Building My Life

Chapter 47 - What Happened?

Melissa knocked firmly on the front door of Pamela’s house. Pamela’s older sister answered, looking briefly concerned — clearly aware that something was wrong, even if she wasn’t taking it seriously.

“Hi, I came to see Pamela,” Melissa said breathlessly. “She tripped and fell right in front of my house. My brother saw her.”

Instantly, the worry lines vanished from the sister’s forehead, replaced by a smile of immense relief. “Ah! So that was it! God, I’m so glad you came to explain.”

“Explain?” Melissa felt like she had walked into a movie theater halfway through the film. “No, I didn’t come to clarify anything. I want to know what happened, too.”

“Well, my little sister has been making a massive scene in her room, locked up, since she got back. My parents are relaxed about it because this isn’t the first time Pamela has had a meltdown. I'd already gone through that dramatic phase as a teenager.” The sister made a dismissive gesture. “The way she was crying — and from what my mother said — it almost looked like she’d been r***d. But if you’re saying she just tripped and fell in the street...”

Melissa’s eyes widened. r***d? And this family was just sitting around waiting for the “phase” to pass?

“Look!” Melissa’s voice rose in indignation. “I’m the one telling you what happened! My brother saw her lying in the street, howling like she was possessed. It couldn’t have been just the fall. She was crying because of something else. Let me in; she’ll talk to me.”

“If she won’t even answer her own mother, why would she answer you, dear?” The sister checked her watch, her eyes darting back toward the television. A romantic movie was playing, and she was clearly desperate to get back to it.

The family’s indifference made Melissa’s blood boil. “Because I’m her best friend! Move aside and let me in!”

“Fine. Good luck up there.” The sister stepped back, and Melissa hurried inside, bolting straight for the second floor.

“Pamela? Open up, it’s Melissa!” she called, knocking gently. She pressed her ear to the wood and recoiled. The sounds coming from inside weren’t just crying: they were guttural sobs and agonized howls.

A simple trip in the street wouldn’t cause this kind of soul-crushing despair!

Mrs. Chaves walked down the hall, shaking her head. “You’re wasting your time, dear. Maybe Pamela will see you tomorrow.”

“Mrs. Chaves, you should call the police!” Melissa turned to her, her eyes searching the older woman’s face. “Your eldest daughter just mentioned r**e! Don’t you think she’s suffered some kind of violence?”

“Do you think my daughter just lost her purse?” Mrs. Chaves shrugged, seemingly bored by the drama. “When she’s ready to open the door and talk to us, we’ll do whatever is necessary. Now, would you like some Brazilian donuts? I just made a batch.”

The offer felt like ash in Melissa’s mouth. It was staggering: no one was truly worried. Pamela’s history of being “difficult” was now acting as a shield for whatever trauma she was hiding.

Melissa returned home, her head low and her shoulders slumped. William was still on the couch, and her father, Simeon, was also present, lounging shirtless.

“Dad, tell William to put on a shirt,” Melissa snapped as she entered, her nerves frayed.

Simeon offered a tired smile. “Leave your brother alone. He’s a man; he’s got to get used to it.”

William grinned, bolstered by his father’s support. “So? Did you get anything out of Pamela?”

“She wouldn’t open the door, and strangely enough, her family doesn’t seem to give a damn. I know Pamela can be loud, but this is different. It’s... it’s out of the ordinary. I’ll try again tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow is the day you’re hosting that nice young man, Fabrício,” Simeon reminded her. “Your mother is making chicken lasagna.”

Melissa rolled her eyes. She didn’t want to think about Fabrício. She didn’t want to think about anyone but the mystery of Pamela’s breakdown.

Just then, the front door (left open to catch a breeze) framed Jenny, who walked in without knocking. Her eyes went straight to William’s exposed chest. The boy, focused on the TV, didn’t even notice he was being admired.

“Jenny?” Melissa said, cutting through her friend’s trance.

“Oh! Melissa! Good to see you,” Jenny stammered, pretending she hadn’t been drooling. “I... I came to ask if it’s true. Did something happen to Pamela?”

Melissa grabbed Jenny’s arm and pulled her toward her bedroom before her friend could be further distracted by her brother. Once the door was shut, she nodded.

“Yes, Jenny. Something happened. Do you know anything?”

“My mother said she saw her running like a lunatic down the main street. She was all disheveled, looking over her shoulder like she was running for her life. And it’s Saturday — the streets were packed. Everyone saw her.”

Melissa put her hand to her chin, her mind racing. “Running like she was escaping someone? But she was just here a few hours ago, telling my dad that Josias wanted to... to disrespect me. Then she vanished until she showed up running. She tripped, fell, and William saw her. She stayed on the ground crying for a long time instead of just getting up.”

Jenny frowned, processing the information. “Wait, Melissa... what did you say at the beginning? Pamela told your dad that Josias was the one trying to disrespect you?”

Melissa took a deep breath, unhappy with all this.