Chapter Five
How To Save A Life
Blair was soaking wet, but in a good mood when she entered the house. She took off her wet coat and scarf, kicking down her boots. ''I've muddled the floor with my shoes. I'll clean it up later, when it dries off.''
Her parents were in the living room that also served as dining room. Dad seemed to be pacing up and down and mom was sitting on the couch. Nobody said anything. She noticed her mom motioning with eyebrows at something when dad suddenly grabbed her bag.
''Give me that,'' He ordered, furious look on his face.
''Bob!'' Her mothered warned, standing up in a flash.
''Give what?'' She asked, her voice slightly trembling.
''Give that phone here, Blair,'' He threatened, towering over her.
''I've returned it,'' She stammered, yet another lie dripping off her lips. This time it was to her own parents. ''I told you, if you don't believe me, ask-''
''I don't believe you,'' He bellowed, slapping her hard across the cheek. She staggered backwards, numb with shock and holding her burning cheek in place. ''And I know you're lying!''
''Bob!'' mother was in front of him in a second. Her eyes were flashing lightnings, daring him to hit her again. Dad looked at her for few moments, heaving breaths like a raging bull and left the house, slamming the doors behind him.
Blair stood rooted to the spot, unable to blink.
''Blair,'' Mother pleaded, her voice shaking. ''Why did you lie to me? Why didn't you say the truth? If you did, none of this would have happened. Georgina told me she didn't give you anything and dad heard us.''
A tear escaped her mother's eye as she stroked her hair. Blair's arms fell to side and she started retreating to her room, flinching from mother's touch.
''Why didn't you tell your mom the truth,'' She continued crying, even after Blair closed the doors and locked them, something she never did. ''Where did you get that phone? Tell me!''
Jane was brokenhearted. She felt Blair had changed in past few days, but she'd never think they would lose the connection they always had. She was sad, expecting her daughter to be able to confide anything, even the most terrible things. Blair must know she'd be there for her, no matter what. She must know that, mustn't she?
''Oh, my pumpkin,'' She muttered to herself, walking away. ''Tell me so I can help you...''
Jane was well aware of hard life they led here. She was also aware of the effect it had on Blair. No matter what the rest of family said, Jane was always ready to treat Blair like princess, kicking and fighting to make her life easier and better. Just because Jane had to live in poverty and misery, didn't mean they had to doom their children too. Blair was shutting her off and she sat alone on the couch, feeling helpless.
Blair was still in her wet clothes, lying on her bed and crying silently into pillow. She curled up, shaking from humiliation and cold.
After a while, she unlocked her doors and let mother in. Jane helped her out of the clothes that stuck to her skin and into fresh clean pajamas. She tucked her into bed, kneeling down to talk. Mom stroked her hair saying ''I would have sent him to hell, but... He is your dad. He didn't want it to be like this. Until now, he never raised a hand on you.''
The fact that she was daddy's girl up until this morning triggered another wave of hot tears. Blair sniffed, pulling up her blanket closer.
''If you only knew your grandfather... My dad...'' Mother went quiet all of a sudden, pained look on her face. Blair reached up to her hand and squeezed it. She squeezed back, steeling herself. ''When I was a girl, young like you, he would - he would beat me until I was unconscious. As soon as I met your father and started family, I ran away from him. Your dad saved me.''
Mother breathed in and her tone of voice became lighter. ''Sleep, my child. Your tears will dry up until morning. Just don't let your soul do the same.''
She stood up and turned off the lights, muttering as she walked out ''If only I knew where you got that phone. If only...''
Blair lay in bed in the morning, staring blankly at the wall. She cried herself to sleep last night. Her cheek was sore. Nobody came to wake her up, but she heard mom and dad bustling about outside. Dad's feet came shuffling few times on the other side of her doors, but after some hesitation walked away. She heard him asking about her, his voice dripping with guilt. Her parents mumbled something incoherently for few minutes and mom walked into her room.
''Oh,'' She hissed, touching Blair's chin. ''We should put something on your face. Come on, breakfast is on the table. Dad is feeling sorry... '' Blair said nothing. Mother's voice dropped to a whisper, ''I told your dad it was your colleague's phone. I told him she forgot it in classroom and that you took it to get it back, panicking when he asked you about it.''
Blair looked up at her, grateful her mom had her back.
''And you will tell me the truth, of'course?'' Mother suggested, frustrated with Blair's silence. ''Why won't you say anything?''
Jane walked away to kitchen, muttering to herself. Blair inhaled deeply and looked in the mirror. One of her eyes was faint purple and there was a cut on cheekbone under it. She stared at her reflection with absolutely no expression. Dan's voice brought her back to present, his words getting her attention.
