Chapter 5 Not Even Blood

The ride to the station was silent, heavy with tension. When they arrived, the officer who claimed to be Jay's friend led them into a dimly lit office. Another man sat behind a cluttered desk, a senior officer judging by the air of authority he wore like a second skin.

Jay did most of the talking-fast, nervous, like he was trying to dump the story before anyone could question him. Sandra didn't listen. She just stared at her brother, eyes full of hatred and disbelief. Her mind spun through all the things he'd done over the years-things she'd seen, things she'd kept silent about, things she shouldn't have. Oh well, I was just stupid, she thought bitterly.

"Hey! I'm talking to you," the senior officer snapped, pulling her out of her thoughts.

"What's your name?"

"Sandra."

"What did you do?"

"I left home. I went to my boyfriend's house. I didn't tell my parents."

"You're a stupid girl," he spat. "So desperate for sex you ran off like a whore, abi?"

Sandra looked at him, disgusted. She didn't say a word.

"How many times did he sleep with you?"

She clenched her fists. Still no reply.

"If you don't answer, I'll beat the hell out of you right here." He looked at Jay. "Maybe your brother should excuse us."

Jay didn't even flinch. He left the room, abandoning her like she meant nothing.

Joseph was led out too, somewhere she couldn't see. The door closed behind them with a soft but final click.

"Only twice," she muttered eventually.

"If you're lying, I'll beat you until the truth falls out of your mouth," he barked.

Sandra went silent again.

They handed her a piece of paper and a pen. "Write down everything that happened."

She did. So did Joseph.

They weren't allowed to see each other again after that.

"You can only go home when your parents come," someone told her.

So she called her dad.

His response was cold. "I can't come today. You'll sleep there."

Her chest tightened. Wow... is this supposed to be punishment?

Time crawled by. She was thirsty. No one offered food. No one cared. She asked a female officer for water-and a pad.

"I'm on my period," she whispered.

The woman gave her water, but no pad.

So Sandra sat there, soaking in the blood of the abortion she thought was behind her. She could feel it-warm, wet, shameful. Her stomach turned.

And Joseph... she thought of him too. How he didn't deserve to be dragged into this. He'll sleep here because of me...

She didn't sleep. The cell was a pit of mosquitoes, heat, and pain. The walls felt like they were closing in. She hugged her knees to her chest, rocking silently.

Tears rolled down her cheeks. She didn't fight them.

She cried for the pain.

She cried for the blood.

She cried for everything she never said.

And she swore-right there in the stink of the police cell-that she would never have anything to do with that God-forsaken brother of hers again.

Finally, the sun began to rise. Voices echoed through the corridor, and light spilled into the cell. The place grew louder, more crowded. She was still the only woman locked up. The rest were men-and she was certain Joseph was among them.

A female officer appeared and peered into the cell.

"How are you?" she asked.

"I'm fine... but I'm still bleeding. I need a pad."

"Come with me. I'll see what I can do."

The officer led her out. As they passed another cell, she caught a glimpse of Joseph. He saw her too. There was sadness in his eyes. Powerless. He couldn't help her.

They brought her to a foul-smelling room they called a toilet. The officer handed her a pad and a bottle of water. She did the best she could, but the blood had already soaked her clothes. The stains were impossible to hide. Her stomach began to ache-sharp, twisting pain. She gritted her teeth and ignored it.

Back in the cell, she barely had time to sit before someone came again. Less than an hour had passed.

Her mother.

Sandra saw the disappointment on her face, like a silent scream. But what could she say? What could she do?

Her mother asked to see Joseph. She spoke to him, but Sandra didn't care for their conversation. Her pain was worse now, and she was deeply uncomfortable in her stained clothes.

"Mum... I need to change. My clothes are at Joseph's place. It's not far. A police officer can come with us if they're worried I'll run. I just need to change."

Her mother said nothing, just nodded. Joseph joined them, escorted by two officers.

But when they got to his house-it was chaos. The door was wide open. The place had been robbed. His shoes, clothes, electronics-gone. Sandra's bag too.

She looked at Joseph, guilt clawing at her chest.

"I'm sorry... I'm causing all of this. It's my fault," she whispered, tears welling up.

"It's fine," he said quietly. "Just go clean up. I'll find you something to wear."

She washed herself. It wasn't much, but at least she felt a little better. Still, the weight of everything-Joseph's loss, her shame, the pain in her body-it all sat heavy on her.

God... why now? Why like this?

They returned to the station. Again.

Back at the police station, they reported what had happened to Joseph. The officers claimed they would help. Sandra looked at them-deep down, she knew nothing would be done.

Her mother spoke up. "Can I go with my daughter now?"

The officer in charge replied, "Let me speak with my boss." She turned to Sandra's mother. "Madam, please come with me."

They entered the office together. The senior officer insisted Sandra be taken to the hospital for tests-to confirm she wasn't pregnant or hadn't contracted any disease.

Sandra remained quiet, her mind spinning. What if the pregnancy is still there? she thought. What am I going to do?

If my parents find out and the baby's okay, they'll make me keep it. God, I can't be pregnant, she prayed silently.

They were escorted to the hospital, where the tests were quickly conducted. Sandra sat in silence, afraid. Less than five minutes later, the results were out.

"There was a pregnancy," the doctor said, "but not anymore."

Sandra's mother said nothing. The officer took the test results and thanked the doctor before leaving.

Back at the station, the senior officer allowed Sandra to go home with her mother but held Joseph back until his own parents arrived. Sandra didn't want to leave him there, but she had no choice. She looked at him, tears filling her eyes.

"I'm sorry," she whispered.

"It's fine," he replied quietly.

"Does this mean we're breaking up?" she asked, barely audible.

He didn't respond.

"Let's go," Sandra's mum said, stepping out of the office.

Sandra had to go.