Denial of the First Degree
65
Aunt Denies Her Niece's Drug Use
"You have to get Cindy out of the apartment. She's crazy, Mom, she.."
Margaret Black cut her eldest daughter off and reflexively defended her niece, "Just because Cindy's fresh out of drug rehab doesn't mean she's crazy. All she needs is a few months of shelter until she finds a job and can afford a place of her own."
Jen felt like reaching out across the 1000 miles that separated them and shaking her mom until she listened to her fears. Frustrated, she screamed into the phone, "Shut up and hear me out! I just got off the phone with Cindy and she's not talking right. I think she's back on drugs. She's threatening to kill Mary if she tries to come back to the apartment."
"Don't tell me to shut up and stop being so melodramatic! Your sister's the one who's not acting right. You'd know that if you hadn't run away yourself last year. Fine example you set for her. She left last night in a huff because she's jealous of the attention I've been giving Cindy and doesn't want to share her room with her. She's acting like a spoiled brat and I won't give in to her threats that unless I make Cindy leave she'll stay away forever. I think Mary will come home when she realizes I won't be manipulated into making any hasty decisions."
"Haven't you heard a word I've said? Mary's trying to come back home is exactly what I'm afraid of. Cindy says she's going to stab Mary if she tries to come back. She's talking real crazy. Says she's the one who has a right to be there and she's not gonna let a brat be responsible for getting her kicked out. I tried calling Mary's cell phone right before I called you, but there was no answer. She called me last night and told me that Cindy had let some sleazy looking guy into the apartment while you were at work yesterday and that Cindy had gone into the bedroom with him for about a half hour and when he left she saw Cindy lying on the bed swallowing some pills and she was all disheveled looking. She said she tried to tell you what had happened but you didn't believe her."
"I told you, Mary's making up lies because she's jealous. Now stay out of it. I don't think Cindy poses any real threat to your sister. She's just blowing off steam."
"No threat? That's what you said last year when you got engaged to that alcoholic. You thought I was lying about him until you saw with your own eyes.."
"That's enough! I'm hanging up now and going back to work. I don't see any evidence that Cindy is using drugs and until I do she's welcome to stay in my apartment and so is Mary as long as she doesn't fight with Cindy."
Mary Goes Back to The Apartment After School
Mary felt her cell phone vibrate while Mrs. Hannity, her best friend's mom, was driving her to school but the phone went dead before she could see who was calling. She'd left in such a huff last night that she hadn't taken anything except the clothes on her back and hadn't been able to recharge the phone after her long talk with sis. Luckily Mrs. Hannity had let her sleep over but she didn't like the fact that Mary had had an argument with her mom and had warned Mary that she needed to make up with her mom and go back home today.
The day crawled by and Mary grew more anxious by the moment. She'd worn one of her friend's outfits to school but when classes finally ended she took the school bus home because she needed to get more clothes. She was due at her McDonald's job in two hours and planned to run upstairs to her apartment, grab some clothes and the lock box that contained her life savings of $250, and leave. She wasn't sure yet where she would go after work but at least she'd have some cash in case she couldn't find another friend who would let her crash for the night.
The school bus left her off at the bottom of the hill and as she walked up the steep incline her stomach twisted into a knot. Her cousin had been furious with her for ratting her out and despite the fact that mom had believed Cindy's story that the pills she'd taken had been vitamins and supplements, Mary feared a nasty confrontation with her cousin. Legs heavy, heart racing, she let herself into the apartment building and climbed to the second floor. She took a deep breath, squared her shoulders and put the key into the lock mentally preparing herself to face down her cousin.
She needn't have bothered. Cindy was lying face down on the bed and looked like she was fast asleep. Mary breathed a sigh of relief, but still moved as quickly and quietly as possible as she gathered her things. She didn't even take time out to change into her uniform before going to her job at McDonald's. She arrived at work a half hour early and changed in the McDonald's bathroom then used their phone to call a few friends. Luckily the last friend on her list, Sue, said she could crash there for the night and that she would even pick her up after her shift ended.