''Dad, you should see this car I got last night. You'd go crazy if you saw it. There was this girl who ran off in the middle of the rain. Their girls are like their cars, they leave you in the middle of the road.''
''The car is a real beast,'' He continued, his voice muffled with food. ''The guy doesn't even understand it and that's why he doesn't know how to appreciate it.''
''Did you solve the issue in the end?'' Dad asked, always putting honor on first place.
''You bet I did. I've been up all night fixing it.''
''Alright, take good care of it so we don't have any troubles.''
''What trouble? He received a phone call in the middle of the night and took off, not bothering to see who he left car to.''
Blair decided to walk in the kitchen in that moment, her head held high. She caught dad's eyes and quickly looked away.
''Here comes early bird,'' Mocked Dan, stuffing himself with waffles. He was completely oblivious to last night's scene. ''What's with your face?''
Blair tried to hide that side of face with hair, but clearly it didn't work.
''Nothing,'' She was surprised to hear herself sound so hoarse. ''I fell.''
When she got back from the bathroom, dad was gone and Dan stopped on his way to bedroom.
''It's not that bad,'' He teased, bags under his eyes showing off how tired he was. ''Put five layers of make up and you're good to go.''
''Dan,'' She seethed as he laughed and slammed door in her face. If only she could afford that much make up. She sat on the table, clinging to her chest as coughing fit seized her.
''I'll make you some tea,'' Mother got up without finishing her breakfast. ''You must have caught cold last night, lying down in wet clothes.''
She was getting ready to go to class, dressed in black turtleneck and jeans. Her boots were in the bag and she only had to touch up her make up to finish. Mom walked into the room, staring at little cosmetic she had; half used bottle of liquid foundation, blush and cheap mascara.
''What's with the make up?'' She asked, face stern.
''Look at my face,'' Blair snapped, pointing at the cut that was still visible. ''I'm trying to hide this and the bruise. ''
''Look, dad left for work and Dan is asleep. Leave before they see you.'' Putting hands in her pocket, she added quietly ''And stop sulking.''
''He doesn't even care about me,'' Blair whispered flippantly, brushing her curls.
''I don't want to hear that. Tell me what happened with the phone.''
Blair leaned down to zip up her bag, avoiding mother's eyes. ''I don't have anything to say, stop questioning me about it.''
Jane's eyes narrowed and she cocked her head. ''Don't tell me... Don't tell me you...''
''I what?'' Blair flashed her a sidelong glare.
''Don't tell me you took it without asking?''
''What?'' Blair flipped, raising her voice and challenging her mother. ''Say it! Ask me if I stole it!''
Theft was something nobody in the family even dare mention. They were very conservative and kept to strict principles. Just thinking Blair was capable of doing something disgraceful like that completely insulted her and her pride.
''Don't shout,'' Jane whispered forcefully, clutching the ends of her sweater. ''You'll wake up Dan.''
''And dad?'' Blair went on, upper lip curled.''He can't even say it!''
She was getting louder and angrier, continuing ''But he sure as hell can slap me for it!''
''Blair,'' Mother said, clasping her hands and pleading. ''Tell me the truth so I can believe you.''
''Which truth do you wish to believe? What's worse? That I am a thief because of a phone... Or that I was just ashamed of my own?''
Mother looked at her in pity. She couldn't stand it. Blair opened the doors to walk into the kitchen when she was ambushed by dad and Dan. Father's face was cold and distant, completely different than she was used to.
''Get back in your room,'' He ordered.
When she didn't move, he raised his voice and bellowed it again for whole floor to hear.
Mother quickly got in front of room doors, protecting it with her body and hands. Blair shut them off and threw her bag on bed.
Dan was trying to get to her doors, shaking the knob violently and coaxing her to come outside.
''Shut up, Dan,'' She heard her dad.
''Can't you see what's her new school doing to us, our family?''
''It happened and now it is over. We won't talk about it again. No more college from this day on!'' News hit her with such force she inhaled sharply. She felt lightheaded for a moment. No more college? What, she's supposed to leave that new life behind? Leave Chuck behind? She didn't want to be janitor's daughter anymore. College was her oasis, a completely new life that had nothing to do with this now.
'Bob,'' Mother exclaimed, mortified at such speech.
''One problem today, another one tomorrow,'' He shouted at all of them. ''Who knows what else will happen because of that school. She's done with it.''
Next morning, when they were all gone from the house, Blair tried to sneak out, but mom's voice made her pause. She knew Blair too well to not foresee this.
''You must have gone mad. Where do you think you're going?''
''Class.''
''Class?'' Her mother hissed, her eyes wide open.
