautiously.
Manny gave her a small smile.
That was all it took. Emma opened her arms and hugged her friend harder than she ever had, or ever would again. And she knew now, finally, that Manny was real.