A Visit From the Police
Four hours later she was walking out to Sue's car when a police cruiser showed up. Two officers got out and approached her. "Are you Mary Black?"
She felt her heart sink. Had Cindy or one of her sleazy friends done something to mom? "Yes, sir....has something happened to my mom?"
"No, your mom is fine but when she got home from work tonight she found your cousin, Cindy, dead in bed and it appears from what neighbors said, that you were the last to see her."
Her face blanched and her knees went weak. Cindy dead? Surely this must be some sort of a sick joke. That thought had never crossed her mind. Trembling, she told the officer the truth: "She was passed out when I went home to get my things... I just assumed she'd taken some drugs and would sleep it off."
"Did you check for a pulse? Look for an empty pill bottle? Call anyone to notify them that she was passed out?"
"No. I thought she was just sleeping."
"Which is it? Was she passed out or sleeping? There's quite a difference you know."
She looked back and forth between the two officers and felt her cheeks flush as she realized where their questioning was headed. "Are you arresting me?"
"No. But we're taking you down to the precinct for further questioning. Your mom is already there."
"Then I refuse to answer any more questions until I have a lawyer." She'd seen enough Law and Order shows to know she had best keep her mouth shut. If Cindy were still alive when she'd been in the apartment but died after she left of an overdose they could try to place the blame on her. Claim Cindy would have lived if she'd taken action to save her.
"Fine," the tall cop to her right said opening the cruiser door. "Get in."
"Can't I at least tell my friend what's going on?"
"Officer Krupp will tell her. Just get into the cruiser."
A few moments later both officers were in the car. She stared out the window as the cruiser took off and the bright lights of the city streets turned into a blur. My God, she thought, This is surreal . Cindy can't be dead. It must all just be some horrible mistake a nightmare that she would momentarily wake up from.
But when she entered the police station she saw her mom's face and knew this was no dream. Cindy was dead but she felt no grief. Just anger that her mom hadn't believed her when she'd tried to make her see that Cindy was using drugs again. Mom tried to ask her a question but she cut her off. "Get me a lawyer. I'm through with trying to talk to you or anyone else who thinks I'm a liar."
vote upvote downshareprintflag
- Useful (8)
- Funny
- Awesome (8)
- Beautiful (6)
- Interesting (8)
CommentsLoading...
Dear Gail,
Very good story and so true to life. I hope there will be a part two. Your writing is always so clear, crisp, and easy to follow which makes it so nice to read. Thank you for another great story..Look forward to more,
Sunnie
This subject is near to my heart. I wrote a Hub about how Prescription drugs are killing our young people. It is a real concern for me.Your story reminds me of something that happened in the town I live in. A Mother got up one morning to go to work. Her son was lying on the couch. She thought he was asleep. Later she discovered he was dead. He had been out the night before partying. He died of a drug overdose. She never suspected he was using. I voted this UP, etc.etc.
I also am wondering if this is Part One. Or are we left to our own conclusions? If so, I am certain forensic evidence will come into play. It must be awful for such a young person to find him or herself in such a predicament. Drugs are so terrible, a scourge on society.
Gale, this is a perfect picture of reality. And so sad, that the one who is not in denial, who tries to find solutions and support, even by so-called slandering, and who finally has no other option than getting herself out of the disaster-to-be, is the one who has to face blame of all sorts at the end of the day. Is this not what we can call a human phenomenon?
Perfect story according to all criteria!
Hi Writeronline,
Oh how I loved your detailed "review" and I thank you so much for the valuable feedback that lets me know I hit the points I was aiming for.
In regards to the ending I feel it's complete as is, which forces the reader to imagine their own conclusions. My personal feeling is that regardless of which way the legal part turns out, Mary has been traumatized because of her mother's failure to protect and believe her which was the main "ending" that I wanted the reader to relate to.
That having been said, I also feel this story could be the start of Mary's long journey to overcome her dysfunctional background.
In regards to your own story I'd say that if you think it may be complete as is, publish it and see what the reader response is. One of the great benefits of writing here is that we do get feedback that we can learn from and a story can easily be revised or extended.
Hi Sunnie,
Thanks so much for your feedback and support. I intended it to be complete as is but with the possibility of writing more at a later time (see my answer to writeronline).