''If it takes, I'll jump through window to get there'' Blair said stubbornly.
''Fine,'' Mom replied calmly, getting back to peeling potatoes. ''Enjoy your classes. Be sure to stop by on bus station on your way back. We're moving back to village. Dad has been looking for an excuse for years to go back there and you're just handing him one.''
She stared at her mother, rooted to the spot. She was sure she wasn't kidding.
''And then you can do your make up and play dress-up with grandma as you go together in field to dig potatoes!''
Blair took off her boots and sat on the couch angrily, decidedly staring at a turned off TV.
''Come on, pumpkin,'' Her mother said softly, relieved as she stayed home. ''Let's go upstairs. I have to clean number eleven and you can help me.''
Blair nodded, never refusing to help mom. She was trying hard not to cry.
''Look at me,'' Jane raised her voice slightly and knelt by her daughter. ''You won't solve this by crying. Let this be a lesson to you. You'll speak the truth to me. I will protect you. Is it clear?''
''I will deal with your father,'' Her mom continued, mildly sad with her lack of response. ''I won't abandon you in this hell hole or that village.''
They were cleaning number eleven when Blair took the mop out of mom's hands. ''Let me. I may as well learn how to clean since I'm not going to college.''
''What are you talking about?'' Jane groaned in annoyance. ''What did I say earlier downstairs?''
Blair quietly cleaned Humphrey apartment. She didn't want to argue with anyone anymore. She just wanted to be left alone for a day. Actually, she wanted to go to college and talk to Chuck. He's the only one who could understand this situation with her father.
Jenny rushed downstairs from the room, late for class. She paused at the sight of Blair. ''What, college is too boring for you?''
Her tone of voice was patronizing. Blair decided to ignore it and waited until she left. As door opened, she heard familiar voices in the hall from apartment across. Blair took magazines, on the pretense of throwing them in trash. She opened the doors again after Jenny left and listened
Georgina and her step-mother arguing in their flat. It appeared Diana wanted to send her to America to college. Blair would have been jealous if she wasn't so shocked and disgusted at the thought of her only friend being sent away by force. Georgina was out of her mind, her rant interrupted with sobs.
"You'll regret this, Diana. I swear you will! Dad will never forgive you!" She raged.
Diana was a mistress of Mr. Sparks even while his wife was still alive. She found out about them and died with that information, not before sharing it with her daughter.
It was clear why these two hated each other. Blair felt deeply sorry for Georgina, wishing she could come there and help her. But no, she had to learn how to clean. College was apparently - over.
Two hours after, they were done with Humphrey's apartment. Blair locked their doors behind as mother talked to some woman in business suit in the hall. They were in front of Sparks apartment and woman soon left. The sound of her expensive heels was the only noise in silent hall.
''Who was that?''
''Georgina's new tutor. They were supposed to have class, but I guess nobody is home,'' Her mother replied, shaking her head. She rang the bell few more times.
''Georgina was home all along.''
''I guess she went away.''
''Where would she go,'' Blair said sarcastically, knowing well that Georgina was grounded and had no friends beside Blair. She knocked couple of times, each time using more force. Why wasn't she answering? Even if she was under the shower, she'd still hear the bell. Sulking alone after a fight wasn't her kind of thing. Georgina would immediately seek out Blair and dish everything in order to release some of the anxiety.
Blair remembered Georgina's words from earlier; You'll regret this, Diana. I swear you will! Dad will never forgive you!
Fear struck her heart. Her hands shook as she reached towards her mother.
''Blair, what's wrong?'' Her mother asked concerned.
''The key! Do you have the key for Sparks apartment?''
''Blair, I don't understand-''
''Mom!'' she shouted in desperation. ''Please, hurry.''
Astounded Jane took long chain out of her pocket. It was attached to numerous keys and on each was written a number. ''Here...''
''Georgina!'' Blair called out as she fumbled with the lock and entered the apartment. It was eerily quiet inside. She finally found her on bed, eyes closed, her skin paler than ever. Empty bottle of pills lay on the floor.
''Oh, Lord!'' Her mother exclaimed terrified. ''She took all those pills?''
''Georgie,'' Blair shook her violently, trying to wake her up. It didn't work, Georgie was limp and cold.
She never let go of Georgie's hand. Not even while her mother cried on the phone, talking to 911. Not even when paramedics barged in to revive her. Not even when they said Blair couldn't ride with them in vehicle. Mom stayed at home to wait for Diana. She wasn't answering her cell and Blair was anxious to see Georgina safe and well.
