Read Every Shattered Thing (Come Alive) for Free Online Page B

stuck between him and what he wants and Pacey is shouting and my world is spinning and this just isn’t right and my thoughts fly out of my reach but I don’t know what to do and where is my mom? Where is my mom ?
    I snap into detachment and realize what’s going on - Pacey’s death grip on my neck makes me focus long enough to understand what I need to do. I slowly gather my thoughts and pull out my cell phone to call 911. I stare at Tyler’s eyes - punch drunk with heroine and whiskey, and pray the operator answers before someone is shot.
    I can’t even hear the telephone ringing over Tyler hollering.
    “Where’s your father?!” he cries, “I’m going to shoot that bastard. Don’t believe me? Just wait.
    I’m through with him. Try and tell me I can’t see my woman anymore! Try and make me!” His hands are shaking and his eyes are wild.
    I snort. Your woman? I think. Pretty sure “your woman” is already married.
    Shrugging my shoulders, I push down the words I want to say and plead with my eyes for him to shut up. He’s not coherent. He sounds more like a huge infant spitting out noise to get attention. The operator finally connects and I breathe easier, walking into a nearby hallway and hoping he doesn’t follow. There’s human contact on the other end of the line. In short, staccato phrases I request help with a disturbance, looking around the corner of the wall and watching Tyler’s unsteady hand struggle to keep the gun upright.
    The operator seems to notice my voice cracking under the weight of the situation and pauses.
    “Ma’am, has there been any violence?”
    “I-I-I don’t know.” I see my mom peek around the corner from the kitchen. I glare at her and she retreats. Why is she such a fucking pansy?! I think to myself. You’re my mother. Start acting like it.
    “ No. No violence. Not yet. But there could be if someone doesn’t show up now.” I close my eyes and count to ten, hoping this is all a bad dream and I am about to wake up on Emma’s couch with Benjamin slobbering on my shoulder.
    My bubble of hope is shattered by the voice on the other line asking if any weapons are involved.
    Peeking around the corner again, I stare at the shiny object shaking with Tyler’s nervous fear and rage. Pacey is still screaming and fighting to get loose from my grip. I try and reposition him so I’m holding him against my hip but it only makes things worse with his struggle. I can’t let him down, though.
    I can’t let him loose with Tyler. I can feel my sanity crashing around me.
    “Yes,” I say. “Please hurry.”
    I hang up the phone and begin pacing with my hand on my brother’s head, whispering soothing words and trying not to collapse and glancing at Tyler who is continuing to wave the gun around in a drunken rage. Every once in awhile, we lock eyes and he jolts awake for a split second, almost as if he’s forgotten I was there.
    I take Pacey to my closet. Closing the door against Tyler’s screams, Pacey begins to slow his shaking.
    I stand there, waiting. Arms around Pacey, eyes closed, waiting for the nightmare to be over.

    ***
    The police arrive at the scene shortly after Pacey’s screams wake up the neighbors. Which of course makes everything perfect—one of my favorite things to provide is free entertainment for the neighborhood. Despite the crowd gathering, I turn my attention to my brother, struggling to stay awake even though he’s standing up and leaning against my knee. I glance at my phone to see what time it is and see that it’s already almost midnight. I rub my hand through his hair, reminding myself to wash it later.
    “Hey bub. Why don’t you go inside and try to get some sleep? You look really tired and it’s already pretty late.”
    He sniffles, ready to burst into tears again, so I pick him up and kiss his cheek. Knowing this is going to take more than just a hug, I search for something he’s familiar with; something we can both hold on to for