Hub Hugs,
Gail
Hi Mary,
Thanks so much for your interesting and insightful comment that adds to this hub. That is truly a tragic story and as you say, prescription drug abuse is currently a huge problem in our society and families. I am behind on my reading, but will definitely be stopping by to read your hub about prescription drug abuse.
Thank you for the vote up and your ongoing support. It's greatly appreciated.
Hi Hyphenbird,
Check my comment to Writeronline regarding whether this story will be continued. For right now it's meant to be complete in itself.
I agree that drug abuse regardless of whether the drugs are legal is a huge problem in our society and families at the present time.
Thanks so much for leaving valuable feedback and your ongoing support.
BTW, I know your latest profile pic is an old one but it is just so sassy, adorable, beautiful and a joy to look at that it's fun to see it posted!
Ah My Dear Martie,
You have gone straight to the core of what I was trying to "show" with this story. Though what I've written here is fiction, my family of origin has a long history of virtually every kind of abuse and there was one particular time when my mother's denial and poor judgement put me at risk in a similar situation to what happened to Mary. Fortunately for me, my married sister's persistent, strong intervention broke through Mom's denial before disaster happened.
Thanks again for your insightful comment. Your support means so much.
Once I had a drug addict friend who died because of heavy dose. I can so much connect this story with my experiences.
Hello again HBN. I read your comment to writeronline and agree entirely. Many families have been exposed to this issue and some of the choices made are poor ones. Every reader can draw his or her own conclusion based on life experiences. I like that.
Thanks for liking the picture. It has been fun to hear the comments from everyone (especially Epi)
fabulous write! some people cannot be saved and that is a sad truth. it is unfortunate that others believe they can save them, to the degree that they themselves are blinded. my heart goes out to the innocent who watch the downfall of both. those who know the secrets but cannot tell them. those who are made the villian due to anothers want of being right and believing... voted Up!
Great read, looking very forward to more.
I am glad someone else said 'sassy.
Hello Gail. Your story has such a grit to it. I could her my daughter's voice from a different era, 'you have to believe me', not an easy emotion to capture.
Hi Vinaya,
Sorry to hear about your friend's overdose. Drug addictions can have terrible consequences and it's sad to see a friend and/or loved one have their life destroyed by drugs.
Thanks for taking time to read my story and leave a comment. It's greatly appreciated.
Hi Hyphenbird,
Thanks for stopping by again. Really appreciate your input. I see Mckbirdbks was glad that someone else thought your new profile pic was sassy!
Welcome Ama Tainted,
Thank you for leaving a comment that oozes wisdom as well as compassion. I agree with everything you said and also appreciate the vote up.
Hi Writer20,
So glad you enjoyed it and I thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment.
Having dealt with dysfunctional families and users/liars/enablers, I can tell you that this brilliantly written story is all too true.
Voted way up and very useful.
Hi Mckbirdbks,
Oh I just love that new Hyphenbird profile pic!!!
I hope that whatever the situation was that your daughter needed you to believe her about was resolved satisfactorily. Sometimes kids do exaggerate or outright lie to get attention or to get their own way but other times they desperately need us to understand that they're in a situation that's way over their heads.
Thanks for taking time to read my story and leave a comment. Your feedback is greatly appreciated.
This is a sad but realistic story. I know because I work with drug addicts everyday. As for the ending, I think unless you have some new twist to add, it can stay as is. Voted up.
HBN, wow, I really like your fiction work! This is a gripping story that is so realistic, and a very good reminder for parents, to look for the signs and not be in denial. Well done!
Congratulations on your 100 score! Each of the stories you've published for the contest have shown another facet of your abilities as a writer and story teller, and this one is yet another gem!
Hi Will,
It's always a thrill to see your profile in one of my hubs. Thanks so much for the good review and vote up. It means so much to me.
I still can't get your Christmas Trilogy out of my mind, nor do I want to as it was so heartwarming and inspirational.
Welcome Quildon,
Bless you for the work you do on a daily basis and thank you for your feedback regarding the ending of this story and the assurance that it is, sadly, realistic. I also appreciate the vote up.