Blair never prayed. She would look at her parents, murmuring quietly before every meal, getting clean Sunday clothes for church and calling out to divine force after every misfortune. Blair never found God, until she needed him. She prayed while pacing in busy hospital lobby, she prayed while getting coffee out of a machine, she even prayed while washing her hands in the bathroom.
''She hates me,'' Cried Diana an hour later, tears streaming down her face, clutching shopping bags as if her life depended on it. ''She did this because she hates me. She never loved me. I only wanted to help her.''
A sob escaped her as she continued. ''I was only trying to take care of her problems. I wanted her to accept me. I really did.''
''Don't talk like that,'' Blair whispered, ''It's not over yet.''
Diana carried on as if she didn't hear it. ''I will always be an evil step-mother to her. Someone that took her mother's spot. It will never change.''
Her tears threatened to spill again. They were always on edge, as if still unsure about the time when to fall. Blair hastily grabbed Diana's hand and squeezed lightly. Diana looked at her strangely, but didn't recoil.
''It's only natural she misses her mother. But maybe she doesn't need that right now. She's very lonely, you know? Maybe she just needs a friend.''
Diana sniffed and clasped Blair's hand. ''Thank you. For everything.''
After a period of Diana arguing over the phone with Mr. Sparks who wasn't coming due to full flight, Blair led her to room the hospital staff set up. Nurse walked in without any news, bringing a pill for Diana. Jane followed suit.
''But I don't want to calm down,'' She sniffed. ''I want to wait.''
Despite her poor attempt at a struggle, Diana dosed off instantly. Blair got up to catch some air and stretch her legs, leaving mother to watch over for Diana and news.
Her mind reeled, wondered, jumped from one scene to another. What will happen now? What would happen if she never insisted to go inside the apartment?
She almost lost her only childhood friend. A wave of grief swept through her mercilessly. Cold bench pressed against her thighs as she sat. The shock woke her up out of the depressing daze. Blair wrapped sweater around her torso tightly, accidentally bumping her elbow against the stranger beside. She barely even saw him. He was dressed in black, almost blending with the night. His back was hunched, dark hair spilling over pale fingers.
''Sorry,'' She mumbled, not sure if he heard her.
Boy's head whipped up after a moment. ''Blair?''
''Chuck?'' She croaked out, suddenly very aware of her red nose and messy ponytail. He didn't look so good either. His usual pristine clothes was crumpled, his skin unnaturally pale and there was slight stubble on his jaw. ''What are you doing here?''
''My friend,'' he cleared his throat. ''Nate had an accident during lacrosse practice. I've been here for past three days.''
''My friend had an accident too,'' She rubbed her eyes tiredly. ''How is Nate? Is he okay now?''
''He's fine. The first day was the hardest. We're checking out tomorrow, just a minor concussion.''
''You don't look like you've been home.'' She looked at him as he dropped his eyes low, a shadow crossing his face. ''Your parents must be worried.''
''They are.'' She imagined a note of irony to his voice. ''Of'course, mom's voice sounded so bad.''
She raised her eyebrows in question. Chuck opened his mouth to say something, but it took a while until he actually did.
''My parents are not here. Mother is vacationing in Mauritius, my father is in London on a business trip.''
''My friend's dad is in Europe too. He's still not back either.''
''So,'' He said lamely, his eyes searching for hers. ''You're saying this parent syndrome happens?''
''I'm sure your mother wants to be here,'' She offered in comfort, giving him a small smile.
His figure froze in spot, eyes darkening as they fixed on her. ''Who did this to you?''
Blair inhaled sharply. She completely forgot about the bruise and the cut. ''Oh, this? I - I fell.''
Chuck looked at her for few moments, as if debating whether to believe her.
''I can be so clumsy,'' She forced a small laugh, pulling sleeves of her shirt over her hands.
''Are you cold?'' Chuck asked, immediately unbuttoning his blazer.
She shook her head, too embarrassed to say anything or to explain the reason why she was shuddering.
''You're welcome,'' He responded and threw his blazer around her shoulders, wrapping it tightly around her locked arms. Their fingers briefly touched and she was once again reminded of the smell of his cologne.
Blair buried her nose in the collar, and inhaled deeply. Once again, the magic came to life and majestic fire roared in her chest. As she pulled back from that exciting dream, she fluttered her eyes open and saw him intently looking at her.
Why was her heart racing so fast? Where did these emotions of anticipation and excitement come from?
They sat there in silence, looking at each other as if they only just saw each other for the first time. His warm fingers slowly brushed over her forehead, tucking loose strands behind her ear. She felt herself leaning in, sinking into his embrace, lured by something higher. Stars reflected in his dark iris and she wondered why did nobody tell her about the galaxies in his eyes.