Hi Prairieprincess,
Thanks so much for your insightful comment. Parents definitely need to listen to and take seriously anything their child tells them regarding drugs and/or abuse. In this case the Aunt needed to notify the niece's counselor that her niece may have relapsed and the counselor could have followed up on it.
I'm so glad you're enjoying my fiction and grateful for your ongoing support and thoughtful comments.
Hi Stephanie,
Thanks so much for your total support during this contest. It's meant a lot to me knowing you were reading and commenting on every piece and I'm glad that you've enjoyed the fiction.
Sending Hub Hugs,
Gail
I can just see Moms face now, flustered, guilty, confused, rejected and ashamed. Too late Mom you should have listened, now look what you got your daughter into.
I enjoyed reading this story even though it is true to life.
Voted up
Hi Rosemay,
Glad you enjoyed it and I appreciate your feedback- yes, I can see Mom looking exactly as you described her.
You sure can write a really good story. They always flow so well, and this one is no different. I sometimes study how you do things so I can learn. I just started a story tonight that I hope I can have done by the end of November.
There was one slight thing though... my name is Cindy. :(
Voted up and all across but funny HBN. I so love your stories. Your an amazing writer and story teller. I am quite interested to know if there is a second chapter coming out? It would be a joy to know what happens now that Cindy's dead. You know it is a good read when you can visualize every event by reading. I did:) Until next time, great work and be good my friend. P.S. Chapter 2? Wow Gail, such a talent.
I loved this one and I really do hope that there will be another chapter!!
Your natural style makes you an amazing story teller.
Take care my friend and enjoy your day.
Eddy.
Hi Cindy,
So sorry that the character with your name died in this story. I chose the name Cindy for her because I love that name so much. Actually, I didn't realize that she was going to die until I reached the mid section of the story. I was all set to have the two ladies duke it out but that seemed too trite and predictable so I ran through some other scenarios before I settled on the one I wrote.
Am looking forward to reading your short story. What I'd love to learn from you is the secret to your amazing productivity of interesting, unique and quality hubs.
Hi Lyricwriter,
Thanks so much for your feedback and ongoing support and encouragement which, as you know, is greatly appreciated.
I intended this to stand alone, but also kept the possibility of a part II open. At this point I'm not planning on another part unless I can come up with some sort of a twist, but thanks for asking.
Hi Eddy,
So glad that you enjoyed it and I always look forward to your feedback, plus appreciate your ongoing support. Don't plan on a part II right now unless I can think of another twist. (see my comments back to Lyricwriter and Writeronline).
Hope you have a wonderful day.
Sending Hub Love Across the Ocean,
Gail
Denial is such a strong emotion isn't it? It blinds us to so much. No doubt I've been guilty of that myself as I am quite the codependent.
It's fascinating how we can start out with one idea and then it evolves. I've had a story idea in my mind for several years that I can trace how it's changed. I'm looking forward to reading more of your stories.
Once ANYONE makes the choice with free will to become a drug addict,most people write that person off for life.I'VE NEVER HEARD OF A DRUG ADDICT THAT HAD A GUN HELD TO THERE HEAD.THEY CHOOSE IT!!!!!
Hi Danette,
Thanks so much for your feedback and ongoing support. I hope you write that story that's been inside your head sometime soon.
Hi Lord Enki,
Welcome to Hub Pages and thanks for taking time to read my hub and leave a comment. I appreciate your expressing your opinion.
My own opinion is that many addicts never get off the drugs that they're addicted to but I do believe that recovery is possible. However, the decision to remain in a state of recovery must be made on a moment to moment basis and those living with a recovering addict need to remain vigilant for signs that relapse has occurred and take immediate steps to address it.
Wow, Gail, this story was so True to Life...Having lost my Niece to an Overdose almost seven years ago...It was called a Suicide...With so many Warning Signs...You've done an excellent Job!
Hi b. Malin,
Am so sorry to hear about your niece. Unfortunately, some people who abuse drugs/alcohol end up taking an intentional (or more often, unintentional) overdose. Warning signs may go unobserved due to denial on the part of those closest to the addict.
Thank you for sharing this tragic loss in your comment.
Great read. So real and descriptive. thank you!
Hi SwiftFamily,
Thanks for taking time to read my story and leave a comment.
Ah yes, the nonending saga of the dysfunctional family. Great job and such a short venue to tell the entire tale!
Sadly there are a lot of folks in denial about drug use when it hits home - or alcoholism or any of the other addictions that can take away those we love. My daughter tried to tell me years ago about my son's drug problem but he was an athlete so how could that happen to him? I can't tell you how many times I apologized to her for not seeing it for myself.
Great writing as always, Gail and you had me wanting to defend Mary with everything I had~ Rated up!
Hi Audrey,
I could so see you being the big Sis rising to your younger sister's defense.
Thank you for sharing a little bit about your own denial in regards to your son's addiction. As you well know that denial totally blinds us until some event or direct confrontation occurs. As hard as it was on your daughter when she was the one not caught up in the blindness of denial, I'm sure that your finally recognizing that her concerns were valid and apologizing to her was healing for her.
Thanks so much for your feedback on all my hubs and for all your encouragement and support. It means so much to me and I'm also thrilled that you've made some great entries into the contest.
Boomer,
This was riveting and so easy to follow, and sadly, so easily imagined to be true.
It's explicit in the points on denial; what denial looks like, sounds like, acts like, and how deadly it is.
I felt very bad for the daughters in this story. How I felt about their mother I can't write here, so I'll keep that bit to myself.
Hi Femmeflashpoint,
Am glad that you enjoyed it and I greatly appreciate the detailed feedback. Yes, this kind of denial is awful for other young family members who are not in denial and can't break through their parent's denial.
This was not my usual uplifting kind of story but I felt it's an important topic that effects so many families.
Thanks so much for all your support with my writing and hubs.
Boomer,
Here's the uplifting part about it.
You've embedded information of signs to watch for, and showed just how badly things can go wrong when peeps choose to believe what they refuse to see won't hurt them, or someone else.
Where there's information to correct a problem, I see hope, which is always a positive. :)
Hello again Femmeflashpoint,
You are such a treasure! Thanks for the positive perspective which is quite true. We have to be able to recognize a problem before it can be corrected.
Dear Gail,
I truly enjoy your fictional pieces, as they are always descriptive of our realities in society. Seems the population in the 'land of denial' grows exponentially.
This failure to listen and look is horrific in all types of abuse. Recently, the sex scandal at Penn State, where both protectiveness and indignation occurred when the truth came to light.
This is a meaningful way to raise awareness. Your style is masterful. Voted UP & UABI, mar.
Dear Mar,
Thanks so much for your kind, compassionate and insightful comment. It's greatly appreciated as is the vote up and your ongoing support!
Talk about a dysfunctional family! Sadly drugs are the cause of so many conflicts and deaths. You have written a powerful story and your words draw the reader in wanting more. Voted up.
Hi Peggy,
Thanks so much for your insightful comment. I appreciate the specific feedback and thank you for the vote up.
Wow HB,
As I'm sure you know, unfortunately this hit really close to home. So sad. Great story writing.
Sharyn
Hi Sharon,
Am glad you enjoyed the writing. Yes, unfortunately it has hit close to home for many who have read it.
Really appreciate your ongoing support of my writing.
writeronline Level 7 Commenter 6 months ago
This is great! The title is brilliant, because it implicitly foretells a death, and hints at suspicion of homicide..but doesn't dive straight in.
I also like that play on 'face down' that you've seamlessly built into the text, btw.
The storyline is totally credible, (as is the scenario, of course), the dialog's easy and natural, and the build-up holds you comfortably until the end.
That's my only question...is it the end? Are we to imagine our own outcome? Or will you continue? (Couldn't see 'part one' anywhere...).
I have to confess a little self-interest in that question, I've got a story of my own that's currently in search of an end; but on reading your piece it occurred to me that it might be 'publishable' as is, unresolved..
Anyway, back to yours, gotta be Up and all the buttons (except funny, of course..)from me.